《I Was a Loner, but My Class Got Summoned to Another World…》


 Chapter 1 Otherworld Conflicts – Prologue

    "The Kingdom of Elris shall perform the rite of summoning on the seventh day of the first month during the Year of Darkness. This world will find salvation, for the spirits will return and aid in bringing peace to the future days of chaos."The Oracle of the Temple of the Seven Spirits finally received the long-awaited message.


    She tried to clear the hallucinogenic fog that numbed her senses by waving her palm back and forth in front of her face, but it took several seconds for her thoughts to return to reality.


    As soon as she regained control of her body, she hurriedly called out in a hoarse voice for a nearby assistant. "Alfine, quickly pass this to¡­"


    Unable to speak any further, the Oracle swiftly wrote down the crucial message delivered by the spirits, whom she and many others regarded as deities, and handed the paper to the young girl waiting.


    After skimming its contents, the youth hurried out of the room, knowing exactly what she had to do.


    Alfine pushed the doors aside with considerable force and swiftly cast a barrier and a light orb with magic before descending the stairs from the highest point of the continent''s largest mountain.


    The young priestess continued running, undeterred by the pitch-black night or the snowflakes that occasionally passed through the barrier, numbing her extremities.


    She was heading to where the cardinal was in the lower temple.


    Inhaling heavily, she finally arrived at the temple''s gates and pounded on the heavy, metal doors.


    The doors were quickly opened by two strong, two-meter-tall armed priests with stern expressions, but the priestess raced past them, disregarding any warnings shouted in her direction.


    Alfine eventually made it to the vast monastery''s center chamber, where the Cardinal was known to spend his time in prayer.


    She was fortunate to find the elder there, meditating in front of the seven statues representing each of the revered spirits.


    The elderly man, dressed in an exquisite white robe, didn''t seem the least bit upset by the sudden commotion the young priestess had caused.


    Instead, he mumbled a few prayers before rising to hear what she had to say.


    "I humbly apologize for my abrupt intrusion, but Miss Ermeya, the Oracle, provided this message for you, Cardinal Hesvalt." The girl lowered her face as she handed over the paper that had been given to her and waited for the elder to finish reading.


    "What is...this about?" Initially calm, his expression gradually altered as he continued to read the letter.


    Much like the girl who had hurried to deliver the message, it was now his duty to pick up the pace and immediately spread the word to the kingdoms under the church''s influence.


    He was ecstatic that the time had come to confront the demons, as it meant believers would once again reign over this world.


    Several months had passed since then. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The air was thick with anticipation as preparations began, for today was the day of prophecy. The Kingdom of Elris buzzed with activity, as everyone from the highest nobles to the simplest peasants contributed to the cause.


    Rumors of the coming confrontation with the demons had spread far and wide, bringing both hope and fear to the hearts of the continent''s people.


    Cardinal Hesvalt had been tireless in his efforts to ensure that the message was delivered to every corner of the church''s influence. He now gathered the best minds and the bravest warriors of the continent, all actions undertaken under the watchful eyes of the spirits.


    Every temple bustled with activity; priests and priestesses, who had worked around the clock, were now giving their last bit of strength to finish the preparations for the ritual that would summon the hero with the help of the spirits.


    The main setting, the Kingdom of Elris, was a nation far from the war''s front lines, but it was the one chosen to call the hero.


    It had everything ready for this momentous occasion.


    In a luxurious room within this kingdom, a king paced back and forth by himself throughout the entire ordeal, his face as sweaty as his palms.


    He looked disheveled as he considered all the obligations he had to fulfill.


    By summoning a hero, his country gained not only the greatest strength but also the envy of many other countries on the continent.


    "Why should I be the one to receive the hero out of all the rulers in this age?" he murmured to himself before placing a golden crown over his head.


    He reflected on what he had been entrusted with and resolved to guide the new hero and nurture him to be humanity''s savior, for he, too, had something to lose¡ªa son who was already on the front line in the ongoing and terrible war.


    Everything was set: the summoning room was ready, the magicians were in place, the guards were waiting, and his daughters had been dispatched to manage the upcoming situation.


    The king took one more long breath before opening the door that would take him to the throne room, which held the largest crowd he had ever encountered.

 Chapter 2 The Summoning

    Logan was a typical adolescent; nothing about this sixteen-year-old boy particularly stood out.Nothing about him was unique, not the straight hair that fell to his shoulders and constantly covered one of his eyes or the beanie he wore to keep a few strands of his rich chocolate brown hair in place, hiding a portion of his face from the rest of the world.


    Certainly not the dull-colored hoodies he alternated when one of them got dirty, and most definitely not the faded denim jeans he chose from the limited selection in his closet.


    Logan used this image every day to represent who he was¡ªa loner who enjoyed leading a solitary existence.


    Away from people and any situations that could trigger sentimentality.


    Logan had had enough of this one specific feeling; if his parents'' early divorce hadn''t left a lasting impression, it had to have been leaving behind a close friend with whom he had spent more than half of his brief life growing up, only to re-meet as strangers.


    That certainly couldn''t be the cause, could it?


    Perhaps it was the unintentional death of his eight-year-old dog, who raced out of the house to welcome him after school, only to be hit by a car.


    The youngster was therefore sick of it¡ªrelationships that only resulted in unhappiness, the anguish of losing something dear, the anxiety of losing what you still have, the pity of knowing you have no control over anything, and eventually, the loneliness.


    This cycle made Logan into the person he is today¡ªa young boy who stands outside his classroom and peers out a window towards the athletic fields, where a forest stretches far beyond the reach of the eye.


    The morning was dominated by a gloomy cloud that stained the sky with drab shades of gray, creating the ideal representation of a typical autumn day.


    The yellow and orange of withering trees pervaded the fields and woodland, making the cold morning breezes feel much chillier than they should.


    However, none of this could be savored as the first morning bell rang, warning the youngsters to hurry to class.


    Logan didn''t move from his spot though.


    Instead, he turned up the volume on his phone to drown out the noises of the rushing children making their way to their classroom, the deep bass popping through his headphones.


    The boy remained still while gazing through the huge rectangular glass crystal.


    After a while, he realized he had to get ready.


    He took several deep breaths, perhaps trying to take in the fresh air that was only there in his field of vision.


    Five minutes had passed since the first bell, and now the second warning bell rang.


    It was time for him to start moving as his surroundings were now empty, void of all the students who had been standing around just a few minutes ago.


    The only sounds present in the long school hall were the squeaking sneakers of someone running at a distance and a random teacher yelling about.


    Logan didn''t need to worry, though, because, without any interruptions, he had thirty seconds to get to the window from his seat. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Naturally, he had acquired this information through repetition and today was no different.


    Just as the final bell rang, he managed to make it to his seat barely in time.


    The moment had come for him to forfeit his freedom, and he sat down as swiftly as possible.


    At that point, the teacher standing by the door quickly looked outside before shutting it.


    She cleared her throat softly before calling out to everyone and extending a friendly greeting.


    "Good morning, everyone. I''m delighted to see that no one is running late. So before we start today''s lecture, let''s take a quick roll call." Ms. Claire began the class as usual, flashing a bright smile that caught the attention of many of the boys.


    While waiting for his name to be called, Logan began to reflect on his teacher''s excited and sincere demeanor.


    Initially, she had a difficult time managing a class of teenagers because she was one of the school''s youngest lecturers.


    However, after a few months into the new semester, the students began to accept her.


    "Logan... Logan!" Finally, Logan heard the teacher shouting his name, and with each repetition, the voice grew louder.


    The boy, whose head was drooping and who was on the verge of dozing off, lifted his head from his crossed arms, which made for a comfortable pillow.


    He had completely forgotten about the roll call ordeal.


    "Present!" Logan cleared his throat, trying to sound inattentive. This didn''t fool the teacher, who glared at him for a few seconds, causing a few of his classmates to snicker.


    "Logan, if you don''t sit up, you''ll fall asleep." The teacher tapped her pen as she awaited his response.


    "Yes, ma''am!" Logan yelled out, trying to protect himself from any further damage from this incident.


    The young teacher gave Logan one last severe look before getting back to calling names from her notebook.


    Although the shame he felt likely played a role, Logan didn''t have any trouble staying awake for the remainder of the morning.


    The surge of heat that rushed into his neck and back didn''t seem to settle, though.


    Logan let out a heavy sigh and scanned the room to forget what had just happened.


    A girl seated a few rows in front of him caught his wandering glance.


    Lisa had a wonderfully contoured profile face, or at least Logan thought so. She had long, light ash-brown hair with a hint of gold mixed in that was neatly pulled up into a bun.


    Her thin brows framed two exquisitely shaped, deep-set eyes with hazel-colored pupils.


    She had a small snub nose and glossy, tiny red lips that, like the rest of her face, were lightly coated with makeup.


    Lisa was someone the youngster had known well in the past, but now she was a stranger to him.


    At the beginning of the school year, they had only a few interactions, and he believed that none of them had shown she wanted to talk to him.


    Furthermore, what would the class beauty see in him now?


    He was a guy who was clearly a shadow of his former self and at the bottom of the school''s social circles.


    Upon reflection, there were seven students in the class who stood out from the crowd, being unusual or popular.


    In addition to Lisa, who was considered beautiful by all accounts, her close friend Alma wasn''t far behind her in terms of looks.


    Seated beside Lisa, Alma was taking care of her nails.


    She couldn''t paint them in class, but she enjoyed using an odd heart-shaped nail file when she was bored.


    Alma was tall and curvy, exuding a model-like aura at all times.


    No one knew the color of her natural hair, although it was currently blonde with pink tips.


    She always meticulously applied just the right amount of cosmetics.


    The cherry on top of all of this was her fortune of possessing an attractive face.


    Her mother allegedly worked as a professional stylist, which would account for her impeccable sense of fashion.


    Logan didn''t think much of this particular girl though, but he did include her in his mental list of the class''s top seven distinctive individuals.


    Logan then turned his attention to the front where three boys were grinning and casting shady glances at the teacher as he considered the other members of the unique group of classmates.


    The trio, which he liked to refer to as "the three stooges," always bothered Logan for some reason.


    It wasn''t severe enough for him to call for assistance or anything of the sort, but he didn''t exactly understand why they kept targeting him.


    They were merely isolated instances of mild bullying, and if he called them out, they would probably only receive minor punishment, like detention for their impolite behavior.


    The situation would probably even get worse, so Logan chose to ignore them.


    The leader of these three was Brian, a clever and fit individual who excelled at whatever he did and never paid attention to people he considered beneath him.


    It wasn''t difficult to comprehend why girls would struggle for his attention.


    A hunk who was well-built and had every good quality you could imagine¡ªexcept his personality.


    Even Logan had to admit that he was a little envious of the guy.


    The other two, Jonathan and George, were always by Brian''s side, both undoubtedly having joined every single sports club in the school.


    Also, the pair were tall, attractive, and all that.


    To rid himself of the bitterness welling up inside, Logan suddenly felt the impulse to spit to the side.


    He shifted his attention to Silvia, a small girl who was unique in another manner and seated in a corner of the first row.


    Silvia was reserved, excelled in her studies, and was very determined to be the class''s number one in grades.


    She hadn''t yet acquired a mature figure, but she enjoyed having the teacher''s attention.


    Logan had never spoken to her, so he couldn''t say much more about her other than she had rare brownish silver-like hair and a pair of unusual grayish-amber pupils hidden behind glasses.


    The last of these seven was not a student but a young adult, Ms. Claire, the teacher who was presently distributing papers.


    She was the only adult in the room and a stunning woman in her early to mid-twenties by any standard.


    Many guys even revered her adult physique, which most teenage boys admired.


    She was regarded by all these young people as the unattainable forbidden fruit.


    Ms. Claire was also the ideal form that many girls aspired to be when they became adults¡ªalways prim and proper, punctual, and fun to talk to at times.


    "Logan, it''s nice to see you''re no longer sleepy. I''ll need your complete attention on this quiz, so stay with us." Ms. Claire leaned in and appeared to whisper in his ear.


    When Logan looked up to see the stare she was giving him, it alone was enough to make him raise his chin even higher.


    Logan didn''t respond and continued to nod.


    It didn''t last long since she quickly smiled slyly in Logan''s direct line of sight.


    As he grew to know his teacher, he became aware of a minor flaw¡ªshe skillfully concealed a sadistic personality, and of course, he always managed to make a mistake that brought it out.


    While sighing and going over the test, a blue light appeared in front of the class.


    Everyone initially assumed it was a joke because the light appeared to be a powerful laser beam focused on a single location.


    Within a few seconds, additional blue lights began to appear in various places throughout the classroom, forming a ring that encircled all the students.


    But no one responded since everyone appeared too engrossed in what was occurring to react, and it was impossible for them to do anything because it was all happening so quickly.


    More lights started to appear, and the pattern changed to take the shape of a star in the center of the enormous circle.


    Several strange characters also started to emerge in green and red colors.


    Only ten seconds had passed when a second, larger ring emerged on the edge, and that is when something unexpected happened.


    Everyone experienced a sudden, intense pressure on their bodies, but instead of reacting, they were all immobilized.


    It felt as if gravity had doubled, drawing everyone downward as the strange array started to revolve clockwise.


    Like the others, Logan was unable to move, but as everything unfolded, he bit down on his molar and gripped his desk tightly.


    Logan failed as he attempted to look around the room, feeling as if he were falling.


    The class fell silent as the light show seemed to absorb all sounds and colors that had surrounded them just moments earlier.


    A black shadow began devouring everything outside the large outer circle.


    The doors, windows, and walls started to warp, and eventually, there was no light left.

 Chapter 3 Knights and Magic

    Everyone''s body collapsed to the ground with a single loud thud, while the desk, chairs, and everything else the youngsters had surrounding them vanished.Logan managed to look up and inspect his new surroundings during all of this, using all the strength he could muster.


    What he saw didn''t look good at all.


    First off, there was no outside lighting; instead, only two dull orbs hovered in the air, casting a dim, eerie glow.


    The image they revealed was far from appealing.


    The entire class appeared to be in a pitch-black, spacious dungeon.


    It was chilly and damp, and to make matters worse, the blue magic array that had guided them here had long since faded, revealing more than a dozen bodies lying around the edges of the once-blue circle¡ªpeople who were possibly dead.


    While some of the other kids were too ill to even get off the floor, others started to gather their composure to look at what Logan was examining.


    Two students, unable to contain their stomach contents, hurried away from the group.


    One of them stumbled over one of the bodies lying around, creating a messy scene.


    Logan couldn''t claim he was better off; he too felt a sickening sensation that made him tightly grasp his stomach as chaos erupted around him.


    Individuals within his class were sobbing, screaming, and flailing about.


    Logan began to breathe erratically but tried to calm himself by taking deep breaths until he managed to steady his nerves.


    He then ran towards one of the nearby bodies.


    It appeared to be a young woman in her early twenties, drenched in sweat, causing the black cloak she wore to cling to her body.


    Upon closer inspection, he saw that she was still breathing.


    Logan sighed in relief, grateful that he wouldn''t have to witness a murder scene, but his feeling of relief was fleeting.


    A loud bang suddenly erupted behind him.


    Those who were just gathering their composure had to confront their fears as a door suddenly materialized in the room.


    The class huddled in fear as four bulky, heavily armored individuals loudly entered.


    The students could only remain silent, waiting for what would happen next, as there was nowhere to run, and to make matters worse, more people were rushing through the door.


    Everyone realized they were no longer in the same world when ten or so robed individuals rushed in and began chanting incantations in an unfamiliar language, producing more orbs of light that lit the dark room.


    The class could finally see every corner of the room clearly, thanks to the newly formed orbs of light, but this didn''t mean things got any better.


    A group of knights in shining armor came into view, fully armed with swords, spears, and shields, all appearing to be expertly crafted from precious metals.


    This dispelled any notion that the whole affair was a charade.


    None of the newcomers made any noise; instead, they simply took their positions and lifted one arm above their chests, each of them precisely on cue as if they had practiced it.


    Once everyone was in place, three girls and a group of maids entered the room.


    Logan immediately felt like tilting his head to the side and furrowing his brow in confusion.


    The three girls stood out in appearance among the others, who were either armored or dressed as maids.


    "Sister, look! There must be at least twenty heroes, not just one!" Logan noticed that the youngest of the three, probably eleven-year-old who had a soft but clear voice and spoke excitedly in a foreign language that the class seemed to somehow understand.


    "Yes, I can see that..." The second girl, who appeared to be slightly older, raised her hand to silence the young girl.


    She was likely the same age as most of the children in the class and posed a series of inquisitive questions to an armored knight in the room.


    Her speech and gestures were more measured and careful.


    She wore a sophisticated white gown with gold accents and had beautiful short, curly golden hair and green eyes.


    Each of the two girls wore an exquisitely made tiara and long dresses that seemed fit for a formal event.


    The younger girl wore a silver tiara adorned with emerald-like jewels that complemented her platinum blonde, European appearance.


    Her sister wore a gold tiara with numerous jade-like gems.


    Everyone who saw the two likely had the same impression¡ªthat they were princesses straight out of some absurd fairy tale.


    A taller woman stood behind them, clad in light silver armor.


    Her blue hair stood out prominently, demonstrating that it wasn''t just a dye job.


    She even emitted a blue-like aura, giving her pale complexion a faint blue tinge.


    Her blue sapphire pupils and blue eyebrows further enhanced her striking appearance.


    The younger girl was likely the first to observe the mood of the class because she turned her gaze from the group to the nearest knight before returning her focus back to the summoned heroes.


    Everyone, including Logan, was unsure of what she would do next.


    She nodded in understanding and took a few steps forward but then made a poorly executed bow, causing her golden platinum hair to fall forward.


    Even though she was older, the person she called her sister also panicked and lowered her stance, though not as deeply.


    The younger sister didn''t realize her mistake until the sound of her silver tiara falling forward reached her ears; it bounced a few times before rolling toward Logan''s knee.


    He was still near the shrouded figure he had been studying earlier, crouching.


    "Ah! I''m sorry about that!" The small girl rushed forward in an attempt to retrieve her tiara.


    Logan handed back the tiny metal crown, which felt much lighter than he had expected.


    "Uhm, it''s fine... here," he said in haste.


    The young girl stared at him for a few seconds, tilting her head as if she were perplexed.


    Feeling uncomfortable, Logan began to cough loudly, trying to express his discomfort.


    "Myrea! The heroes must be brought into the reception area, but before that, we should begin handing out potions."


    The older sister, after trying to pull the child back, cleared her throat to regain control of the situation.


    "I sincerely apologize for all this... Heroes, please accept our welcome and pardon our clumsy introduction; this is a very unusual event, even for us," the older princess said with a tone of authority.


    Both girls performed an elegant curtsy, drawing a small portion of their dresses up with a delicate bow that caused everyone in the room to look on in admiration.


    "Now then, we had assumed that only one hero would be called... Please pardon us, as we were unaware that so many of you would be summoned to assist us this time." The older princess paused for a few seconds.


    "We simply need a little of your time as we prepare for your grand entrance, so we will be handing out medication created to aid the mages who summoned you; given the current situation, these will be of greater use to you all." The princess continued.


    "They will help you recover from any negative effects of your travel," she finally added with a gentle voice.


    Both girls were pleased to see the group before them but also regretful of the state of the class: torn clothing, signs of some having wet themselves, others with vomit.


    There wasn''t anything graceful about the way they summoned the heroes, but that could have been due to a lack of knowledge about the spell, which had only been performed once before.


    Even though they couldn''t have predicted the outcome, it was the kingdom''s responsibility to fix this disaster.


    Perhaps it was the number of mediums they utilized, as it was thought only one person was going to be summoned.


    As the princess took in her surroundings, she was reminded of her responsibility to welcome the heroes and restore order to the chaotic scene before her.


    [Thank the spirits they were called upon while dressed,] The older princess pondered as she considered her next words.


    "Now that you are aware of the circumstances, introductions are in order," Vianell began.


    "My younger sister, Myrea, is the second princess of the Kingdom of Elris. I am Vianell, the first princess of this kingdom."


    "We will be distributing potions as I mentioned earlier, and, if you don''t mind, we will also be checking on everyone''s health," she continued.


    The maids standing behind them all carried trays with various items, including towels and glass vials containing some sort of pink liquid.


    As they approached the class, the students seemed to only accept the towels.


    Logan, who was the first to receive the so-called medication, didn''t seem to trust the medicine and was reluctant to drink it.


    "Uhm!" the little princess Myrea cried out, appearing to understand the issue yet again.


    She approached one of the maids who was presenting the vials. "Let me help! You see this isn''t poison at all. Let me show you!"


    The girl grabbed one of the bottles, taking a small sip before swallowing a large gulp with her eyes closed, demonstrating that she had successfully consumed the beverage.


    She cleared her throat a few times before speaking again. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You see, it''s not that terrible; it might be a little spicy at first, but you get used to it," She smiled innocently as she handed Logan the remaining medicine, her eyes full of anticipation.


    "But you''ve just...drank..." Logan tried to decline the offer, but the little girl nudged the bottle toward him with a sincere yet determined expression that suggested she wouldn''t give up.


    "Fine, I''ll give it a shot," With no escape, he seized the bottle and decided to take a gulp.


    Logan''s mouth was immediately filled with a flavor both sweet and spicy, like honeyed cinnamon.


    But it didn''t stop there; he felt the liquid suddenly transform into a gas and enter his lungs before even reaching his stomach.


    The boy experienced a brief moment of fear due to the medication''s effect.


    Then, relief was immediate, and his body felt incredibly light, free of any pain or other symptoms from his previous ailments.


    The rest of the class suddenly rushed over to get a vial and took the medicine.


    Amid the commotion, Logan was able to avoid the young girl''s curious eyes and found a spot to sit down.


    He began cleaning his body with one of the white towels that had been handed out earlier.


    Logan felt as if his fragile state from being transferred to this other world had been healed.


    However, no one in the classroom left the group, even though some of the youngsters started to have light conversations with the maids.


    "Guards, rush the magicians to the infirmary!" Vianell ordered.


    The class naturally stirred, and the youngsters made even more commotion as additional soldiers were called by the princess.


    These soldiers performed some sort of spell near the fallen bodies, making them hover on bizarre disks that easily lifted each robed person.


    Afterward, the older princess explained to the class that they needed to perform a quick inspection to see if anyone was still ill or suffering from any injuries, while holding something they termed a Medical Sigil.


    Logan was the last student to be tested this time, simply needing to extend his palm to complete the procedure.


    Princess Vianell oversaw the inspection, always accompanied by her blue-haired bodyguard.


    Meanwhile, her younger sister was busy chatting with a few of the girls in the class.


    After inspecting his hand and nodding in approval, the princess shifted the glass towards his face.


    She smiled at him like a doctor who had found nothing wrong with her patient.


    "Thank you for cooperating, and please accept our sincere apologies for the delay," she said graciously.


    Vianell stood up and cleared her throat before moving a short distance towards the other students in the class, who were seated or standing toward the center of the room.


    She clapped her hands to draw their attention.


    "Now then, I''m sure most of you want to change into new clothing, so we''ve set up bathrooms and changing areas. Any questions will be answered once this is all finished, so just follow me as we leave the room," Vianell instructed.


    The older princess reunited with her younger sister and moved toward the room''s sole door, beckoning the class to follow them.


    Ms. Claire was busy getting everyone to form a line as she attempted to regain control of the situation.


    Despite having taken the potion, she didn''t seem to be doing too well.


    Logan decided to put himself last in line without being asked to avoid adding to her stress.


    Logan sighed for what felt like the hundredth time since arriving, recalling everything that had transpired that morning.


    He had already pinched himself a few times, so this time he used a little more force.


    Despite this, he appeared to be fully awake and just felt the burning pain he was inflicting on his arm.


    He and the others had to accept the fact that this was reality and not a dream.

 Chapter 4 From Grime to Grandeur

    The stink of the damp, dark dungeon where the class had been summoned had finally left them.Everyone, including Logan, immediately desired a change of clothes.


    Logan wanted to take off his sweaty, clingy hoodie, but he knew the shirt underneath was likely wet.


    He tried to ignore the discomfort as he observed the new hallway through which the three otherworlders were guiding them.


    The ceiling was four or five meters high, with several exquisite crystal chandeliers illuminating the already sunlit corridor, as if electricity costs were of no concern.


    The class had ample space to stretch out, as the building''s length and height were both broad and wide.


    To display the kingdom''s richness, benches and tables were spaced a few meters apart, each adorned with flowers and covered in scarlet or gold tablecloths.


    Through some of the windows on the left, the class could see a medieval-style panorama of the castle grounds and gardens, while the right side of the corridor was crowded with doors, spaced about every five meters.


    It took them about ten minutes to go from what appeared to be a separate tower to the main castle via a straight path.


    They proceeded up a flight of stairs in silence, taking in all the views that came with the brief excursion.


    Then, the voice of the princess summoned the maids to divide the group into two different directions and lead them up separate staircases.


    With no ability to stop anything from happening, Logan followed the maid assigned to him, a small woman with light brown hair that cascaded down her back.


    She had a kind yet determined expression, her hazel eyes exuding a mix of urgency and empathy.


    Grabbing his hand firmly, she hurriedly dragged him along to a room.


    She offered him a towel and asked if he needed assistance bathing, both of which he, of course, declined.


    He entered a plain room with a few shelves and a large wooden bucket¡ªperhaps more accurately described as a tub¡ªfilled with steaming water.


    Curious about how people bathed in this world, he considered questioning the maid, who offered her assistance and was waiting outside the door.


    However, he decided to rely on common sense and began to undress, carefully checking his surroundings for anything or anyone that might be watching him.


    Before fully stepping into the tub, he gingerly dipped his toes in to check the temperature, which seemed just right.


    A few additional buckets filled with clean water were located near the tub.


    He figured he would need to soap his body first before rinsing himself with the water from those buckets.


    Quickly doing the task, Logan decided to finish by immersing himself in the now-soap-filled tub and meticulously wash his long hair.


    After five minutes of bathing, he felt less cautious.


    He observed that his long, rich chocolate-brown hair had grown to below his shoulders. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Carefully stretching it out, he combed through it with his hands, but before he could continue, a tap at the door urged him to hurry.


    To remove any remaining soap from his body, he rose, doused himself with the two buckets next to the tub, lightly shook himself to avoid soaking the area around the large bucket, and then reached for a towel.


    He groaned when he saw the plain clothing on the shelf, which included a shirt and what appeared to be tights in place of underwear.


    Guessing that proper clothes would probably be specially tailored later, he informed the maid he was done bathing.


    The brown-haired maid entered the room, took his measurements with a string, and told him to wait a few minutes while his clothing was being prepared.


    Soon, the maid arrived with three fresh items.


    She handed him smooth white pants and a plain white shirt, which he promptly put on.


    Shortly after, he received a white and gold-trimmed tunic to complete the set.


    He could tell by the fabric''s quality that everything was made of silk or a similar material.


    The garments were light and comfortable, though a bit too large and garish for his tastes.


    Even the laceless shoes miraculously stayed on, giving him the impression that he could jump higher than usual.


    The attire was overall classy or should he say ancient, but incredibly comfortable, even if it was a bit simple.


    The only issue left was the beanie he always wore.


    Despite his attempts to put it on covertly, the maid reached out and requested it under the pretext that it needed to be washed.


    "Hero, if you don''t mind, I asked around for some hats to be brought since you were wearing one when you were summoned," the maid said.


    "Please decide if you want to wear one of the three I could bring on short notice. If not, I can try looking for others."


    The maid presented three different hats: one was a cap with a donut-like shape and cloth hanging around it, another was a white hood that covered everything but his face, and the last was a simple hat that slanted to one side with a feather attached to it.


    Looking at the three hats and the stoic-faced maid in front of him, Logan had to restrain himself from laughing.


    He decided on the feathered hat and positioned it in his typical emo style, with hair covering part of his face.


    The boy didn''t want to bother the maid anymore or make her tired or angry for having to search for additional headwear.


    Without any mirrors in the room, Logan had to rely solely on the maid''s compliments for his appearance.


    He hoped that the other students in the class had it worse than he did.


    He thanked the maid for her help and went into the hallway where the class would soon assemble.


    Logan was the fourth person to finish, while the other three men were sitting nearby wearing clothing similar to his, except that Logan was the only one wearing headgear.


    Naturally, he couldn''t avoid the looks they gave him, especially when they noticed his distinctive hat.


    Logan kept a composed demeanor as he walked past them and then sat down on one of the nearby empty benches, leaning his head back and closing his eyes as he waited for the others.


    The sound of more footsteps interrupted his attempt to appear fast asleep as other males entered the hallway and began conversing.


    However, none of them chose to sit next to him or disturb him.


    Logan sat in his resting position for around 30 minutes, trying to block out the noise, but he couldn''t help but become absorbed in a conversation that caught his interest.


    Some of the whispers were about how beautiful the maids seemed, while others were about his hat, since it appeared he was the only one who bothered to wear one.


    Fortunately, the sound of the women approaching from the opposite side of the corridor, separated by the stairs, caused all the boys to stop talking.


    Logan pondered the cause of the strange calm that settled over the boys'' side of the hallway.


    He opened his eyes and turned to look at the girls, who were wearing a range of colorful outfits, accessories, and makeup.


    Even Silvia, with her smaller-than-average frame and a look of shame, appeared rather charming as she approached.


    Logan struggled to appear uninterested but couldn''t help glancing at Lisa.


    Easy to spot in the center of the group, she was receiving compliments from the other girls.


    She wore a silver, gleaming sophisticated gown, with her light ash brown waist-length hair down, adorned with a silver flowery ornament that perfectly held the rest of her hair in place.


    The people distributing clothing seemed to have given extra attention to Lisa, as she appeared to be wearing far more jewelry than the other students in the class.


    Logan observed the young girl''s beet-red face and eyes glued to the floor as she tried to respond gratefully to each compliment she received.


    He was relieved that he no longer had to witness the uncomposed figure with which Lisa was brought into this world.


    When they arrived, he hadn''t aggressively sought to check on her; in fact, she tried to hide within the group and even turned to avoid his gaze.


    Logan was also drawn to two other people in the class.


    One of them was Alma, wearing a scarlet gown that demonstrated her sense of style, with her golden hair pulled back in a bun, held in place by a tiny fan-shaped ornament.


    Ms. Claire, dressed in a long, majestic brown dress with dazzling black silk fabrics underneath, was the third lady in the female group that drew Logan''s attention.


    She had her hair up in a bun with side-swept bangs in the front, secured by a very thin, simple gold tiara, with two strands of ebony black hair cascading down from each ear.


    Of course, Logan couldn''t overlook the chest area of her attire, which made it easy for him to observe the size of her usually restricted and hidden mature figure.


    However, he did notice one thing: she was staring at the princess with a perplexed expression.


    It would later be revealed that they had a disagreement while everyone was bathing, resulting in the teacher having to wait until later to get a personal explanation about the summoning from the princess.

 Chapter 5 Royal Welcome

    The two princesses from before didn''t seem out of place now that everyone was back together, especially since the other women were wearing similar clothing.The gems on their crowns now seemed to sparkle even more, perhaps in an effort to counterbalance this, and the eldest sister, Vianell, even appeared to act more haughtily.


    Like the other boys, Logan sensed that some rivalry had been awakened but chose to remain silent and carry on.


    As soon as everyone was prepared, they began to descend the spiral staircase until they reached the bottom floor, where they followed a few guards who were posted there.


    Being last in line, Logan was constantly having to straighten his hat, particularly the feather that stuck out and annoyed him.


    After passing through a few more hallways, they arrived at a large chamber with its doors wide open, revealing a room that was completely packed.


    Everyone, including Logan, felt anxious as they prepared to be introduced to the king.


    They were never asked whether this was what they wanted, but they all understood that they couldn''t go against the flow at this time, as they were unaware of their circumstances or what had brought them here.


    What could they do against a kingdom where heavily armored individuals were always present?


    Even the maid who had previously taken care of Logan displayed an unsettling adoration that gave him chills.


    It wasn''t just the presence of swords and metal armor that unnerved him, but the way these individuals looked upon the class with a gaze full of expectation.


    He even believed the young maid from before would sacrifice her life for him, if necessary, as she seemed so grateful for the opportunity to assist him.


    According to the chats they had earlier, the guys appreciated the kindness and enjoyed the attention the maids offered.


    As for the women, Logan remembered Alma caressing the rings she had been given, and how she, along with the others, seemed to love their newfound wealth.


    This all simply meant that they were being bought off, their future likely determined by what would happen next, and that half of the students had already experienced the pleasures of this world.


    They didn''t take long to arrive at the throne room''s door, where those present began to applaud as they entered the enormous hall.


    The two princesses were the first to enter, followed by the girls, all guided by a red carpet that led them to an area where a few stairs ascended to two lavishly built thrones, red with gold trim, which stood out prominently.


    A man who appeared to be in his fifties and a woman in her mid-to-late thirties were seated in front of them.


    The man, or rather the king of this country, was obese and bald, but he still retained some of the good looks that probably attracted many women in his younger days.


    He wore stylish red and gold attire that complemented the tones of his throne.


    His face, height, and choice of spouse were arguably his best qualities.


    In contrast, his wife was naturally beautiful, with long golden hair perfectly braided.


    She wore a long gold garment with red trims, and, like her daughters, she had a gorgeous face that appeared to be painted to resemble a Greek or Roman goddess.


    Once the heroes entered, they stood without bowing; instead, they watched until everyone had formed a neat line in front of them.


    The princesses assisted each student in forming up, and Logan observed that of the two, the younger girl was more aware when someone needed help.


    She also made an effort to calm any anxiety the students displayed, speaking the right words while smiling sweetly and innocently.


    Being last in line, there were a few brief seconds where all the attention was placed on him.


    He noticed not only the king''s gaze on each student but also the queen''s expression as she seemed to carefully size up everyone based on their attitude.


    The queen''s gaze wandered toward him for a while as he was fixing his hat for the tenth time.


    He didn''t mean to, but during that moment, he couldn''t look away from her eyes.


    This lasted only until her husband made a deep cough and raised his hand to silence everyone in the room.


    "His Royal Majesty, our King Holven Elstin the Third, and Her Majesty, Queen Olvidia Madrin, are assembled here on this day of prophecy to present the heroes called by the Temple of the Seven Spirits," a man shouted from his position a few steps below the king.


    The room fell silent for a while before the king spoke.


    "Heroes, I thank you on behalf of all humanity of this world for answering our call and responding to our summon to assist us in the desperate crisis we are all facing now. We required strength, but what we received was so much more. This time, numerous youthful individuals have been sent to us, which gives me optimism." A few seconds of stillness followed his coughs before he resumed speaking.


    "I swear right here and now to help each and every one of our warriors become strong enough to handle the risks we face because I have high hopes for each of you." After speaking loudly enough for everyone to hear, the monarch paused for a moment, looking at each student in the class individually before continuing.


    "Our enemies are the treacherous demons who once held humanity captive. Thanks to the assistance of our great savior, the first Hero Roland, we reclaimed our freedom. But now these demons have returned in large numbers and are now gradually infesting every piece of land they can get their hands on. They had taken over half of this continent, yet a few months ago, the Great Spirits delivered the news that we would be able to call upon a hero. Thus, I humbly beg you to aid us, save us, and exterminate these demons."


    The king stood up with even more zeal, his voice roaring with passion, which caused everyone to cheerily applaud.


    People who were standing behind Logan and his team began to hail the heroes with loud cheers of adoration, faith, and goodwill. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As they were the center of attention, the class turned to face the crowd and saw how everyone clung to the belief that they would save them.


    Aware of the armored guards positioned throughout the hall, Brian took a few tentative steps forward before speaking.


    "If I may ask, how are we supposed to assist you? We''re simply teens; in fact, some of these men don''t even take their sports classes seriously," His reprimanding remark seemed to be directed at some of the boys in the class, yet Logan knew Brian''s words were definitely aimed at him, spoken with a voice that held the complicated feelings everyone had experienced from the beginning.


    But the king didn''t appear to care and simply called one of the knights who were closest to him.


    "You there!" he motioned for the man to approach.


    "Surely, you will set a good example for everyone to see. You will fight the hero bare-handed in order to test the strength only mentioned in legends."


    The knight, who didn''t appear to comprehend why he was chosen, removed his helmet and the sections of his armor that protected his upper body.


    Underneath all of that was a very muscular man with short red hair, probably in his late twenties.


    With a solemn attitude, he asked another knight to assist him in holding his equipment as he made his way toward the monarch.


    He stopped a short distance from the throne''s steps and performed a graceful bow.


    "Hero, it''s up to you if you want to take on this knight," The king calmly invited Brian to come forward, as if he already knew what would happen.


    At first, Brian didn''t seem to want to accept the challenge, but he was curious as to why they were calling him a hero.


    But he did notice that from the minute they were summoned until they entered this area, he felt a strength inside him that he couldn''t quite describe.


    It resembled a never-ending sugar rush or the rush of adrenaline when facing a formidable foe.


    When the monarch gave his next instruction, Brian moved forward and stopped about a meter or so from the knight.


    "This demonstration will only be for show, so please refrain from hurting each other. Now, I take it both of you are prepared?" The king, clearly excited, cried out to both parties before raising his hand to signal the start of the fight.


    Everyone in the room, even the students, leaned forward in silence to clearly watch what would happen.


    Finally, the monarch lowered his arm like a referee, and the two competitors rushed toward one another.


    Being the first to approach his opponent suggested that Brian had the advantage in movement. The young boy took three steps to land a punch with an outstretched hand onto the sturdy man''s torso.


    The knight parried the blow at the last second to avoid injury and attempted to counter with a strike of his own, but Brian quickly reacted with a counter.


    Brian repeated the previous attack with his right hand extended towards the knight''s chest, this time with a whip-like speed faster than the first punch, using his left hand to deflect the jab.


    The knight could only back off this time and try to reclaim his position; the massive man didn''t appear to be faring well against the teenager''s quickness but didn''t want to show any weakness.


    Especially when considering that he was a member of the royal guard who had spent years training, killed many monsters, and participated in multiple battles.


    He had anticipated a struggle from the young man, but he had not imagined being pushed back so much in such a short period of time.


    Brian, growing more confident in his agility, managed to keep the knight at bay. He had no idea how, but his body skillfully utilized the limited fighting experience he had to identify weaknesses in the knight.


    He didn''t get worn out as his barrage of mild punches continued.


    As the fight went on, the power he had felt earlier seemed to grow even stronger; in bliss, his mind searched for more of this pleasure as he added more movements.


    Brian stepped back and prepared his leg for a kick after observing the knight''s attempt to block his subsequent strike.


    Unaware of how he was able to extend his foot that high, the youngster delivered a roundhouse kick that inspired shouts from some onlookers.


    As the fight grew more one-sided, several students even joined in the cheers.


    The unfortunate knight, unable to keep up, simply took a defensive stance in an effort to avoid significant harm.


    Watching the duel in front of him, Logan couldn''t believe his eyes.


    Brian, who didn''t appear to know martial arts, effortlessly defeated a tall, strong, and well-trained knight without breaking a sweat.


    The young man kept performing other challenging kicks, likely inspired by movies, and he didn''t appear to want to stop.


    After the knight had taken so much damage that he could no longer keep his hands raised, Brian leaped forward.


    "Stop! That''s enough!" The king, who was observing everything in astonishment, recalled the warning he had given to both parties and lifted his hands, yelling to try and prevent Brian from connecting the blow.


    With the king''s remarks, Brian, who was hovering, came to his senses and tilted his foot just enough to avoid the knight''s face.


    The tall soldier breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that the kick would have probably knocked him out cold.


    With what little effort he could muster, he managed to stay upright, bow to the boy and then the monarch, before quietly retiring to his position with the knights.


    Brian, triumphantly, lifted his hand and turned to face the monarch, nodding.


    "Oh, so this is a hero''s strength... Perhaps that will be possible. What will we receive in return, then? You know you can''t expect us to do all of this for free, right?" The king appeared to appreciate the young man''s ambition as the child glanced up at him with a self-assured grin.


    "Of course, we will do our share to give you all the assistance you require. Not only will this kingdom back you all, but so will everyone who wants to restore peace to this continent. Our heroes will receive all that you ask for, including land and wealth." The king, addressing the boy who displayed signs of greed, replied calmly with a smile.


    The king once more lifted his hand and coughed a few times before speaking, having concluded that enough time had passed.


    "All right, let me add one minor detail before you all start walking in the parade we have organized specifically for this event. We''ll be throwing a large feast tonight where all of you can select patrons, whether it''s the support of a kingdom or a powerful trader, due to the large number of heroes who came." He paused before continuing.


    "You will all be able to obtain all you require and desire to live happily while residing in our world. Enjoy the remainder of your day until this evening, when we shall all gather."


    The king waved to the guards stationed on the left side of the throne room.


    The knights there opened the entrance, and music started playing.


    Without saying another word or taking the time to hear any comments from the class, drums, trumpets, and other instruments began to play a tune that the audience could sing along to.


    Similar to earlier, their tour guides, the two princesses, led the group outside and started walking toward a garden that lay beyond two magnificently constructed wooden doors.


    Before leaving, Logan turned around to survey the festive mood within the castle, but the faces of happiness from everyone made him feel uneasy rather than glad.


    Since his arrival, he had felt under pressure, never having had the chance to speak with anyone or ask about his concerns.


    Instead, he had to follow the crowd and wait for the right opportunity to find someone who would listen to him.

 Chapter 6 Parade of Emotions

    Looking at the frenzied crowd singing an unfamiliar patriotic song directed at the class, Logan felt a shiver and wanted to hide his face from all the attention.Sensing the class''s discomfort, the younger princess quickly took her sister''s hand and led the class out of the audience room before the spectators even finished their song.


    As the class exited the grand throne room, they found themselves standing before an enchanted garden unlike any they had ever seen.


    The air was filled with the sweet, intoxicating scents of magical plants and flowers, each more beautiful and alluring than the last.


    The students could hardly believe their eyes as they took in the sight of towering plants with leaves and vines that twisted and turned in intricate patterns.


    Some flowers seemed to produce music, their melodies beckoned the students to come closer.


    As they walked through the garden, the scents grew stronger, each one more enticing than the last.


    It was as if the flowers themselves were calling out to them, but in a voiceless language that contained the feelings of longing.


    The students felt a strange pull, an almost irresistible urge to reach out and touch the delicate petals and breathe in the sweet fragrances that surrounded them.


    Logan, like the rest of the class, couldn''t resist the magical allure of the garden.


    He was particularly drawn to a flower that resembled a rose.


    Its intoxicating scent made him reach out towards the blood-red petals, which quickly wrapped a thorn-filled vine around his finger, causing a tiny cut.


    Before Logan could pull his hand back, he noticed something strange happening with his blood. It seemed to come alive, and the small drops seeped into the plant.


    The flower recoiled, ceasing its allure, allowing Logan to return to the group.


    Unknown to him at this moment, a strange mark began to manifest on his right index finger, like a ring tattooed with blood.


    As the class left the enchanted garden, they were gathered into a line of carriages pulled by an array of extraordinary creatures.


    These were no ordinary horses; instead, the carriages were drawn by magnificent, large birds with vibrant plumage, and imposing azure bipedal lizards with scales that glistened in the sunlight.


    The most luxurious carriage at the front of the line was pulled by a team of four regal Pegasus, their sleek, muscular bodies covered in white coats, and their wings adorned with feathers that shone like silver.


    Placed at the end of the procession, Logan had ample time to marvel at each creature.


    The sight of these mythical beings, so different from anything in their world, left him and his classmates in awe.


    As the line grew shorter, Logan, captivated by the magic around him, didn''t even have time to think about his current predicament.


    Being the last seemed to have been the worst decision he could have made; he was guided to the front by a butler who was responsible for assigning each adolescent to a carriage.


    "I''m sorry about this, young hero, but it seems the other carriages are filled. You will have to go with the princess, as we did not prepare enough carts. I''m very sorry." the old man, dressed in the typical attire of a butler, said with a bow before leaving.


    Noticing Logan while conversing with the two royals, his teacher directed her gaze towards him.


    "It seems you''re the odd one out, but there is no problem¡­ We will be in the biggest carriage, so you should enjoy yourself while you''re at it."


    Ms. Claire''s voice was stern and emotionless as she spoke.


    Her discomfort was clear; she kept her arms tightly crossed, uneasy in her formal attire.


    She soon returned to her task, attempting to gather information from the older princess, who was busily organizing the entire parade with a professional attitude.


    With nothing to do until the princess finished her tasks before boarding the carriage to start the parade, Logan took a moment to examine the cart he was about to get on.


    Besides the winged horses that would pull it, the carriage itself was a sight to behold¡ªcrafted from lustrous silver and trimmed with gold, it exuded an aura of royal elegance.


    What caught his attention most, however, was the absence of wheels.


    Instead, where the wheels should have been, there were jeweled discs of some sort that seemed to function like magnets, keeping the cart elevated.


    This was a unique system not shared by the other carriages, making him realize it was likely a privilege reserved for royalty.


    This also led Logan to think that the Pegasus not only pulled the cart but also enabled it to fly.


    "It seems I have finished; I think we are ready to begin." The older princess, Vianell, whose hair flowed like fine golden silk, began to enter the carriage.


    She was assisted by her personal knight, a bodyguard who had been with her from the start.


    The knight''s entire appearance seemed tinged in blue, with light armor that appeared to be made of sapphire. This contrasted beautifully with her blue hair, eyes, and light bluish-pale skin.


    The knight then proceeded to help the young, adorable princess, who seemed to be enjoying her role. The energetic young princess happily jumped into the carriage to find her seat.


    Ms. Claire, visibly annoyed at being ignored for so long, decided to take matters into her own hands.


    Ignoring the bodyguard, she lifted her arm in an elegant gesture in front of Logan with a devious smile.


    "How about you show you''re a gentleman and help me up?" S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Ah, uhm, sure?" Logan, still bewildered by his teacher''s sudden change in attitude, stood up from observing the magical contraption that levitated the carriage.


    He patted himself as if to brush off invisible dirt and assisted her in boarding.


    The carriage had two steps that its passengers needed to climb to enter, making it difficult for Ms. Claire, whose dress clung closely to her body, to board without assistance.


    Part of the reason why Logan tried to keep his attention elsewhere was the daunting fact of being in a carriage with three and a half beautiful ladies.


    They exuded a divine presence, especially when dressed in such fine attire, that would make any guy feel shy.


    Luckily, the ride had started, and they began to exit the castle grounds.


    His teacher, seemingly resigned, had given up trying to talk and, like Logan, decided to enjoy the scenery.


    Logan noticed with a sidelong glance that Vianell seemed both pleased that his teacher had stopped her interrogation, but she also seemed worried.


    She was probably not supposed to discuss the summoning with the class without her father present, or at least that''s what Logan surmised.


    He decided to leave his unease for later and focus on discovering more about this world.


    Despite his lingering fear, the medieval setting outside the castle piqued his interest.


    As the carriage passed through the castle walls, it approached a grand stone bridge leading over a moat.


    Beyond two large wooden gates, there was a small clearing where nature flourished.


    Logan noticed small, magical creatures like rabbits with sharp horns and deer with jeweled antlers roaming about.


    After the clearing, the scenery opened up to reveal a large town surrounded by vast wheatfields, protected by imposing outer stone walls.


    The sight of the bustling town and the idyllic countryside filled Logan with a mix of curiosity and awe, making him eager to explore this new world.


    As they drew nearer to the large town, colorful banners adorned the streets, welcoming them with vibrant messages.


    People lined both sides of the road, eager to catch a glimpse of the new hero¡ªor in this case, heroes.


    The sound of cheers echoed as loudly as the bustling assembly room, filling the air with excitement.


    Despite the modest appearance of the townsfolk, the joy on their faces was unmistakable.


    Logan noticed that most of the crowd consisted of women and children, along with elderly men and young boys, not one older than himself.


    As they ventured deeper into the town, the streets became increasingly crowded with townspeople and the important landmarks of the large settlement.


    The center of town was adorned with guild buildings, the first of which belonged to the mages.


    They welcomed the procession with a dazzling display of magical fireworks, showcasing the wonders of this world.


    Passing by blacksmith shops, Logan noticed old, burly men pausing their work to glance at the commotion before returning to their anvils.


    The marketplace was bustling, filled with stalls displaying a variety of mythical beasts, as well as humans and everyday goods like fruits, vegetables, and meats.


    The classic medieval scene was real with everyday activity and the sounds that naturally came with it.


    As they rode through, some students were tossed food by the enthusiastic crowd.


    Logan himself was thrown a star-shaped apple and encouraged to try it by the young princess.


    She assured him it was safe by taking a bite of her own fruit, prompting Logan to follow suit.


    The taste was strange yet delicious, and it quickly became addictive. It had the tang of an orange combined with the sweetness and consistency of an apple.


    Logan found it difficult to describe the exact flavor, as it was unlike any fruit that came to mind.


    The parade continued, leading them through the boisterous streets before eventually returning to the castle.


    Logan was still overwhelmed by all the sights, scents, and people he had witnessed.


    Despite this sensory overload, he managed to gather some important observations, such as the notable lack of men and the presence of slave markets.


    Glancing at the other students in the carriages behind him, Logan noticed they seemed unconcerned by these details, chatting excitedly amongst themselves.


    Strangely, as if guided by an unseen intuition, the small princess seemed to have a sense for what others were thinking. She grasped Logan''s hand, looking up at him with a lovely yet melancholic smile.


    "Hero, I hope you can help us. These people and I really...really need your help!" she pleaded, her soft voice trembling with heartfelt urgency, her eyes shining with unspoken fears and hope.

 Chapter 7 Otherworldly Inn

    Logan couldn''t shake the young princess''s words from his mind, and turmoil began to build within him.He didn''t think they were supposed to be in this world, but on the other hand, he was curious about what type of magic power he had.


    The boy didn''t seem to have any physical superpower since he couldn''t crush a small rock he had picked up during a short walk in the garden.


    Logan realized he was also not a mage, as he couldn''t summon any kind of magical phenomenon.


    Within the class, four or five others had already spoken up about having some sort of talent.


    Even Logan, who was not close to them in the carriage, could hear his classmates'' excitement as they showed off their new skills.


    One of the guys demonstrated his martial arts prowess as if it were second nature, leaping between carriages and performing acrobatic movements with ease.


    Another classmate demonstrated his ability to levitate and control the wind. Although he couldn''t sustain it for long, resulting in a small dust storm due to his lack of control, his talent for magic was evident.


    "Heroes, I understand your eagerness to discover your powers, but it is dangerous to experiment without proper knowledge. Tonight, we will have a banquet where Miss Ermeya, the Oracle of the Temple of the Seven Spirits, will reveal each hero''s power. Please wait until then, as there may be someone with a dangerous ability that should be understood before using."


    The princess who had gathered everyone exiting their carriages, addressed the crowd using a device that amplified her voice.


    After turning off the tool, she looked towards Ms. Claire and smiled. "Oh, and you will finally get answers to your questions during the banquet, Ms. Claire."


    The teacher, who had been angry, nodded with a deep sigh and turned to her class.


    Meanwhile, the princess prepared to address everyone once again.


    "Now, each hero will be given a room to rest, as the banquet will take place this afternoon¡ªapproximately when the second sun hits the horizon and the first sun has set, about six hours from now. During this time, you will be assigned a personal butler or maid of your choosing, who will assist you with whatever you need. Although they won''t be able to answer many questions, they will guide you and assist with anything you require."


    The princess cleared her throat before continuing, glancing around to see if anyone had any questions.


    Seeing that the students showed no signs of having any, she proceeded.


    "To finish this up and let you all have a well-deserved rest, I would like to mention that during tonight''s banquet, after everyone''s skills are assessed, you will be greeted by royals and delegates from other countries who may wish to support your growth. Please note that the church has requested all nations to allow our Kingdom of Elris to assist you until you decide whether you are ready..."


    After concluding her speech, Princess Vianell bowed to the class and gestured for a butler to guide them.


    It seemed the morning''s events had impacted the students, as everyone was quiet while following the butler, who had two knights beside him and two other knights trailing the group from behind.


    The teacher led the group as usual, and Logan, in his customary spot at the end of the line, decided to go with the flow.


    They were led to a separate part of the castle, clearly meant for guests.


    It wasn''t connected to the main castle but resembled a luxurious hotel, possibly a guest area for representatives from other kingdoms.


    This gave the building a feeling of privacy that the students welcomed. Before them were marble stairs leading up to two large doors, where various maids and butlers stood in wait.


    As the students entered the building, they were greeted by an elegant reception area with two staircases leading to the second floor.


    Beyond that, the building separated into two distinct areas: a dining room where chefs stood by, ready to serve, and a spacious resting area furnished with numerous sofas, seats, and tables, warmed by a large chimney.


    In this area, a few servants could be seen, including two young musicians who stood beside a piano and a lute.


    As with everything in this castle, artwork adorned the walls, in the form of paintings, statues, and murals.


    "Welcome, my name is Sir Alric, and I will be the head butler responsible for your care. This will be your residence, heroes, one of the finest parts of the castle where we welcome royals and important tycoons visiting our kingdom."


    "You will be able to partake in the best meals and listen to the finest music we can offer. There is a third floor where you can engage in various activities, such as reading, writing, or any form of art. If you need anything, please don''t hesitate to ask."


    The butler, a man nearing his fifties, maintained a lean build and had iron-gray hair neatly combed back into a simple ponytail.


    He was clad in a finely tailored red suit with silver embroidery.


    His sharply shaven face and icy blue eyes gave him an aura of unwavering focus, as if his gaze could cut through any distraction that interrupted his work.


    As he snapped his fingers, every maid and butler entered, some of which were very familiar faces to a few students.


    Once everyone was assembled, each student was given a key and assigned someone who would escort them to their room.


    Logan was paired with the same maid from before, the gentle-looking girl. She looked a bit disheartened but led him to a room at the end of a long corridor that seemed to be for the boys.


    "Master, do you wish for me to stay out here waiting, or do you need me to do something for you while you rest? Also¡­ do you wish to change servant, or will I be worthy enough¡­?"


    Logan couldn''t understand why she would wait for him or follow his orders, but in a world with slavery, he guessed she might be a slave.


    Despite this, he didn''t want someone he didn''t know around him, having lived solo for so long.


    While he struggled to find the right words, the maid''s face turned red, and Logan could see she was becoming sad.


    "Wait! Uhm, don''t take this the wrong way, but I don''t¡­ like interacting with other people. It''s not like I am refusing your service, but I am not like the others. However, it does seem I will need help, so¡­ can you assist me when I need it, please?"


    Looking around he heard a whistle from a guy nearby, it was only after this he could see he was making a scene, so he pulled in the maid and rushed in before closing the door shut.


    "Look¡­ I am not the type of person who speaks a lot, and I like my peace. Please don''t take this personally." Pacing around to clear his embarrassment, Logan looked around his room.


    He noticed that the room was actually larger than he had imagined and included a decently sized bed, a two-seat sofa, a closet, a shelf for books that was currently empty, and another door.


    "It''s fine, master, I think I get it now. If I may, my name is Ruri. I will be happy to attend to your needs. As servants to the heroes, we also have rooms to ourselves so that we don''t get in your way."


    The young girl, who had calmed herself, cleared a tear from one of her eyes before tucking her light brown hair behind her ear. Her warm hazel eyes reflected a genuine desire to be of service.


    It was only after seeing her bright smile that Logan paid attention to her face.


    The young maid had a heart-shaped face framed by light brown waves of hair, enhancing her fair skin.


    Her hazel eyes exuded warmth and kindness they combined well with her thin brows that were furrowed slightly as she focused.


    High cheekbones added elegance, while her small upturned nose and naturally rosy lips created a gentle, approachable appearance.


    "Ah yes, well it''s nice to meet you. My name is Logan. I guess that I will have to seek your help."


    An awkward silence overtook the room as they stared at each other before Ruri decided to use the door inside the room.


    "Well then, master, this is my room. I will be here in case you need anything. The rooms have been prepared in advance, so if you need anything, just knock." Ruri said while bowing to take her leave.


    "Ah, okay¡­ Sure?" Logan said quietly seeing the girl off.


    Not knowing what to do, Logan sat on the bed, pondering how he had fared during the previous situation.


    He thought for a while before unintentionally succumbing to sleep, aided by the soothing sound of a piano playing in the background and a lady''s voice. A few hours later, he was awakened by the maid. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Ahem, Master, you should get ready for the banquet. This part of the castle has a bathing room for both guys and girls downstairs. You should find the entrance under the male staircase, so it shouldn''t be hard to find. I have set your clothes near the door in case you would like to change after your bath."


    Ruri bowed before returning to her room, leaving before Logan had a chance to thank her.


    He barely got his bearings back, feeling as if he was home and his mother had woken him up for school.


    Yawning, Logan took the gaudy clothes hanging on a clothes rack, along with a towel, and headed downstairs.


    He grumbled as he walked, hating the fact he was forced into wearing formal wear, something he would never have chosen.


    Taking a quick bath, he was glad that this area at least had a proper tub filled with warm water.


    He would have stayed longer if not for the fact that he had slept so long.


    Dressed and ready, he exited the bathing room and went into the lobby, drying what remained of his moist hair. It was then that he bumped into someone who was also rushing.


    By the sound of the other who had fallen accidentally, a girl''s voice could be heard.


    "Ouch! Hey, that hurt, you know."


    He knew this voice well, and it wasn''t something he expected. Sprawled on the floor, Lisa looked up at him in bewilderment.


    "Sorry about that¡­" With a faint voice, he noticed he already had his hand held out to help her up.


    "Oh, it''s you, Logan. How about you be more careful?" Using Logan''s hand for support, Lisa raised herself before noticing a red liquid stuck to one of her fingers.


    "Logan, are you alright? You seem to be bleeding."


    Both teens looked towards their hands. Logan saw that his blood was acting strangely again, this time it seeming tried to slip into Lisa''s finger before evaporating.

 Chapter 8 Revealing Talents

    Seeing the blood evaporate, both Logan and Lisa were stunned.There was clearly something unusual happening, yet neither could understand what had just occurred.


    Any serious explanation had to wait as the main butler noticed both teenagers were not ready and warned them about the limited time before the banquet.


    "It seems you have made some kind of magic happen, but I guess we will find out what actually happened later. Anyways, see you at the party. Bye," Lisa said hurriedly.


    Before he could respond, Lisa took off. From what Logan saw, she wasn''t ready; her hair was still wet, and she looked like she hadn''t used any makeup.


    Logan hurried back to his room to ask for shoes and whatever else the maid would have him wear.


    He decided not to fight against her suggestions since the banquet could be what the class needed to find a way back home hopefully or to finally get some answers.


    Sometime later, the class was guided to a large banquet hall filled with a diverse array of cultures, each person radiating an aura of power, some of them like the blue princess''s bodyguard but in various colors.


    Logan could instantly see desert nomads clad in tunics of beige and gold conversing with others in silk robes reminiscent of East Asian attire.


    Loud royals, likely from a snowy northern region, were bundled up in heavy, fur-lined coats adorned with terrifying wolf or bear heads.


    Others from tropical climates appeared to be suffering from the kingdom''s cold night, dressed in delicate, thin clothing.


    Each table the students passed was adorned with different colors and emblems representing various factions or kingdoms.


    The butler finally guided the class to a central table where the king, his family, and two priests sat.


    The table was laden with food of every kind and luxurious cutlery made of precious metals, atop tableware in the kingdom''s colors of red and gold.


    "I am glad to have our heroes join us tonight for this grand feast my kingdom can provide. Please sit as we begin this ceremony with the help of the Temple of the Seven Spirits," the king announced, rising from his spot and using a special voice-amplifying tool to greet the students.


    The room, once filled with chatter, finally settled as everyone''s attention turned to the teenagers.


    The oracle, a high priestess, suddenly stood up and greeted the class with a bow.


    She was a woman of around 40 years of age, her beauty still apparent within her slightly wrinkled, well-aged face.


    Her striking silver eyes gave her a clear otherworldly presence, shining in different colors at times, reflecting the various jewels she wore around her attire.


    "Welcome to our world, saviors. We have been waiting for your arrival, as you were called forth by the spirits to aid this world in peril. Tonight, I shall help you understand your powers and reveal the mysteries of each of your talents. To do this, I will require you to come forward and hold this crystal."


    Her voice, soft and directed solely at the class, carried an air of calm authority.


    She walked towards a pedestal where a peculiar jewel lay, its vibrant hues shifting through seven different colors, overpowering the room''s lighting as the priestess waved her hand over it.


    "Now, please come forth one by one so that I may interpret your abilities."


    Despite the priestess''s beckoning, no one in the class seemed to move.


    Each teenager was waiting for someone to be brave enough to step forward.


    This hesitation ended when Brian took a deep sigh and chuckled to himself. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Will I have to be the first one again? Man, you are all chickens. How about we push Logan to be the first one next time?"


    Some in the class laughed while others looked relieved. Despite the awful remark, Logan silently thanked Brian for his decision to be today''s guinea pig.


    "Let''s see, the spirits are telling me that your power stems from the Great Spirit of Flames, meaning your strength is rooted in physical prowess. The term ''Champion'' comes to mind."


    "You are a master of powerful martial arts and can enter a berserk state when the battle calls for it. You shall bring destruction to any opponent in your path and have been granted a high growth rate within your class."


    Brian raised his hands proudly as the crowd cheered with the reveal of the first hero''s power, to go even future he did a backflip and landed right where he stood within the class.


    Seeing that they had nothing to fear, Jonathan, one of Brian''s lackeys used the momentum of the cheerful atmosphere and went towards the priestess full of expectation.


    "Hero, I see an affinity to the Earth Spirit, specifically his domain over steel. You will be able to wield the most unruly of swords with deadly precision and ease. The name ''Sword Saint'' comes to mind, as your slashes will be unrivaled on the battlefield."


    After he returned to the class, his friend George went up to see what he had going for him.


    "Your potential lies in spearmanship. Like the hero before you, the Great Earth Spirit has blessed you. Your strength will come not only from the sharpness of the blade but from the balance of its shaft. Your ability to wield and control a spear will allow you to defy nature itself."


    As the "idiot trio" finished and gave courage to the others to go up, the audience continued to celebrate while the top figures were already planning who to approach after the ceremony.


    "You will influence the flow of battle using your voice, as the Wind Spirit will allow it to resonate farther than any arrow. You may not directly harm others, but your sonorous ability will affect both your allies and foes with a myriad of effects, capable of turning the most dire of battles around with ease as a Songstress."


    Alma, who had joined the fray, was cheered with more enthusiasm than the guys, something that could be attributed to her short dress with slits revealing her well-defined thighs.


    "Child of light, I see in you the greatest affinity to the spirit of light, the power of life swirls around you as this eras Priestess, with this I hope you can vanquish that which is evil and purity this world."


    Unlike the rest, while talking to Lisa, the priestess seemed to change her tone to one of excitement, she seemed eager to present the beautiful girl to the room and even grasped her shoulders with both hands.


    After a small chat between the two, Silvia slowly walked forth with an uncaring attitude.


    "It is strange, child, but you will be guided by the wisdom and knowledge of various spirits. As a Sage, you will possess a unique magic known as Arcana. This power will allow you to grasp the strongest abilities of each elemental mage effortlessly. With this gift, you will unlock the mysteries of this world, and your search for knowledge will be your greatest strength."


    As she finished, more students in the class went forth to discover their unique abilities.


    There were summoners, enchanters, paladins, and mages of all kinds and elements, some capable of creating the greatest weapons or armor, while others could rebuild a city in hours.


    Among the familiar faces were Owen the Sharpshooter, Darin the Geomancer, and a strange loner like Logan who became a Shadowchaser, able to hide himself in any dark spot within the room.


    Others had simple but useful roles, like a girl who became a chef, capable of performing miracles with her meals, and a farmer who could harvest plants within days.


    A boy was quickly sought after when his class, Alchemist, was revealed.


    He could turn metal to liquid, ice to fire, and perform all sorts of strange phenomena with everyday items, but his greatest strength was in creating potions with various effects.


    Before Logan could muster the courage to go up, Ms. Claire, who had finally found comfort in a layered dress that covered most of her body, gracefully approached the priestess.


    "Welcome, Ms. Claire. Please forgive us for summoning you without notice. It seems the spirits have chosen you to guide the children, for you have been granted the power of Orator. This class comes from the combined power of the Great Spirit of Light and the Great Spirit of Wind. It allows you to infuse mana into your speech. Words spoken with this power will carry authority, enabling you to lead them effectively."


    With everyone having already gone up, all eyes were on Logan, who, as usual, was the last to step forward.


    He took it as his cue to approach the pedestal where the shining jewel stood.


    It was three short steps above the ground, ensuring everyone in the room could see him. With all attention on him, Logan began to tremble slightly.


    Once he reached the priestess, she placed her cold hand gently over his and closed her eyes in concentration.


    For a while, she made various expressions, ranging from joy to worry, and a tinge of fear could be seen soon after.


    But with a calming deep sigh, she opened her eyes and prepared to speak for all to hear.


    "Logan, was it? You are the last hero to be announced at this banquet. You have been given the power to tame with the help of both the Great Spirit of Darkness and the Great Spirit of Light¡ªthe ability to gain strength through trust and the ability to connect with others. Will you embrace this gift, forging bonds and learn to lead those who follow you? To gain strength with every new connection and guide this world through its dark times¡­"


    Logan seemed to understand that the priestess not only wanted to announce his power to the audience but also to warn him of something deeper.

 Chapter 9 Dine and Wine

    The whole room went silent for some reason before the priestess spoke out."Everyone, the spirits have gathered to bless these heroes, but fear not, for they will be the ones to help this world."


    She placed her hand on Logan''s shoulder and then gently tapped him as if to tell him that everything would be fine.


    The boy went back to join the others who had taken a seat and sat on an empty chair.


    "Welcome kings, queens, delegates and the great nobles of our kingdom... As you have seen and heard, we will gain unprecedented strength with the help of our new heroes."


    "I have gathered everyone here with the power of the Temple of the Seven Spirits so that you may meet the heroes and offer your support to them. Having completed our task of summoning these heroes, the kingdom of Elris will retain them while they gain strength over the next six months."


    The king looked around, clearing his throat before continuing his speech.


    "Now, heroes, we know it was our greed that brought you out of your world to help us. Everyone here sincerely apologizes, but you must understand that it was not without reason."


    "While you are here, we will provide you with unlimited resources, manpower, and wealth. We will work with you until those demons have been vanquished."


    "Hura, Hura!"


    As the lengthy speech ended, the room resounded with cheers of various kinds.


    It was the moment when people raised their cups and began to savor the delicacies before them.


    The class seemed more eager to eat than to seek answers for now, as many plates filled with meats, stews, and sweets were set before them.


    Logan himself grabbed a huge drumstick with a fork and knife and began adding what looked like rice and beans to his plate.


    He felt a bit apprehensive about holding his golden spoon, adorned with various jewels on the handle, but his stomach demanded it be filled, especially with the enticing fragrance of the food.


    Besides the food, waiters brought a variety of drinks, both alcoholic and carbonated.


    Logan chose one that smelled of berries and began clearing what was left on his plate with even greater motivation.


    Within half an hour, everyone was full, and the soft music began to change into upbeat tunes.


    Some students got up to use the restroom or gather in groups.


    The "idiot trio," always seen together, became easy targets for those seeking the strongest students.


    They not only attracted the most formidable-looking representatives but also beautiful ladies, daughters of nobles or royals, who came in hopes of forming alliances with them.


    Young and handsome men also tried their luck in seducing the teacher and various girls within the class, attempting to gain their favor.


    Logan didn''t know why, but he was glad that Lisa was too busy talking to the oracle, who no one wanted to bother.


    As for Logan, it seemed something about him didn''t sit well with the representatives.


    It might have been the fact that he radiated a loner vibe.


    He busied himself pretending that the drink was the only thing that mattered at the party, but it also made him think about needing to use the restroom.


    The noise of the room didn''t sit well with Logan, but he also didn''t feel like walking around and being forced to speak to some random stranger.


    It was only when nature called urgently that he got up and went to the rest area to quickly alleviate himself.


    After finishing his business, he had two choices: go back to his seat or find an isolated area.


    He chose the latter and found the perfect spot¡ªthe balcony where few people ventured to avoid the cold night.


    Before leaving, he grabbed a glass from a nearby waiter and exited the area.


    Within seconds, he felt better as the noisy banquet faded into the background, replaced by the serenity of the empty terrace, where the night sky full of stars and three moons was visible.


    Each of the three moons radiated a different color.


    The smallest was red, the largest was gray with a small blue halo around it, and the third, just about to set, was yellow with many visible craters.


    What caught his attention even more was how everything seemed not only clearer but also as if he himself had the ability to see further when he tried to focus.


    He looked at his hand and noticed an eerie tattoo around his ring finger that had bled earlier because of Lisa.


    It appeared like a ring that came and went¡ªone moment it was clear, and in the next, it faded, almost like a computer glitch.


    "Good evening hero¡­ it seems the cold does not phase you."


    Logan jumped up as he heard a sweet voice beside him. Without him noticing, a striking figure had stepped into the moonlight.


    She was a tall beauty with long red hair that draped over her bare shoulders.


    Her skin was pale, almost luminescent under the glow of the three moons, and like many otherworlders, she radiated a red hue that warmed the area around her.


    Logan couldn''t help but notice the confidence in this young girl''s eyes, which sparkled like rubies in front of flames.


    He was filled with awe, especially when she moved closer, stood next to him, and began stargazing.


    "I hope my presence makes things better, hero, as I am blessed by the Spirit of Fire. It should at least make the cold night bearable, especially while you''re next to me." She said, waving her hand to cause fire magic to warm up the cool night.


    "Ahem, yes. Well, thank you. My name is Logan." His voice, tinged with a shy demeanor, wavered slightly.


    He turned back to the wonders in the sky, taking a sip from the glass he had brought, and waited to see what the young woman needed.


    "Nice to meet you, Hero Logan. I am Rubina Rosengard. As you know, we nobles are allowed to invest in your growth. This usually means allying with a kingdom or noble house, which provides you with benefits, be it monetary or otherwise..."


    The young girl tucked some of her silky red hair behind her ear in a seductive manner.


    "My father, Earl Rosengard, believes that endorsing you would be the best choice. As you know, in this world, to grow, you need to slay monsters to overload their cores..."


    Logan, who had been listening somewhat inattentively, showed a reaction to this last part.


    "Cores?" He asked while he turned to the seductive red-haired girl.


    The young girl seemed to understand that they weren''t on the same page, so she decided to answer him before asking a few questions.


    "Yes, cores. They are what give us power. Mine, for instance, needs the help of the Great Spirit of Fire to be refined. It''s with whom I have made a pact to enhance my fire affinity. Now that I think about it, aren''t you linked to the Great Darkness Spirit? You should know that great being is the hardest to contract with, right?"


    Logan stood confused, unable to give an answer. Ruby nodded in understanding before speaking again.


    "I see you''re one of few words, and also that your world seems quite different from ours."


    "Yes, very different. For one, we don''t have any magic¡­ I was also just a student in a normal school."


    Logan felt strange. He knew it¡ªthe last drink he had gotten from the waiter had something in it. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Also¡­ we only have one moon. Hmph, the sky is dirtier, and we have huge cities with skyscrapers¡ªlike buildings with one hundred or more floors. Cars and airplanes, animals without powers that are only normal colored¡­ We also don''t have spirits¡­"


    Logan began to scratch his hair, feeling hot around his ears. His legs felt like gelatin, making him grip the handrail harder.


    "Are you alright, Hero? It seems the drink they gave you was particularly strong¡­ it might have been Ghostbrew from the northerners. It''s usually tasteless."


    "I¡­ I am fine, thank you¡­ about the endorsement thing, that''s fine. I will see you about it tomorrow? It seems I will need your help with a few questions about this world, you see¡­"


    Rubina, seeing that Logan could not further stand, called for a waiter to take the empty glass.


    She then used her shoulder to support the drunken hero inside.


    She had already achieved her goal: securing at least one hero to her side, one that her family particularly needed.


    Now, she only needed to make others think she had gotten close to him to keep them at bay.


    She spotted her father speaking to a few important royals from other nations, a move she knew would benefit her family as he wasn''t one of the most respected nobles within the Elisya Kingdom.


    She overcharged her core, using it to enhance her arm strength just enough to keep the hero up and walking.


    While dragging the hero toward the exit, Rubina noticed one particular stare directed at her.


    It was from another hero¡ªthe girl who had been chosen as the Saintess.

 Chapter 10 A Night to Forget

    Logan woke up weakly, unaware of where he was, but he knew his body ached, causing him to groan."Young master Logan, are you awake?!" Ruri asked softly, her voice barely a whisper. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Before he could fully open his eyes, he felt someone tugging on his arm. The owner of the voice became clear after a few blinks¡ªit was a young girl in maid attire.


    "Yes¡­ I think I am?" Logan said hoarsely, looking around the room somewhat dejectedly, thinking about the reality of his situation.


    He was trying to piece together what had happened to him, gathering bits and pieces of the events that led to his current state. Class reveal, speech, food, music, bathroom, balcony¡­ drink, red-haired girl¡­ Drink!


    "It was the drink, wasn''t it?" Logan shouted in exasperation, only making his headache worse. He tossed and turned a few times before it calmed down.


    "Master? Are you alright?" Ruri shouted, concern evident in her voice.


    Realizing he was only making a commotion, Logan cleared his parched throat, trying to calm himself in order to think about how he had gotten here.


    "Yes, sorry about that. I''m fine, just have ah¡­ mild headache. Also¡­ how did I get here?" Logan spoke out, his voice barely audible.


    Ruri nodded, after understood his situation. "About that, let me give this to you first. Ms. Rosengard told me it would help you when you awakened."


    With great care, the young maid began to pour some tea into a small porcelain cup from a pot before continuing with the explanation.


    "You see, hero, last night Lady Rosengard told me that you accidentally drank a cup of Ghostbrew and had to be brought back by a caretaker. I''ve been here all night to take care of you, so don''t worry¡ªyou didn''t say or do anything weird; I promise!" Ruri answered in a meek voice but with a serious attitude to show she was telling the truth.


    Logan stared at her for a bit before nodding slowly. The tea he had taken in three sips seemed to be fast-acting, as he could clearly feel the heavy pulsing in his forehead begin to fade.


    "Ugh, thank you. That will be all." He said with pain still in his voice.


    Seeing that the tea seemed to help her master recover almost instantly, Ruri nodded before leaving the room to clean the cup and pot. As for Logan, he made sure that no one was around before slapping his leg.


    Having a stranger attend to him was bad enough, but acting foolish in front of the red-haired noble girl yesterday was even worse.


    He recalled a few of the things he had done, and what he remembered the most was talking¡ªa whole lot of talking.


    Fragments of being carried off by the red-haired girl were also present in his memory before his consciousness faded, making him shiver in embarrassment.


    What would all the other students say? What would his teacher say? All of this was whirling in his mind before he decided to get up and get ready. He was not only hungry, but nature was calling.


    After changing to the clothes placed neatly at the end of his bed, Logan hesitated while grabbing the doorknob a few times before deciding to rotate it fully and open the door.


    He took a deep breath and exited the room, only to find the corridor empty, much to his delight.


    Sometime later, after finishing his business, Logan noticed that no one in his class had awoken yet.


    The sunlight had yet to reach the building, so he guessed it was somewhere around six in the morning, and the chefs had yet to start cooking.


    This did not stop his maid, who had beckoned him to eat some soup she had prepared.


    Logan sent her away to rest before eating, noticing the young girl was yawning and clearly tired from watching over him throughout the night.


    This felt strange for Logan, who was not used to having someone around, especially to the extent that they would stay up all night for his sake.


    He finished his broth with bread before heading upstairs to avoid the others who would no doubt be coming down soon.


    Logan needed to think things through and figure out what he had to do next.


    Upon arriving at his room, Logan heard a whistle from behind.


    "Hey Logan, have you become a man already?" Someone yelled out towards him, a voice he didn''t not know well.


    Shutting his door quickly but quietly so as not to disturb Ruri if she was asleep, Logan entered and paced around.


    He knew it¡ªothers saw what he did and they probably got the wrong idea. Or did they?


    Logan didn''t remember anything, not how he got here or what happened with the red-haired girl, or even what Ruri did.


    Was she closer to him this morning because he did something to her?


    "No wait, she said nothing happened¡­ Damn it, I will never drink again!" he murmured to himself, pulling his hair. He paced back to his bed before noticing a note beside it, which he quickly opened to read.


    "Greetings Hero,


    I hope the medication I gave your maid helps with the problems you will be having tomorrow. Don''t worry about what happened at the party; I did my best to keep your dignity intact with a special trick of mine.


    Now then, I hope you remember our promise and accept the help of my father, Earl Victor Rosengard. We will be sending a carriage midday in case you accept.


    All you have to do is give the envelope of this letter to Mr. Alric, who knows what to do with it.


    And don''t worry about payment; it is an arrangement that all nobles have made, so Mr. Alric will do the same for any of the other students.


    Sincerely Yours, Rubina Rosengard"


    Logan rubbed his head a few times trying to remember the events that happened the night before.


    He recalled having accepted the Rosengard''s help and even introducing himself to Rubina before he blacked out.


    Weighting the pros and cons a few times he decided it was good to have a backer, as everyone in the class would probably have one and he also didn''t want to rely too much on the king who could at any moment kick him out and toss him on to the street.


    He thought about the problems that could also arise from accepting some unknown benefactor, but in the end, he recalled the young girl Rubina who seemed genuine in her interest in him.


    Logan did not think it was his physical appearance though; it had more to do with what the oracle had prophesied about him and the powers he possessed.


    The boy also recalled the strange way others reacted towards his class.


    "Tamer¡­" A word softly left the tip of his tongue. He could only guess that it had to do with controlling animals or monsters and helping them get stronger, just like his old video game.


    Logan paced back and forth before deciding to send the letter to Alric.


    After calming down and thinking things over, he was sure that he had done nothing wrong by the contents of the letter and the way Ruri had acted that morning.


    Quietly exiting the room, he headed towards the reception area, where the main butler, Mr. Alric, was standing behind a desk.


    "Ahh¡­ Good morning, can you pass this to Earl Rosengard, please?" Logan said while clearing his throat.


    Logan fidgeted under the main butler''s stern gaze. Mr. Alric nodded while accepting the envelope before snapping his fingers.


    A nearby boy suddenly appeared and picked up the letter, received a few instructions, and then dashed away in a hurry.


    "Will that be all, young master?" The old man spoke in a dry voice without emotion and bowed after Logan nodded to indicate no further need for his assistance.


    Logan felt somewhat refreshed by the previous interaction; it was quick, smooth, and simple. It was only when he was heading to his room that he noticed people from his class staring at him.


    He looked around quickly and noticed that Lisa, his teacher, or the idiotic trio weren''t around.


    That was good enough for him.


    He struggled with the attention but managed to get back to his room without too much hassle.


    After a few hours of doing nothing but reading an old book he found in the upstairs library and hiding from the rest of the world, Logan noticed that his maid had woken up.


    Somehow, she knew that he would need to go out and brought him the clothes he had come into this world with, much to his delight.


    He quickly took the beanie and nestled it right where it should be, fixing in place his untamed hair.


    Logan studied her for a moment, before speaking. "Thank you, Ruri¡­"


    The maid, having been thanked, bowed with a smile.


    She seemed overjoyed for some reason to have a master, which Logan found strange. Yet he did not question it.


    He simply appreciated her kindness in silence not knowing how he needed to tackle the problem.


    Suddenly, a knock was heard at the door. A butler announced that Mr. Rosengard''s carriage was waiting outside.

 Chapter 11 Earl Rosengard Residence

    Forgetting to ask Ruri for more details about the Rosengards, Logan exited the living quarters after bidding farewell to the young girl, who seemed to need more rest.With the help of a well-dressed butler, who guided him outside, Logan noticed the sleek carriage awaiting his arrival.


    Its polished wood reflected the strong afternoon sunlight, but what caught Logan''s eye was the carriage''s strange design.


    It was carefully carved to resemble the head of a dragon, a stark contrast to the carts he had seen the previous days.


    Another striking feature was the four-legged lizards, resembling bulls, that pulled the carriage.


    With green, scaly skin, two great horns, and a chained snout filled with sharp fangs, they looked fearsome yet remained calm, standing in wait.


    The coachman tipped his hat as Logan approached. "Welcome, hero. I thank you for accepting my master''s invitation. The Earl and young lady await your arrival with great anticipation."


    Thinking a nod would be sufficient, Logan boarded the strange carriage, hoping other students were not paying him any attention.


    As he sat down, he noticed the interior was different from its exterior, more normal in a way. It was classy, with ebony wood, dark maroon-colored curtains, and fine leather seats made from the skin of some dark red animal.


    The seats were surprisingly springy, an attribute he would later appreciate as the road turned bumpy.


    As the ride began, he noticed that yesterday''s floating carriage was indeed meant for royalty.


    This carriage shook after leaving the castle, at times making Logan feel a little sick.


    He turned his attention outside, trying to figure out the path in case he needed to come back using other methods.


    After half an hour, he noticed that the scenery changed.


    The carriage seemed to enter a more woodland-like area, yet he could tell it was someone''s property as a black metal fence lined the borders.


    The carriage went through the path near dense trees but as time passed well-maintained gardens and the occasional statue came into view, adding an air of grandeur to the simple forest.


    Soon, they approached a tall ornate gate adorned with the Rosengard family crest, signaling their arrival at the Earl''s estate.


    As the carriage came to a stop, Logan waited for its door to open with anticipation.


    He didn''t know how he was supposed to act in front of nobility. Should he bow, or did they expect him to carry himself in a certain way as a hero?


    As he stepped out of the cart, Logan noticed that there was no large fanfare this time.


    Only Rubina stood in front of the grand mansion to greet him.


    The mansion itself was an imposing building, with tall, arched windows that glinted in the afternoon sunlight and ivy creeping up its stone walls.


    Its entrance was held firmly by four large imposing columns while further inside a large wooden door stood, intricately carved with scenes of legendary battles and mythical creatures.


    The mansion was both awe-inspiring and intimidating, a testament to the wealth and power of the Rosengard family.


    Not knowing how he should move, Logan stood for a few seconds admiring not only the building but also its huge yard.


    The size of the estate could only be compared to the size of his school.


    Rubina, who noticed Logan''s hesitation, walked up to the carriage and extended her hand in greeting. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Her long scarlet hair swayed slightly by a passing breeze, shining brilliantly.


    She wore a simple yet elegant green frilled dress while a silver necklace with a pendant of a rare gemstone rested on her collarbone, adding a touch of sophistication to her ensemble.


    As she got closer, Logan could feel sweat pouring from his palms.


    He struggled to keep his eyes away from the girl''s stunning figure.


    Her perfect legs, partially revealed as the dress moved in the wind, and her well-defined bosom, not wholly covered by the frills, made it difficult for him to keep his teenage eyes from wandering.


    "Thank you for coming, Sir Logan. I appreciate that you took the time to visit my family''s estate. You must forgive my father for not being present; he had an urgent errand to attend to and will be arriving soon." Rubina spoke with a lovely voice, and as she drew closer, Logan caught the delicate scent of flowers mixed in with other delicious aromas.


    "Uhm, yes, it''s fine, Ms. Rubina," Logan stammered, feeling pressure from her presence and the fragrance that accompanied it.


    Rubina smiled gently while squinting her eyes then let out a cute giggle. "It seems todays Logan is not the same as yesterday?"


    Logan suddenly straightened his back, curious as to what he had done to give her that impression.


    "Don''t worry too much, Ghostbrew is pretty strong. I doubt I would fare any better. Just to clear things up, I only walked you to Mr. Alric after we spoke yesterday." Rubina giggled before she continued.


    "There''s no need to be on guard. I mean no harm, and I was sincere when I presented my proposal. Anyway, let''s go inside; we should drink tea while we wait for my father to arrive." Rubina made a lovely smile trying to appease the worried hero.


    Not knowing what to say, Logan decided to follow the young woman inside. The interior was as exquisite as one would expect, with tasteful decor.


    She led him to a room where the sunlight shone brightly through large windows.


    There, a maid had prepared a few cups along with a variety of sweets, neatly arranged on a polished silver tray.


    Both youths sat on the same sofa, Logan wanted to switch seats, but he didn''t want to offend the girl who comfortably settled herself next to him.


    "Now then, hero, if I remember correctly, you said that this world is very different from your own. I think I should begin by giving you a brief explanation to any of your questions. Where do you want to start?" Rubina asked while staring at Logans intently.


    Seeing that the girl genuinely wanted to help him, Logan thought about the knowledge he needed at the moment.


    One important thing he needed to understand was how magic worked.


    "Yes, what is magic and cores, and why do all of us have a different class?" Logan mumbled while raising a cup that seemed to contain some red tea.


    "About that, well, I guess that''s easy enough to explain. Mana is like water; everyone can ingest it with the help of the Great Spirits. They let us refine mana so that we can store it in our body in a core. With enough mana, we can call forth special powers." Rubina paused while gathering her thoughts.


    "Now, a class¡­ it is a special job that we are all suited for. The Great Spirits can see through our minds and find our talents. For instance, I am great at fire magic and also have strong telekinetic powers, so I was given Arch Mage as a class." The young girl tried to explain things to the best of her ability.


    Taking a sip from a nearby cup filled with green liquid, Rubina cleansed her lips with a towel and selected a cookie from a nearby plate before continuing.


    "My abilities come from both the Great Spirit of Fire, who has blessed me enough that I can radiate its flames at any given time, and my second ability was gifted to me by the Great Spirit of Darkness, which allows me to do this¡­"


    Within seconds, the young lady before him manifested short horns, a tail, and small wings.


    Logan stood up in shock but sensed that the girl was equally as afraid of him as he was of her.


    "Are you possibly¡­" Logan tried to say but was quickly answered by Rubina.


    "A demon? Yes. I am half-demon. You see, my mother was a full demon, and my father is human. I will say this, though¡ªI have never met any other demons... and my mother is gone. I have been without her since I was a child," Rubina explained, sadness reflected in her ruby-like eyes.


    "So why did you tell me, a hero, this?" Logan asked, his curiosity piqued.


    "Because I wanted you to trust me, I really feel something familiar when speaking with you... "


    Rubina replied. "By sharing this secret, we can help each other even further before you are tainted by the ideology of this world. Also, my father is obsessed with monsters, so he was the one that sought you out the most when the oracle announced your class as tamer."


    Logan looked around, seeing that no maids had entered.


    He returned his gaze to Rubina, who remained seated, wary of what Logan would do next. But the boy settled his beating heart, sat back down, and began to admire her new appearance.


    She did not seem dangerous, at least for now.


    Seeing that the boy didn''t seem to want to run away or scream for help, Rubina hid her demon appearance.


    She herself didn''t understand why she revealed her true form to the hero, but she somehow felt that the boy would accept it, as he somehow did.


    The way he acted, steering out of the view of others, was like seeing herself¡ªsomeone who didn''t fit with the current world, a half-demon.


    "Well then, I hope we can enjoy our tea and sweets before my father arrives," Rubina said with a warm smile. "You see, he really wanted to meet you, Logan."


    As Logan picked up a small cake, his eyes wandered towards the girl sitting beside him.


    The radiant smile she was giving off made him feel as though she had strangely gotten closer to him for some reason.


    Suddenly, a commotion rattled the mansion. The door to the room was pushed aside with force as a tall, lean middle-aged man burst through in a hurry, carefully cradling an egg in his arms.

 Chapter 12 Earl of Many Surprises

    Logan turned in shock as the door was almost torn open.Standing there was a well-dressed middle-aged man, breathing heavily.


    His unruly hair was a deep shade of chestnut, with white sideburns giving him a classy look.


    Logan couldn''t ignore the fact that the man shared similar facial features to Rubina.


    Even his light brown eyes held the same attractive quality, and a pair of gold spectacles perched on his straight nose gave him a scholarly appearance.


    Even though Logan didn''t know the person who had entered so abruptly, he could tell that the man exuded an aura of excitement, as if he were on the brink of discovering something new.


    "Hero! I see you have arrived, great to make your acquaintance. My name is Earl Victor Rosengard, owner of this mansion and lord of Hargate to the east of this city," the Earl said in excitement, wanting to speed through formalities.


    "Now then, I see you are both seated, perfect. Just give me a few seconds!"


    "Hestia, please bring me an incubator and a few big fire stones," the Earl called out while setting himself in front of a sofa and carefully placing a 15-centimeter-long egg over his lap.


    Logan stood in wait with curiosity, noticing the egg wiggling from time to time.


    It was light orange, and at times it glowed and turned red before returning to its original color.


    Soon, a maid entered with three butlers, placing a large incubator containing red crystals in the room.


    With their help, the earl carefully placed the egg inside the contraption.


    "Now then, while we wait, let me tell you a bit more about myself and why I have called you," the earl said, taking off his glasses and starting to wipe them as he settled comfortably in his seat.


    "As Earl, I decided to help the hero who would be summoned. Yet, we were surprised that a class full of students was called, each one a hero with powers in different classes. I, of course, waited to see which one I would help out, and to my luck, one of you held the power of taming."


    "You see, I became an Earl due to my work as the kingdom''s top monster breeder. My greatest achievement was giving this kingdom its first dragon, a feat that only the empire had accomplished thus far," said Earl Rosengard.


    The carefree Earl tried to pick up a teacup, but the maid named Hestia quickly attended to him before he could move.


    "Thanks, dear. Now then, I think you know where I am going with this, right? I need your help to understand the world of taming. We could make the perfect team as you benefit from my studies, and I, with your power, achieve a few other goals I have in mind." The earl tried to convince the new hero to his cause.


    "Father, can you calm down for a bit? I think you''re going too fast, and the hero won''t be able to follow," Rubina raised her voice in agitation, knowing that if she didn''t stop her father, he would continue without restraint.


    "Oh, yes, I have yet to get your name, young man. How about you introduce yourself?" the Earl said, taking a bite out of a cookie and gesturing for Logan to speak.


    "My name is Logan," the boy shrugged, unable to think of anything else to add.


    "Alright, nice to meet you, Logan. A man of few words I take it, that''s good. Let me guess, my daughter has already informed you about the basics of this world. How about I tell you a few rumors about what''s happening with the other heroes." The earl paused, licking some jelly from one of his fingers.


    "First off, the church has taken a keen interest in the Saintess; she will be given all their support. As for this kingdom, the King announced they would invest in the Champion, the kid who beat up the knight."


    "And while other nations have each named a child to help, the most interesting would be the Empire''s chosen, the Alchemist."


    "One would think the strongest nation would covet a warrior or martial artist, but they quickly took the boy away. This is strange, considering that the church stated the heroes would stay in this kingdom for half a year..." The earl informed.


    Before he could go on any further, the egg began to move erratically. The earl stopped speaking and beckoned Logan to come closer.


    "Boy, come here. I need you to stand close to the egg. You see, this particular creature imprints like some fowls. It will be a good companion for you."


    Logan noticed that most of the stones placed around the egg had lost their color.


    Only three remained bright red, with one of them dimming rapidly.


    The egg began to rock back and forth, soon a fissure appeared at the center, the small creature inside using its mouth to break through.


    A small flame shot out, and Logan realized he was too close.


    A few parts of the eggshell crystallized like glass before incinerating, narrowly missing Logan''s face.


    Soon, a small orange eye could be seen within the shell, staring directly at the boy who stood in front of the small creature.


    A tiny chirp constantly coming from its little mouth.


    As with the part of the shell that had blown off, the rest of it began to disintegrate with a few bursts of flame the small creature was emitting.


    It was soon fully released from its capsule, emitting a long chirp as if roaring in celebration.


    What emerged from the shell was a small, newt-like orange creature that kept its gaze fixed on Logan.


    "Father, don''t tell me that''s a Scorchwyrm? Did Miles sell it to you? No wonder you took so long; I thought he had sold it last week," Rubina asked while placing one of her hands near its head to rub it.


    The small creature, which did not approve right away, sent a few flames in her direction, but they dissipated as soon as they reached her hand.


    "I would warn you against doing the same, Sir Logan. I have the Great Fire Spirit''s protection, so something at this level won''t harm me," she added.


    Logan, who wanted to cuddle the small creature as Rubina had done, suddenly straightened his back. But the small creature, sensing the boy''s retreat, took a few steps toward him.


    "Well, that was part of the reason I was late. You see, there is something else we need to help young hero Logan with," the earl, satisfied with the events that had unfolded, suddenly took a small golden sigil from his pocket. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was a crystal with bright white symbols embedded within it.


    "It''s a small piece of the Chronicle Crystal, I had to play a few good cards to get it from the church, it seems the other heroes will have it hard though."


    "Give it a try Sir. Logan, you just need to hold it and close your eyes and concentrate. I will warn you though, keep what you see to yourself and those you trust. Its information that could help you but also put you at risk if it falls into the wrong hands." The earl cautioned, while handing the sigil to Logan.


    Logan took the small transparent object, feeling a strange warmth emanating from it.


    He did as the earl instructed, closing his eyes and focusing his mind.


    Almost instantly, a flood of information entered his thoughts, revealing his basic stats, skills, and abilities. It took a few attempts, but in the end, he felt he could organize the information in a way that games would display it.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Logan


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Class: Soul Bound Tamer


    Level: 1 / Health: 10 / Mana: 8


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Attributes:


    Strength: 3 Agility: 2 Dexterity: 2 Constitution: 5 Intelligence: 2 Charisma: 1


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Skills:


    Taming (Rank: Beginner): Forms a permanent bond with a marked beast or being using the masters blood; the being must be willing to form a pact and cannot be of higher rank or level than the master. (Max Beings: 2/3)


    Empathic Link (Rank: Beginner): Establishes a mental connection with tamed creatures, allowing for silent communication and understanding of their emotions and thoughts within a certain distance. (Max distance: 5 meters)


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Abilities:


    Tamer''s Bond: Allows the hero to form a soul bond with creatures, making them permanent allies.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Tamed Beings:


    Crimson Majesty [Level 1 / Blood Mark ¨C Right Ankle]


    Error [Level 1 / Blood Mark ¨C Ring Finger]


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Experience Points (XP): 16 / 50


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    As Logan carefully thought about the information, he noticed a few discrepancies.


    For one, he already had two supposed tamed beings.


    From the first, he could gather it was a plant.


    He read through his skills and thought about the strange incidents with blood that had happened the day before.


    The weird rose-like plant could possibly be his first tamed being, a so-called Crimson Majesty.


    The next one caught him off guard as it displayed an error. He thought hard about it, and only one other instance of weird blood activity entered his mind.


    [Lisa!]

 Chapter 13 Demons of the Past

    Logan thought about the girl he once knew well as a child.Lisa had always been willing to play with him, whether it was losing in video games or beating him in basketball.


    The young girl had stuck by him until his parents'' divorce forced him to leave with his mother and abandon his old home.


    It was not until much later when his mother had won the lawsuit that they moved back to live in the same old house.


    When he entered high school, Logan remembered he would stare at her from afar.


    The girl he once knew had grown to become a beautiful young woman, usually surrounded by friends and always at the center of attention.


    He on the other hand had become reclusive, always in the shadows, never near any sort of spotlight.


    Despite the distance that grew between them, Logan could not help but have feelings of familiarity with the girl.


    During the first year he did not actively seek her out as he did not share a class with her, but he would at times have a chance to be around her.


    And yet they would only share glimpses from afar, neither seeming to get close to the other.


    Logan would sometimes think it was probably his way of dressing.


    His once well-off family had become a sole mother doing her best to keep food on the table while paying bills.


    His clothes were far from the newest, often worn and patched, standing in stark contrast to the latest fashion.


    During his second year, he finally shared a class with her.


    While he blamed himself for keeping his distance out of shame, he knew that she sometimes looked his way.


    It was a strange situation; on one hand, he was afraid of rejection, but on the other, he couldn''t help but feel a persistent pull towards Lisa.


    Sharing a class gave them more chances to interact.


    Although he had yet to speak clearly to her, they did speak several times and even once laughed at an inside joke they shared from the past.


    Unfortunately, this also brought some problems. He noticed that Brian began his crusade to make Logan''s life difficult during this time.


    As a result, they kept their distance once again, reminding Logan of why he detested relationships.


    But now, there was this small connection between them.


    He at least had to find out why this bond was created.


    Logan looked at one part of his skills description¡ªthe other had to be willing to form the pact. In other words, she was probably willing, but then why was it displayed as an error?


    "Logan, are you alright?"


    A melodious voice called out to him, reeling him back from his thoughts.


    He turned to see Rubina standing there, concern etched on her face. So, he decided to postpone his search for answers until later.


    "Yes, sorry about that. It took a bit of time to understand everything. I am a tamer as the oracle said. It seems I can level up and also have skills and attributes. Also, I seem to have a bond with a creature already, a so-called Crimson Majesty," Logan said, rubbing his head.


    He felt a small pulse from overthinking too much while using the sigil.


    The earl, hearing of his first pact, raised an excited cry. "Fascinating! Not only creatures but plants? That is unique, to say the least, and also something to worry about. As you know, this world has had one other demon invasion before¡ªthe one that caused the first hero Rowland to be called."


    "This is not spoken of much to avoid causing panic, but the demons the first hero fought against had a type of tamer ability that could enslave even humans." The earl took a deep breath before speaking again, glancing at his daughter.


    "Now that I think about it, knowing my daughter, she must have spoken to you about her race. Don''t worry, it was something I also wanted to ask her to do. You see, just as not all humans are the same, there are differences among demons as well."


    Rubina, who was called out, showed signs of surprise. She didn''t know how her father knew what she had done but felt embarrassed that she couldn''t keep secrets from her old man.


    "It was Hestia, wasn''t it?" Rubina questioned her father, her cheeks flushing slightly as she tried to maintain her composure.


    "Yes¡­ yes, don''t worry, dear. Now then, you may be wondering why it is dangerous that you can tame plants. People will be scared of you, Logan, if they are not already." The earl paused before continuing.


    "You have gotten your power from the Great Spirit of Darkness, one of the least loved for having helped the demons in the past. A third of the world was destroyed when humans became nothing but livestock before the first great war." The earl cleared his throat and tossed another fire stone to the newborn monster, which was busily devouring the last of the ones placed near its incubator.


    "But as I said not all demons are the same, I know that for a fact the demons that started the first war hundreds of years ago, they were different, they drained humans of blood. By taming us like cattle they were able to feed off the strong and raise the weak so as to not oppose them." The earl stopped for a few seconds making a grave expression.


    "This time though, the demons who are causing the problems seem to have a different agenda. They are using strategy this time, taking down kingdoms one by one, they already have a good portion of the continent in flames, killing everything in their path."


    "Anyway, we will have more time to talk about that later. This newborn Scorchwyrm won''t wait forever." The earl took a sip of tea trying to rinse off the tension he was experiencing.


    Everyone''s focus returned to the young creature, whose cute cries filled the room.


    Logan, gazing at the small being, thought back to the medium he needed to tame it.


    He checked his finger, which was just beginning to scab. With a pained expression, he ripped off a small piece of the skin trying to heal and pressed it to have some blood flowing while Rubina and the earl stared at him in dismay.


    "Well this is new¡­" The earl said trying to figure out what the boy was doing while Rubina placed both hands on her face.


    Logan hesitated, feeling a pang of guilt. "It''s kind of creepy, but my ability requires me to mark a beast with blood," he said, looking at the tiny creature.


    He wondered if it was right to enslave a small animal without its consent.


    "Logan, you shouldn''t worry too much about your way of taming. If there is one thing I know, it''s that even if it''s a little different, it should be with a willing being, right?" the earl spoke gently, a look of excitement on his face.


    The boy nodded, still unsure but determined to understand his ability better. He pressed his bleeding finger onto the creature''s head, hoping it would accept the bond willingly.


    The baby Scorchwyrm seemed to be in a daze before it shook its tail happily.


    Soon, the blood seemed to react as if it was evaporating, leaving a small mark around the creature''s neck that glowed a deep shade of red.


    This time, Logan felt a connection.


    It was his first time sensing this particular feeling.


    He thought back to the plant, which probably didn''t have the intelligence to produce this, or the incident with Lisa, which didn''t go through as it should have.


    [Qweeek]


    He heard a tiny voice in his mind. He couldn''t understand it but felt its meaning in a way.


    It wanted food, hunger, emptiness, pain in the stomach¡ªsuch words appeared in his mind.


    He also felt a small burn around his collarbone. Lifting his shirt slightly, he saw a small red print where the pain had faded.


    "Well, I never thought I would get a tattoo... wait..." As Logan pondered, he recalled a description about having a mark on his right ankle.


    Lifting his pants a little, he found a mark that resembled a small bracelet with leaves and thorns.


    "What a day full of surprises! Let me tell you, your way of taming seems to not only be one-sided but affects both parties," the earl said, his excitement evident.


    "It might give you strength along the way, but I can also see a problem with it. It might hurt you in some way if something happens to one of your tamed beasts." He continued.


    "As I stated before, please be careful and only reveal the minimal amount of information. As for the divination the oracle did, she can only see what the Great Spirits allow her, so don''t worry too much." The earl, satisfied with what he had learned, was in Great Spirits.


    He quickly took a small notebook and began writing down his observations while Rubina watched him with a mix of admiration and curiosity.


    "Well, Logan, I think it would be better to leave the Scorchwyrm here. We have the necessary materials and food for it to grow. You may not know this, but young beasts need elemental stones to grow stronger." Rubina interrupted. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "For this little guy, it should take about a month to grow enough to move about. " Rubina explained, knowing her father would be busy until he finished writing down every detail.


    She wanted to call for a maid to come for the creature, but her father raised a hand before she had a chance to speak.


    "Wait, before that, there is one last thing I want Sir Logan to do before he departs," the earl said, putting away his notebook and making a wide grin towards Logan.


    "I think this small one needs a good fight before the hero leaves."

 Chapter 14 Scorchwyrms First Battle

    Logan was taken aback by Earl Victor''s words; he was about to take Rubina''s suggestion to keep his small creature with the Rosengard''s to grow.He thought back to a particular monster-capturing type video game from his own world and suddenly became interested.


    He looked at the small orange newt-like animal who was busily draining the last fire stone of its power.


    It did this by placing its head near the crystal and breathing in something like red particles from the stone, and yet the little creature was still asking for food as Logan turned on his link telepathic ability.


    "A fight, like actually hitting some other animal?" Logan turned his attention back to the middle-aged man with apprehension in his voice.


    "Well, yes, a one-on-one controlled battle. We have a variety of training grounds for such purposes. You don''t think this little one is going to go through life-draining fire stones, do you?" the earl said with a playful demeanor.


    Rubina, still beside Logan, placed her delicate hand on his shoulder.


    "Don''t worry, Logan. My dad may seem crazy at times, but he is one of the top animal breeders in this kingdom. I think he knows what is important for the Scorchwyrm and wouldn''t take risks or bring any harm to the baby. Right, Dad?"


    The earl, seeing Rubina''s serious demeanor, let out a chuckle. "You know me well, my dear. Logan, it''s important for the young Scorchwyrm to start developing its instincts and strength while you''re here. So let''s get to it before the day ends¡ªthere is much to do!"


    The earl clapped his hands as he got up, and a few of his servants began to clean the room.


    His most trusted maid, Hestia¡ªa woman in her mid-thirties with green hair, green eyes, and a stern aura¡ªbrought him a type of lab coat.


    Combing his hair back after putting on his white garment, Earl Victor Rosengard began walking outside through the back door, with both teenagers and Hestia following.


    Rubina, who was in charge of holding the baby newt in case it began to rampage, kept close to Logan and smiled as she noticed the boy looking around with interest.


    They passed many facilities that Logan was unable to identify at a glance.


    There were greenhouses filled with various plants, silos, and buildings that looked like barns, from which various animal calls could be heard.


    Many workers were bustling about, some cleaning animal waste while others brought food in wheelbarrows or with the help of donkey-like animals carrying bundles of a type of grass.


    "Here we are; this should be the perfect place to train your little one, Logan." The earl pointed to a large dome-shaped building at one edge of the estate.


    "Wait, don''t tell me we will be going in there... ugh!" Rubina turned her head to the side in disgust, her shoulders shivering.


    "I''m afraid so, hun. The only creatures this little one will be able to fight are insects, so the Insectarium will be the perfect place." The earl laughed heartily while opening a metallic door.


    Everyone entered, and one person in the group made cute whimpering noises, and it was not the infant this time.


    Logan, who was having a difficult time keeping a straight face, realized he was actually enjoying his time with the father and daughter who had invited him to their residence.


    He smiled, recalling his own family from his childhood, and couldn''t stop a sniffle that he quickly turned into a cough.


    [What is happening to me today?] Logan asked himself wondering why he was acting strange.


    The boy took a deep sigh, shaking off what was on his mind, and kept following the earl''s lead.


    The building didn''t seem large from the outside, but those who entered needed to either go up or down via two different staircases.


    Their destination appeared to be the lower level, which went underground, where cages and various areas separated special habitats containing thousands of insects.


    Some winged creatures were free to fly around while others were kept inside glass containers that mimicked their natural biomes.


    "Wow, how are you able to keep so many animals in one area?" Logan questioned the earl who was happily talking about each creature as if he had raised them from birth in his usually chatty manner.


    The earl turned back to look at Logan, chuckling. "Well, that''s the advantage of my class. As a breeder, I have the ability to understand these creatures more easily and grow stronger with each one I successfully rear. Unlike tamers, my strength comes from the number and variety of creatures I breed. However, I don''t have the power to enhance their strength directly or to work with plants." The earl concluded, a hint of regret in his tone.


    "Well, that''s why I''m happy to have you around, hero." Earl Victor returned to his excited tone of voice as he gestured towards a nearby enclosure.


    The group entered a part of the building that resembled an ant farm but scaled up to the size of a two-story building.


    The creatures inside were ants, each the size of Logan''s fist, moving through glass and metal tubes that separated various chambers.


    "Bleh, I told you how much I hate creatures with many legs, but these hairy things are even worse." Rubina used Logan''s back to shield her from the sight of the giant ants.


    Logan couldn''t help but chuckle at Rubina''s reaction, but he couldn''t find it within himself to push her away.


    The earl led them deeper into the enclosure, stopping in front of a large chamber where a group of ants were busily repairing part of their nest.


    "These are Battle Ants. They make the perfect training partners for young beasts like your Scorchwyrm. They are strong and numerous, but their attacks are more about testing endurance than reflexes so that it will be easier for a baby creature like yours."


    "Well then, let''s start!" The earl called in three workers to create a small ring of stones where the battle would take place.


    "We''ll place your Scorchwyrm here and start introducing one Battle Ant at a time until the young one gets tired. Remember, the goal here isn''t necessarily to win, but to help your Scorchwyrm develop its instincts and, of course, to feed it." The earl finished explaining.


    Rubina, who wanted to use her hands to cover her face, placed the baby creature in the ring and stepped back, her eyes flickering between concern and repulsion.


    As soon as it was placed down, two worker ants were introduced into the ring, both using their antennae to sense their surroundings, searching for something to fix or a meal to bring back to the colony.


    They quickly detected the presence of a small animal that could make for a quick snack for their queen and began moving in symmetry to surround their prey.


    The Scorchwyrm didn''t seem too bothered as it instinctively crouched low, its eyes focusing on its nearest opponent.


    The air was thick with anticipation as all the spectators held their breath.


    All three creatures were ready to face off, each one planning their next move carefully.


    As one of the Battle Ants neared the young salamander''s face, it blew a searing flame in its direction, burning two of the ant''s legs.


    The ant let out a screech of pain as a sizzling noise and smoke filled the air, causing the teenagers to wince.


    Weakened, the Battle Ant closest to the Scorchwyrm was dealt a finishing blow as the young creature bit down, tearing off its head.


    The ant''s mandibles were unable to protect it, splitting in half under the force of the Scorchwyrm''s small but razor-sharp teeth.


    Logan suddenly felt the mark on his collarbone flare up briefly before returning to normal.


    The battle was not over.


    The second Battle Ant, sensing the death of its companion, let out a screech and changed its battle stance.


    It was difficult to tell if it wanted to escape or continue fighting, but it had no chance as the young Scorchwyrm, fascinated by its first meal, charged forward.


    It wanted more after the first prey disappeared in seconds, devoured by the hungry creature.


    With enthusiasm, it attacked the second opponent with vigor.


    Within seconds, the Scorchwyrm had devoured the ant effortlessly, while Logan sensed a repeated chant of "food" echoing in his mind.


    "I doubt those two were enough to satisfy our little one here. So bring in more. Let''s increase the difficulty¡ªhow about one Battle Ant Warrior instead of more worker ants?" The earl said with excitement in his voice.


    Logan and the rest watched as workers moved swiftly to clear the remains of the previous battle, preparing even larger rocks for the next challenge using earth magic.


    Anticipation for the next match was building.


    It grew even more intense as a well-built ant, twice the size of the first two, was introduced into the ring.


    Its menacing armored exoskeleton shone with orbs of light, placed like mini suns over each biome.


    The earl went toward the edge of the ring, measuring each opponent''s chance of victory before nodding in approval.


    "This should be a little more difficult, but it will be a good test to measure how fast you grow when your tame kills monsters. That is to say, you should also be gaining experience with each of your Scorchwyrm''s kills."


    As before, the infant''s natural instincts kicked in, and it began to crouch, readying itself to avoid any damage. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This time, the Scorchwyrm chirped a little deeper, almost growling, while the Ant Warrior used its antennae to pinpoint the nearby threat.


    The cue to start was the flames the young salamander emitted, but the powerful insect avoided them this time, sidestepping with only a few hairs on its legs singed.


    It advanced with its mandibles ready, but another flame stopped it before it could get closer.


    Now it was the Scorchwyrm''s turn to move.


    It sensed that the power reserve for its flames wouldn''t last forever, so it had to rely on its sharp teeth. It needed to injure at least a few legs to land a direct hit.

 Chapter 15 Is This Evolution?

    As the seconds ticked by, the stalemate between the determined Scorchwyrm and the Battle Ant Warrior grew more intense.The Scorchwyrm lunged forward, aiming to bite off one of the Battle Ant Warrior''s legs.


    The room fell into silence as predator and prey fought fiercely¡ªa fight that any onlooker, including the weak Logan, could end with a quick stomp.


    Yet, this did not make the battle any less dangerous for both contestants.


    One fought to survive and protect its colony, while the other fought to strengthen and feed itself.


    The Battle Ant Warrior, twice the size of its predecessors, moved with battle-ready instincts.


    It was honed and shaped by thousands of years of evolution, preparing it for the role of its colony''s protector.


    Using its thin legs, it sprang back to avoid the salamander''s bite once again and prepared to use its small frontal scythes like daggers to injure the creature before it.


    One of its scythes was shot forth with great speed, yet it was countered with a whip of the newt''s small tail.


    This caused the ant to tumble to the side, a mistake that caused its life to end with a burst of flames.


    The crowd cheered as the Scorchwyrm defeated its opponent with ease, but the earl was not pleased.


    With a small gesture, the battlefield was reshaped with the power of earth magic, and two new challengers were brought forth.


    "It seems the little one is not yet tired. It''s a good sign, as we can keep introducing opponents. I want to continue studying its growth rate; it might even level up soon." The earl exclaimed as he signaled for more insects to be brought.


    The small creature, overjoyed with more food coming, continued to fight. Its battle style was being refined with each new opponent; some it ate, while others it found too burnt to care for.


    Logan stood on the sidelines, cheering along with Rubina, who had grown somewhat accustomed to seeing the large ants.


    Each time the small creature killed an opponent, Logan noticed his mark connecting him to his tame flared up, as if a lighter were lit next to his neck.


    It was after seven of the Battle Ant Warriors were defeated that something strange happened with the small newt.


    The small fifteen or so centimeter Scorchwyrm began to tremble as an intense light radiated from where its small heart was.


    Logan, like the others, could see energy surge around the small creature, fire particles filling the area around him, searing any carcasses and debris nearby.


    The salamander''s scales began to shimmer with an iridescent glow that flashed red as it absorbed the red particles.


    As each part of its body began to shine, it began to grow.


    Beginning with its extremities, each area became longer, larger, sharper.


    Its muscles bulged, its limbs elongated, its once small body expanded into something formidable.


    "Its¡­ evolving!" Logan said in a barely audible but excited voice, competing with the crackling energy that filled the air.


    With a final burst of light, the small creature''s transformation was complete.


    The Scorchwyrm stretched its neck upward, making a low growl to announce its presence.


    It was then that Logan felt the searing pain around his neck.


    It was not damaging him but signaling a change with his tamed beast.


    But it was not only the beast that leveled up.


    After the pain cleared around his collarbone, Logan felt a bit stronger.


    He didn''t think it was enough to make him break a rock with his bare hands, but maybe something had changed.


    "Looks like something happened, huh?" the earl observed, his eyes narrowing with curiosity.


    "I think you should use the Chronical Sigil I gave you to check your status again. Maybe something has changed with your skills." The earl added.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Logan


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Class: Soul Bound Tamer


    Level: 2 / Health: 14 / Mana: 11


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤ S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Attributes:


    Strength: 4 Agility: 3 Dexterity: 3 Constitution: 6 Intelligence: 4 Charisma: 2


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Skills:


    Taming (Rank: Beginner): Forms a permanent bond with a marked beast or being using the masters blood; the being must be willing to form a pact and cannot be of higher rank or level than the master. (Max Beings: 3/4)


    Empathic Link (Rank: Beginner): Establishes a mental connection with tamed creatures, allowing for silent communication and understanding of their emotions and thoughts within a certain distance. (Max distance: 6 meters)


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Abilities:


    Tamer''s Bond: Allows the hero to form a soul bond with creatures, making them permanent allies.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Tamed Beings:


    Crimson Majesty [Level 1 / Blood Mark ¨C Right Ankle] Loyalty 1/100


    Error [Level 1 / Blood Mark ¨C Ring Finger] Loyalty ?/100


    Scorchwyrm [Level 5 / Blood Mark ¨C Neck] Loyalty 2/100


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Experience Points (XP): 63/75


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Logan noticed that he had gotten a level along with an increase in his stats with the addition of the Scorchwyrm being added to the list.


    His agility felt slightly sharper, his senses a bit keener, and his overall constitution had increased marginally.


    Now that he concentrated, he could feel his bond with his tamed beast had gotten stronger, something he could probably attribute to the Loyalty stat that now displayed.


    "Looks like we''re both growing stronger," Logan said, recounting the changes he noticed to the earl and Rubina, who could help him assess how he was doing.


    Rubina, noticing Logan''s confused expression, nudged him gently. "Sounds like everything is going well. This all shows the power that heroes will have in our world."


    The earl, who had been observing from a distance, stepped forward with a satisfied nod.


    "This is all fascinating, Logan. Let me tell you, there is no one who could make an infant into an adult with just a few kills. Your power seems to be the peak of your class, tamer."


    The middle-aged man then walked towards the creature, which had grown to four meters in length in a matter of seconds, with flames enveloping every part of its body. "Also, I don''t think ants will help it any further, whether for food or to gain mana."


    The creature seemed to have understood somehow, as it turned its face to the entrance of the Battle Ants'' nest and huffed.


    Logan sensed from the creature the words, "Weak, not enough food, hungry."


    "I think it''s still hungry¡­" Logan told the group, explaining that he could hear the creature''s thoughts in strange, familiar words.


    The earl nodded. "Well, that may be the case as it needs to refuel the energy it used to evolve, but that will have to wait as we settle the Scorchwyrm to a temporary home. It will need to stay here while you get settled in the castle. Also, unlike the Battle Ants, I can''t have this kid killing off my reared animals. These insect monsters quickly recover any of their lost members, but now that it''s grown to this size, you will have to go out and fight some creatures to feed it."


    The earl, who had finished inspecting the salamander, began to guide the group back up.


    Now that the creature was an adult, it was Logan''s turn to hold it, sensing that it would not hurt him through their connection.


    "You see, Logan," the earl continued, "monsters have more mana when they are part of an ecosystem. It seems the Spirits'' energy is stronger when it''s not around humans for some reason. So the best choice would be for you to go out to hunt with your creatures when you come back next time."


    As the group approached the mansion, Logan, who had grown tired, placed the Scorchwyrm down.


    Though it was in its adult form, the young creature was still clumsy, having not had the time to grow normally.


    It cried out at times, hoping for its foster parent to give it food.


    The problem was quickly solved as the earl''s workers brought the flaming beast fresh meat, which it eagerly enjoyed.


    Everyone was surprised that the young Scorchwyrm was able to eat more than half its size in a matter of seconds and still ask for more.


    With the young salamander fed the group was guided to a small metal barn, the earl turned to Logan and said, "Now then, I think this will be a good place for this young one. It will be well taken care of while it stays here, so you should try to have it stay here, Logan. Maybe it will settle down if you talk to it."


    Logan gazed at the Scorchwyrm and concentrated on various words, such as home, metal house, and stay.


    The young beast didn''t seem to understand as it stared at Logan with confusion.


    Logan gently reached out, placing a hand on the Scorchwyrm''s warm scales, trying to convey reassurance through their bond and adding emotions to his words.


    "This place is safe," Logan murmured, hoping the creature could sense his intent. "You''ll be well taken care of here."


    The Scorchwyrm tilted its head, still unsure, but Logan could feel a slight shift in its emotions.


    With a bit more encouragement, Logan felt confident the young beast would settle down.


    "Trust me, you''ll be fine here." The boy reassured the beast while patting his head.


    The earl nodded in approval. "It may take some time, but it will understand eventually. You''ve done well, Logan."


    Rubina added, "You are slowly building a new bond, it will take time but you will get there."


    Logan sighed in relief. "Let''s give it some time then." He watched as the Scorchwyrm began to explore its new surroundings, curiosity gradually replacing its initial confusion.

 Chapter 16 Lizzy

    Bidding farewell to his sponsor, Logan vowed to return after he knew what the class would do the following days. He was given some coins as pocket money as he left and told that should he need anything, he only needed to tell the main butler, Mr. Alric, to send word.Logan felt a sense of comfort having two allies in this world who appreciated his ability. The daughter and father who had welcomed him into their home were easy to get along with¡ªsomething he had never experienced in his otherwise lonely, difficult life. He remembered how he would come home every day to an empty house, where he cooked and did everything for himself. His mom was always busy with work, and it got even worse as he got older, and she began dating again.


    She still took care of him, and they would speak for a few minutes after she came home, but the family was essentially broken. This was something he noticed was different with Rubina. Even though she didn''t have a mother, she had the adoration of her servants, who seemed willing to sweep each step before she took it.


    It was true; she did seem to lack something like him, but there was a slight difference in how they lived their daily lives.


    Logan had long left the Rosengard estate, a place he knew he would return to soon. His monster needed Logan''s help for training, and although it seemed to care only for food, he felt that, with time, this new bond would be just as friendly as any pet.


    Suddenly, he thought about his dog who had died in a tragic accident, and it made him close his heart again.


    [What pet¡­ it was more interested in food than being with me.]


    The boy sighed, trying to clear his negative emotions and keep what he ate down as the bumpy road started again, making him hold on to anything he could. He swore out loud at times, but just loud enough to not reach the coachman. Half an hour passed in this manner when the cart was stopped by guards to check its contents. One of them opened the door with a few knocks.


    "Greetings, hero, it''s good to see you. I hope the trip was to your liking. Seems everything is good here; that will be all, have a great night!" The burly but excited guard hardly gave Logan the time to respond and seemed content to see that the boy was in good health before letting them go with an overly formal salute, something the boy could not get used to.


    It was not long before the carriage stopped and Logan got out, seeing the "Castle Inn," a name the others in the class had baptized the building with.


    He waved to the friendly carriage driver and stared for a while as the weird dragon-faced carriage went on its way. He noticed that, just like him, others were also arriving in gaudy carriages, which led him to believe that it was a trend.


    The boy then stared at the night sky, the various moons shining in different colors, which still puzzled Logan. It was a cold night that made him tremble, yet he felt a little happier with such nice scenery before him. He wondered what his mother was doing. Would she be looking for him? Would his father be doing the same, would he be with his new family as if nothing had happened or would he be with his mother and together trying to figure out where their son disappeared?


    Maybe it was better to be here, but then he thought about the war that was the cause of all this, he looked around to see the expressions of the other students.


    Logan wondered how they were coping with everything that had happened so far. He noticed a group of kids gathered around a boy who was making small flames dance on his fingertips. They cheered and clapped, momentarily distracted from their worries.


    In another corner, a girl sobbed quietly, her friend hugging her tightly and whispering words of comfort. The scene was a stark reminder of the diverse ways people handled fear and uncertainty.


    Logan''s thoughts drifted back to his own situation, how despite the chaos the class was in, and the unknown future, these kids had a strange sense of unity among them. They were all together, facing the same challenge, but was he a part of this or did he need to find his own way?


    He took a deep breath, trying to clear his negative thoughts once again. Just then, another carriage stopped near the inn''s entrance. This one was a bit more normal than the rest. It lacked the gaudy decorations of the others and had a simple, elegant design that seemed almost out of place.


    Curiosity piqued, Logan watched as the door of the carriage opened with the help of the coachman. Lisa stepped out of the vehicle with graceful elegance, wearing a nice white two-piece outfit that helped cover herself from the cold. It reminded him of what a priest would wear, and he knew right away that she had visited the Oracle.


    Thinking back to his skills, he remembered that she could possibly be one of his tamed beings¡ªa strange occurrence that might have happened by their accidental meeting the day before. Logan made a mischievous smile, thinking there was only one way to solve this mystery, and waited for the girl to come close enough.


    [Hey Lizzy!]


    The girl who was tired from a day full of people praising her for something she didn''t really care for suddenly heard a familiar name she was called as a child. She stumbled a little to think about what was happening as it was clearly not from someone speaking, it was more of a thought.


    It wasn''t clear but it was a voice she heard very little these days, it was Logan''s way of calling her as kids.


    "Logan?" she whispered, unsure if she was imagining things.


    Logan''s smile widened. [It''s nice to see you¡­] he said, testing his powers a little more while trying to keep a straight face after seeing her worried with his little joke.


    Recognition dawned on her face, and she let out a small laugh. "Hey, that scared me¡­ How did you do that?"


    [You should stop talking like that, it will look like I am ignoring you. Anyways, it''s kind of a mystery I wanted to talk to you about¡­] Logan thought, feeling tired from using a skill he had never tried before. He rubbed his forehead, which pulsed with discomfort.


    Lisa watched him with concern. "Logan, are you okay? You look a bit pale."


    Logan managed a weak smile. "I''m fine, just a bit tired. It takes a lot out of me to use that skill."


    "Oh, well, now that we are talking about skills, why don''t I try using one of mine? Stay there for a second." Lisa thought it was a good chance for revenge and got close to Logan, pretending she was going to heal him by putting her hand on his forehead.


    Logan closed his eyes, expecting some sort of healing sensation. Instead, he felt a sudden surge of pain, causing him to cover his forehead with a yelp. Lisa burst into giggles, glad her trick from the past had worked.


    "Hey! That''s not healing!" Logan protested, rubbing his forehead.


    "Hey, that isn''t what you called me before. Now come here, this time I will be serious." Lisa pouted a little, disappointed that Logan had changed the way he spoke to her when speaking out loud.


    She placed her hand near his forehead, focusing her energy. A warm, soothing sensation spread from her hand, gradually easing Logan''s discomfort. Logan closed his eyes, feeling the gentle flow of healing energy.


    "Better?" Lisa asked, her voice soft and concerned.


    Logan opened his eyes and smiled. "Much better. Thanks."


    Lisa nodded, satisfied. "Good. How about we find a place to rest? My feet are killing me, and I want to hear about this skill of yours before Alma and the rest of the class come back. I''m sure you will go back to your loner mode when that happens like always."


    Logan had forgotten that he changed his way of acting and looked around to make sure the others were not paying them any attention. He was glad that only about six kids were around, but far enough that they wouldn''t hear what they were saying.


    "Alright, let''s find a quiet spot," Logan said, nodding towards a secluded corner of the inn where a few benches were placed to view the well-kept garden.


    They made their way to a cozy nook, where Logan sank into a seat, and Lisa sat beside him, rubbing her tired feet while using some sort of healing ability.


    "So, about this skill of yours," Lisa began, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "What exactly did you discover?"


    S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 17 The Weakest

    "Well¡­" Logan turned to Lisa, who had all her undivided attention on him, measuring how much he should reveal, knowing that she could misunderstand something if he didn''t say things correctly."As you know, I have the power to tame, and to use this ability, I need to use my blood. Yesterday, we seemed to have accidentally made a connection when some of my blood spilled from a previous cut¡­" He was treading carefully with each word.


    "Oh, accidentally?" Lisa''s eyes widened as she heard Logan say that. She couldn''t hold back some sadness, thinking of the event the day before.


    As soon as she noticed the strange phenomenon¡ªwhere Logan''s blood dripped towards her hand and vanished¡ªshe noticed a link of some kind and words that appeared before her:


    [Are you willing to create a bond with hero Logan?]


    Lisa did not know why, but it seemed that her powers worked differently from the others. Alma, her best friend, was the first to tell her that she did not have a way to see what her ability was. However, the morning after the parade, Lisa accidentally activated her first power that healed her when she rubbed her forehead, which ached from all the stress she was under. It was then that some weird letters appeared from time to time, guiding her in a way.


    It was their fault that Lisa had bumped into the boy, and it was their fault again that she accepted the message thinking that by doing so Logan would somehow become like before they had separated as kids¡ªthe joyful child who always made her laugh and the first boy she took notice of.


    While thinking Logan had told her what he had done today and more about his powers and his other tamed beings, but for Lisa, the word "accidentally" still stuck in her mind.


    Logan noticed Lisa''s hesitation, thinking he had said something wrong, and took a deep breath, deciding to be as clear as possible. "Lisa, I know this bond might be confusing and unexpected. It was never my intention to force anything upon you. But now that it''s happened, we need to understand it and well I also need to tell you there is something wrong with it."


    Lisa nodded, the sadness in her eyes giving way to determination. "I want to understand, Logan. Tell me more about this bond."


    Logan relaxed slightly, relieved that she was willing to listen. "This bond connects us in ways that go beyond mere classmates or¡­ friends. It allows us to share strengths and, sometimes, even thoughts. But it also means we need to be careful as there is an error of sorts with your bond. It is not displayed right, as if something is interfering which may be a good thing¡­ I guess."


    "Maybe it''s because of my class, or that we are close to one another in power, or something like that?" Lisa pitched in, trying to give ideas of why it had this kind of difference. She thought about the guiding words and thought that maybe they were to blame.


    "Listen, Logan, I also¡ª"


    "Lisa, where are you?"


    Before she could continue, she heard her best friend calling out from nearby. She looked towards Logan, whose face had changed, becoming cold and emotionless as he had done so this past year.


    Lisa hesitated for a moment before deciding to part ways for the day. "We''ll talk more later," she whispered, before turning toward the direction of the voice.


    Taking a quick glance back, Lisa stared at Logan, who seemed to be ignoring everyone around him. She wondered what had happened to him to change so much in a few years. Maybe being in this strange bond would help her figure out what had happened to the cheerful boy she used to like.


    As he saw the young girl go off with her friends, Logan let out a deep sigh of relief. He thought things would take a turn for the worse, especially when she seemed upset for some reason.


    Seeing that it was just a waste of time to stay out here, Logan went back to his room, trying to decide what he would do next. His room looked spotless; not even the book that had been lying about this morning when he rushed out was seen. It was then that a girl entered from the room within his own and greeted him with a smile, reminding the boy why things had changed.


    "Good evening, Master Logan. I hope your trip went well," Ruri said, her voice calm and welcoming.


    Logan nodded, though his mind was still racing with thoughts from the day''s events. "It was... nice," he replied, trying to match her calm demeanor. "How have things been here?"


    Ruri''s smile widened slightly. "All is well. I''ve taken care of everything as you instructed." She paused, studying his face. "You seem troubled. Is there something on your mind?"


    Logan hesitated for a moment before deciding to share. "It''s just... a lot has happened today."


    Ruri''s eyes softened with understanding. "Well, I hope you can rest easy tonight. Also, I would like to go over tomorrow''s plans to see what you will do, sir. The castle has given Sir Alric instructions that all willing heroes should attend tomorrow, as instructors will be issued to help heroes learn more about their skills. I need to know if you''re joining, sir?"


    Logan wondered if they would help him at all, seeing as not even the kingdom''s top breeder seemed to understand his skills. But it would be at least necessary to know how all the other kids were faring and hopefully get some insight into the others'' powers. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After a moment of contemplation, Logan replied, "Yes, I''ll attend, send Mr. Alric my reply please."


    Yawning, Logan thought it was a good time to end his day after sending his maid off. While he was still apprehensive about sleeping in a room where a maid could come and go, he decided to leave that thought for later.


    It was some hours later when Logan was woken up by his maid with a tray filled with food. Dumbfounded, Logan thanked her while trying to fix the wrinkles in his clothes, having not changed before laying down to sleep.


    "Master Logan, I thought it would be best for you to be well-fed today. The class will be leaving in an hour, so I hope you can be ready by then," Ruri said, her voice gentle yet firm.


    Not wanting to be late, Logan ate after thanking his maid and went to take a quick shower. As always, there were clean clothes ready for him, and he quickly got dressed. He had never felt so pampered in his life.


    It wasn''t long before the class was taken to the castle training grounds, a new area for Logan and many other students. Soldiers were running about or doing exercises as the class entered. Some stood up for a salute, while others continued their routines, casting curious glances at the group of young heroes.


    Logan felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness as they made their way to the designated area. The instructors, stern-looking but seemingly knowledgeable, were already waiting.


    One of the instructors, a tall man with a commanding presence, stepped forward. "Welcome, young heroes. Today, we will begin your training to harness and enhance your unique abilities. Each of you will be paired with an instructor who will guide you through specialized exercises tailored to your skills."


    Logan glanced around, noticing the varied expressions of his classmates¡ªsome eager, others apprehensive.


    Each student was then told to hold on to a special crystal, different from what the Oracle used and less impressive than what Logan had in his pocket. He saw it display numbers for all to see, but it did not include information like the class or skills. The first student went up; he was one of the mages, so it was expected that skills related to this would be high.


    [Lv 1 - Strength: 4 Agility: 4 Dexterity: 5 Constitution: 7 Intelligence: 12 Charisma: 4]


    Looking at the stats, Logan noticed there was a stark difference from his own. He tried to remember his own at level one, and the total amount had to be at least half.


    The next boy went up, it was a builder-type class that Logan thought should have stats similar to his own.


    [Lv 1 - Strength: 7 Agility: 2 Dexterity: 9 Constitution: 6 Intelligence: 6 Charisma: 5]


    While he did not have a stat in the two digits, the boy also had stats that were more than half of Logan''s. This irked Logan as more students went up and he saw how each one had higher stats than him. It was finally the best-known kids'' turn, starting with the idiot trio.


    One by one, they approached the crystal, their stats being displayed for all to see. Each had impressive numbers, further emphasizing the gap between Logan and his peers. Logan clenched his fists, frustration bubbling inside him, especially when Brian went up with confidence radiating.


    Brian''s stats appeared on the crystal:


    [Lv 3 - Strength: 15 Agility: 11 Dexterity: 12 Constitution: 14 Intelligence: 7 Charisma: 8]


    Seeing Brian''s impressive numbers made Logan''s frustration flare even more. He had always felt overshadowed by students like Brian, who seemed to excel effortlessly.


    It was even worse that the boy somehow beat him by a level and surpassed him by almost five times in stats. Logan noticed that Brian looked quite different, more muscular and handsome than the day before, as if the stats reflected his true potential.


    Next up where the girls who also excelled in all stats, Lisa was also one of the few who somehow got a level.


    [Lv 2 - Strength: 6 Agility: 5 Dexterity: 9 Constitution: 12 Intelligence: 15 Charisma: 9]


    Logan''s turn was coming up soon, as almost everyone in class had gone up. He wanted to run away and leave the test behind, knowing it would damage his reputation. The pressure was immense, and seeing his classmates'' impressive stats only heightened his anxiety.


    Logan took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. He reminded himself that his worth wasn''t solely defined by these numbers. His unique abilities set him apart, even if they weren''t immediately visible in his stats.


    Finally, it was his turn. Logan felt everyone''s eyes on him, making it impossible to back down at this point. He stepped forward and placed his hand on the crystal, feeling the weight of everyone''s gaze.


    [Lv 2 - Strength: 4 Agility: 3 Dexterity: 3 Constitution: 6 Intelligence: 4 Charisma: 2]


    He slumped his shoulders as the numbers were displayed for all to see. He heard a few laughs and even heard someone yelling out, "Weakling!"


    Logan''s face burned with embarrassment and frustration. He clenched his fists, fighting the urge to lash out. He knew he had to stay calm and composed, despite the ridicule.


    Suddenly, the instructor''s voice cut through the chatter. "Enough! Remember, these numbers are just the beginning. True strength lies in how you use your abilities and grow over time. Now then, start forming a line. We will place you with a proper trainer depending on your class."

 Chapter 18 Moral Complexities

    Most students in the class, including Ms. Claire, had decided to join the training and were placed in a simple line. In front of them stood various experts in different fields, brought from various kingdoms, including the Great Empire, to help raise the heroes as quickly as possible.The one giving orders began calling students forth one by one. The first to be go up were the combat-oriented classes, like mages and warriors, who were paired with a master to begin training. There was even a little scuffle that was quickly resolved over who would train Brian and his friend George, the Master Spearman, who loved to show off his new acrobatic abilities from time to time.


    After they left for various parts of the field, the builders and support-type classes were called, some of them leaving the training field since it wouldn''t suit their style of training.


    Alma, for example, was taken by a woman named Lady Aria, who seemed to be a famous musician in this world. This was evident from the way the otherworlders reacted around her. Even the soldiers, who were interested in the heroes, glanced towards the beautiful woman with light, revealing clothing and a flute of sorts on her waist.


    Next, Lisa, whose best friend had been taken by Lady Aria, was called up. A few priestesses waved towards her as if they knew each other well. One of these was an adolescent girl who went up to Lisa, gave her a hug, and then they left while having a nice conversation.


    This left a few kids and Ms. Claire, who was waiting for the burly guy giving orders to finish. The man had stated that his name was Theron and that as a well-known commander, he would be in charge of helping the young teacher to train as a speaker and leader of the class.


    One by one all the rest of the students were called and it was when everyone had been called up that Theron looked at Logan. Now that everyone had gone, leaving just the boy and the teacher Ms. Claire, the man approached Logan with a stern expression.


    "Logan," Theron began, his voice harsh and scrutinizing. "I''ve heard about your abilities as a tamer. Frankly, I''m not convinced it''s a safe or valuable skill for our heroes. Tamers can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous to others."


    Logan felt a surge of frustration but kept his composure. "Well, I was summoned here just like everyone else, and not by my own will, I will remind you," he replied, his tone edged with defiance.


    Theron narrowed his eyes, clearly skeptical. "Anyway, for now, your training will be on hold. It seems tamers are hard to come by these days, so you will have to wait until your instructor arrives in a few days."


    Ms. Claire, sensing the hostility in Theron''s tone, stepped forward. "With all due respect, Commander Theron, every student here should be treated with respect. We were not sent here by your Great Spirits without a cause, and I believe everyone has their unique strengths and weaknesses. Dismissing someone''s potential based on preconceived notions is not how we should be training future heroes, right?"


    Theron turned to Ms. Claire, his expression hardening. "I appreciate your input, Ms. Claire, but my priority is the safety and effectiveness of this training program. We cannot afford any unnecessary risks."


    Theron gave a final, scrutinizing look before turning back to his duties. "Just remember my warning, young hero. I am tasked with ensuring everyone''s safety, even if the danger is among yourselves."


    Ms. Claire turned to Logan, her eyes filled with determination. "Don''t let him get to you, Logan. I know you, and you are not one to do wrong."


    Logan nodded, feeling a surge of strength through his teacher''s words, knowing she could have possibly used her skill unknowingly. "Thank you, Ms. Claire. I appreciate the vote of confidence. I won''t let you down."


    Seeing his teacher walking off, Logan tried to cool off while thinking about what he would do next. He was left to his own devices by the commander, so he was practically given the day off.


    He stayed for a while, watching how the others trained. The warriors, for example, were placed with wooden dummies and guided on how to use their bodies correctly. Their trainers emphasized the importance of stance, balance, and precise movements, turning their practice into a refined art of sort with everyone in the class improving almost instantly.


    This went on for a while, and Logan was almost bored enough to ask for a carriage back to leave. But then he noticed something strange. Soldiers began to bring in cages full of monsters who rattled the bars with ferocity. The sight immediately grabbed Logan''s attention, pulling him out of his boredom. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The creatures inside the cages were varied¡ªsome with scales, others with fur, and a few with eerie eyes. The soldiers handled the cages with caution, clearly aware of the danger these monsters posed. Logan watched intently, his mind racing with possibilities.


    One of the instructors, a stern-looking woman with sharp eyes, stepped forward to address the students. "These creatures will be part of your training as they will be essential for you all to gain levels. Learning to deal with real threats is also crucial for your development as heroes."


    With curiosity, Logan got close to each cage while the soldiers placed them down. He noticed these creatures were not like those in the Rosengard mansion; while those were calm, these were snarling at him and looking at him like he was food.


    Their eyes glowed with a feral intensity, and their growls and hisses sent chills down his spine. These weren''t the docile, well-behaved creatures he was used to seeing; they were wild, unpredictable, and clearly dangerous.


    Logan at first thought he could possibly tame one of them but seeing the madness in all the beast he began to doubt this decision. He recalled that to tame the other being had to be willing, and these seemed far from rational.


    Seeing that not much could be done, Logan stepped back, knowing that if one of the monsters escaped, he would probably be in the worst danger. From afar, he began to notice that the monsters were chained up in front of the students to be killed.


    The reaction from most of the class was to cower, not only from the sight of the beasts but also from the thought of killing another creature. Only five people stepped forward to fight a monster: the "idiot trio," who readily jumped in to show off their new abilities, a boy with a bow who showed confidence in his skill and looked like he had killed animals before, and finally a kid who was a mage and excelled in fire magic.


    Out of all of them, Brian and his two goons seemed to take everything like a game, only talking about leveling up and getting stronger through killing. They laughed and joked as they approached the beasts, wielding different weapons and completely unfazed by the dangerous creatures.


    The boy with the bow, on the other hand, moved with a quiet confidence, his eyes focused and determined. He nocked an arrow and took aim, ready to prove his worth. The fire mage, with a serious expression, began to chant incantations, preparing his spells that hit his targets with explosive force and no remorse.


    He recalled the previous day and how his tamed Scorchwyrm killed, but in the end, it was for food¡ªor so Logan told himself. The need to survive had driven his tamed beast''s actions; it was just another part of the cycle of life. But this, what the students were doing, was purely to gain levels, to increase their power without regard for the lives taken. This stark difference unsettled him deeply, probably because, at the end of the day, he was a hypocrite.


    His tame did the killing, and yet Logan felt happy when his salamander leveled up. But now he thought that even if they were insects, they were also living beings.


    As he wrestled with these thoughts, Logan couldn''t help but feel a sense of guilt. It was easy to criticize his classmates for their casual approach to violence, but he also had to acknowledge his own actions and the moral complexities of his role as a tamer. This self-awareness, though uncomfortable, strengthened his resolve to approach his abilities with greater care and respect for life in the future.


    Determined to stay true to his values, Logan decided to find a way to use his taming skills that aligned with his ethical beliefs. He would focus on forming bonds with creatures, understanding their needs, and finding ways to coexist rather than dominate. This approach might not be the quickest path to power, but it was the one that felt right to him.


    Before him, Logan saw how five boys killed the monsters placed before them, and then four other students joined in after. Some kids couldn''t take the violence and left, while others just stood there and watched. It was without a doubt one of those days where the students would learn and grow not just for this new world.

 Chapter 19 Double Meeting

    After the students finished their first training, royals, representatives, and top officials from the Temple of the Seven Spirits came together in the grandest meeting room of Elris Castle. It was a room filled with the most luxurious furnishings: well-crafted chairs with cushions stuffed with exotic monster feathers, embroidered in gold threads, and a long table made from the bark of a great Ent.The air was filled with smoke and a quiet intensity as the gathered dignitaries exchanged hushed conversations while waiting for Commander Theron to arrive with news of the heroes'' current progress. At each end of the table, the top powers stood. The representative from the Empire, Lord Cedric, was grunting while tapping his fingers on the table with a look of boredom.


    At the other end, Duke Armand sat talking to his daughter, his vision far gone from a great battle just a few weeks ago which had put him out of commission. His brother, the King of Verdith to the north, was responsible for the Great Frost Wyvern Elites, the continent''s most feared army.


    Lady Elara of the Pearl Isles sat gracefully, her eyes scanning the room with a hint of impatience. Tribes Leader Isabel of the Verdant Lands to the east flipped through a stack of magical scrolls and parchments, occasionally glancing up with curiosity. Finally, General Marcus of the Red Iron Republic stood near the window, staring out thoughtfully, his mind clearly on the strategic implications of the current training plan.


    It was when the door finally swung open, and Commander Theron entered, that the room turned silent, his presence commanding everyone''s immediate attention. The burly man in silver armor bowed and then directed his gaze towards his own king, Holven, with a nod before addressing the room.


    "Ladies and gentlemen," Theron began, his voice firm and raspy, "I bring you the latest report on our young heroes. As you all know, yesterday we gave them a day to rest and today we officially began their first day of training. While many showed great potential and rapid growth as the Oracle stated, others have not adjusted well with the change of worlds."


    He paused, allowing his words to sink in. "In today''s training, we focused on real combat scenarios to gain insight into how each hero''s skills and abilities work. I will say this: they are currently as deadly as regular soldiers and yet as na?ve as ten-year-old children. Most have never hunted in their lives; today for all but one, was their first time killing a monster."


    Lord Cedric nodded, his tapping fingers finally still. "We expected these problems from the kids. They are young and untested. Is it not our duty to guide them? The alchemist, for example¡ªhe has settled well in our lands and has even started creating a new weapon, from what I have been told today. It just takes a bit of bait to have them do what they are destined to do."


    Lady Elara leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. "Indeed, but we must also ensure they are not pushed beyond their limits. Balance is crucial, especially considering how young they are!"


    Duke Armand, whose hearing had become acute with the loss of his vision, turned to his daughter, who murmured softly, knowing she might have a good idea as one of his land''s top strategists. "We have already talked about this before, but we need to find what they desire and try to keep as many of them in our world before the end of the great war with the vile demons. Their blood might be the greatest asset for this world, and with their numbers, each kingdom will have the right to keep a hero or two if they so desired." She turned with hostility towards the empire who already stole a hero without the consent of the other nations.


    Cardinal Hesvalt, who attended the meeting as a representative of the Temple of the Seven Spirits, raised his hands to calm those in the room who were starting to raise their voices. "Everyone, we must remember that it is the Great Spirits that decide the fate of these young heroes. Is our duty to guide them¡­ Yes! But, it is also to trust in the divine wisdom that brought them to us."


    The room fell silent once more, the Cardinal''s words resonating deeply in everyone''s mind. His presence, with white robes adorned in sacred symbols and various colored jewelry, carried the weight of the temple''s great authority.


    Every dignitary nodded in agreement; their earlier excitement subdued by the Cardinal''s calming presence. Seeing that it was his chance to act, King Holven spoke up, his voice measured. "Cardinal Hesvalt is right, but for now, let''s continue with the rest of the report. Commander Theron, if you will."


    Theron nodded, grateful for his king''s intervention. "As I was saying, we have seen impressive growth, but there are areas that need great improvement. Tailored training regimens and careful monitoring of their emotional and mental well-being will be crucial in the days to come. Also, the tamer¡ªthe boy seems to be the weakest out of the heroes. I would like to have him monitored at all times and keep him a few steps weaker than the others."


    Lord Cedric frowned slightly. "Is there a particular reason for that, Commander?"


    Theron glanced around the room before responding. "Yes, my lord. The boy''s abilities are not yet understood. By keeping a close watch on him, we can ensure he does not become a liability. We must also consider the potential danger if his taming powers were to¡­ for example, be used on another hero."


    Lady Elara added, "Indeed, we must balance the safety of the group with this particular boy''s development."


    Duke Armand nodded in agreement. "I fully agree to this proposal. We must nurture his potential without compromising the safety and progress of the others."


    General Marcus spoke up, his voice steady. "So who will be his mentor then? We must have someone who will keep with the plan."


    Commander Theron turned towards one of his rivals, knowing that after the demon war he could possibly be a future enemy. "The Empire has already sent their best tamer, have they not? She should arrive in three or four days from what I have been told."


    "Oh, that girl," Lord Cedric interrupted. "She is as carefree as ever, but she should be up for the job. The Empress has personally told her what she needs to do."


    With the plan for the tamer set, the representatives resumed their discussions, focusing on the next steps to ensure all the young heroes were prepared for the challenges ahead. Meanwhile, in another part of the castle, another meeting was taking place, this one in a less formal setting.


    Ms. Claire had gathered the whole class in her private room, trying to keep everyone settled in order to begin their private meeting. The room was cozy, with warm lighting and comfortable seating, a stark contrast to the grand meeting room where the dignitaries gathered. The students, still buzzing with adrenaline from their earlier training, gradually quieted down as Ms. Claire stood before them, her presence a little overbearing today. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Alright, everyone," she began, her voice gentle but firm, "I know today has been intense for all of you all and most want to go straight to sleep, so let''s make this quick. You should all know by now what we are facing, we were not brought here by choice and our only way back home is to enter a nonsensical war and defeat what they call demons."


    She paused, letting her words sink in fully before speaking. The room was silent, the gravity of their situation weighing heavily on every student''s mind.


    Ms. Claire continued, "This is not going to be easy, but remember, you are not alone in this. We are all a team, and we must face these challenges together. Each of you has unique abilities and strengths, so we need to learn how to use them effectively and support one another."


    Logan, sitting quietly in the back, felt a surge of emotions. Despite the uncertainty and fear, Ms. Claire''s words gave him a sense of purpose and belonging, and yet it felt artificial; maybe having an ability related to the soul made him aware of this immediately.


    Ms. Claire looked around the room, making eye contact with each student. "Now, I want you all to reflect on what is important. We need to focus on one goal: to leave this world. You should all know how humanity''s history went through the Middle Ages. After the demons are gone, it will only be a war between humans, and they will covet our powers to keep on fighting."


    "We must remain united and very careful; these other world people will want to use us. We must remember that our task is not only to defeat the demons but also to find a way back home¡­ away from the political schemes and the power struggles that will inevitably arise. To achieve this, we need to work together to understand our strengths and weaknesses."


    The room was silent, each student absorbing the gravity of their teacher''s words. They knew that the path ahead would be dangerous and filled with uncertainty, but at least for many, Ms. Claire''s vision served as guidance¡ªone that needed their collective power. There was still hope for some of those students who were desperate during these past days.


    "Now," Ms. Claire said, breaking the silence, "who wants to share their thoughts on today''s training?"


    "We all know one thing, and that is Logan is weak," Brian said, his voice filled with mockery causing laughter and giggles from a few others.


    Logan''s heart sank, but he kept his expression neutral. The other students shifted uncomfortably, some nodding in agreement, others looking away.


    Ms. Claire''s gaze hardened, but she kept her tone calm. "Brian, this is not the place for personal attacks. We are here to support each other and grow as a team."


    Brian shrugged, clearly unbothered. "I''m just saying. If we''re going to survive, we can''t have any dead weight. That includes those who did not participate in today''s training or ran away during the middle."


    Logan clenched his fists under his sleeves, determined not to let Brian''s words get to him. He knew he had a lot to learn, but so did the others, as everyone had begun at the same starting line.


    Lisa, visibly infuriated by Brian''s comment, raised her hand before speaking. "Where in our world were there monsters and demons that needed to be killed? Not everyone has the heart to take a life like you, Brian."


    The room grew tense as Lisa''s words hung in the air. Some of the students nodded in agreement, while others looked down, unsure of what to say.


    Ms. Claire stepped in quickly to diffuse the tension. "Let''s come down, now then¡­ Lisa has a point. Each of us comes from different backgrounds and has different experiences. It''s important to acknowledge that not everyone will react the same way to these challenges. We need to respect each other please and support one another through these difficult times."


    Brian scowled but said nothing, his eyes flicking towards Logan with disdain. Logan, however, felt a surge of gratitude towards Lisa for standing up for him.


    [Thank you, Lizzy¡­] Logan thought, conveying his gratitude through their connection. The girl, who still could not return words through their link, just nodded in response.


    As the discussion moved forward, the students began to share more openly, and the earlier tension gradually eased. They talked about their fears, their hopes, and the skills they needed to develop before the night ended.

 Chapter 20 Shopping Time

    It''s been three full days since the summoning of the class, and the strangeness of it all was beginning to sink in. Logan found it a little scary how quickly the students and his teacher were adjusting to their new hectic life.Sleeping, for example, came easier to him than the night before. He also noticed how his maid was so attuned to his needs, understanding when to leave him alone but also being present when necessary. It was almost as if she had some kind of mental power, but for now, it did not bother him much.


    This new help made it easier for him to slip out of the inn well-fed and without any of the students noticing. The main butler, always efficient, simply noted Logan''s destination and arranged for a carriage to take him where he needed to go.


    He was currently in a carriage on his way to the Rosengard Estate, one of Logan''s most dreaded journeys. Fortunately, this time he had come prepared for the bumpy, nauseating ride. In his hand, he held a pink bottle filled with a potion to alleviate any unpleasant symptoms.


    Taking small sips occasionally, Logan peered out of the small window to check his surroundings. As before, a vast forest enveloped him, and to one side, a black metal fence stretched out, signaling that he was nearing his destination.


    As soon as he stepped out of the carriage, he was led towards his tamed beast by a maid. The earl and his daughter had been notified of his arrival, but they were in different areas of the estate and would be a little late in joining him.


    The stable master, upon seeing the boy, greeted him with a curt nod and guided Logan to the enclosure where his Scorchwyrm was resting. The creature, sensing Logan''s approach, lifted its head and let out a low, happy rumble before dozing back to sleep.


    "Boy, that beast loves to eat. He could devour a whole Wark in one sitting, I reckon," the old man said with a smile, revealing a few missing teeth. He patted Logan''s back with a nonchalant attitude, one of the few people who didn''t give Logan unnecessary attention.


    "Is he doing well though? He seems not to be reacting much¡­" Logan asked with concern.


    The stable master chuckled, creating wrinkles throughout his elderly face. "Don''t worry, lad. Your Scorchwyrm is doing just fine. These creatures have their own way of showing affection though, but like many of his kind, it''s probably just conserving energy. They tend to be more active when they''re not busy digesting."


    Logan nodded, slightly reassured about his tamed beast''s health. He reached out and gently patted the Scorchwyrm''s neck, feeling the warmth of its scales. The creature, an infant in the body of an adult, stirred slightly, acknowledging Logan''s presence with a low growl before settling back into a comfortable position.


    Well, that''s pretty much it for now, kid," the stable master said. "I can see the Earl and Lady Rubina walking from the lab. You should go greet them while this beast finishes his nap."


    Logan gave the stable master a grateful nod and started walking towards the direction of the Rosengards. As he got closer, he saw them waving at him from afar.


    The Earl, who at the moment looked like a crazy scientist his hair sticking up and a dirty lab coat while his daughter, Lady Rubina, as graceful as the first day he met her.


    When they got closer, Logan shook the Earl''s hand and then tried to do the same with Rubina. However, she raised the back of her hand towards him, signaling for a more formal greeting. Logan, slightly taken aback but quick to adapt, gently took her hand and placed a light kiss on it.


    "Glad to see there are manners in your world, hero," Rubina giggled as her small joke landed successfully.


    "Ah yes¡­ Well I''m glad you''re enjoying yourself, my lady," Logan replied with a slight bow, trying to ignore the delicious citrus smell that clung to his lips. He tried to avert his gaze from Rubina, who wore a white dress with red ribbons that accentuated her perfect figure while retaining an innocent charm.


    "Alright kids, enough playing around, we have a lot to do today. Logan, you might not know this, but your mentor will be arriving in about three or four days. So, we need to train you before she begins to teach you."


    "Why is that, Earl Victor?" Logan asked, curious.


    Earl Victor''s expression turned serious. "Well, I have been told that old Theron, the one in charge of training you students doesn''t hold you in high regards, so he will probably want you to be monitored. This will make it hard for you to go out and hunt with your creatures so we must hurry before your mentor comes."


    "Well what is the plan then, should I take the Scorchwyrm out?" Logan asked with a tone of urgency.


    Earl Victor shook his head slightly. "No, I don''t think it will be able to go out just yet. Fire creatures need to stockpile energy before they feel the need to hunt. For the infant, the rapid growth has affected this, so it will be a few days before his body is balanced enough for him to start moving normally. Also, don''t worry, I did a few checkups, and it seems rather healthy."


    Logan nodded while absorbing all this new information. He felt a sense of relief knowing that the Scorchwyrm was in good health, even if it meant the boy would need to wait a bit longer before they could go out together.


    Before Logan could asked his next question the Earl nudged them to move and began walking towards the carriages.


    "I know what you want to ask next Logan, but follow me for now. As for you Rubina, you will have to take our young hero Logan to meet Miles and find a good beast for the boy. I have already been informed of a new creature that could fit the boy''s abilities perfectly." Earl Victor paused for a moment, then continued "But I would like to leave that as a surprise for now." S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Rubina''s eyes sparkled with excitement. "Alright, Dad, will we go to the forest after with the new tame?" she asked eagerly.


    Earl Victor shook his head gently. "No, we should leave that for tomorrow. I think it would be better for the young hero to buy supplies for tomorrow''s trip. That means you will probably need to stay the night, Logan."


    Logan nodded in agreement. "Fine with me..."


    Rubina smiled brightly. "Great! We''ll make sure you have everything you need for tomorrow. It also seems like a great day for shopping."


    Soon, both teenagers climbed into the famous Rosengards dragon head carriage. Logan, as queasy as ever, tried to manage his discomfort, while Rubina did her best to help him feel better.


    It wasn''t long before they reached the wealthiest part of the kingdom''s town. However, they skipped over this area and kept going until they arrived at a bustling market where a good number of stalls were set up.


    "We have arrived. It''s good to see you''re doing better, though. Seriously¡­ how are you so bad with carriages? Don''t you have them in your world?" Rubina asked, a hint of teasing in her voice.


    "Ugh¡­ We have cars with suspension systems," Logan replied, trying to shake off the sickness he felt.


    Rubina laughed lightly. "Curs? Well, we''ll have to get you used to our ways of travel. For now, let''s focus on getting the supplies we need."


    As they stepped out of the carriage, the lively atmosphere of the market greeted the youths. Logan could see a fair number of stalls filled with a variety of goods, from fresh produce to well-crafted items. The place was bustling with activity. It was a new experience for him, and despite his lingering discomfort from the sheer number of people, excitement welled up in his heart.


    Rubina led the way, weaving through the crowd with ease. "We can''t get lost here Logan, I know you may not like it but hold my hand."


    Logan gave the proposed idea a few seconds of thought but noticed that Rubina was getting further away with each passing moment. He quickly extended his hand and rushed through the crowded street to catch up.


    No one seemed to have noticed who he was, which made things easier. Most of the crowd''s attention was focused on the red-haired girl leading the way. Her hair, which resembled fire, seemed to force people to quickly step aside to give her room.


    Logan marveled at how effortlessly she navigated through the bustling market. It was not long before they stopped at a place that made Logan uneasy. Before them, a few cages were placed in front of a large shop. The sight of the creatures and humans inside the cages tugged at Logan''s heart, stirring a mix of emotions.


    Rubina noticed his discomfort and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "I know, it''s hard to see humans treated like animals, but we''re here to find you a companion. So let''s go in and make sure we choose the right one."


    Logan nodded, trying to suppress any emotion for now while entering the shop, the sound of a small bell jingling as they entered.

 Chapter 21 Everwind Falcon

    The sound of the bell quickly alerted someone in the shop as a clear voice called out to the youths. "Welcome, young miss and sir hero. We were expecting you today. Please wait a few minutes while the master arrives."A young woman in her early twenties stood behind a counter, stoic while jotting down notes as two new customers entered. One was the only heir to the Rosengard family, one of the shop''s top patrons, Earl Victor, who often ordered small beasts, feed, and at times rare monsters and eggs.


    The other was one of the heroes, his identity was revealed only because Lady Rubina had arrived with him. Long brown hair covered a portion of his face, and the boy wore strange clothing¡ªa coat with an attached hat and worn-out pants. The boy was probably used to fighting, as his legwear showed signs of battle, such as holes and frayed edges.


    His physique told a different story, though. The kid was too skinny to lift a weapon, his gait too clumsy to know any sword dance. Having worked with many beasts and appraised slaves for sale, the young store clerk could clearly see that the hero was neither a mage nor specialized in magic.


    Her eyes focused on his face. It did not shine like the nobles'', but his skin was smooth and clear of the scars that plagued most commoner boys these days. His sharp jawline and high cheekbones gave him a well-defined and attractive appearance.


    His sharp eyes, a deep shade of hazel, sparkled with curiosity and intelligence, drawing people in with their intensity. And yet, his gaze showed signs of his reclusive nature, pushing or scaring off anyone who would try to get close to him.


    When the boy glared at the young store clerk, she quickly returned to checking today''s sales, her heart racing as she wondered if he could somehow read her thoughts. It was only when her master''s laugh resounded through the building that she could finally settle her wildly beating heart.


    "Rubina, my lass, it''s nice to see you today. Welcome, come here, it''s great to see that you have befriended one of our future saviors," Miles exclaimed with a hearty laugh.


    Logan, who was busy looking around took notice of the speaker. He was a short, stout man with a round belly that seemed to always be happy. His face was adorned by a bushy mustache that twitched whenever the middle-aged man spoke, giving him a somewhat comical appearance. Despite his unsavory profession as a slave trader, he had a surprisingly friendly demeanor, especially towards Rubina, almost as if she were his daughter.


    "I know that expression, hero. You''re one for few words, so let''s get to it. Follow me, and I will show you what the greatest slave and magical monster seller in this kingdom has to offer," Miles said with a knowing smile.


    The stout man led both youths deeper into the shop, his belly moving with each step. Logan noticed that the building was far larger than he had expected. There were various doors on all sides; at the beginning, many of these held merchandise and some workers moving food around. However, as they walked further, cages and enclosures began to appear.


    Most of these enclosures contained humans of all shapes and sizes. They stood up, thinking they might be sold today, only to see the trio pass them by, causing most to sit or lay back down in dejection. The sight tugged at Logan''s heart, a reminder of the harsh realities of the world they lived in.


    "If you see anything that catches your eye, please don''t hesitate, hero," Miles said, not looking back as he kept walking just fast enough to showcase his prized slaves.


    Rubina, who was at his side, got even closer and nodded in understanding as if to say she knew what he was thinking. She signaled with her hands to stay calm, rolling her fingers in a gesture that Logan guessed meant things would soon pass.


    Logan took a deep breath, and while feeling more at ease looked around, noticing that while the slaves were chained, they looked to be healthy, none of them looked to be beaten or whipped which he had expected to see.


    Beautiful women and handsome men of all ages and sizes were around them until they stepped into a new zone. This one clearly led into a large tent outdoors, and the difference here was immediately noticeable¡ªthe noise and smell that filled the air.


    Miles paused, this time turning to Logan and Rubina with a proud smile. "This is probably what you wanted to see, am I right? Anyways, sorry about that. As you know, we keep the beasts out back to avoid problems and all that."


    "Now then, Rubina, you should know that while rare and powerful, these are not what our hero Logan needs. Come, there is a particular monster I just got my hands on, one that should help our hero get powerful with his great ability," Miles spoke, barely able to contain his excitement at the thought of seeing the hero''s taming skills in action.


    They were led to a specific area where a large birdcage stood. Workers were bustling around it, either feeding or checking on the beast inside. Its shrills were powerful, yet the small bird could not be seen from afar, hidden within its enclosure.


    As they approached, the creature''s piercing cries echoed through the small space, rattling even the large tent, showcasing its powerful ability despite its small size. Logan''s curiosity was piqued, and he stepped closer to get a better view of the elusive beast.


    The workers stepped aside as Logan neared, revealing a small, vibrant bird with iridescent feathers that shimmered in the light. Despite its size, it radiated an aura of strength and majesty.


    The workers stepped aside as Logan neared, revealing a small, fluffy falcon chick with small white feathers that barely covered its skin. Despite its size, it radiated an aura of strength as each call produced a small shockwave that pushed Logan''s hair to the side.


    "Miles, where did you get this little one? Don''t tell me¡­" Rubina''s voice trailed off, a mix of curiosity and concern in her tone.


    Miles chuckled softly, his eyes shining with pride. "Ah, Rubina, lass, you should know your father wouldn''t have let me sell you a mistreated beast. This little one simply had a rough start. A great calamity happened in its environment, and luckily an adventurer got a hold of it as an egg. Sadly, the chick hatched before arriving at my store, or I would have sold it sooner¡­"


    Logan strained to hear the conversation behind him while trying to focus on the young chick. For his second official tame, he wanted a creature that would be with him at all times. A beast that could supplement his weaknesses when compared to others and could even help him in case a fight broke out.


    The small bird kept its gaze fixed on Logan as if measuring whether it needed to fight or call for help. Its piercing black eyes seemed to evaluate him, assessing his intentions. Logan extended his hand slowly, feeling the tension in the air as the falcon chick watched him intently.


    Logan liked the small creature''s attitude. The bird did not cower as his hand reached the small falcon''s head. Logan did not know what would happen, but the creature was far too young to cause him any real harm.


    When his hand reached far enough, its beak grazed him, creating a small wound. Trying to hold his arm steady, Logan used his finger to guide a drop of blood towards the small bird''s head.


    "Hey, can you pass me a piece of meat or something this monster likes!" Logan called to a nearby worker, trying to calm the beast enough to show his intentions.


    The young bird was confused after the liquid splashed its small head. The large human that stood before it seemed both intimidating and intriguing. The falcon chick tilted its head, sensing the sincerity in Logan''s actions. The young bird felt that it should decide whether to trust him or not.


    So far, the giant human did not want to hurt him, so he seemed good, but the little bird had never seen him before. The falcon chick chirped softly, as if pondering its decision. Logan, holding his breath, waited for the creature''s next move, hoping that the bond he sought would be accepted.


    To help the young bird choose, Logan held a large piece of meat, hoping to earn its trust. He knew that talking might not help, but he tried, nonetheless. "Come on, little one, I mean you no harm," he said softly, his voice calm and steady.


    The falcon chick eyed the meat curiously, its head tilting from side to side. The scent of the food seemed to entice it, and it took a step forward. Logan remained still, holding the meat out patiently, his heart pounding with anticipation.


    "Pwiee," the young bird cried out, startling Logan, who almost fell back. Yet he felt a burning sensation on the top of his head, clearly mirroring where the bird''s mark was. The intense connection formed between them; a bond signaled by the matching marks.


    Logan, before thinking about the bond, raised a hand to his head, checking his hair just in case before breathing out with relief. "Man, I have to plan where I mark my tames¡­"


    Logan steadied himself, sensing the magical link that had been established. The young falcon chick, now calmer, began to trust Logan, its piercing black eyes softening. The piece of meat in Logan''s hand was quickly snatched up by the chick, sealing the deal between the two. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Rubina nearby watched with a mixture of awe and relief. "It seems the little one has accepted you, Logan," she said with a smile.


    Miles clapped his hands together, beaming with pride. "Congratulations, hero Logan. You now have at hand a powerful ally. The Everwind Falcon is a very rare and extremely powerful creature. I hope it will serve as one of your best companions.

 Chapter 22 Gearing Up

    After forming the bond with the little falcon, Logan was given a small bag of food that would last the day and was even offered a free slave to help him carry anything he would buy, yet the boy rejected the offer. Leaving with minimal pleasantries, as was Logan''s style, the two teenagers left the kind yet morally questionable slave trader''s shop."I know you are not the best speaker, Logan, but I should remind you that making allies is in your best interest. Mr. Miles seemed content with your actions, but others may not be so keen on your way of acting. So try to fake a smile once in a while; who knows, maybe you will¡ª"


    Before Rubina could finish, she noticed a girl their age standing outside the shop. It was evident she was an earth user from the radiance of the Great Spirit of Earth''s power that surrounded her. An aura of amber shone around her, enhancing her features that were tinted in this hue. Her light brown short hair, clear, amber-tinted eyes, and bronze skin added to her look.


    The girl''s presence was calm and grounded, giving off a very different vibe in contrast to the bustling environment of the shopping district.


    "Lady Chloe of the Amberstone, to what do we owe the pleasure of your presence?" Rubina''s voice held some mild contempt.


    Lady Chloe tried to maintain her composure against the clear hostility shown to her. "I have been tasked with overseeing the hero''s safety. I apologize, as I was asked to meet you earlier, hero. Some miscommunications occurred, so I have come late to meet you this fine day."


    "Uhm, alright. I am Logan. Nice to meet you, Lady Chloe?" Logan spoke while looking at Chloe with a mix of curiosity and skepticism.


    "Ah yes, I almost forgot. Forgive me. My name is Chloe Amberstone, from one of the gem knight families under the care of the Great Earth Spirit." The young girl bowed, hand on her heart in a very knight-like movement, elegant and refined.


    Logan nodded, acknowledging her short introduction. Rubina remained hesitant about their new guest, especially since she interrupted the short time she had alone with Logan.


    I see you are both shopping, don''t mind me. I will be following you from afar, hero. I am merely here to keep you from danger. We never know when the vile demons will try to attack. But¡­ don''t worry about that; we have reinforced the kingdom with the help of various nations. Just¡­ shop, let''s not overcomplicate things." The girl sighed, a bit of her stress showing through her composed exterior. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chloe then took about ten steps back, giving both Logan and Rubina enough room to speak normally. Yet, it was hard to ignore an armored knight a few steps behind them, especially with the metal clanking noises that accompanied her movements.


    Rubina sighed, trying to focus on their shopping. "Well, at least she''s not right on top of us," she muttered, glancing over at Logan.


    Logan made a small smile, appreciating Rubina''s attempt to make light of the situation. "Let''s just continue. Where are we going next?"


    "Well, there are various things we will need. The simple ones will be picked up later so we won''t need to carry much. We do need you to pick out your armor¡­ a simple weapon and some new clothes, as going out in the wild usually ends with torn or ripped wear," Rubina replied thoughtfully.


    "Sorry to interrupt you two, but if it''s about armor¡­ we should head to old Merryl''s shop. It should be the fourth shop before the street ends," Chloe spoke out, then acted nonchalant as if she wasn''t with them.


    "Right, I was going to suggest the same. So I guess it''s a great place to go next then." As before, Rubina led the group forward, this time trying to pull Logan by the hand with a bit more speed, as if attempting to keep Chloe behind.


    Logan followed along, somewhat exasperated with everything that was happening. And yet, it didn''t feel too bad to be here now, near a girl who reminded him of how Lisa would pull him around as kids. The memories brought a small smile to his face as he recalled those good times.


    As they walked through the bustling market, Logan took the opportunity to look around. Despite living through a war, the people here managed to get up every day, continue living, and strive to make enough money to satisfy their daily needs.


    As they got closer to the destined shop, the duo looked back, their follower seemed closer than before, with expectation clearly visible in her face.


    It did not take them long to reach the shop, they entered the large wooden building with a wide window displaying various armors made from different materials, whether animal hides or high-quality minerals. Once inside, the unmistakable scent of new leather filled their nostrils. The place was well-lit, with various magic orb crystals radiating light. The rhythmic sound of a hammer hitting metal could be heard in the distance, accompanied by the voice of someone humming a lovely melody.


    The sight of an elderly lady sitting behind a workbench was the first thing they noticed. She was fully concentrated on trying to finish sewing a part of a boot but did not fail to greet those who entered.


    "Greetings, give me a second, will you? Just a few more rows and this should be about finished," she said with a calm tone that reminded Logan of his late grandmother.


    "It''s fine, Madam Merryl, we will take a look around while you finish," Rubina said, predicting this would happen.


    "Oh, it''s the Rosengard Lass, huh? That''s a nice suggestion. Wait, is that you, Lady Chloe? Even better! You should know what the young couple would want." With a light laugh, the old lady spoke while still dedicating all her attention to her work.


    With a smug look, Rubina pulled Logan to the area where medium defensive equipment was displayed. She glanced around, considering the various colors and thinking about which would fit and look good on Logan. As she picked up a few gloves, a voice stopped her before she continued.


    "Uhm, Those won''t be too useful, if I may¡­ This black set and this dark grey set might be good choices," Chloe suggested, stepping forward. "The black set has good defense and deters magic to an extent, but it is a little heavy. Meanwhile, the dark grey set seems to align with the hero''s choice of wear. It''s mostly leather, so weight is not much of a problem, yet it lacks the magic defense he might want to have¡­on" The young girl who seemed conscious that her presence annoyed the red haired youth as before took a few steps back, yet her suggestions were enough for Rubina to not lash out in anger.


    She took both sets to Logan, nodding in appreciation before saying, "Well, the Amberstone''s know their stuff. The gloss finish on some parts of this black armor would go well with your personality, while this grey one does look good and takes comfort into consideration. The choice ultimately depends on what you prioritize more, defense or mobility."


    Logan carefully examined both sets, weighing the pros and cons in his mind. He appreciated Chloe''s knowledgeable input and Rubina''s effort in finding the best gear for him. After a moment of contemplation, Logan made his decision but before he spoke Rubina pitched in another choice.


    "Then again, why do we need to make a choice? We should take both." Rubina paused for a second before addressing the third wheel. "Also, Ms. Chloe, stop going so far if you can hear what we are saying. We might need your help here as we still need footgear for going in the wild, and a good spatial bag."


    Chloe stepped closer; her composed demeanor unchanged. "About that, I think a good spatial ring would be better suited. It''s less cumbersome and more secure. Plus, it frees up your hands for other tasks."


    Rubina showed a look of impression and, considering Chloe''s suggestion, said, "That does sound practical. What do you think, Logan?"


    Logan nodded, thinking it would be better to have something lighter while walking. "Yeah¡­ well that sounds good to me."


    The boy was happy he did not have to do much. After picking out everything they needed in terms of armor and camping gear, they went to the old lady Merryl, who had finished her task. She introduced Logan to her husband, who specialized in both armory and blacksmithing. The neighboring shop, the weapon shop was run by their eldest daughter, continuing the family tradition.


    Entering the weapon shop was far easier, as they only had to pick up a few daggers and, for some reason, a whip which Rubina kept insisting on getting for Logan.


    Before heading back to the Rosengard Estate, they decided to visit a nice caf¨¦ for a few snacks. Chloe initially wanted to sit at another table, but Rubina, in a sly manner, dragged Chloe to join them.

 Chapter 23 Healer and Warriors

    In the castle''s training ground, a girl stood behind three of her classmates, who were currently fighting monsters. The first day in training had been hard on everyone, but it soon became normal for the class.There was a small feeling of euphoria each time they gained a level up, and for some, it became an addictive sensation. Every time they killed a monster, a type of energy would enter their bodies, granting them strength and with enough of it they would level up.


    As for Lisa, she had yet to kill, but for some reason, any kills made by her classmates with her included also granted her some of this energy. One of the guys mentioned earlier that it was like a game party system, making it easier for them to get experience points of some kind.


    From her point of view, though, all she saw were magical letters that appeared in front of her, informing her about the skills, abilities, and some stats she possessed, something that Lisa did not fully comprehend.


    Today they had been training for a few hours. Each kid was placed in a team of four and given weapons and armor to protect themselves. Lisa was the so-called Healer and was given a mace, a small light shield, and light leather armor.


    The monsters they were placed against today were larger than those on the first day. Each had the size and even the look of a pig. They had hard stone-like hides which would take a few strong strikes before any weapon could hurt them. Magic was the easiest way to defeat them, but Lisa''s team only consisted of front-line warriors.


    "Lisa, watch the left! I will be attacking from the right, so it might get dangerous as I go forth. Keep your shield up," Brian screamed as he rushed forth.


    Lisa felt her heart race as she watched Brian charge ahead. She tightened her grip on her shield, ready to support her teammates. The letters and stats floating in front of her became a blur as she focused on the immediate task of keeping her team safe.


    The pig-like monsters charged, their hooves thundering against the ground. Lisa''s teammates swung their weapons, each strike chipping away at the beasts'' tough hides. Lisa kept a close watch on Brian, prepared to rush in and heal any wounds he might sustain.


    Bending his legs, the young boy jumped between two beasts that were being pressured by his teammates. While wishing his two best friends, Jonathon and George, were here to help him, Brian got close to the first boar monster''s rib cage and used his gauntlets to bash its side.


    "Blaze Knuckle!" the boy called out like a madman. His fist, which had bashed the beast, suddenly roared with flames, searing the hard, stone-protected skin of the earth monster, leaving its fleshy part exposed. With a second punch, the beast''s side seemed to have caved in, the devastating blow pushing it back like a rocket.


    Brian, looking at his torn weapon before tossing it away, jumped back to avoid the second beast, which came to help its companion.


    The squealing of the downed beast, thrashing about, caused the other to go berserk. It lowered its face, directing all its anger at Brian while ignoring the tank who had its attention just a few seconds ago.


    "Kiel, slap it or something, man! Its aggro is being directed towards me, dude!" Brian shouted out in anger, seeing the Paladin standing flabbergasted.


    "Calm down, all I need to do is¡­ Savage Strike!" Another hero stepped in. His class, Warchief, was the pinnacle of the Barbarian class. A boy who was often laughed at for his size and weight, but during the last few days, this only served to fuel his berserker class.


    "Finally, you do something right, Fat Albert. I will pay for your lunch today, man."


    Lisa, who healed those that were close to danger, grimaced as she saw how their so-called party leader led the group. She was only safe from his nasty mouth because she knew the boy had feelings for her, something that did not please her, especially when his eyes lingered on every part of her body every chance they got.


    "Heal, heal, heal¡­" she screamed, not forgetting to do her job. At level four, she was one of the class''s highest leveled, mainly due to the church placing more effort into training her.


    It was hard, and she did not take pleasure in watching monsters being killed or seeing her own team, at times, bleed so hard they fainted. But in order to survive and go back home, this was what needed to happen. Although, like the rest, she also couldn''t say she was not influenced by the level-up high, as the class had dubbed it.


    She had seen changes happen that had never occurred before. Her hair grew fast and shinier, her nails stronger, her skin glossier and healthier, and even a few marks from before began to slowly fade.


    Her friend Alma, ecstatic by the new changes, did not like the fact her natural black hair began to grow back, making the blonde dye from just a week ago show.


    "One more time, slash the eye this time, don''t waste time looking," Brian told the Berserker, who missed a slash with his large axe. Two new beasts had been released in their direction. Like before, one was being tanked by the Paladin while the other was pincered between Brian and Albert, the stout boy.


    "PING!"


    [You have reached level 5, a new skill has been unlocked, Detoxification.] S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After blinking a few times to get the mass of letters displayed in front of her like a hologram, Lisa focused on the Paladin who had sustained a few hits when his shield had crumbled.


    "Guys, I need backup over here! My shield has turned to dust with so much damage. Are these beginner gear? Why give us this crap, don''t tell me there are level-locked items in this world," he shouted, frustration evident in his voice.


    "Level-locked what? Man, we are still killing weak animals. Why would they spend more on us at this moment? Just learn to use your skills, Kiel!" Brian said while trying to do the same tactic as before. Due to only having his left gauntlet, which wasn''t his dominant hand, his strike was not as effective.


    "Move, let me get this one also, Savage Strike!" Albert, the Warchief, shouted as he swung his large axe, hitting spot on the beast''s head. Blood and fat splattered everywhere, some of it even reaching Lisa, who tried to cover herself with her shield.


    "You idiot, can you make a clean kill, man? Look at all that mess! You even spilled some on Lisa!" Brian shouted, frustration evident in his voice while pointing to the mess.


    "It''s fine; it seems we are done anyway," Lisa said, wiping her face with her sleeve, trying to stay focused despite the unpleasantness.


    "You''re lucky, Albert. I will have to take back what I said about your food, though. Now everyone, let''s head back; there seem to be no more beasts for our team."


    "Yeah, whatever, Brian. You''re only bossing us around because you sucked up so hard to the Princess. Don''t think we don''t know, right, Lisa?" Albert tried to make Brian lose face, knowing, like the rest of the class, of his strong attraction towards Lisa.


    "What did you just say? I have done no such thing! Now let''s go before you make me punch another pig in this place," Brian said, making his fist light with flames around it.


    Lisa felt the tension rising between the two boys, but before she could intervene, the Paladin, Kiel, pulled Albert away, leaving her and Brian alone to watch the other two go.


    "That, he is lying, alright," Brian said. "I was only called up by the king a few times, you know, he got interested in me since the first day and all that."


    "I don''t care, Brian," Lisa replied. "Let''s just go back to the others. I need to take a shower."


    As they rejoined the others in class, they noticed that Silvia''s group had finished before the rest. The youngest in the class but possibly the smartest, Silvia was sitting reading a book in one hand while making a ball made of wind in the other. As soon as she noticed the newcomers, she turned to Lisa, erased her ball of wind, and gestured for her to come closer.


    "You''re dirty, here, let me help you¡­" Showing a face of apathy, the young girl snapped her fingers, causing a ball of water to surround Lisa.


    Lisa was scared and tried to struggle, but as soon as she tried to move, the magic stopped and then turned into a ball full of wind, which surrounded her body.


    "There, you don''t stink anymore," the silver-haired girl said. Without waiting for a response, she returned to her reading.


    "Thanks?" Lisa said in a low voice, standing there with her body still tingling from the magical cleaning. The shock of what had just happened left her speechless, but then she noticed that, like her, three other girls were sitting around, their hair a mess from the air-blowing session they received. Deciding to join them, Lisa took a seat and waited for the others in class to finish.


    She tried combing her messy hair down, glad that at least Logan was not around to see her in this state. Looking around, she saw how, like her team, others were struggling, but unlike her group, they would only face one monster at a time.


    Out of all those in class, only four were not present: Chris, the alchemist who went to the empire; a girl who stayed in her room all day and wouldn''t come out; their teacher who was being taught somewhere else; and finally Logan, whose instructor hadn''t arrived yet.


    Lisa looked at her hand, seeing that at times, a red blood ring would appear on her finger.


    "That fool, I wonder if he planned this to look like a ring¡­" A smile surfaced on her face.

 Chapter 24 First Outing Pt. 1

    "Heek, heek." S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality."Not now¡­" Logan mumbled.


    "Heek."


    "Just a little more¡­" Logan pleaded.


    "HeeeeeK!"


    Pulling the pillow over his ear, Logan tried to muffle the noisy creature that kept pecking his forehead.


    To the side of his bed, the small falcon stood, looking at his master.


    [Food, more bugs, more!] the falcon made a few mental demands.


    "Alright, alright! Let me get up first, Zephyr¡­" Logan sighed, lifting himself off the bed while rubbing his eyes and yawning loudly.


    Looking around the room in confusion, he recalled what happened the day before. "Oh yeah, I stayed in the Rosengard mansion."


    The boy then looked towards his majestic Everwind Falcon, who, like his previous Scorchwyrm, had gone through a big change. Yesterday''s events came to mind.


    As soon as they arrived from shopping the day before, they were greeted by the Earl, who was eager to see Logan''s new tame. Luckily for them, Chloe decided to return to the castle shortly after their arrival at the Rosengard Estate, so they didn''t have to worry about hiding Logan''s taming abilities.


    The sun was setting, giving Rubina, Logan, and the Earl just enough time to try feeding the small chick as they did with the Scorchwyrm. He was introduced to Battle Ants to help him level up. Being a few days older than his other tamed creatures seemed to help the young chick, who used small wind blades with ease by flapping his small wings to cut the insects into pieces to eat.


    Within half an hour, the small creature evolved into his adult form, a beautiful bird who not only exuded a regal appearance but also the powerful presence of one of the sky''s top predators.


    Logan could still remember what Earl Victor said about his new tamed beast.


    His sleek build was made to be the fastest flying creature in this world. Its large wings and aerodynamic form allow it to slice through the air, and by using wind magic, it can go even faster and cut down those it deems prey or foe.


    Logan had forgotten what else the Earl had said, but he appreciated him for letting him have this new tame for free. The boy was happy with his new companion. The 15 cm falcon was still small, but its cheerful attitude, retained from its infancy, made Logan like the small bird even more. He still wished his very, very, hot-blooded salamander had the same temperament. Sadly, that would never happen it seemed.


    As he got his mind back into what he needed to do to jumpstart his morning, he noticed that his personal maid, Ruri, had been brought to the Rosengard mansion from the castle inn. While the bird beat her in awakening the boy, the door was opened with her hands filled with new clothes for Logan to wear.


    "Master Logan, I have brought you some clothes especially made for you. This is one of a few sets I had the castle''s tailors make for you," she said, her voice giving slight hints of anger. "Oh, and I have thanked the Earl for having notified me about your absence," she added, her tone laced with sarcasm.


    "I''m sorry, Ruri. Everything happened so fast," Logan pleaded, realizing he had forgotten about the girl with everything that happened.


    "It''s fine, master, just please at least send word that you''re safe. The Earl said that it would be fine if I came when you plan to stay over." Ruri''s voice softened, but there was still a hint of frustration.


    Logan thought about his error and how he could make it up to her. He appreciated Ruri''s dedication and felt a pang of guilt for causing her worry. He thought about the difference that a few days made in his life. Before now, no one depended on him much or was willing to trouble themselves to the point that they would go to a stranger''s house just to be there for him.


    The morning seemed to go by fast. He quickly changed into clothes that properly fit him¡ªa dark tunic with gold accents, a black cloak he appreciated, and dark pants with the same silk-like texture just like the tunic. It was a comfortable set for which he had to thank Ruri. She had also brought him a new handmade beanie, which he loved.


    Joining Rubina and the Earl for a quick breakfast, everyone seemed eager to get the day started, knowing Logan only had a few days to train his tames. With his instructor coming soon, he would need to be like the others and use the castle''s training room to level up.


    "So, let''s go over today''s plan again. You will be heading to Beastclaw Forest north of here. There should be a good amount of small beasts there for you to fight. Remember, everything there is game, so you should store it for either selling pelts and meat to townsfolk who would gladly get their hands on fresh meat," the Earl instructed.


    "If I remember that forest is only for nobles or royalty, don''t you have to pay a good amount to hunt there?" Rubina questioned her father.


    "That''s correct," the Earl replied, nodding. "Beastclaw Forest is indeed reserved for nobles and royalty, and there is a hefty fee for hunting rights. However, given that Logan is a hero, it will be no problem, the castle knows that we are his backers and the young girl from the Amberstone family will most likely be going with you two."


    "Now then, you should both get ready. Remember, you will need to be fully armored as there is nowhere to change when you get there. Logan, try to let your monsters fight for now. Keep them at a distance and make sure to prioritize their safety. That should be all. Go on now," the Earl finished, wiping his mouth as he was still eating dessert. The two youths had long finished their meal and only waited on the Earl''s orders to start preparing.


    Thankful that he could rely on his maid to help him put on his new armor, Logan set out with Rubina, who wore a dark, fitted combat outfit. The sleek design allowed for ease of movement while providing ample protection.


    Logan glanced at Rubina, appreciating the practical yet stylish attire. "So where should we meet Chloe?" he asked trying to keep his gaze on her eyes.


    "She should be here any moment¡ª as if on cue, don''t tell me you were waiting for us to mention you¡­" Rubina said surprised that the girl appeared when her name was called.


    "Well, I have been out here for a while now. I couldn''t be late like yesterday and be left behind," Chloe admitted.


    "You know¡­ you could have knocked, and we would have received you like any other guest," Rubina replied with a look of exasperation.


    "It seems you didn''t take to my presence yesterday, so I tried not to bother your time with the hero¡­ Anyways, greetings to you, hero Logan and Miss Rubina," the brown-haired girl said, her knightly stance and serious expression showing that she only wanted to be seen as a bodyguard.


    Logan noticed that Chloe seemed more dutiful, showing that she took her role seriously today and tried to keep emotions from her work. She kept her distance like yesterday showing that she did not fully trust either Rubina or him, but this did not bother him much, he just wanted to leave already as it was getting close to midday.


    "Oh and don''t worry about me disturbing you both on the carriage, I have brought my mount today." Chloe pointed to a large chicken-like animal that was shaking its body as if to fix its feathers, it looked friendly, but Logan dared not get near it.


    "That''s a nice Breeze Roc. We have a few, but yours seems to be more agile¡ªmust be military-bred," Rubina commented, admiring the bird''s sleek form and impressive plumage.


    "Yeah, she is one of my family''s best. Now then, I have heard we will be going into the Beastclaw Forest. I will remind you that we should not cross the river as that is Stone Grizzel''s territory," Chloe warned, her tone serious.


    Logan nodded, absorbing the information. "Got it. We''ll stay clear of the river and focus on the areas where we can safely train."


    Rubina pitched in, "It''s important to be cautious. Grizzel''s territory is not to be taken lightly as they usually attack in groups."


    With the whole group ready, they left in a normal carriage today, knowing that the rough terrain would be easier to travel with a lighter vehicle. The rough ride was as always to Logans taste, the only help he had was the pink potions which he brough to aid him.


    Two hours into the journey, the cart stopped as they encountered a patrol. A few words from Chloe were all it took for them to be allowed through without question. Another thirty minutes later, they arrived at a spot where the carriage could no longer proceed. Vines, trees, and bushes made it impossible for the cart or the large, feathered beast to continue.


    Logan, with wobbly steps, began to exit the carriage while Rubina laughed. He tried to ignore his discomfort while taking a nice deep breath, which cleansed his lungs.


    "I really need to request suspension systems¡­" Logan murmured, pulling his feathered beast from under his cloak, where it had been fast asleep. The small falcon seemed eager to stretch its wings as soon as he saw the sky and took off.


    Looking at the joy his new tamed beast had while flying, Logan thought about his Scorchwyrm, who had to stay behind. He was warned that the main reason to keep it secret was that tamers could have at most ten tamed beasts throughout their lives, while Logan, at level 2, could already have four. By the look of things, he could probably increase his maximum tamed capacity by one per level.


    [Master, master, prey, food!] Before Logan could recall his ball of feathers, it had already started today''s onslaught. Zephyr swooped down with astonishing speed, targeting small creatures scurrying through the underbrush.

 Chapter 25 First Outing Pt. 2

    It was only a few days since he was born, but he had never felt so much power in his very, very short life. He was no longer the featherless chick who called out to his absent parents; he was now a fully grown falcon. His beak was sharp as a blade, his talons as strong as steel, and his wings powerful enough to blow away a tree.His core, situated in the center of his body, felt like it could explode with all the energy it had stored.


    Soring high in the sky he unleashed a few blades of concentrated wind directing them towards a nearby treetop. With ease, the slash passed through the thick trunk leaving only exposed wood and a neat cut through its once lush canopy.


    "Kreeeee!" The young bird roared, eager to express its might to the world. Its cry echoed through the sky, a bold declaration of its newfound might.


    His keen sense of sight caught the movement of various small animals and monsters. With interest, he expressed his new find using the link that bound his soul with his master.


    [Master, master, prey, food!]


    He knew by instinct that there was nothing in these parts that would pose a danger to him, so he took it upon himself to keep it that way.


    Ignoring the weakest of the small prey, which he found trivial, Zephyr spotted a nice, big, juicy rodent the size of his master''s leg¡ªa perfect trophy to show to his owner. Everyone knew that rodents made the best meals, and if this one was bigger, it would make for a grand feast.


    Using his speed, Zephyr flew higher than ever before, knowing the large rodent would flee if it spotted him. Employing his exceptional vision, which could spot an animal a quarter of a kilometer away, he positioned himself for the perfect strike.


    Trying to contain his excitement, which would make him shrill out loud in joy, the small bird waited while charging the wind around him. As soon as he felt the mana transform into wind, Zephyr swooped down, adding some rotations to enhance the wind''s strength.


    It was very hard to make the wind obey him, but he needed to make it cover any noise that would scare off its large prey.


    Two hundred meters went by in seconds. At fifty meters, he fixed his talons forward, feeling his small legs trying to sway to the side, but through sheer willpower, he made them stay in place.


    Twenty meters left; young Zephyr raised his wings, causing the feathers to feel as though they would tear off with any sudden movement. Instinct ruled over fear, joy, and any other emotion. It dictated his actions, and with it, the young bird pushed forth, his determination unwavering.


    Its prey was too busy looking for seeds through dried foliage that helped cover the small falcon''s descent. It took only four seconds for the rodent to find itself impaled within eight talons before being pushed towards a wall.


    "Qweek!" cried the two-foot rodent.


    A noise resounded through the forest as one of its inhabitants was killed instantly.


    "Eww, is that a Burrow Nibblet? I''ve never seen one so big before¡­" Rubina exclaimed as the three teenagers arrived to help the small falcon. Before them was a bloody mess, as Zephyr couldn''t hold back his urge to feed.


    [Master, food, eat, come] The young bird called out to his master with innocence.


    "Ugh, this isn''t good. I just got over the road trip." Logan mumbled, tightening his molars while trying to keep his breakfast down.


    "Get used to it, hero. We''re only beginning, so take a few gulps of a potion while I dismember what is still useful here," Chloe instructed, pulling a dagger from a small pouch at her side.


    [Mine, mine, master help] the young bird chirped as Chloe picked up the rodent.


    "Calm down, here, I''ll toss you this which isn''t necessary," Chloe said, pulling the hide off with ease. Logan noticed the dagger she had was actually made from amber. Its tip started to warp as it came in contact with the fallen beast.


    "I know you both won''t want to touch this particular beast, but deeper in the forest I hope you can successfully dismember other beasts we may hunt," Chloe said with a cold voice.


    "I already know how to, remember we are a family of breeders, but Logan here, I wonder how he will do," Rubina added.


    Speechless, Logan tried to ignore his emotions and focus on his tamed creature, which had risen a level. He noticed that while his mana felt stronger, the small falcon showed no change after becoming an adult.


    "This should be enough. Here, take it and put it in your storage ring. Let''s continue, we have a long day ahead," Chloe ordered, taking her position as the party''s leader. "Also, keep your tame by your side; it is still inexperienced, so making too much noise can be dangerous or make it difficult to find more beasts."


    "Alright..." Logan responded with disgust, tapping his ring toward the smelly pelt that still oozed bodily fluids.


    [Zephyr, shoulder, stay] Logan called out, still trying to figure out how to use monster talk, which seemed more based on emotions than words.


    His small beast who was finishing his meal at a rapid pace understood what his master tried to convey and used his wing as a sword to produce a wind blade to cut off one of his foods legs to take on his way.


    "Logan, just take the whole thing. You never know when you will need to feed your pet, and taking a part, like it''s trying to do, will leave a mess on your shoulder," Chloe warned, cleaning her blade before placing it back into her storage bag.


    "Ugh... yes ma''am," Logan cried out, seeing what his tame wanted to do. He felt helpless throughout the ordeal, not knowing how to handle the situation. Thankfully, Chloe was there to act as their leader through this forest.


    With a hectic start, the team ventured deeper where Logan spotted a multitude of beasts. Among the twisted roots that made it hard for them to walk and the dead, dry leaves that didn''t let them pass without making noise, Logan saw squirrel-like creatures gliding through the trees. Horned rabbits fought each other before stopping at the sound of the teens passing by, then quickly scampered away.


    Some trees and bushes showed signs of life as well. A particularly aggressive tree even tried to hit them as Logan tripped on its root. Luckily for the boy, his tame swiftly sliced through the branch that aimed for its master''s head, preventing what could have been a nasty blow.


    Through their journey, the kids let the bird hunt only the beasts that Chloe pointed to. These were either the largest of their kind, the most prized in terms of meat or pelt, or the ones that would give the most experience. With each hunt, Zephyr grew more skilled, his instincts sharpening as he followed Chloe''s precise directions.


    "PING!"


    [You have reached level 3]


    After two hours, with his falcon having battled every small creature that Chloe pointed to, the group decided to seek out stronger prey to raise Logan''s level faster. Logan''s goal for today was ambitious¡ªreaching level 5, which meant gaining three whole levels from where they started.


    "Hey, so what level are you two at?" Logan having a doubt about his strength asked his two team members a question he had since the start.


    "Level, I recall we talked about that but what do you mean exactly?" Rubina questioned as Chloe stopped walking to look back at Logan.


    "You know, level, the numerical value of your strength?" Logan explained.


    "Logan, I don''t know what you''re talking about¡­all of us in this world only know how strong we are by the color power scale. I, for example, am a Yellow Fire Mage. Here, let me show you," Rubina replied while taking out a small crystal from her storage ring.


    The small crystal was colorless, but as soon as Rubina concentrated while powering some of her mana, the crystal changed to a bright yellow color.


    "I am also around that color, a bit darker, but that should be normal for our age," Chloe chimed in, growing interested in the topic.


    "Here, you try using the crystal. It should be interesting to see what color you''re at," Rubina said, passing her crystal to Logan. "Just concentrate and pour in a bit of mana. It''s easy."


    Logan, who didn''t know how to use magic, closed his eyes and poured what he felt like energy into the small colorless rock. He opened his eyes only to see it stay the same.


    "Try again, hero. Think about the flow of your energy and direct it with intention. It''s not only about feeling it; you have to will it to flow," Chloe encouraged.


    The boy decided not to close his eyes during his second attempt. He tried to feel the same way as when he talked to his bird through some unknown connection. He noticed that this connection, while linked to his mind, actually began in a small part at the pit of his stomach, as if there was something there that pulsed with power.


    Soon, the stone turned a light shade of red, not strong enough to light a room.


    "Well, we have our answer. You seem to be on the weaker side of the starters in this world, around the level of a six- or seven-year-old mage apprentice..." Chloe shared, a little bit of disappointment showing through the stoic expression she tried to maintain.


    Logan''s shoulders slumped as he thought about how weak he was compared to the other two. He tried to calculate and came up with the idea that both girls were probably around level 30, if the power scheme used the colors of a rainbow to indicate power. It was only a guess, but maybe each color represented around ten levels.


    He wanted to think about why their class could see levels instead of colors, but he decided to leave the pondering for later. Chloe had long forgotten the talk about levels and colors and was focused on finishing today''s tasks, including learning as much as possible about the hero.


    "We have around an hour to reach the next part of the forest, which is an open area. There, we should find larger and stronger beasts to help you train before we finish for the day," Chloe explained. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 26 First Outing Pt. 3

    Three figures and a falcon moved stealthily through the dense forest, their eyes constantly scanning their surroundings. The sunlight filtered high over the canopy, indicating it was a little past midday. Birds were chirping, animals and beasts playing and the trees swaying as if to enjoy the calm peaceful day.Chloe crouched down, her ears perking up at a faint rustling in the distance. She signaled for the group to halt. "Something''s out there," she whispered.


    Logan nodded, his grip tightening on the small dagger he had bought. [Zephyr, can you see what it is?] he mentally communicated.


    The small bird, attuned to hunting from fighting so much during the day, turned its head towards the direction of the sound as it flew up. [Master, big beasts, horns, fighting,] it communicated back.


    Logan''s heart pounded with anticipation. He, like the others, could feel the earth rumble from time to time. "It seems to be a pair of large horned beasts that are fighting," he said in a hushed voice.


    As they advanced, the rustling grew louder, and the now quiet forest seemed to sense the struggle between two great monsters. The team walked slowly until they reached the edge of a clearing where a pair of elk-like creatures were battling. They were towering, probably two meters high, with antlers that glowed with a faint green light. Every few seconds, they clashed, their powerful bodies slamming together before stepping back to reassess each other.


    Rubina''s breath caught in her throat as she took in the scene. "We need to be careful. This fight could turn dangerous for us if we''re not cautious," she said, her hand instinctively reaching for a small wand kept in her ring.


    Chloe nodded, her eyes fixed on the battling creatures. "Let''s observe them for a moment. We need to understand their behavior before we make our move."


    Chloe moved closer to Logan, his eyes never leaving the elk-like creatures. "If we can figure out which one is more aggressive, we might be able to turn the tide in our favor."


    Zephyr perched on a nearby branch, its keen eyes monitoring the battle below. [Dark fur, leader] the falcon communicated. [Small, weaker, need kill, meat]


    Logan tried to gather what he could from Zephyr''s telepathic messages. He interpreted that the falcon believed it could take on the smaller beast but feared the larger one.


    "My tame said it could probably kill the one with the lighter fur, but we will need to focus on the dark fur one. So, what should we do, Chloe?" he asked, turning to her for guidance.


    Chloe took a deep breath, her eyes fixed on the battling creatures while planning a way to separate them safely. "We need to create a distraction. If the smaller one escapes, we could be in trouble¡ªthat big one will defend its territory."


    She paused before continuing. "Rubina, you should know how to use Flame Arrow, right? You will charge the strongest one and shoot the large one while I create spikes around to keep them in place. Logan, just concentrate on your tame. Since you don''t have a way to fight, maintain your distance and keep watch for any dangers we may face from behind."


    Rubina nodded, positioning herself and drawing her wand, ready to cast the Flame Arrow spell. "Got it. I''ll wait for your signal."


    Meanwhile, Logan felt bad that he really didn''t have a role; his tame had been doing all the fighting so far. However, he understood the importance of having a lookout so the team wouldn''t be surprised from behind. He shifted his attention to Zephyr. [Stay sharp, Zephyr. We need to be ready for anything.]


    Chloe began to focus her energy, the air around her crackling as she closed in. She raised her amber dagger, which seemed to function like a wand. The ground responded to her command, spikes forming around the battling beasts, who suddenly stopped, sensing the mana around them stirring.


    Chloe whispered, "Get ready... Now!"


    Rubina released her Flame Arrow, the fiery projectile soaring towards the larger creature. Simultaneously, Chloe''s spikes shot up from the ground, corralling the beasts and forcing them apart.


    The larger beast roared in fury as the Flame Arrow hit its target, while the smaller one took the opportunity to retreat slightly, bewildered by the sudden assault.


    Those few seconds of faltering were enough for Zephyr to swoop in, unleashing two wind blades. One of them struck the larger beast right in the neck, while the other, weakened by its tough hide, hit its torso. The large stag flipped a few times, unable to call out as its trachea had been damaged.


    "Kweek!" Zephyr let out a piercing cry, its voice echoing through the forest.


    Without giving the beast a second to recover, the young falcon rose up as far as it could and readied itself to turn its body into a wind arrow. Using what little mana it could conjure up for a final blow, it rolled as it dived, its wings tucked back at their optimal position.


    In less than the time it takes to blink, the young bird plunged its razor-sharp claws into the deer''s side, right where it sensed its magic core.


    While the second beast was easier to take care of, the more experienced one had been luckier in recovering from Rubina''s magic.


    "Use a stronger spell, this beast knows how to absorb magic somehow. I didn''t want to harm its fur, but our safety is the priority here!" Chloe shouted, her voice filled with urgency.


    Logan looked around, trying to figure out what he could do. His bird was ensuring that its prey was dealt with before joining the battle, and Rubina was busy focusing on a new spell.


    It took only a few seconds, but that was enough for her to cast a large fireball as Chloe kept raising larger spears of earth to keep the now raging stag in place.


    "Here goes, everyone stand back!" Rubina cried out, releasing the most powerful spell she could muster while trying to keep it concentrated in one spot to avoid affecting their surroundings.


    The large ball of fire surged forward as the stag tried to use some spell with its antlers, which began to glow a radiant shade of green. The antlers seemed to conjure a wind spell, attempting to redirect the large fireball that was coming to reap its life.


    An explosion resounded, pushing everyone back. Logan, at the rear, used his sleeve to shield his face from the heat wave that passed him.


    After everyone calmed down, he noticed his tame had taken to the sky to escape, while Chloe and Rubina were near each other, taking refuge behind a large pillar.


    [Food, burn, food gone] Logan felt a pang of regret as he picked up on Zephyr''s telepathic frustration over the fiery explosion that seemed to have charred its kill.


    "Well, that was overkill¡­" Chloe muttered as she stood up. With a wave of her hand, she made her cover explode into fine particles, smothering any flames that wanted to continue burning.


    "Sorry, I got a little scared that my first spell didn''t hurt that beast," Rubina admitted, dusting herself off.


    "Wait, look!" Logan pointed towards the ground where the large beast was still breathing.


    "It seems you have work to do, hero¡­" Chloe said, her eyes meeting Logan''s with a mix of empathy. "I will help you¡ªuse my dagger, which I will make as sharp as possible." S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She handed Logan her dagger, and with a wave of her hand, the blade shimmered, becoming incredibly sharp. Logan took the dagger, his grip firm as he approached the wounded beast. The creature''s breaths were labored, its eyes filled with a mixture of pain and defiance.


    "Thank you, Chloe," Logan said quietly, taking a deep breath. He knew what had to be done to keep the beast from suffering any longer.


    Logan looked down at the monster, its eyes radiating a killing intent that nullified his taming skills. He knew there was only one choice¡ªwell, there were a few others, like ordering his falcon to do the dirty work, but he felt it was time for him to do his part as well.


    He lifted the dagger over his head, his hands trembling and knees weak, but his mind was set. Logan steadied himself, taking a deep breath to calm his nerves. The beast''s eyes flickered, sensing its imminent fate. With a final surge of resolve, Logan plunged the dagger where he saw seared skin revealing the creature''s heart, ensuring a swift and merciful end.


    "PING!"


    [You have reached level 5]


    Soon after receiving the message, his feet buckled. He felt power coursing through his body, and before his two companions had time to react, he reached for a small pendant hidden under his cloak. It held the shard of the chronicle crystal.


    [Name: Logan Class: Soul Bound Tamer]


    Level: 5


    Health: 42 Mana: 39


    Attributes:


    Strength: 6 Agility: 5 Dexterity: 5 Constitution: 8 Intelligence: 6 Charisma: 3


    [Skills:]


    Taming (Rank: Beginner): Forms a permanent bond with a marked beast or being using the masters blood; the being must be willing to form a pact and cannot be of higher rank or level than the master. (Max Beings: 3/8)


    Empathic Link (Rank: Beginner): Establishes a mental connection with tamed creatures, allowing for silent communication and understanding of their emotions and thoughts within a certain distance. (Max distance: 6 meters)


    Beast Synergy: Logan achieves a synergy based on the loyalty of his tamed creatures, allowing him to harness their abilities as extensions of his own power. (Max abilities: 3)


    [Abilities:]


    Tamer''s Bond: Allows the hero to form a soul bond with creatures, making them permanent allies.


    [Tamed Beings:]


    Crimson Majesty (Level 1 - Blood Mark ¨C Right Ankle)


    Skills: Scent of Serenity: Emits a calming fragrance that soothes those nearby, reducing stress and attracting prey. Hyper sense: Detects nearby presences through vibrations and movements around the plant. Thorny Defense: Protect itself using thorns found in its vines if attacked.


    Error: Unable to display further information. (Level 6 ¨C Blood Mark ¨C Ring Finger)


    Scorchwyrm (Level 5 (Adult) - Blood Mark ¨C Neck) Loyalty: 2/100


    Skills: Flame Breath: Unleashes a powerful stream of fire capable of incinerating foes. Molten Scales: Scales radiate intense heat, burning anything that comes into contact with them. Searing Whip: Whips its tail releasing a blazing slash on its path.


    Everwind Falcon: (Level 7 (Zephyr ¨C Adult) ¨C Blood Mark ¨C Vertex) Loyalty: 28/100


    Skills: Wind Blades: Zephyr can create sharp gusts of wind to slice through enemies.


    Gale Force: Unleashes a powerful windstorm, disorienting and pushing back foes.


    Sharp Vision (Passive): Possesses incredibly keen eyesight, able to spot targets from great distances and in low light conditions.


    [Experience Points (XP): 134/200]

 Chapter 27 Guardian of the Forest

    Logan was stunned. He had finally acquired a skill that would allow him to play a role in battle. The ability to use his tamed beasts'' skills and mix up a variety of them was exciting, although it came with the drawback of needing to increase their loyalty, which was currently low.But that did not concern him for now; he envisioned himself using his Scorchwyrm''s strongest fire skill, combined with his Everwind Falcon''s wind, to amplify the flames.


    A smirk crept across his face, oddly out of place for a boy standing over a dead beast.


    "Logan¡­ are you alright?" Rubina asked, her voice tinged with worry.


    "I''m alright, sorry about that. So, what do we do now?" Logan replied, getting his mind back into place while dusting himself off to play it off.


    "Well, everything was destroyed, and a burnt hide won''t fetch anything. Sadly, both beasts look the same, so I think it would be better to just leave them. Let me collect their mana cores; some other animal will probably eat them soon," Chloe sighed, taking her dagger back from Logan and stabbing a part of the monster where a small sack or gland was located.


    "After being refined, this organ will turn into a magical crystal of sorts which could be sold for various purposes," Chloe explained. She poured some mana into it, and the body part began to glow dark green. "It has a good glow to it, meaning this Galehorn was in peak state. Well, at least we could gain some good gold with this¡­"


    Logan did not want to get his hands dirty, so he backed off a little and stretched while Rubina stayed quiet behind him.


    "Hey, sorry about that, Logan¡­ they would have fetched a good price," the girl whispered, remaining meek.


    "Hey, I don''t mind. It''s not like we came to make money, right?" Logan said, trying to make his voice sound uncaring while attempting to assure her.


    "Well, that''s that, let''s keep going." Chloe handed Logan both cores to store and wiped her hands on a napkin.


    Logan considered telling them that he had met his goal for the day and wanted to return before dark. The trip had stressed not only his mind but also his body, which was not used to being outdoors. However, he stayed silent, not wanting to risk making Chloe even angrier.


    "We are close to the river. We should use it to wash ourselves before our return trip. We will need to be fast to avoid any large monsters that might mistake the blood on us."


    Without waiting for the others to reply, Chloe began to walk away, forcing both Rubina and Logan to sprint to catch up to her.


    After about 10 long minutes, they heard the sound of running water in the distance. Logan, panting hard, was relieved to hear that particular sound of nature.


    Suddenly, the forest became quiet, all sound ceasing in an instant. The group unconsciously huddled together as a thick fog began to surround them. The forest, which was green, warm, and lively, began to change. The air became cold enough that they could see their breaths.


    With each step, the place became darker. Logan, following the girls from behind, could no longer see them, as if he were walking through the forest on a dark, moonless night.


    "Rubina? Chloe!" he called out, but neither of them responded.


    [Zephyr! Where are you¡­] His tame, which should have been flying overhead, seemed to be far enough away that it could not hear him.


    "What''s happening¡­ where is everyone?" Logan said, stopping in his tracks. Suddenly, he heard the sound of running water again.


    [Champion of darkness, it''s a pleasure to meet you.]


    Logan suddenly jolted, looking around. The darkness began to fade as a being before him shone. He noticed that he was near the river Chloe had mentioned. The water began to freeze as the silhouette of a strange figure appeared in front of him, standing over the frozen surface.


    "Who are¡­ you?" Logan said, trembling not only from the cold that surrounded him but also because the voice that greeted him did not sound human.


    [I forgot you humans like to introduce yourselves instead of relying on instincts. Fine then¡­]


    "I am Ferra, the guardian of the forest to the north of here." Soon the form of the creature was visible¡ªit was a large fox about three meters high with nine or so tails that moved about. Its fur was red and white, at times pulsing with a blue light that changed the color to silver.


    "I''mm am Loo..gann," the boy stuttered, unable to contain his fear. He felt the energy of the beast push him back as if repelled by a magnet, yet his feet would not budge; they were glued to the frost on the floor.


    "I would recommend you don''t move, young hero. I have never really been comfortable around humans, you see. Now then, I take it you know you have been summoned by the Spirit of Darkness to fight the blue ones causing trouble near Dragas territory."


    "I''mm soorry, uhm, but I know very little of what''s happening in this world¡­ you see, I am not good at speaking," Logan murmured, trying to appease the beast while controlling his speech.


    "What a human¡­ or should I say, what a mortal way to act. Then let me say this, the blue ones are our common enemy. They destroy the land, kill all life, and destroy the balance. Darkness has informed me that among the humans, one was blessed to help the non-humans of this world. Is that you, young hero?" it said with a voice full of authority, forcing him to speak his mind. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "If it''s about taming, or should I say¡­ soul taming, then it should be me¡­ I guess," Logan replied trying to think if it was the best choice to reveal his powers.


    "Good, at least you''re honest, little one. I feel the power of darkness building in your core. There is no doubt you are just starting. I can also sense your connection with the young winged one. Worry not, he is perched on a tree outside my barrier," Ferra said, pointing with her snout towards a particular direction.


    She paused for a moment, her nine tails swaying gently. "Your mates though¡­ they are running in circles through another barrier, it should hold till we finish speaking."


    Logan swallowed hard, feeling the weight of her words. "I understand, also they are not... my mates," he murmured, his voice trailing off.


    Ferra''s eyes gleamed with a knowing light. "Oh, the so-called slaves. I care not for what you decide to do with humans, but I am here to warn you about my forest or the territories of the other sovereigns. This message goes to all humans as well: we value balance above all else. If they keep killing all the beasts of this area, disaster will follow."


    Logan nodded, the gravity of Ferra''s words sinking in. "I understand. I''ll make sure to spread your warning."


    "Good. Remember, child, every action has consequences. The natural order of this world must be preserved. Now then, let''s speak about your power. Darkness requests that you empower the non-humans. We, as sovereigns, have come to acknowledge the need for your power in the coming times, but we won''t willingly provide help without trials."


    Logan felt a heavy responsibility settling on his shoulders. "What kind of trials?" he asked, his voice becoming steady despite the uncertainty within.


    Ferra''s eyes sparkled with a hint of challenge. "You will face tests of strength, wisdom, and, most importantly, heart. Only by proving yourself in these areas can you gain the trust and support of the sovereigns. These trials will not be easy, but they are essential for ensuring that you are prepared for the battles ahead."


    Logan nodded, determination etched on his face. "I understand!"


    Ferra inclined her head slightly, her expression both stern and approving. "Very well. I feel parts of my forest have become infiltrated by the blue-skinned, the stench of death and decay is slowly devouring my land. These monsters who are neither dead nor alive need to be destroyed. To help you find them, I will give you a part of me¡­"


    Logan saw how one of her tails detached from her body and rolled around. Within seconds, the ball of fur sprouted two long, pointed ears, a small snout, and soon the full face of a baby fox appeared. As more seconds passed, four small legs stretched out of the ball of fur.


    Ferra lowered her head and gently nudged the newly formed fox towards Logan. "This is a fragment of my essence. She will guide you through the forest and help you locate the invaders."


    Logan reached out hesitantly, feeling the warmth emanating from the small creature. "Thank you¡­ I will do my best to hunt those beasts."


    Ferra''s form began to shimmer and fade, her final words echoing in the cold air. "Good luck, young champion. Bond with that child and make her stronger, but remember that if anything befalls her, you too shall suffer."


    With that, Ferra''s form began to fade, her presence lingering like a whisper in the wind. Logan stood by the frozen river, which began to thaw, feeling the weight of his mission that was given to him.

 Chapter 28 Journey Back

    As everything returned to normal, Logan stood in a daze, questioning whether the recent events had been a dream. The water flowed as usual, and the leaves swayed gently in the afternoon breeze. One of the suns remained overhead, while the other had moved slightly ahead.[Master, back, scared, strong monster] Zephyr suddenly sent a mental message, breaking through Logan''s thoughts.


    Logan''s eyes widened as the little falcon smashed into his chest, causing him to step back two or three steps. "Ough, yes, it''s nice to know you''re safe, Zephyr¡­"


    Soon he felt little paws scratching his leg. Looking down, he saw the tiny fox staring up at him, her ears twitching a little as she let out a soft yip.


    "Oh yeah, you''re still here, little one. Guess we have to mark you¡­" Logan looked around, not seeing the girls, and thought about what he should do next. Should he mark his newly given tame now, and if so, where? Or should he wait to make sure that Chloe does not see them?


    Well then, let''s make this quick. He did another double take around and decided to just go for marking the little fox. Logan looked at the scab that was just beginning to heal again, thinking if he should open it for the fourth time or make another cut somewhere else.


    "Oh, to hell with it!" He ripped a small part of the scab with his teeth and lightly pushed a drop of blood with his thumb before pressing it on the inner left elbow of the young pup.


    It took less than a few seconds for him to feel the link with the small fox. He then held on to his piece of the chronicle crystal to check its stats. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Name: Luna Species: Glacivulpes Level: 1]


    Str: 1 Agi: 3 Dex: 2 Con: 2 Int: 5 Char: 4


    Ice Shards: She can shoot small shards of ice from her tail, used both offensively and defensively.


    Cryo Shield: Generates a shield of ice around herself or an ally, providing temporary protection from attacks.]


    Looking at its data, Logan noticed this particular tame already had a name and a focus on ice magic. He felt glad that he was slowly getting different monsters with a variety of abilities. He didn''t think it mixed well with fire, but what if he used ice and wind together¡ªwould it cause a blizzard of sorts?


    Logan was itching to use his abilities but knew he needed to wait. Thinking about calling out to the girls seemed a bit late since, at a distance, he could see both of them running towards him with worried expressions.


    "Hey, Logan, why do you always make me worry!" Rubina was the first to reach the boy, who stood dumbfounded as she placed her hands on his shoulders with a glare.


    "I don''t know what happened," he replied, knowing that he should tell Rubina about everything that happened later.


    "Whatever it was, it was strong, none of my powers seemed to affect the strange surroundings we were trapped in. Are you sure nothing happened to you, hero?" Chloe said while glaring at the boy with some apprehension.


    "I can only say that when this small fox came¡­ to me for help, everything went back to normal." Logan tried his best to lie, not fully trusting Chloe enough to tell her what actually happened.


    "Well, let''s get out of this place before something happens again," Chloe commanded, looking at the small fox curiously for a few seconds before marching off.


    Both Logan and Rubina exchanged a small nod and followed the amber-haired girl, who was taking quick steps even while fully armored.


    Within a few hours and without stopping most of the way, the trio and their two monsters finally made it out. The carriage was parked in the same spot, and Chloe''s mount, the big chicken, jumped up a few times to greet its master.


    "I''ll escort you both part of the way and then head back to town for something, so we probably won''t get a chance to talk after you enter your carriage. I will say this: if you are planning on going out tomorrow, we will need supplies, so we should head out earlier," Chloe suggested while hopping onto her mount.


    "Yes, about that, we will be coming back, hopefully to another area that''s a little less dangerous," Rubina replied, hugging herself while shivering.


    "So we will meet you a little after dawn then," Logan sighed, knowing he was never good with mornings, especially when they had to go outdoors again.


    "Good enough, see you tomorrow then." Chloe kicked the side of her mount gently, making the giant bird go around the carriage to get ready to leave.


    "I should really get a mount¡­" Logan murmured before going into the vehicle with deadpan eyes, knowing the fate that awaited him.


    The dreadful two-hour ride was enough to make Logan want to return to his old world. He still couldn''t get used to the bumpy roads. Rubina, who sat beside him, kept patting his back and making small talk, which Logan ignored as he struggled with his nausea.


    They saw Chloe wave before making her mount run at full speed halfway near the town.


    After Logan had calmed down, he decided to pet his new tamed fox sitting on his lap. His other tame, the falcon, was busy flying around the carriage, occasionally using his mental link to inform Logan about the small matters happening around the cart, whether it was a guard walking nearby or another bird flying away after seeing him.


    Reaching the Earl''s estate was probably Logan''s favorite part of the exhausting day. As soon as they opened the door, they were greeted by the Earl and Ruri, who seemed to have waited for their arrival with anticipation.


    The Earl quickly hugged his daughter, who looked quite worn out from all the traveling, while unable to hold himself back after looking at the small fox who would not leave Logan''s side.


    "A-woo!" the small fox cried when Earl Victor tried to pet it. The small pup created three consecutive shields and jumped through each one to reach Logan''s arms.


    "Interesting way of using its abilities; its intelligence is on par with a demi-human," the Earl said, quitting the chase and guiding both Logan and Rubina to the living room.


    "Now then, please tell me what happened today. It seems you have quite a tale to have such a beast with you, and don''t try to hide anything, young hero. I am one of the few who know where such a beast can be found, and it''s either from a part about thirty leagues to the north or by meeting Ferra, guardian of these lands. Although a rare occurrence, I am inclined to think it was the second option," Earl Victor said while sitting himself in his usual armchair.


    "Well¡­" Logan nodded towards Ruri, who had helped him remove his top armor wondering if he should continue.


    "Oh, also don''t worry about the young maid; we made a contract for secrecy. Sorry for not informing you earlier," Earl Victor assured.


    "There is no problem. Sorry, Ruri. Now then, we met Ferra as you said," Logan began, telling the part of the story everyone in the room wanted to hear, as he sat next to Rubina, which was beginning to feel normal.


    "So it seems our little kingdom is antagonizing the guardian''s forest by taking too many of the beasts to train the heroes. That won''t do, huh?" The Earl scratched the short beard he had let grow these past few days.


    "That is awful indeed, but how else can the heroes train, father?" Rubina added, trying to think of the consequences of the kingdom''s current actions.


    "Well, there are a few other ways to get stronger. Some dungeons come to mind, and those are not regulated by any of the guardians. They are dangerous for beginners, but from what I heard, most of the heroes are almost reaching light yellow," the Earl informed everyone.


    He continued, "Someone in the class mentioned that instead of colors, the chronicle crystal lets them see their actual strength in numbers¡­ Logan, I think they said something about level 10 to 12. Brian is at 14, I think."


    "What? Level 14!" Logan stood up, grabbing his hair. "I only just got to level 5! How did they even get past 10?"


    "I guess you also see your stats in numerical value. I wonder why though," Rubina added.


    "It''s probably because in our world we had games that displayed everything that way..." Logan explained, half-guessing the reason why.


    "Interesting, to have games with such complex systems¡­" the Earl chimed in.


    "Don''t worry, in about one thousand years, your world will probably have something even better," Logan said, half-joking.


    "Not sure I like that thought; it means we are behind other worlds'' civilizations. No wonder they sent you all here¡­" Rubina said dejectedly.


    "Our world has its own set of challenges¡­ I''d rather not get into detail now," Logan sighed while thinking of all the wars that were currently happening throughout his world.


    "That is enough then. I will have to talk with the King tomorrow to discuss what we can do with the heroes so it does not affect our standing with the guardians. They have been quiet so far, so many thought them extinct. For you to have met one is a great achievement, worthy of being called a hero," Earl Victor exclaimed, making a fist pump with a proud smile.


    "Not sure I want to meet her again though, the whole experience had me on edge," Logan laughed dryly, petting his fox who would not leave his side and had taken a nap on his lap.


    "Now then, you said you have gotten a new skill, huh? How about we go out and test it, I know the perfect place!" Earl Victor suggested with enthusiasm.

 Chapter 29 Accidents May Happen

    The group, including Ruri who eagerly wanted to join, entered a special building. As they stepped inside, they saw the walls were heavily reinforced with various sheets of metal and earth. There were also numerous cages filled with chains, giving the place an intimidating atmosphere."I take it this is the training field?" Logan asked, making sure that they weren''t dragging him to a prison.


    "That''s correct, Logan. We are currently in my reinforced gym, specially made to train the largest of my beasts. It should be able to handle an explosion or two, so go wild," the Earl said, while raising his hands to turn on all the lighting in the building. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The place was enormous, probably half the size of the Earl''s large mansion, which was already pretty big. Logan went forward towards the center of the large battle dome, his three tames present to begin his testing. He could only have three active skills at a time, meaning he had to choose which of them to have at the moment.


    Taking the piece of the chronicle crystal out to see which skills he would use, Logan saw that Zephyr''s Gale Force was one of the top candidates. As for fire skills available, only Flame Breath could be selected, as he didn''t have a tail to use Searing Whip. Just as he was about to give up, Logan remembered and took out the whip weapon that Rubina had been adamant about him buying in the weapon store.


    Holding the whip and checking his Scorchwyrm''s skills, Logan noticed that the skill was now available. It was nice to know, but for his first test, he went with his initial choice. As for his third skill, he went with Ice Shards, hoping that soon he would get his ice monster leveled up enough to have more skill variety.


    Not knowing how to use each skill, Logan first tried Ice Shards, which would probably be the easiest and less dangerous of the three. He thought for a few seconds, lifted his arm, and spoke out the name of the skill.


    "Ice Shards!" Logan mumbled, trying to concentrate, yet nothing happened.


    "Remember that you need to mix in some of your mana, Logan," Rubina suggested from afar, where the others were sitting near a bench.


    Taking a deep breath, Logan focused on channeling his mana into his arm. He felt a tingling sensation as the energy flowed through him. Sort of how he unconsciously made his blood have a sort of power within it to tame beast, he lifted his arm again and called out the skill''s name with more confidence.


    "Ice Shards!"


    This time, crystalline shards of ice materialized in the air around him and shot forward, embedding themselves in the ground with a satisfying thud. Logan smiled, pleased with his success.


    "Great job!" Rubina cheered. Earl Victor and the others nodded in approval.


    Logan ran towards the small shards which were quickly melting. They were about five centimeters long, sharp, and cold enough to cause the area around them to be frosted over.


    Guess it''s a good time to test the fire skill, let''s see if they melt.


    "Flame Breath!"


    Logan tried to act like he was blowing out a candle, yet nothing happened. He tried again, focusing on the flow of his mana, but the same thing happened¡ªnothing.


    "Something is not right. How did my salamander do it again¡­"


    Logan recalled that before his Scorchwyrm produced fire, it would sort of charge heat within its mouth before blowing a flamethrower. He hesitated before trying again, imagining that holding a fireball within his mouth would not be an ideal thing for any human to do.


    Trying again while imagining a ball of flames being charged in front of his face, Logan murmured the same phrase. This time, he felt a small burst of hot energy in front of his mouth. The boy quickly blew it away, scared of keeping that energy too close to him.


    "Logan, calm down. Try to concentrate on where you need to guide the flame, or you will put those around you in danger," Earl Victor called out with a stern tone.


    Logan noticed the problem and redirected his position to melt the ice shards. As soon as the flames hit the ice, steam began to form.


    The boy stopped, heaving hard. He felt very tired for some reason, which was not caused by breathlessness.


    "Seems you''re out of mana, Logan. Take it easy and sit down. Here, take a drink from this potion," Rubina advised as Ruri brought out some blue liquid-filled vials.


    "I should warn you to have a few of these in case you need them in battle. It''s dangerous to leave your core empty as mana takes time to recover normally," Rubina said, popping the cork of a vial with practiced precision and handing the drink to Logan.


    Logan gratefully accepted the potion and took a sip. The cool liquid revitalized him almost immediately, and he felt a surge of energy coursing through his body. "Thanks, Rubina," he said, feeling much better.


    "You''re welcome," she replied with a smile. "Now, take a moment to rest before we continue with the next skill."


    Logan nodded and took a seat on the bench next to the others. As he sat there, his fox, Luna, and Zephyr got close to him. His Scorchwyrm, on the other hand, just yawned at a distance. Not particularly keen on being stuck in a place with no food, Logan could relate to the little monster''s attitude. He wanted to hurry and finish the experiment to appease the small creature that reminded him of himself.


    After a few minutes of rest, he felt ready to continue. "Alright, I''m ready for the next test," he announced, standing up with renewed vigor.


    Earl Victor and Rubina exchanged approving glances. "What skill will you use next? I believe you mentioned that you could only use three skills, correct?" Earl Victor questioned.


    "It''s Zephyr''s strongest skill so far," Logan replied. He focused his mind on the power of the wind, extending his hand and calling out the skill''s name once more.


    "Gale Force!"


    As soon as he called out the name, a small but powerful tornado was produced in front of him, causing him to be pulled forward. Unable to control the flow of his mana, it seemed like the wind would lose control.


    [Master, danger, Zephyr help] the falcon called out, using his body to enter the small vortex and taking control of the wind while rotating counterclockwise.


    "Wow, that was dangerous. You will need to be careful and get a little more practice in, Logan, accidents may happen. You also need more confidence; most skills backfire on their casters when they lose focus," the Earl warned, stopping the training for the day. "You should rest now. It was a good demonstration, but you need to strengthen yourself before we continue. Your mana is quite low and could produce more accidents if we continue."


    Logan felt a little dejected; he had only just gotten this amazing skill, yet his strength was not enough to handle it.


    Rubina seemed to have noticed his negative thoughts and patted his back. "Don''t worry, we still have a few days to hunt, right? Let''s work hard tomorrow."


    Ruri, who did not like the fact that his master had someone else compliment him first, called out in a rushed manner. "Yes, for what it was worth, master, your abilities were fascinating to see!"


    "I see¡­ Thanks, Rubina and Ruri," Logan said, taking a deep breath. He noticed that the Earl behind them was nodding with a complicated expression. His tames seemed to sense his distress and got close to him to show their affection, even the small salamander who lightly bit his pants.


    [Food, hungry, bored]


    Nope, guess that one was just hungry


    * * *


    In another part of the kingdom, within the walls of the castle, a young girl had arrived. Tired from the long day and the many events that unfolded, she tied her Breeze Roc to a nearby branch while petting its neck.


    "I will be back soon¡­ hopefully." Chloe sighed while looking at the castle.


    She recalled the day''s events and the hero she was assigned to follow. Her family was one of the kingdom''s most trusted, so she needed to give a detailed and accurate report.


    Walking into the castle''s large gates to meet the king, she reviewed what she needed to say. There was one slight problem she needed to work out: the unusual occurrence that happened on her watch. The dark barrier that nullified her magic and separated her from the hero.


    Also, the new tame that he had received¡ªthat small fox¡ªwas no ordinary beast. It was not one that would live in that part of the forest, which made the whole ordeal even stranger.


    "Lady Chloe, we have been awaiting your report. Please enter," said one of the royal guards, one of the king''s more loyal ones who she immediately identified.


    The girl bowed and entered the throne room, where she kneeled in front of the throne. Their monarch sat reading a few documents, only stopping after one of his advisers notified him of her arrival.


    "Greetings, young Amberstone. I hope your trip went splendidly. What news do you have for us today?" the king said with a regal demeanor, removing his eyewear with the tap of one of his rings.


    "Certainly, my lord. As you know, the hero Logan, with the tamer class, went out to train with the help of the Rosengards. So far, the boy shows signs of being the weakest among the heroes, which has not changed. He is currently around light red, or as the heroes'' way of measuring strength, at level 3 to 6."


    The king, upon hearing her words, nodded approvingly. "That is good to hear. And how were his battle skills? I am sure you had the chance to observe his abilities while he was fighting constantly in the forest."


    "Well, about that, the hero himself doesn''t seem to possess a battle skill, at least for now. His only tame so far, a small Everwind Falcon, was the one to do all the fighting. As you know, this is one of the sky''s top predators, but it''s still young and inexperienced. I am sure it will take at least a month to train it enough to become an asset for fighting against other demi-humans," Chloe reported, carefully measuring her words and way of speaking.


    "Anything else you may want to add then?" The king began to yawn, thinking there wasn''t anything of interest in the report and everyone''s worries were for naught.


    "About that, sir, we had a small encounter with what I think is a guardian. We did not suffer any casualties or harm, but I was unable to see the hero for a certain amount of time. My powers were completely nullified, and after I met with the hero again¡­" Chloe struggled before deciding whether to continue. "He had with him a small Glacivulpes, an infant of that species to be precise. It does not look powerful, but it may be¡­"


    "The guardian Ferras'' kin? Are you sure you are reporting this right?" The king sat up, straightening his back.


    "Minister Rowan, please send someone to speak with Earl Victor. I am sure he will be able to report on what happened. As for you, Chloe, continue watching over the hero. Remember, we need him to be below the strength of the others. Report to me if he gets any stronger. You''re dismissed." The king tried to remain calm why sending the girl away.


    "Rowan, what do you think about this? Do you suppose we went too far by bringing in so many of the forest beasts?" the king asked.


    Minister Rowan furrowed his brow in contemplation. "Your Majesty, the forest beasts have served their part. We should release some of the weaker ones to appease the guardian while we finish the first part of the plan. Let''s wait for the Earl''s words before we continue; he should know the monsters'' situation."


    The king nodded thoughtfully. "Very well, Rowan. Ensure that Earl Victor''s report reaches us promptly. We must proceed with caution."

 Chapter 30 Sir Rubyheart

    Feeling bitter from what happened the day before, Logan decided that he would train in earnest today. Without the need for his maid to wake him, Logan rose from his bed feeling determined.The small fox, Luna, who had been resting by his side, made a small yawn before stretching herself and wagging her fluffy tail. As for his falcon, it was perched on the corner of his bed. He had been wide awake for a good hour now, but decided not to disturb his master. Instead, he chose to fix his plumage, which was beginning to grow longer by the day.


    "Well then, let''s start today. We have to go visit Scorch; he should be ready for today''s outing based on what the earl said," Logan voiced his ideas aloud to his two pets before being interrupted by a knock on the door.


    "Master? I thought I heard some noise¡­ Oh, you''re awake. Good morning, Master Logan. It''s nice to see you awake."


    Logan looked down quickly to make sure nothing was showing before coughing in embarrassment. "Ehem, yes, morning¡­ Ruri, I take it the others are up?"


    Pretending nothing had happened while forgetting she entered without permission, the young maid bowed. "Oh, of course, Master Logan. Young miss Rubina is busy preparing herself, while the Earl has been out tending to his beasts a little before dawn."


    "Good, just leave today''s clothes near the door, thank you."


    Soon, the young girl left, and Logan, along with his two tamed beasts, greeted the others at the table where various dishes were placed.


    "As always, thank you, Earl, for letting me have meals and stay here," Logan said before starting his meal.


    "Don''t mind it, young hero. Now then, let''s eat and speak a little as you will be leaving soon for the day. There is a little news about the young Amberstone lass; she seems to be keeping tabs on you, so it was wise of you to keep your secrets," the Earl said while being given a piece of bread readily smeared with fruit jam.


    Logan was also given one by Ruri, who seemed to have copied the headmaid Hestia''s actions, almost as if a small competition was happening in the background.


    "Thank you, Ruri. So, Chloe is a spy then?" Logan asked, trying to figure out if that was a necessary action for the kingdom to take.


    The Earl nodded thoughtfully. "In a manner of speaking, yes. Chloe''s role is to observe and report your actions to the king, ensuring that no threats arise unnoticed. It''s a precaution, given the current unrest."


    "But it''s better to keep secrets to yourself. Not using your tamed beasts'' skills would be the best thing to do for now; it''s not a normal tamer skill. As far as the number of monsters you have, try to keep it at around five until you reach dark yellow or orange," the Earl added, taking a sip of the cup of coffee he was given.


    "I can already see how powerful you will become with time," Rubina added while using impeccable manners to eat a ham sandwich.


    The group was beginning to talk more about how the heroes were doing and how the king had called up the Earl when a butler came in, interrupting them.


    "Master Victor, young miss Chloe Amberstone has arrived."


    "Let her in," the Earl instructed, exchanging a knowing glance with Logan and Rubina. Both teens nodded in acknowledgment.


    As soon as the young girl entered everyone welcomed her, Logan just nodded, Rubina waved at her, and the Earl stood up while signaling for a chair to be readied for Chloe.


    "While I appreciate the gesture, I am sad to say I have already eaten, Earl Victor." Chloe bowed while taking a seat, waiting for the rest to finish.


    "Don''t mind us then, we are almost done. So, what is the plan for today, youngsters? Rubina said you all will be going to another section of the forest," the Earl said, now that his plate was empty, while wiping his mouth with a napkin.


    "Yes, about that, I believe we will need to go to the southern part of the forest. There shouldn''t be a lot of strong monsters in that area, and it would even make it a good place for the tiny fox, as it would have trouble walking through the roots and shrubs of the northern forest," Chloe said, while taking a sip of the cup of tea given to her.


    "Sounds like a plan. I have given the hero a new pet for today''s journey since you all were placed in a rather dangerous position the day before, right, Logan?" the Earl added.


    Logan, having momentarily forgotten that Chloe did not know about the salamander, nodded while finishing a biscuit as dessert.


    "Oh, another?" Rubina said, faking surprise.


    "Don''t worry about it. I informed the king of today''s plans as well. You should all leave soon, though," the Earl finished, trying to edge the youngsters to begin today''s journey, also knowing that the kingdom planned to keep Logan weak.


    Within half an hour of getting ready, the three teenagers had reached the bustling town. The smell of burning wood and wet soil was something new for Logan. Many of the townsfolk had to heat themselves with lumber, and the ground seemed wet from the passing rain that had occurred the night before. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In the distance he could see the castle where the others in class were and probably still asleep as the first sun was still just rising.


    "So the plan is to go shopping. We will need more potions and various tools I forgot about yesterday. Smokescreens, scent masks, and anything else that might come in handy," Chloe said, listing out the items they needed.


    Rubina nodded in agreement. "Everything sounds good. The southern forest can be tricky, as the terrain has more hills, so it''s better to be prepared."


    Logan glanced at his two tamed beasts, who had joined them in their excursion through town. The Scorchwyrm had decided to rest in the carriage and stayed behind. "Let''s make sure we have everything... We don''t want to be caught off guard again," he said, ensuring they were prepared for any unexpected events.


    As they continued through the market area, the normal morning hustle surrounded them. Vendors were setting up their stalls, and the smell of fresh bread and pastries filled the air. The trio made their way towards a specific tool shop, ready to gather their supplies for the journey ahead.


    "Don''t tell me that is you, Amberstone!" a voice called out from behind them as they were almost finished.


    Logan was midway through a yawn when he looked back to see a young man in armor. The man was strikingly handsome, with a confident yet approachable demeanor. His armor bore the insignia of the kingdom''s esteemed Gem-Knight family, just like Chloe''s.


    "Ah, if it isn''t the lovely Chloe Amberstone!" the knight called out, his voice filled with a blend of admiration and cheer.


    Chloe, who had been leading the group, froze momentarily, her shoulders shivering at the sound of his voice.


    Logan noticed the knight''s eager expression and the way he seemed to light up at the sight of Chloe.


    Rubina, who was by his side, made a small smile. She had met this knight before¡ªknown for his humorous, caring, and outspoken nature. Despite his charming personality, his cool side sometimes led others to mistakenly view him as a womanizer. She also knew that he and Chloe were childhood friends, something she knew from her academy days with the two.


    "If it isn''t Sir Rubyheart," Chloe greeted with a polite nod, trying to maintain her composure. "What¡­ brings¡­ you¡­ here so early?"


    The young knight Kai gave a playful grin. "Just doing my rounds, making sure everything is in order. And it seems I''ve had the good fortune of running into you this morning."


    Rubina and Logan exchanged amused glances, sensing the knight''s evident interest in Chloe. Logan couldn''t help but admire Sir Kai''s relentless efforts to speak with her.


    "Oh, forgive me, you must be one of the new heroes, and the lovely heiress of Rosengard. How are you these days?" Kai nodded with respect towards Logan while grabbing Rubina''s hand for a light kiss.


    "If you must know, we are shopping for equipment before we head towards the southern part of Beastclaw Forest," Rubina responded.


    "Oh, and how about you join us today, Sir Kai." Rubina said while trying to contain a sly smile from forming on her lips.


    Kai raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by the offer. "Really, join you? That sounds like an adventure I can''t refuse," he said with a charming yet happy grin. "Besides, it''s always a pleasure to spend time with such distinguished company."


    "Wait, Miss Rubina, do¡­" Chloe stopped herself, she thought about the choice and knowing Kai, his presence would likely bring a particular challenge to their journey. But she was also aware that if something like yesterday happened they would need more help.


    "Very well, Sir Kai. We''ll be glad to have you with us, I hope you don''t mind hero¡­" she said while sighing, trying to hide her mixed feelings.


    Logan gave Kai a look, then turned to Rubina, who nodded slightly. "More help, huh¡­ I don''t mind."


    Kai, who had puppy eyes while Logan was thinking, changed them quickly as they twinkled with appreciation. "Thank you, hero. I promise to be of good use and not a burden."


    Kai hurriedly walked towards Chloe, who had stormed off ahead of them, and began talking about something neither Logan nor Rubina could hear as the distance widened.


    "So, what''s the deal? Do you like the guy?" Logan said without beating around the bush with his words.


    "What!? No, I just thought it would be funny to see the stoic Chloe''s expression change throughout today''s trip," Rubina replied, patting Logan''s back as if trying to reassure him.


    "Plus, can''t you see his emotions? It''s as clear as day that he loves her. The only problem is that Chloe does not seem to know how to respond to his affection. It''s been like that since I knew them at the academy," Rubina added.


    "Alright, well I hope he can keep her occupied enough so that I won''t reveal too much today," Logan said with a little tension in his voice.


    "Oh, don''t worry too much. What''s the worst that can happen?" Rubina said, grabbing his hand and ran forth to join the other two.

 Chapter 31 Into the Goblin Den Pt. 1

    The team of three had become four, a chauffeur, three tamed beasts, and two feathered mounts. They were currently going through the gates that led to the southern Beastclaw Forest. The trip was shorter than the day before, taking only about forty-five minutes to reach their destination.For Logan, this was a better route as it was regularly used by traveling merchants, making the road well-maintained and safer.


    The group seemed ready for today''s easier excursion. Morale was high, and with another knight joining, everything seemed to indicate that today would be a walk in the park. Logan seemed a little better off and took the time to get closer to his tames. He was working on building trust and understanding with each of them, ensuring they were prepared for any challenges the day had for them.


    As soon as they reached the forest, Logan noticed that this area looked different. The trees were mostly the same¡ªpine trees¡ªbut more sparse, and the other difference was that there were other people walking around. Merchants and travelers moved along the paths, some with their own tamed beasts and companions.


    Logan felt a sense of relief at the sight of others. It meant that the route was likely safer and more manageable than the dense, isolated parts of the forest they had traversed the previous day.


    "Those are adventurers," Rubina explained. "They gain money through hired services. Most were tasked with bringing monsters for the heroes to train, but my father had to go warn the king yesterday. It seems they stopped and instead brought monsters back so as not to anger the guardian any further."


    Logan nodded and looked at both knights who were busy tying their mounts near the carriage. Some patrol guards seemed to have noticed them and saluted the two youngsters. Sir Kai and Chloe returned the salutes, acknowledging the respect shown by the guards.


    After a few seconds, everyone was together again. Chloe took on the role of leader once more. "Alright, we should start by following the trail. We''ll split in the area where there are the least number of people before we enter the depths of the forest."


    "Sounds like a plan, boss. Let''s get going then," Kai said with a playful salute.


    Logan looked down towards his beasts. While his fox and falcon had no problem keeping up, his salamander seemed to be having trouble though. He raised him and placed him on his back. The small salamander held on to his shoulder with no problems.


    Seeing that everyone was ready, they began heading off. The trail seemed easy to travel through, and the road was wide enough for them to enter with mounts.


    Fifteen minutes later, they entered a part of the forest with Chloe in the lead. Most of the team decided to remain silent, which Logan liked. Kai, on the other hand, seemed to be a chatterbox and would often bring up the weirdest topics, which made Chloe mad and Rubina laugh.


    The moment they got serious, they began to see how monsters once again ran around through the wild. Birds would sing, rabbits would scurry; it was a peaceful scene. These monsters were too weak for Logan to gain any experience, so the team headed in deeper. It was at one point that the fox''s ears began to twitch.


    Logan did not tell the team the actual plan; only Rubina was in on it. It was very simple: they would follow the fox, who would lead them to the targets the Guardian of the Forest wanted Logan to kill. It would be killing two birds with one stone, as he would not only find monsters to gain experience but also complete his first trial.


    Luna seemed to have found the first of the strange monsters causing chaos in the forest. It let out a small yip before rushing off. Logan had to make it seem like his tamed fox beast was trying to run off, so he subtly guided the others to follow her.


    They ran at full speed, something Logan was not ready for, especially with a twenty-pound Scorchwyrm on his back. Luna would at times be so far away that only the sound of her howls could be heard. They would need to follow her voice for a good twenty minutes, which Logan found challenging.


    "If you need help, hero, I can lend you a hand with your pet¡­" Kai said, clearing the sweat from his brow. In comparison, Logan was out of breath; he was ready to fall but managed to stand to avoid damaging his dignity.


    "I¡­ am¡­ huff, fine. We are almost there," he said while panting. Luna had long stopped and returned to the group, growling a little as if angered by what she was seeing.


    The small fox conveyed its thoughts telepathically: [Bad monsters, follow, near, disgusting]


    Luna''s agitation was palpable, and Logan knew they were close to their targets. He steadied himself, taking a deep breath, and prepared to lead the group towards the impending confrontation.


    [Zephyr, follow Luna. We are close to our targets. Check on them in the sky] Logan ordered his Everwind Falcon. The bird automatically rose into the air, scanning the area for prey as it soared above the treetops, eyes keen for any signs of the monsters they sought.


    "So why did we stop here, Logan? Did your fox find something?" Chloe said, exasperation clear in her voice.


    "It seems we are near monsters that are invading the forest. They should be a bit further in; my falcon is already checking," Logan said while taking a sip from a green potion that was supposed to help with stamina depletion.


    Zephyr returned within a few minutes with news. [Many, small, green, blue skin] the falcon reported, its keen eyes having spotted the monsters from above.


    Logan relayed the information to the team. "It seems we''re dealing with a group of small monsters with green and blue skin. Let''s prepare ourselves for what''s ahead."


    Chloe, Kai, and Rubina readied their weapons, their expressions steeled for the upcoming encounter. Logan took a deep breath, feeling the familiar mix of anxiety and excitement before a battle.


    The four of them lay low while following the fox who led the group into battle. The falcon was already on the move, routing the enemy. The noise of some trees toppling reached the youngsters, who began getting closer to their own prey.


    "There, I see one! It''s a¡­ goblin. Wait, why are we hiding? They aren''t too strong, let''s just go and¡­" They suddenly saw three pale goblins tearing the limbs off one of the small green ones. The gruesome scene was enough to make Kai, who was an experienced fighter, stop in his tracks.


    "Okay, I underestimated what we are dealing with. Let''s just kill them. I see four of those weird blue-skinned goblins. The green ones look to be weaker, and I hope they will run once we begin the fight." Kai smiled at Logan. "Let me show you my best skill."


    "Earth Drive!" Suddenly, various spikes of earth erupted from the ground, targeting the pale goblins and creating a barrier between them and the green ones. The goblins were caught off guard, their gruesome activity halted by the sudden attack.


    Logan and his team took the opportunity to charge in, their weapons ready. The element of surprise was on their side, and they aimed to take down the pale goblins swiftly.


    The pale goblins didn''t seem scared. Instead of running, they turned to them and rushed with inhuman speed. Chloe, who was in front, held out her hand and created an earth wall. With their speed, the goblins smashed headfirst into the cover.


    "Logan, what are these?!" Chloe screamed while using more energy to make spikes of earth surge up, killing any surviving goblins.


    "We need to kill them. We will find out what they are later; there are more," Logan responded, pointing in the direction where his falcon was signaling from.


    "I''m on it. Lady Rubina, come with me. Chloe should be able to protect hero Logan," Kai said while rushing towards the left area where the fox had run.


    Without waiting for Logan''s orders, the small beast was using ice shards to pierce the skin of the pale goblins, killing some of them while others turned towards the source of danger and ran towards their new target.


    Kai, who had been deciding on his next move, began forming spears of earth and picked them up to throw at incoming enemies. Soon, twelve of the monsters were destroyed. He made sure to cut each enemy''s head off to ensure they were truly dead. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Rubina saw Logan''s falcon flying at a distance. It would call out at times and topple trees. Within a few minutes, she noticed the Everwind Falcon flying towards them, with four new goblins rushing behind it, trying to catch up.


    "Fire arrow!" Rubina charged her mana on three points, concentrating hard while waiting for the falcon to come close enough for her to shoot without hitting the bird.


    "Now!" she yelled out. The bird, understanding, flew up while three shots flew forth at a tremendous speed, burning through the bodies of the three goblins.


    [Master, no more, blue are dead] the Everwind Falcon reported telepathically, confirming the successful elimination of the immediate threats.


    Logan took a moment to catch his breath, grateful for the falcon''s update. "Good job, everyone my tame informed me there is no more danger. Let''s regroup and make sure there are no more threats in the immediate area."


    As the team regrouped, they noticed the forest had fallen eerily silent, the tension in the air easing slightly. Chloe glanced around, her hand poised to summon earth magic if necessary.


    "What now?" Kai asked, his eyes scanning the area for any lingering threats.


    Logan glanced at Luna, who was still alert, her ears twitching occasionally. "We need to search the area thoroughly."


    "Before that, you need to answer my questions, hero! What exactly are these?" Chloe pointed towards the pale corpse of a goblin.


    Logan tried not to look at the body, which made his stomach churn, but decided to examine it along with the others. "I don''t know much; I just know that this fox is telling me to hunt them," Logan admitted.


    "Fine, let me test something," Chloe said, producing an earth spear and stabbing it through the core. The body convulsed violently before disintegrating into dust.


    "Weird, it seems the body''s mana¡­ it just disappeared, like it was overused. Sort of like when a mana crystal is all dried up," Chloe stated, using her spear again, this time aiming to cut only the mana stone.


    The same thing happened; the body convulsed before disintegrating. "It seems this one is also depleted of mana. We need to clean them all up. I don''t want these things spreading whatever they have to the environment," Chloe stated.

 Chapter 32 Into the Goblin Den Pt. 2

    "Is that all of them?" Chloe asked as the group convened after clearing all the bodies. They noticed that even just touching the pale monsters was enough to make some disintegrate."That''s all of them from this area... but I think there are more," Logan said, pointing to the fox who was still actively looking for monsters, her ears constantly twitching and her nose sniffing around.


    "Well, the strange goblins were fast, but they weren''t too hard to deal with. Tell the fox to lead us to them after everyone''s ready," Chloe ordered, taking out a mana potion while the others did the same.


    Logan, who had not used any skills and didn''t need to drink a potion, had the time to think. He wondered if he should continue as such. Both Chloe and Kai seemed strong enough for the mission ahead, and Rubina did not look too worried.


    He noticed that during the small skirmish, he had gained three whole levels. His Falcon had done most of the killing, while his fox had helped Kai deal the final blow to three blue goblins, gaining two levels as well.


    "I''m ready," Rubina said. She stood beside Logan, her expression revealing her hesitation in joining in on the fight. Despite her apprehension, she did not mention wanting to leave the team.


    "Alright Logan, we should follow you this time, I shall take rearguard for now. Let''s go!" Kai suggested, the others nodded, and the team began to follow the fox.


    [Master, I kill, wait] his falcon sent a message. It flew a good half kilometer in front of the others, and as it rushed through, the sound of trees falling and squeals, like those of pigs, echoed through the forest.


    Logan''s mind was flooded with a few pings as the invigorating feeling of leveling up surged through his body. He almost yelled out from the intoxicating sensation of gaining two levels almost at once.


    "Are you alright, Logan?" Rubina questioned. The boy seemed to experience something that would normally never happen with the world''s inhabitants. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan shook off the sensation, taking a deep breath. "Yeah, I''m fine. Just... felt a rush from leveling up so quickly. It''s not something I''m used to."


    "He''s probably experiencing a power high," Chloe remarked, examining Logan''s state. "It''s something that happens in war, but it usually takes someone killing a few hundred enemies at once. It''s weird, but heroes seem to gain faster experience from monster kills than we do."


    "I did hear some of the other heroes get a little addicted to the feeling. One of them is even entering monster fights in the afternoon¡­in town," Kai mentioned.


    "Kai, aren''t you supposed to arrest those who enter those fights? Your family is basically in charge of patrolling the town," Chloe responded, raising an eyebrow.


    "What are those crazy guys doing?" Logan mumble to himself, curious about the activities of the other heroes.


    Kai sighed, shaking his head. "Well they''re heroes and they''re not exactly¡­ doing something the kingdom cares for unless one of them gets seriously hurt. Some are even getting into paid street fights, thinking it''s just another way to train."


    Rubina frowned. "That''s reckless."


    While following the fox, they used simple skills to cause any leftover bodies to disintegrate. Soon, they reached a large dwelling of sorts. The area was covered with mud, sticks, and leaves, with an opening that looked like a rabbit''s burrow.


    "That is clearly where the goblins live" Kai remarked with disgust.


    "Ugh, what is that smell?" Rubina yelled out, covering her face with her hand.


    Logan didn''t want to look around. The place was dirty to the brim with excrement, and he was reluctant to take another step, even as the fox pointed towards the entrance of the dwelling.


    "Let me try something then. It seems we have no choice but to enter," Chloe said. She began to form small balls of dirt and gave Rubina a command. "Torch the ground, I will cover the remains with dirt," she ordered, while also covering her mouth with her hand.


    "Wait, let me do this," Logan said, sending his tamed fire beast to do the cleanup work. It only took a few moments for the salamander to unleash a torrent of flames, scorching the ground and burning away the filth. The acrid smell of burning excrement filled the air, but it was a necessary step to clear the path.


    As the flames died down, Chloe quickly released her dirt bombs which prevented fire from continuing, muting the smell and leaving a cleaner path.


    "Much better. Now, let''s proceed with caution," she said, signaling the group to move forward.


    The fox led the way, its senses on high alert, as they were about to enter the goblins'' dwelling. The dark, narrow entrance opened into a larger chamber, filled with more of the pale, blue goblins who came to inspect the noise outside the cave.


    The team prepared themselves for another fight, knowing they needed to be thorough and efficient.


    [Scorch, burn them all!] Logan commanded. The salamander unleashed another wave of flames, the fire roaring as it consumed the goblins and their surroundings. The team watched as the inferno cleared the entrance, leaving only charred remnants in its wake.


    "Calm down, Logan. We should be careful," Chloe advised. "Kai, how about you make yourself useful and enlarge the entrance?"


    "Sure thing!" Kai nodded, stepping forward. He raised his hands and began using his earth manipulation skills to widen the entrance, making it easier for the group to move through.


    "There doesn''t seem to be any more guarding the entrance, so let''s proceed with care," Chloe said, her eyes scanning the area for any hidden threats. "Also, tell your falcon to keep a watch outside."


    "Alright, let''s get going," Logan said. His fox was already running inside the hole.


    As the team cautiously advanced, they found themselves in a dark tunnel that seemed to wind deeper underground. The air was thick with a musty scent that made everyone falter with each step.


    Being prepared, they took out various types of tools that produced light. As for Logan, his salamander did the perfect job, its scales emitting a bright radiance. The only problem was the slight heat it emitted, which was bearable in the cold underground environment.


    "This is very strange," Chloe finally spoke after the team had been walking for two minutes. "The cave is getting bigger; it seems it''s not just a normal goblin dwelling but the work of another creature."


    Kai nodded, his eyes scanning the expanding tunnel. "I''d say it''s the work of some larger earthen mole colonies. That would explain the great ventilation system¡ªthey create a few ventilation shafts to produce a constant clean airflow."


    The team continued cautiously, after a few more minutes the path began to split, the only one that kept them on track was the small fox who killed off any lone goblins who would get near the team.


    "That fox is pretty smart. Are you sure you''re not commanding it?" Rubina chuckled softly, trying to keep her nerves in check.


    "You should know the monsters of this better than me," Logan responded with complicated feelings. He knew that her creator Ferra could speak perfectly, so he wondered just when Luna would do the same.


    "Silence, I hear many squeals up ahead. By the sound of things, there are more than ten goblins," Chloe whispered urgently.


    The group immediately fell quiet, their senses heightened as they prepared for the imminent encounter. Luna moved ahead cautiously, its ears twitching at every sound.


    As they got to a room of sorts where all the noise was coming from, the sounds became clearer. The squeals and chatter of goblins echoed through the tunnel, growing louder with each step.


    Kai signaled for the group to stop and whispered, "Get ready. It sounds like there''s a whole nest of them up ahead."


    Chloe nodded, her grip tightening on her weapon. "We need to be strategic. Let''s take them by surprise."


    The team readied themselves for the fight, knowing that they had to move swiftly and decisively.


    Before entering, they checked what the commotion was about. The room was actually a large dome-shaped area where various green and some blue goblins seemed to be arguing.


    Unlike the others they had met, there were six blue, pale goblins who seemed to have a sense of self, not mindless and wild like the they had met before. They were protecting a blue-skinned, robed goblin who was a little taller than the rest, with a more intelligent appearance.


    "A hobgoblin, that is rare," Chloe whispered, her eyes widening in surprise. "And a goblin matriarch to boot." She pointed to a corner in the room where a much larger green goblin lay, guarded by a dozen goblins with primitive weapons.


    Logan noticed the hobgoblin had a staff. One of the guards suddenly picked up a short green goblin and pulled it towards the blue hobgoblin. The hobgoblin began casting some sort of spell that made the green goblin convulse. Next, she grabbed a small jewel and placed it on the green goblin''s forehead, making the stone glow blue.


    "What is it doing¡­" Rubina murmured, watching the grotesque scene.


    The small green goblin''s veins bulged as its body began to turn blue, pulsing with power a few times. Whatever the hobgoblin was trying to do seemed to end in failure, as the goblin''s head suddenly exploded.


    The green goblins who were cornered seemed frightened by the display of one of their brethren being killed. They huddled together, their eyes wide with fear, as the hobgoblin continued its ritual.


    "As much as I hate those little imps¡­ this is just cruel," Rubina murmured, her voice filled with a mix of anger and sadness.


    Chloe''s eyes hardened. "We can''t let this continue. We need to stop that hobgoblin and protect those green goblins from further harm."

 Chapter 33 Into the Goblin Den Pt. 3

    Logan assessed the situation, noting that there were seven enemies in total if they didn''t count the cowering green goblins. Among them, the hobgoblin seemed the strongest and would require the team''s full attention during the fight."She looks like a mage type. We need to be careful with any spells the weird monster might use," Chloe whispered.


    Both Kai and Rubina were busy charging up a spell, while Chloe joined them, using an earth-type barrier skill to separate the remaining green goblins from the pale blue corrupt ones.


    On Chloe''s signal, the fox jumped forward with a loud yip, stopping the blue goblins from reaching out for another one of the small green goblins.


    Taken by surprise, one of the blue goblins began to cry out with a nasally sound, causing the rest to react and charge towards Luna.


    "Now!" Chloe yelled, casting her spell to raise a wall of dirt. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Rubina was quick to follow, unleashing a few arrows that pierced two of the goblins directly while injuring the other two.


    Before Kai had his turn, the blue mage goblin attempted to conjure a shield that shone with a bright white light. The spears Kai had produced managed to kill two of the blue goblins, but the remaining two were saved by the magic shield, which extended outward slowly.


    "Three left to go, but I think this will be harder," Chloe exclaimed.


    The hobgoblin and her two goons were ready for battle. She cast another spell while holding her gem forward. Her two guards began to mutate, their short arms and feet growing as their muscles bulged.


    "I think we are in trouble," Kai said, producing a large lance made out of stone. "Logan, Rubina, get back. Try to find a way to fight the mage while we both try to separate the guards."


    Logan nodded and began to circle around, searching for an opening to attack the mage. Rubina followed, keeping her eyes on the hobgoblin''s movements.


    Meanwhile, Chloe and Kai focused on the mutated guards. Chloe''s earth barriers blocked the monsters'' advance, while Kai''s stone lance kept them at bay. The guards roared, their new muscles straining against the barriers, but Chloe''s magic held firm.


    Chloe gritted her teeth as she tried to maintain her earth barriers, feeling the force of each blow the mutated guards delivered. The strain was immense, but she held her ground, determined to protect her team.


    Meanwhile, Logan spotted a gap in the mage''s defenses and called out to Luna. [Now! Go for the gem!]


    Rubina helped by casting various fire arrows, disrupting the blue mage hobgoblin. The mage raised her shield again just in time, but the force of the arrows knocked her back, disrupting her spell. Luna seized the opportunity, running forward and hurling ice spears at the hobgoblin''s gem.


    Before joining the battle with Rubina, Logan placed the Scorchwyrm down so it could back up Chloe and Kai. The salamander sent bursts of flames to keep the green goblins in check, who were getting rowdy with the fight happening around them.


    Kai and Chloe redoubled their efforts against the guards. With the mage distracted, they had a better chance of breaking through. Kai''s lance struck true, piercing one guard''s chest, while Chloe''s barriers crushed the other.


    Logan, ready to provide support with Rubina, took out his whip in case he needed to use a skill. He considered it would be easier to conceal the fact he could use skills with a fire whip than to use his tamed monsters'' stronger and more obvious abilities.


    "Logan, look! Your fox succeeded in making the hobgoblin let go of the blue gem. Help me while I charge a larger fire arrow to hit the mage once and for all," Rubina urged.


    Logan nodded and positioned himself beside Rubina, ready to provide cover. "I''ll keep them at bay while you charge up," he said, his whip crackling with fiery energy.


    Rubina focused, summoning a powerful fire arrow. The tip of the arrow glowed brightly as it absorbed more energy, preparing for a devastating strike. Logan lashed out with his whip, keeping the remaining goblins and the hobgoblin at a distance.


    As the final moments of preparation ticked by, Rubina''s fire arrow reached its peak. "I''m ready!" she called out. Logan intensified his efforts, creating an opening for Rubina''s shot.


    [Luna, get back! We will kill the mage first] Logan communicated to his tamed beast. Luna backed off, sensing the powerful fire energy behind her.


    The hobgoblin, displeased with her predicament, began chanting another spell. This time, she stabbed her hand, spilling blood to further strengthen her spell with the mana flooding directly from her wound. The air around her crackled with dark energy as the spell intensified.


    "Don''t tell me! Logan, get back¡ªthat''s blood magic. It''s getting ready to destroy itself and everyone around it," Rubina warned, releasing her fire arrow to prevent the hobgoblin''s actions.


    The fire arrow flew straight, blazing the air around it, its aim locked on the hobgoblin''s head.


    "Wekeeee," the hobgoblin screamed as its spell finished, the dark energy mixed with the power of the fire, intensifying its explosive impact.


    The collision caused a massive explosion, the force of which sent shockwaves through the room. Rubina, Luna and Logan, caught in the blast, were thrown backward. The ground beneath them cracked and gave way, and they fell through the collapsing floor.


    "Chloe, look! Something happened over there!" Kai shouted, pointing towards the area where Logan and Rubina had fallen.


    Chloe turned her gaze, seeing the aftermath of the explosion and the gaping hole in the floor. "We need to check on them!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with concern.


    "Let''s finish this then, Kai concentrated on the tip of his lance and made it a trident, its longer forked edges pierce through the neck of the remaining guard.


    Heaving a few deep breaths he tossed to body aside which disintegrated like the corrupt goblins they had dealt with before.


    Running towards the large hole in the floor, Kai and Chloe noticed its depth far surpassed what they had imagined. Chloe charged a gem that produced light before letting it drop into the hole. The gem fell a good twenty meters before disappearing into a tunnel.


    Both Chloe and Kai stared at each other, realizing the trouble they were in.


    "Oh crap¡­" Kai muttered, panic evident in his voice. "They will have my head if the hero is dead." He gulped, looking at Chloe for answers.


    Chloe took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. "We need to move fast and find them. They might be injured, but I''m sure they''re not dead," she reassured him. "Let''s focus on getting down there safely."


    Kai nodded, swallowing his fear. "You''re right. Let''s do this."


    "Kwaach," a hoarse voice called out from behind them. It seemed the goblins had settled, and the Scorchwyrm, who had been keeping them at bay with its fire, stopped, sensing they would no longer pose a threat.


    "Kwach," the queen of the goblins called out, her voice echoing through the chamber. The remaining goblins looked towards her, their earlier rowdy demeanor instantly changing to one of calmness.


    Chloe turned to face the goblin queen, her eyes narrowing as she tried to gauge the large goblins intentions. "What do you want?" she asked cautiously, keeping an earth spear ready in case of any sudden moves.


    The goblin queen raised her hand, a gesture of peace. "Krech kuh hak," she croaked, her voice strained. She pointed to her guards; they seemed to know what she wanted as three of the goblins approached Chloe and Kai cautiously.


    Chloe and Kai tensed, ready to defend themselves if needed. However, the goblins did not attack. Instead, they held their hands up, showing they meant no harm. "What do you want?" Kai asked, his voice steady but wary.


    The goblin queen spoke again, her tone less aggressive. "Kelp chu," she managed to say in broken Common.


    Both Kai and Chloe were surprised, but decided to trust her intentions. "Alright," Chloe said cautiously, "We''ll follow your guards."


    The goblin queen nodded, and two of her guards stepped forward to lead the way. Kai and Chloe followed closely, their senses on high alert.


    The three guards looked down the hole, speaking to each other in low, guttural tones. After a brief exchange, they began leading Chloe and Kai, who picked up the Scorchwyrm, towards another tunnel that seemed to descend deeper into the ancient cave system.


    "I hope they are okay¡­" Kai whispered, his voice filled with worry.


    Chloe gave him a reassuring nod. "They''re strong. We''ll find them," she said reassuringly. "I didn''t think you where this softhearted though, don''t tell me your worried for Rubina."


    Kai''s worried returned to his normal calm demeanor at Chloe''s teasing. "I''m worried about both of them," he replied, trying to sound nonchalant. "There are good people, after all."


    Chloe stopped for a few seconds, her emotions wavering. "Yes¡­ they are good people, aren''t they?" she murmured. She recalled her mission, the weight of it pressing down on her shoulders. But then she took a deep breath, regaining her composure.

 Chapter 34 Down Under

    Logan held on to Rubina, his grip firm as he felt Luna''s fangs gripping onto his pants. They were currently falling through a tunnel that twisted and turned like a giant water ride.The dirt and rocks below them served to slow their fall, making it bearable and cushioning the impact enough for them to survive the explosion. As they tumbled through the twisting tunnel, the chaotic ride seemed never-ending.


    Finally, they landed with a heavy thud in a chamber beneath the battlefield. Breathless and bruised, Logan and Rubina looked around, taking in their new surroundings. The chamber was dimly lit, with small green crystals embedded in the walls, radiating a faint glow.


    "Are you okay?" Logan asked, helping Rubina to her feet carefully. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Ouch, my left foot, it seems to hurt a lot," Rubina said, wincing from the pain.


    Logan stared at Rubina, noticing various features that weren''t in her human form. She had small wings on her back, and small horns on her head. "Rubina, your form changed," he said, his hand near one of her wings. It felt very strange, sort of elastic in some parts but warm as one would expect from a limb.


    "Yes, it seems¡­ I lost a lot of mana back there. It will take a while to recover, so let''s take it slowly. Hopefully, the other two don''t find us right away," she replied, her voice tinged with exhaustion and concern.


    Logan nodded, his expression serious. "We''ll move carefully. We need to find a safe place to rest and recover our strength."


    With Logan supporting Rubina, they began to navigate through the chamber, the atmosphere was heavy with an eerie silence.


    [Luna, are you alright? Do you sense anyone around?] Logan communicated to his tamed beast, hoping for a clear response.


    Luna, sensing her master''s concern, sniffed the air and scanned the area. Despite the darkness and the lingering traces of the explosion, her instincts were sharp. She growled softly, indicating that there were no immediate threats nearby.


    Logan felt a wave of relief. "Good girl," he murmured, patting Luna gently. "We need to keep moving, but stay alert."


    Rubina nodded, leaning on Logan for support. "We can''t afford to let our guard down. If they find out I am a half-demon, you, my father, and I will be executed. I''m sorry for dragging you into my problems."


    Logan''s expression grew serious, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I know, Rubina. And don''t worry about it... you have helped me a lot so far."


    Rubina managed a weak smile. "Thank you. Now, let''s find a place to rest; my leg is burning with pain," she said, wiping a tear from her cheek.


    Logan nodded, supporting her as they continued through the dimly lit chamber, the faint glow of the green crystals guiding their way. "We''ll find a safe spot soon," he reassured her. "Just hang in there a bit longer."


    Walking through the room, Logan gave the embedded glowing rocks more attention. "Hey, do you think the rocks are safe to be around?" His mind was racing with thoughts of nuclear energy and the potential dangers of radiation.


    Rubina glanced at the glowing crystals. "Well, all I can say is that we could be the richest teenagers in the kingdom¡­ this seems to be a mana crystal mine, and by the looks of these, it''s rich in energy. I wonder why it hasn''t been discovered yet."


    Logan''s eyes widened in realization. "A mana crystal mine? That explains the glow¡­ but rich? If there''s one thing I know, it''s that exposing yourself is dangerous."


    Logan glanced around, his mind racing with possibilities and temptations. "Maybe it''s hidden for a reason. We should be careful and not draw too much attention. I mean, it is the guardian''s forest, right?" Logan shuddered, thinking about the power of the great monster who had gifted him Luna.


    "Agreed," Rubina said seriously. "The Kingdom sometimes forgets that the forest belongs to the great divine beast. My father used to tell me stories of whole kingdoms destroyed by greed."


    Logan noticed that Rubina grimaced with every step, so he stopped walking.


    "Hold on, here let me help you," he said, crouching down in front of her.


    "What do you want me to do?" she asked, looking at him curiously.


    Logan gave her a reassuring smile. "Climb onto my back. I can carry you so you don''t have to put weight on your leg."


    Rubina hesitated for a moment, but then nodded, understanding that she had little choice. Carefully, she climbed onto Logan''s back, wrapping her arms around his shoulders.


    "Just hold on tight," Logan instructed while feeling a strange sensation, not only because of the girl''s mature body and the warmth that was transmitted on his back, but also because he never thought he would be placed in such a situation.


    With Rubina securely on his back, Logan continued to navigate through the chamber, the faint glow of the green crystals providing their only light. Each step was taken with care, ensuring he didn''t shake Rubina too much.


    "Thank you again... Logan," Rubina whispered around his ear, making him shudder. "I don''t know what I''d do without you."


    Logan chuckled softly. "Well, we are a team for now, right?"


    He pressed forth, trying to maintain a good pace even with the added weight. The cave began to show them a different view. In front of them, there was a large opening where the cave seemed to radiate even more.


    He suddenly felt it in his body, the energy around them was enough to reinvigorate his mana.


    "Wow, it almost feels like I took a mana potion. Good thing, too. I can even hide my form now..." Rubina said, her voice tinged with amazement, she then made a devious smile thinking of her next words. "Say¡­ which form do you prefer?"


    Logan felt a blush creeping up his cheeks at Rubina''s question, his mind racing. "Well, uh," he stammered, trying to keep his thoughts straight. "I think both forms have their charm. But tis¡­ it''s your personality¡­ is what counts no?"


    Rubina''s devious smile softened a bit, and she gave a light laugh while placing her head on Logan''s shoulder.


    "Good answer," she said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "But I''ll keep that in mind."


    With the tension momentarily eased by their playful banter, they continued toward the bright entrance. The radiance grew stronger as they entered the new area. It was a large room where crystals reigned supreme¡ªcovering the ceiling, the floor, and the walls.


    This stunning display was overshadowed by a vast body of water that extended into the distance, almost like a hidden underground lake.


    Every part of the room shimmered with the glow of the mana crystals, creating a breathtaking and almost otherworldly sight.


    "Wow," Logan whispered, his eyes wide with wonder. "I''ve never seen anything like this."


    Rubina, still on Logan''s back, was equally awestruck. "This is incredible. It''s like we''re in a whole other world."


    Luna, sensing no immediate danger, padded ahead, her tail wagging slightly in the glowing light. [Master, safe, water] she communicated again, reassuring them of their newfound refuge.


    Logan gently set Rubina down near the edge of a large stone. "Let''s rest here for a bit. We can tend to your leg and regain our strength."


    Before them, the reflection of the water was almost blinding. It was hard to tell if the crystals in the water were merely reflections or if there were also large, pointed mana stones beneath the surface.


    "Say, do you think it''s okay to drink it?" Logan asked, noticing his little pup was close to the water''s edge, sniffing the liquid before taking a few licks.


    Rubina watched Luna and then turned back to Logan. "It seems safe enough," she said cautiously. "But we should still be careful. If Luna doesn''t show any adverse reactions, it might be okay for us too."


    Logan nodded, keeping a close eye on Luna. "We''ll monitor her for a bit. If she''s fine, then we''ll know it''s probably safe for us."


    They waited patiently, observing Luna as she continued to drink the water without any visible signs of discomfort.


    [Master, tasty, healing, amazing] Luna communicated, her excitement evident. The little pup jumped up after taking her fill, seemingly energized, some of her wounds seemed to clear.


    Logan smiled, feeling a sense of relief. "Looks like the water is not only safe but beneficial too. But I''d rather we don''t take any risks¡ªit might be something only useful for monsters."


    Rubina nodded in agreement. "You''re right. Better safe than sorry. Let''s just use it to clean up, but we''ll avoid drinking it for now."


    Taking out a few towels from his ring, Logan got close to the water and dipped one of his fingers inside. Seeing no immediate effects, he decided to soak one of the towels in the water. He then brought it back to Rubina before soaking another towel for himself.


    Rubina took the towel gratefully, using it to clean her wounds. "Thanks, Logan. This should help."


    Logan nodded, while going back to soak another one, this time though he felt a bit of resistance as he tried to pull the soaked towel out.

 Chapter 35 A Slimy Situation

    Confused, Logan applied more strength to the towel. The resistance was strong, but slowly the towel began to come out. As he peered into the water, he saw a small slime monster clinging to the towel. The creature''s gelatinous form shimmered with the same magical light as the crystals, making it look almost invisible.Upon seeing the monster, Logan let go of the towel and backed off a little, observing the weird beast. The slime monster seemed curious, its movements slow and undulating as it hovered near the water''s edge.


    It then spat out the towel before diving back in, a small tentacle forming to hold onto the edge of the towel.


    Logan pulled the towel slightly to test what the strange monster wanted. He noticed the small creature once again pulling on the towel, trying to drag it back inside.


    He let go of the towel again in a rush, thinking the slime wanted to pull him in. The slime, noticing that the towel met no resistance, let go and withdrew its tentacle to the edge of the water.


    Logan cautiously tried to grab the towel again and noticed that the slime didn''t move this time. He took a few steps back and sighed in relief. It seemed the small creature was only playing with him.


    He noticed Luna''s tail wagged, and she didn''t seem to get aggressive as the slime played its trick.


    [Master, friendly, play] she communicated, trying to explain the slime''s intentions.


    Logan felt a wave of relief wash over him. "Luna just confirmed it. The slime''s just being playful."


    Rubina, who had been observing the interaction from afar, smiled and relaxed a bit more. "Good to know there was no danger."


    Logan decided to place a part of the towel on the edge where the slime''s little tentacle was still placed. It pulled on the towel as soon as it felt the cloth touch its water-like limb. They continued to play for a while before the slime decided to come out of the water, revealing its full form.


    The small creature radiated a green glow close the the cavern''s mana stones, its gelatinous body looking almost like an emerald. It wobbled towards Logan, its curiosity evident. Logan chuckled and crouched down to get a closer look, the playful creature seemed like a toddlers wobble as it tried to reach out of something.


    Rubina couldn''t help but laugh softly. "It''s actually kind of cute," she admitted.


    Logan nodded, his smile wide. "Yeah, it is. Who would have thought we''d find such a friendly creature down here?"


    As it got close to Logan, the slime seemed fascinated about a small cut on his right leg where his pants were ripped.


    It placed its small tentacle on the cut and then wobbled as if it got hit by an electrical current. Logan felt a strange sensation wash over him¡ªa new link forming with the curious creature.


    "Don''t tell me!" Rubina exclaimed, her eyes widening with surprise.


    Logan looked at her, also stunned by what happened. "I think it just tried to heal me," he said, gazing at the healthy skin where the cut had been previously.


    The small slime, now glowing even more brightly, seemed to pulse with energy. It wobbled happily, as if proud of its actions.


    "Do you think it can heal your leg as well?" Logan asked while wondering.


    Rubina looked at her injured leg, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "It''s worth a try," she said.


    Logan gently lifted the small slime toward Rubina''s leg. The creature seemed to understand, placing its tentacle on the wound. As it did, the slime wobbled again, and a warm, healing sensation spread through the hurt area.


    Rubina watched in amazement as her wound slowly began to close, the pain dissipating. "Incredible," she almost screamed, her eyes wide with gratitude. "Thank you, little one."


    Logan smiled, feeling a deep sense of relief. "Looks like our new friend is a healer, just what I needed."


    He then saw that the slime had shrunk a little, struggling while pointing to the water.


    Logan realized it needed to replenish its energy. "I think it wants to go back to the water," he said, gently placing the slime near the water''s edge.


    The small creature quickly absorbed the mana-filled water, regaining its size and energy. It pulsed with a renewed glow, once again radiating a sense of joy and vitality.


    [Hiii, hiii] The little slime made a mental communication, its excitement palpable.


    Rubina smiled, watching the little slime. "Looks like it just needed a recharge."


    Logan chuckled at Rubina''s comment. "Yes, it''s got to be the first of my creatures that can''t speak properly though, although I have yet to try talking to my plant..."


    Rubina laughed softly. "Well, the slimes aren''t known to be too intelligent, but this one seems to be a little better than the ones my father has."


    "We have one problem we need to solve though... If I take this little one, how will it recharge when it needs some of this special mana water?" Logan asked.


    "Well, that''s not too hard. Let''s do a few tests. I think your ring should be able to store at least three roomfuls of this special water. How about you try it, but before you do, give me all the stuff you have on it, so it doesn''t get wet." Rubina suggested.


    Logan nodded, reaching into his ring to pull out various items and handing them to Rubina. "Alright, here goes nothing," he said, preparing to store the mana water in his ring.


    The test proved successful; the water stored in the ring retained the magical properties of the cave water. Logan then began to fill a large amount of water, hoping that with it, he could take the slime as his own personal healer.


    It took half an hour before they finished the mammoth task. The ring lit up to signal it was full and even pulsed a few times, as if the energy was doing something to the magical item.


    Rubina watched, impressed. "Looks like your ring can store the water just fine. Now we have a portable source for the slime to recharge."


    Logan nodded, a sense of accomplishment washing over him. "This should make a big difference. Let''s keep the little guy close and make sure we''re ready to find a way out."


    Both youths now full of energy, along with Luna the fox and the slime who hid within Logan''s shirt, began to exit the cave. They decided that if they found an easy path back, they would return at a later date. But just in case they couldn''t, they made sure to keep the large treasure trove a secret.


    Now that Rubina could walk again and Logan was without wounds, both went back the way they came from, they noticed earlier there were various paths which Luna decided to skip on. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The little fox led the group, its ears twitching as it tried to pick up any noises, carefully choosing between the areas it had previously identified as dangerous. Some of the tunnels had goblins, which the fox had wisely chosen to avoid before, mindful of its master''s friends'' injuries.


    Now, however, the group navigated through the winding tunnels in search of these same tunnels, moving with caution and guided by the fox''s keen senses.


    Some time later the group, now fit for battle, decided to enter a particular tunnel that reeked of goblins. They moved carefully, keeping to the shadows, their senses heightened.


    The air was thick with tension, and every sound seemed amplified in the eerie silence of the tunnel. As they ventured deeper, the smell of goblins grew stronger, and distant growls echoed through the caverns.


    Soon, they spotted various shadows. The squeals from the goblins indicated that the room ahead would be difficult to pass through without a fight.


    Rubina and Logan readied themselves, carefully assessing the situation. Luna, ever vigilant, remained on guard. As they moved forward, the pup suddenly looked perplexed.


    Logan frowned. "What''s wrong, Luna?" he whispered, watching the fox''s reactions closely.


    Luna kept tilting her head around, as if trying to figure out why a certain noise was mixed in with the goblins. Suddenly, she jumped forth to figure out what was happening.


    Logan and Rubina, surprised by the fox''s actions, decided to jump into the fray. What they found was unexpected.


    Both Chloe and Kai were communicating with short, green goblins who were agitated and looking around for something. The goblins seemed to be on a mission, their eyes darting around as they tried to help Chloe and Kai.


    Realization dawned on Logan and Rubina¡ªcould it be that they were the ones the goblins were searching for?


    Logan whispered to Rubina, "It looks like the goblins are actually trying to find us, not attack."


    Chloe suddenly spotted Logan and Rubina, who exited a tunnel as if casually strolling through the complex maze.


    Kai, noticing them second, screamed, "There you are! Do you know how long we''ve been searching for you!"


    Logan and Rubina exchanged relieved looks, finally understanding that the goblins were indeed on their side for now. The small green creatures started to create an uproar in celebration, their loud squeals not the most pleasant cheering the cohort had ever heard but a welcome one from creatures who would otherwise be their enemies.


    As the four teenagers reunited, Kai jumped onto Logan. "Man, I''m so glad to see you safe! Do you know what would have happened to me if you died?" Kai began to cry, hugging Logan tightly.


    Logan, overwhelmed by the boy''s emotional outburst, tried to muster all his strength to gently pull Kai away. "It''s okay, dude, just let go!"


    Chloe looked on with a smile, then turned to Rubina. "Glad to see you both are fine."


    Rubina nodded, feeling the relief and joy of their reunion. "Thanks for looking for us."

 Chapter 36 Reunion

    The cohort was glad to be together again. They were currently following the three guards who would lead them back to the queen. Logan and Rubina decided to keep the mana-filled room a secret and only told the rest that they had somehow made it out alive.Luckily, Chloe and Kai didn''t ask too many questions. They only wanted to exit the cave now that everyone was together and leave behind the stench of the goblins'' nest.


    It took less than half an hour to climb the tunnels and get back to the room with a collapsed section. As they reached the room, a loud squeal from one of the guards announced their arrival to the queen.


    The large goblin did not seem too worried now that she knew the teenagers would not harm them and even offered some old, stale meat, which the cohort stowed away in their storage. Nevertheless, they tried their best to show appreciation by giving back a few tools and daggers the goblins could use.


    Before trying to leave, the large goblin queen pointed to a stone in the ground. Everyone turned their gaze towards the strange jewel they had seen before.


    It was the same one the blue hobgoblin had used to mutate the green goblins, so all the goblins in the room made sure to keep a good distance away from the object. The air around the jewel seemed to hum with a dark energy, and its malevolent glow reminded them of the dangers they had faced earlier.


    Everyone on the team looked at each other, hoping one of them would have an idea of what to do with the strange object.


    "Well, I think I will have to take it," said Chloe, noticing that none of the others wanted to touch it, just like the goblins.


    She took out a small box from her personal special storage bag and used magic to lift the object with dirt. With precise movements, she encased it in a ball of dirt and then made the dirt ball go into the box.


    "Well, that should do it. I tried compacting some of my own energy, so it should hold for a while¡ªhopefully long enough for me to turn it over to one of the castle''s archmages, who should be able to seal the dangerous power trying to get out," Chloe said while wiping beads of sweat that trickled down her cheek.


    "All the more reason to get out of this place," Kai said with a worried expression. He bowed respectfully towards the goblin queen, trying to convey their gratitude for the help they had received while signaling the others to do the same.


    Following Kai''s lead, Logan, Rubina, and Chloe bowed in unison, acknowledging the queen''s assistance. The goblin queen responded with a solemn nod, her eyes reflecting wisdom.


    With their farewells exchanged, the group was about to turn around to exit the dreadful tunnel system that had caused them so many problems, but were stopped by a hoarse voice.


    "Taku chu." The goblin queen stood up, pointing to a goblin. "Taku kix."


    The goblin queen''s voice echoed through the cavern, catching everyone''s attention. The pointed goblin stepped forward, appearing hesitant but obedient to the queen''s command.


    Listening to her matriarch and the mother of most of the goblins in this nest, the young goblin went forward towards Logan and placed its head down as if bowing. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The queen spoke again, her tone softer but firm. "Khav kix," she said, trying to convey her intent. Seeing that it did not get through, she pointed at the fox and the salamander, who had rejoined the group after sleeping through most of the rescue mission.


    Logan looked towards the young goblin who only had the hide of some beast to cover its important parts, much like the others in the room. He sort of knew what the goblin queen wanted but hesitated for a while before accepting the offer.


    "Don''t tell me¡­" Kai blurted out in a small voice from behind him.


    "Let''s not trample on their honor," Rubina said, understanding the goblin queen''s gesture and accepting the creatures'' way of trying to keep their pride.


    Logan took a deep breath and then nodded, showing his acceptance. The young goblin seemed to brighten with the respect the humans were giving to its mother. It stared as the long-haired boy got close and placed a finger on its shoulder where she saw a small red dot.


    A small drop was all it took for a link to be made as it looked in awe at her new master. [Thank you!] it sent her appreciation.


    Logan froze for a second, hearing one of the clearest intentions that his non-human tamed beast had ever sent him.


    The team of now eight individuals was left alone to leave the room; the goblins behind them cheered once again in their nasally language as the group headed off. The young goblin looked back towards its mother, who nodded, sending off one of her most beloved and smartest daughters.


    When they finally reached the outside of the cave, they noticed the Everwind Falcon beginning to circle above them, its majestic wings cutting through the evening sky. The sight of the falcon, with the setting sun casting an amber glow on its feathers, filled them with a sense of relief.


    They began to walk back towards the carriage area slowly, as most of them were tired and stressed from the whole ordeal.


    "Just what crazy journey did you put us through, Logan? If I had known, I would have brought my sword at least. You know how hard it was to only use stone spears that break with a few hits," Kai said while helping Logan with his Scorchwyrm.


    "Well, it''s not like I knew this was going to happen, but thank you for joining us..." Logan replied, trying to balance the weight of the slime, his falcon perched on his shoulder, not wanting to leave him, and holding the small goblin by the hand to keep others from attacking her.


    "Anyways, how many beasts can you tame, man? You should have told me! I would have brought a Terropod to lift all these tamed creatures you now have. The only problem would be how slow and slimy it would make the ground," Kai said, shaking his head with amusement.


    "Why would you want one of those as a tame? They are disgusting¡­" Chloe added, trying to join in on the conversation.


    "What do you mean? They are cute," Rubina said, laughing.


    "What is a Terropod?" Logan questioned, a puzzled look on his face.


    "You know, that large slug-looking monster we saw in the insect dome my father has," Rubina explained, a hint of nostalgia in her voice.


    "Oh that¡­" Logan added, reluctant to continue.


    The team continued to chat on their way back. Logan noticed that he was slowly changing in this new world. He had never had so many people around him, and even though one of them seemed to be working against him, at least today Chloe had helped him out and seemed truly worried when they had gone missing.


    The trip back was much like the day before, with Chloe and Kai leaving just before they reached the Rosengard Estate, going their separate ways. Logan and Rubina had opened up a lot more today, speaking of various topics, many of them about Logan''s world, his hobbies like video games, and the various musical genres each world had.


    As they reached the mansion and got out, the earl ran towards them, his face a mix of relief and concern.


    "Why did you both come so late today? Do you know how worried I was?" the earl exclaimed before looking at the new additions to the team. "Don''t tell me you went into a goblin nest. Do you know how filthy that is?"


    "We know that well, Father¡­ but we weren''t just in a regular goblin nest¡­" Rubina began to explain the day''s events.


    Logan nodded, adding, "It was more complex than we expected. We encountered the goblin queen, and she actually helped us."


    The earl''s eyes widened with a mix of surprise and skepticism. "The goblin queen helped you? That''s unheard of. Tell me more as we head inside, we have other stuff to talk about."


    The three of them entered the mansion. The two youths took a bath before having a meal, and their tired bodies finally relaxed after the long day''s events.


    "So, not only a goblin, but you also have a special slime!" the earl said with excitement.


    Logan let the slime out. It looked interested in the scraps of food that were before it and dived into the middle of the table, leaving each plate clean. The only one that did not let it near their place was the young goblin who sat next to Logan, busy licking her own plate after a few servings.


    After a good while, the earl finally turned serious. He breathed out a sigh and cleared his throat to indicate that he needed to say something important.


    "As much as I would like to keep having you in my home as a guest, Logan, I actually need to inform you that the castle wants you back with the other heroes. Your new mentor has arrived¡­"

 Chapter 37 Crimson Majesty

    Logan was somewhat reluctant to go back, sighing a few times as he looked out from the small carriage, taking a few sips of the pink aliment curing potion, a habit while on a cart.Nestled on his lap, Luna enjoyed his hand sweeping through her soft, fluffy coat. On his shoulder, his falcon stood with one wing over its face, trying to rest. Within his jacket, he felt the gelatinous form of the slime nestled like a chain around his torso.


    As for his other two tames, they had stayed behind. His goblin remained to avoid scaring any of the students, and his salamander decided to return to his house within the Rosengard Estate, where it enjoyed the familiar surroundings.


    There was only one other person in the carriage: Ruri, who was humming a melody softly while shaking one leg in a relaxed manner. "We are almost at the castle, Master Logan. I hope you are doing well," she said, understanding that he was not in a good state.


    "Thank you, Ruri¡­" He said while nodding.


    Ruri smiled gently; her eyes filled with understanding. "You''re welcome, Master Logan."


    The carriage continued its journey, the rhythmic clatter of wheels on the cobblestone road providing a comforting background to Ruri''s soft humming.


    Logan noticed that he couldn''t speak as much as he did this morning. His loner nature had resurfaced, and while Ruri tried to strike up a conversation a few times, he found himself back to his monosyllabic responses.


    "Ruri, I am sorry." He finally said mustering all the courage he could.


    "For what, Master?" she replied, her head tilting to the side in a cute, almost innocent motion.


    "I''m sorry for being so distant. I know you''re trying to be kind and engage with me, but sometimes¡­ it''s just hard for me to open up," Logan admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.


    Ruri smiled softly; her eyes filled with understanding. "There is no need to apologize, Master Logan. We all have our problems, and I appreciate that you are trying."


    Logan nodded, feeling a bit of the weight lift off his shoulders. The rest of the journey continued in a comfortable silence, with Ruri continuing to hum softly and Logan feeling a weird sense of peace and balance with how things were going.


    As they approached the castle, the sense of anticipation grew. Logan knew it was the calm before the storm. He was acutely aware of being the weakest and had tried to get stronger, but with so few days, not much progress had been made.


    He was almost at level 10 while the rest of the class was probably higher. Although there were many blue goblins, their used-up magic cores did not provide much experience.


    By now, he could guess that experience in this world was basically the accumulated mana the body absorbed from a fallen creature. The more a body''s core absorbed, the more powerful it became.


    He sighed as he saw the castle''s great walls closing in on the moving carriage. It would be at least two minutes before they arrived at the inn where his entire class was probably resting.


    "Hey, Ruri, do you think I can stop here? I want to check something quick before I head back," Logan asked.


    Ruri nodded, her expression understanding. "Of course, Master Logan. Let me have the coachman stop, just don''t be too late in coming back to your room."


    His maid tapped on the door a few times and opened the window to explain the situation to the coachman. The man nodded and proceeded to open the door for the hero, allowing Logan to step out. The coachman then continued towards their original destination, taking Ruri with him.


    "Well then, I had left this for far too long. Let''s visit my first companion to see how it is doing," Logan said to his three tames, who all accepted the late-night mission.


    The carriage had left him next to the king''s audience room, a place he would have avoided during the morning to steer clear of any encounters that might force him to meet the king.


    As he got close to the mystical garden which he saw on the first day, Logan took in all the scents and the magical visual allure that the plants were producing while bathing in the night''s moonlight.


    "There you are¡­" Logan said, getting close to a particular deep red flower that reminded him of a rose.


    He noticed his presence had an effect on his Crimson Majesty, the plants vines began to reach for one of his fingers which he placed close.


    [Name: Scarlet / Species: Crimson Majesty / Level: 1 / Blood Mark: Right Ankle / Ankle Loyalty: 1/100


    Str: 1 Agi: 1 Dex: 2 Con: 2 Int: 1 Char: 9


    Scent of Serenity: Emits a calming fragrance that soothes those nearby, reducing stress and attracting prey.


    Hyper sense: Detects nearby presences through vibrations and movements around the plant.


    Thorny Defense: Protect itself using thorns found in its vines if attacked.]


    As he checked on its stats, Logan noticed that they were one of the worst ones he could have hoped for, only its Charisma was high, but that seem to do nothing in battle.


    He let the small monster vine keep pulling at his finger for a few seconds before wondering how he could help this particular plant grow. He looked towards his fox, who might know something, being the daughter¡ªor should he say, a part¡ªof Ferra, who was considered the guardian of the forest.


    [No, hard, understand, just born] Luna tried to communicate to her master, but that didn''t stop her from sniffing the small plant.


    "Well, there must be some other way¡­ let''s see¡­" Logan muttered to himself, determined to find a solution.


    Logan watched in fascination as the tentacle gently interacted with the vine, almost as if it was offering comfort or support. The vine seemed to respond, its tendrils wrapping around the tentacle in a delicate embrace.


    Suddenly the tentacle reeled back slowly, the vine trying to chase it. At first, Logan thought they were playing, but he noticed that the clear tentacle was actually being sapped of its mana.


    "Don''t tell me!" Logan exclaimed, realizing what was happening. He suddenly had an idea. He reached for his ring, activating it to make a small amount of water pour into his cupped hand.


    The vine, sensing the moisture, shifted its attention from the tentacle to the water. Logan watched as the plant absorbed the water greedily, its tendrils becoming more vibrant and robust.


    "There, that should help you grow without draining my little friend," Logan said, relieved. He looked at Luna, who seemed to nod in approval, and the falcon, who perched quietly on his shoulder. As for the small slime, it retracted its tentacle, nestling back inside Logan''s sleeve.


    Taking more of the magical mana-filled water out from his ring to refill, he heard the clear sound of a ping resounding in his mind. It was a familiar sensation, indicating that something significant had just happened.


    He looked through his stats and noticed that the Crimson Majesty had gained one level. A sense of satisfaction washed over him as he realized what had happened. He spent a few more minutes feeding the plant, which stopped once it had gotten its fill.


    It took around four handfuls of water in total, and Logan was glad that it was enough to raise the small plant by two whole levels. He watched the vine, now thicker, and the flower grew even bigger, giving off a greater aroma.


    Logan smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "You''re doing great," he said softly to the plant. The plant seemed to come alive even more, with the magical energy radiating from the rejuvenated vine.


    "Just please try to look normal, even if you are a bit bigger. Try not to stand out or you will expose our secret, little one," Logan whispered, petting one of the flower''s leaves carefully to avoid its thorns.


    It shouldn''t be too noticeable, right? he said to himself, glancing around to ensure no one was watching. Luckily, the area seemed to be empty, giving him a sense of relief.


    "Now then, I have to go for today. I will visit tomorrow to feed you again... Rosie... no, too simple. How about... Scarlet. Yes, that should be an okay name, right?" Logan asked his other pets.


    His slime seemed to want to say something, lightly tightening its grip around his arm.


    [Hii, Hiii!] the slime bubbled excitedly, seemingly angry about something.


    "Oh yeah, sorry, I forgot to give you one too, right?" Logan said, realizing his mistake. He gently patted the slime, thinking of a fitting name for it.


    "How about¡­ Jelly," Logan said playfully, feeling the small creature tighten its grip, seemingly unhappy with the lack of seriousness.


    "Fine, fine, let''s see¡­ how about Kryst¡­ short for Crystal. It should be unique and easy to say."


    His tamed slime jiggled within his shirt, [Hiii!] it finally said, playfully pounding on his shoulder as it decided.


    "Guess that''s that, Kryst it is," Logan said with a smile. "Now then, it''s time to go back before Ruri gets mad."


    S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 38 Dual Fury

    Finally finished with one of the things he had postponed for so long, Logan walked back to the inn, which was less than five minutes away. On his way, he saw a few students here and there, all walking around a little more joyfully than on the first day.No one seemed too thrilled, but they appeared to be coping with the current situation. They didn''t care for Logan''s presence, but most gave his tames a few glances before continuing with whatever they were doing.


    He walked in silence all the way to the inn, lucky to avoid Brian and his goons, who were too busy showing off their skills to a few girls and maids to notice him.


    As others did the same, either with magic or whatever skills their class gave them, Logan noticed that unlike before, they were better at handling their magic or bodies as they moved about. Their movements were more fluid and controlled. One kid even used some sort of wind magic to levitate himself onto the roof of a second-floor building.


    Logan''s gaze stopped at one corner where various guys were looking at a girl he immediately identified as Alma. She was singing a melody with the inn''s musicians that caused those who heard the song to want to cheer for her. It took him a moment to resist her song''s magical allure, which made him want to go forth and cheer for her as well.


    Around her, he finally spotted one of the people he wanted to see. It was Lisa, clapping her hands and rocking her head to the flow of the rhythm.


    He did not want to linger any longer, so he tried to leave before anyone noticed him.


    As he finally entered the building, he noticed that, like outside, there were various students around. However, unlike those who were practicing happily, the ones here seemed to be in a far less cheerful mood.


    Some sat on the inn''s couch with their heads back, resting while sighing lifelessly.


    Logan did not know or care what they were doing, so he went toward the dining area, spotting another person he was curious about.


    Sitting in a chair, Ms. Claire was listlessly moving what looked like a pea around with a silver fork. She was alone and seemed to have her own problems going on, so like the previous time, he tried to leave before she would take notice of his peeking.


    "Hey, don''t think you can leave without talking to me, Mr. Logan!" she shouted, her voice carrying an undeniable authority that made him tremble slightly. He felt compelled to turn around by the sheer power in her voice.


    Gulping, Logan tried to think of the trouble he would be in for not having warned their only guardian in this world.


    "Yes, about that¡­ sorry for not informing you about my leave¡­ Ms. Claire," he said, nervously.


    "Oh, are we back to the meek boy? Alright, let me hear what you were doing. Come sit; you were one of my many problems these days, you know!" she replied with a hint of exasperation.


    Feeling the magical power in her voice he trembled a little before taking a seat in front of the teacher who looked furious.


    "Now then, how many days has it been since I last saw you? Do you know how hard it is for me to keep track of everyone? Three students have already left, do you know how hard it is for me? I am basically the only guardian you all have. Do you know the pressure I have built up trying to keep everyone together!" Ms. Claire exclaimed; her frustration evident.


    "Now you know the plan we all had, right? It was to train enough for everyone to make it safely back to Earth! Where were you when we all were bleeding and¡­ killing monsters in order to gain power? Do you know everyone in the class is over level 15? Now tell me, what level are you at, Logan?"


    Logan took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her words. He knew he had to face the reality of the situation and answered her question.


    "Level 9, ma''am¡­" he said as softly as possible, trying to keep anyone else from hearing.


    "Level what!" Ms. Claire exclaimed, her voice rising in disbelief. "I know, Logan, I know that you don''t have your mentor yet, but think of the group. We need everyone together so that no one is left behind."


    "Ms. Claire, do you think I want to stay behind everyone? But you should know that my abilities are different. I am not like the rest. I may be weak individually, but look, here is my falcon, the strongest of my tamed beasts. Over there is an ice fox; she can also deal great damage. Do you think I can find beasts stuck in this place?" Logan said, his voice filled with anger.


    Ms. Claire looked at the falcon and the tiny fox, recognizing the potential of Logan''s unique abilities. She sighed, understanding his struggle but still feeling the pressure of ensuring the safety and progress of the entire group.


    "Look, just go for now. I am tired, I am angry, and¡­ it''s just not a good time to talk," she said with a long sigh.


    "Just know, that I am glad that you are safe, Logan. Thanks for returning," Ms. Claire said, trying to smile.


    [Luna, could you do me a favor and sit in her lap for a bit?] Logan mentally communicated with his fluffy baby fox.


    [Bad, Lady, Loud] Luna responded, shivering slightly as she reluctantly prepared to follow his order.


    Before leaving, Logan heard Miss Claire laugh a little. He did not turn back but knew that she would feel a little better after petting the baby fox.


    As he returned to the living area, he tried to think of his next action. He didn''t think it was right to leave his fox and go to his room, knowing that anyone could harm his creature if it was left alone.


    He turned to the area where the bathrooms were, thinking it was far enough to leave Miss Claire but close enough to spot his fox when it was left free.


    [IDIOT!!]


    It was when he settled himself against a wall that he heard a voice call out to him, making him almost fall in fright.


    Holding his heart, he looked up to see Lisa at the entrance of the girls'' bathroom, holding her stomach while laughing quietly.


    [You think you were cool standing there nonchalantly, now this is payback.]


    Logan sighed, realizing he had been caught off guard. [Alright, alright, you got me.] he communicated, trying to regain his composure.


    Lisa''s laughter subsided, and she looked at him with a menacing gaze, [Where the hell have you been, Logan! Do you know how long I was waiting to meet you, to show how hard I worked on to make this telepathic thing work!!]


    Logan winced, feeling the intensity of her emotions, fearing a repeat of his encounter with Miss Claire. [I''m sorry, Lisa. I didn''t realize how much effort you were putting into this,] he said, not knowing what else to add. He silently hoped his fox would arrive soon to comfort Lisa as well.


    [Next time¡­ remember to at least tell me when you will leave for so long, you know¡­ I also worry.] she added.


    Logan felt a warmth in Lisa''s words, realizing his mistake once again. [Lizzy, I am sorry... I''ll keep you informed from now on¡­ and thanks.]


    Logan thought his eyes were playing tricks on him, but after wiping them again, he saw that Lisa had become more radiant. Her hair, although still brown, now had a golden aura around it¡ªan aura not strong enough to change the color, but enough to suggest that, like many residents of this world, Lisa was beginning to shine with the color of the Great Spirit who had bestowed power upon her. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Now then, how about you fill me in on how you got those two creatures? You think no one is interested in those two monsters who obediently follow you around?"


    Now that they had a few minutes to themselves, he had the time to explain most of his adventures so far. As for Lisa, she did not have much to add; they only trained by killing monsters who were bound by the soldiers and always in a safety net of sorts.


    Nothing really interesting happened to her so far, but she did feel more powerful. She also showed off most of her equipment that she got personally made by the church, it would not only help her channel her power but also improve her defense to the point that a tank could not hurt her even if it shot at point-blank range.


    [Its only flaw is that it drains so much mana; I could probably only survive one explosion at most with my current power] Lisa explained.


    Logan looked at his own armor, which was nothing close to her defense; it was even torn in some parts from today''s battle. He did not mind, though. He hoped she was better off than him for now.


    He knew that in battle he would ultimately not be on the frontline, as he was amassing power with each new beast he tamed. Logan noted that he needed to save a spot for a well-armored creature to be in the front line.


    [I think that is all the time I can spare, Logan. It would be strange to be half an hour in the bathroom. Let''s talk more tomorrow if you have time.] Lisa communicated and waved before leaving.


    [Master, friend, gone] It was only when Lisa left that Logan noticed his fox had been hiding. Her fluffy fur was ruffled, and she seemed to be panting.


    [Sorry Luna, you did well, come let''s go brush your fur¡­]

 Chapter 39 Maid and Mentor

    Ruri got up like any other day in her life. She did a light stretch before getting up from her bed. She looked around her small room; there wasn''t much in it, but the little it had was her personal treasure.A moving picture of her family back at the farm, her daily use items like brushes, and the makeup she had saved half a month to buy.


    As far as clothing, the closet had only two casual outfits and two pairs of work uniforms.


    She quickly changed into one of these to begin her day. Today, she had to bring the hero''s clothes back from the cleaners and make sure to check on the order for his new clothing that she had personally requested for Logan.


    Before going out, she made sure her hair was perfectly in place with some hairclips and her clothes were immaculate, without any wrinkles.


    Ruri sighed before opening the door, thinking today would be another good day, for she was optimistic. She knew the hardship of living in poverty and the challenges her family would face if she did not send back home a portion of her earnings.


    As it was still dark and only the light of the moon lit her master''s room, she could not clearly see how he was doing. From what she could gather, he was sleeping on his side with the fox cuddled within his stomach while his falcon seemed to be perched on the bed''s rail.


    She thought she saw something else as the pillow shook for a bit before stopping when she looked at it.


    Giving up on looking at her master while he slept, she used her usual lighting tool to check around for clothes she would need to take to get washed while placing a fresh set near the bed, as he seemed not to get used to this world''s fashion. She picked up a few pieces that were placed on a chair and left.


    Two hours later, she returned. It was usually the time her young master would awaken. Today, she had also brought back some sweet bread the chefs had just finished baking and a fresh pot of tea. She hoped that the delightful aroma of the freshly baked bread would help him awaken.


    She was busy placing the clothes in his closet when Ruri heard Logan get up. That was her cue to get him a small bucket of water so he could wash his face for the day.


    Ruri looked at her master''s face, and it reminded her of her younger brother¡ªsomething she had noticed as soon as she met the boy a few days before.


    As the days passed, she began to understand the boy''s nature and made sure to act according to his particular way of life. She was glad she was assigned to this particular boy, though, as the other maids were either made into mistresses, kicked out for making their hero mad, or tossed aside after some heroes no longer needed them.


    It was hard on the young girls brought to be the heroes'' aides, but for her, Logan had been a good master to serve. He never asked for much and would often rather do things by himself.


    Logan wasn''t all that perfect as sometimes he would fall asleep not changing which made it difficult for her to get some clothes washed when he slept wearing them.


    The boy also did not seek her presence much. She sometimes had to look for him, like when he left for a full day without warning her, staying at the Rosengard Estate.


    But other than that, he was a gentle boy. He often played with his falcon and fox, feeding them himself, which she appreciated as Ruri did not like monsters. The only other bad thing she could think of was that he must...like guys.


    She did not seem to understand why he would not look at her or any other woman directly or make advances. He had a good-looking face under the strands of hair he always kept to cover one of his eyes.


    But this was improving with each day as he got stronger. His aura, however, was becoming darker. She could see a whirl of the blessing of darkness around him at times.


    It wasn''t bad, though, as it was considered lucky for someone to gain the direct favor of a spirit, and the Great Darkness Spirit was one of few divine beings.


    "Here is your towel Master Logan." She asked as he was done cleaning his face.


    "Thank you, Ruri," Logan said while using the towel she handed him.


    "I brought you some fresh bread and tea so you can start your day, master. It seems your mentor will be waiting at the training center, so you should hurry," Ruri explained.


    "Sure thing. I hope it''s not too sweet; you know how I hate it like that," Logan replied while fixing his bed to eat.


    "Don''t worry about setting up the bed and eat, master. I will handle it later," Ruri warned, knowing that today would be a busy day and he needed to be out earlier than usual.


    After fifteen minutes, the hero finally exited the building. Ruri had given him her daily goodbye and got back to work; it was going to be a busy day for her as well. She needed to go out and buy the food specified by the earl for her master''s new fox and falcon, and by the sound of it, it needed to be lean meats and various other ingredients.


    She would also need to cook a few portions, and yet, she felt good to have a role in her Master Logan''s life.


    Logan was trying to calm himself as he made his way towards the training field to meet his new mentor. Unsure of how he would greet or react to them, he rehearsed a few scenarios in his mind to avoid any problems.


    [Master, it''s fine] Luna communicated to him, her tone laced with worry. She kept her eyes down, as if something bad was happening.


    Logan also noticed that his falcon, who would usually take to the skies, seemed to stick close to him, perhaps sensing the negative thoughts he was having. As for his slime, it felt awfully still, as if not wanting to ruin his concentration.


    [I am sorry, you three. Everything is fine. We will just be meeting someone new, and I am not really good with introductions and all that...]


    "Hii / Krriiii / Muii" His three tamed beasts cheered in unison, trying to lift their master''s spirits.


    Logan laughed a little and thanked the three, feeling his confidence boost as he continued. He was close to the training center where knights were gathered along with many heroes who now seemed at home.


    Some of them were in the center of a few knights, talking normally¡ªa far cry from the first day when they would cower at the sight of an armored soldier.


    Logan, who did not know or care about anyone in the field, looked around absent-mindedly. Everyone seemed to stare at him as he passed by, perhaps checking out his beasts or simply curious about the boy who rarely mingled with the other heroes.


    His falcon caught the attention of many knights, as it was a well-known disaster-class beast especially when fully grown and knew how to use all its skills.


    Logan found the loud instructor, Theron, who was in charge of the class''s training and was Ms. Claire''s mentor. Theron was busy giving orders to a few knights.


    Logan overheard a few words and was overjoyed. It seemed that some in the class would start going out into the forest to search for more mutants, like the pale blue goblins, along with many soldiers.


    The kingdom seemed to have taken this seriously. Chloe must have given someone important the weird gem, prompting the kingdom to respond quickly to the threat that was damaging the forest. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He kind of wanted to keep it a secret to train by killing off the mutated creatures, but he also didn''t want the forest''s monsters to continue being turned into freaks because he couldn''t kill them fast enough.


    Theron seemed to have noticed him at one point because he suddenly yelled out a name and pointed to Logan. It was a good start since he did not want to talk to the bozo. He was glad that the person assigned to him was made to come to him instead.


    He noticed a tanned woman with an aura of darkness around her walk up to him in a casual manner. She had a striking presence, her eyes a deep shade of violet that seemed to hold a mysterious depth.


    Her hair, long and flowing, was as dark as a moonless night, and it cascaded down her back like a waterfall of shadows.


    She wore a well-fitted, dark leather armor that allowed for agile movement, with intricate silver patterns etched into the material, signifying her status and expertise. At her side, a sleek but large black panther padded silently, its eyes gleaming with intelligence and strength.


    She also had a raven perched on her shoulder, its feathers glistening like obsidian, giving her an even more formidable appearance.


    Logan could sense the immense power she held, not just from the darkness that surrounded her, but also from the way her tamed beasts responded to her presence with unwavering loyalty and respect.


    He gulped as she was getting closer, knowing that he could be in danger if he got on her bad side.

 Chapter 40 Tamer to Tamer

    "So, we finally meet, the hero of taming. It''s nice to see we are on the same page¡ªa winged and a four-legged beast. Nice choice," Valeria said, with a grin."My name is Valeria, and I am the empire''s top tamer, one of the hardest classes to come across. I am glad to see that one of you shares my ability," she continued in a confident and proud tone.


    Logan felt a whirl of relief and excitement at Valeria''s introduction. Her confidence put him at ease, while her friendly and accepting attitude towards his tames reassured him that she genuinely cared for her own beasts.


    The boy, although happy, knew he had to stay focused. "Thank you, Valeria. I hope to learn from you," he replied with a respectful nod.


    "Nice to hear. I did not really intend to come, but my queen made a particularly good deal. So let''s get to it¡ªlet''s not waste any time," Valeria said, her tone becoming serious.


    She adopted a more formal tone. "First, we''ll assess the strengths and weaknesses of your tamed beasts. Afterward, we''ll proceed with advanced training techniques to enhance their abilities and your control over them."


    "But before that, let''s go where the creatures roam. We don''t need to be in this place to train," Valeria said, a hint of impatience in her voice. "You should realize by now that we aren''t the most liked class. I hate to stand around and feel like we are part of a circus so let''s get moving." With that, Valeria led Logan towards the castle''s carriage area.


    She didn''t say much during the short walk, but Logan noticed the care she had for her beasts. Her large panther, although ferocious, seemed like a kitten when around its master. The large raven, on the other hand, appeared keen on challenging Zephyr, often cawing as if laughing at the small falcon.


    "I have already checked out the area where the strongest monsters in the forest stay. We will be heading there, but first, I hear you''re friends with Rosengard. Do you happen to have any other beasts?" Valeria inquired, her eyes glinting with curiosity.


    "Yes, two others. It''s a fire type and a goblin, I thought it would be better to leave them at the Rosengard Mansion to avoid accidents," Logan replied, thinking of his salamander.


    "We will go pick them up and then head north. It seems that is where the strongest monsters are," Valeria said while helping her beasts inside the large cart.


    Logan then got on, holding his small fox in his hand while his falcon perched on his shoulder, not wanting to leave its master. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I heard some news today. I think you might be related to this, but the kingdom got their hands on a mutating crystal," Valeria said, pausing to observe Logan''s reaction.


    "Yes, I did," Logan flinched while he admitted his involvement.


    "Relax, young man. I can roughly guess what you''re doing. You see, I have been hunting my own share of these mutated beasts around the empire," Valeria continued, her expression thoughtful.


    "I was given the order by Hazmal, the closest divine beast to the empire. He has been killing off these creatures for a while. They have been infesting our forests and mountain chains, trying to destroy the mana veins, no doubt this is but one of many plans made by the those pale bast¡­ forgive me I meant to say demons." Valeria explained, her voice filled with anger.


    She continued while petting the large panther''s fur, "My guess is that you have met Ferra, the guardian of these lands, and she has given you the same mission. This is why I want to quickly help you get stronger so I can return to my own lands."


    "Yes, I did meet her. She was the one who gave me this little one¡­" Logan said, signaling to his fox. The small creature nuzzled against him, feeling the attention it was given.


    "True, that gave part of my theory away. It is amazing that you have one of her kin," Valeria added.


    "Oh, I think it was one of her tails. She just let me have it, telling me to help," Logan continued, recounting the encounter he had with Ferra.


    Valeria''s eyes widened slightly in surprise. "A tail from Ferra herself? That''s an amazing gift and something unheard of. It means she truly trusts you or what you will do in the future."


    "I am not sure about that, but I will be sure to kill those around here. I have at least the strength for that much," Logan said, knowing that doing nothing would not help anyone.


    He thought about his own situation at that moment. He had to at least do this much to live in this kingdom without worry, and he would at least be leveling up.


    "Now then, how about it? While we will be training and all that in the field, we should use this time so I can answer any questions you may have," Valeria said, waiting for any questions the youth might think of.


    Logan thought about his situation. He didn''t really have an idea of what to ask, understanding only the basics of this world''s common knowledge: the fact that the class was brought by beings called Great Spirits, that these spirits gave them special abilities and skills upon arriving¡ªpowers known as blessings.


    Each spirit favored every person differently, and he was blessed by the darkness spirit.


    "How about you tell me why this class is so hated," Logan finally said, thinking of one of his main concerns.


    "That, well, long ago, there was a time when humanity was put under control by bloodsuckers. These beings had the ability to tame, in a way just like we have the ability to rule over monsters." She thought a little before continuing.


    "In their case, though, they used to enslave humanity, reducing them to little more than cattle," Valeria explained, a hint of bitterness in her voice.


    "That is when the first hero Rowland came and wiped them out a few hundred years ago. But you already know this much, right? What you want to understand is why they hate tamers particularly, correct?" she asked, looking at the boy''s reaction. He did as she expected and nodded.


    "That is simple, fear¡­ Not only because, when strong enough, we can add a human to our army of tamed¡ªsomething I advocate against doing as it is not only immoral but illegal¡ªbut also because monsters with our power hold the ability to evolve," she said, looking at her panther.


    Logan heard the part about it being illegal and was internally shaken at the revelation. He remained as calm as he could and continued as if nothing had happened while cursing himself internally.


    "Noire here was only a normal house cat when I met her, but as we got stronger, she became greater than what her vessel could hold. She evolved into what you see, which is powerful, swift, and smart," Valeria explained, her voice filled with pride as she glanced at her panther.


    "Thank about the problems if a tamer uses beasts to take over kingdoms. This has happened twice in the past, and in both cases, it took an army to kill just one human and less than 10 beasts," Valeria continued, her voice somber.


    "Just remember, hero Logan, you can be strong, but there are many forces in this world. You may think you''re invincible, like the demons who started the war, but in the end, there will always be something or someone to restore balance," she finally said, her voice filled with wisdom.


    "Alright then, I think what you need to know next is how to harness the power of the Great Spirit of Darkness. To get stronger, you need to attune yourself to this great being''s power, like this." Valeria paused, concentrating as an aura of darkness radiated around her.


    Soon the inside of the carriage became dark. Logan felt her power and its ability to cause those around her to want to submit to her.


    "Having three beasts, I am sure you have done this to tame them, am I right?" she asked, calming her aura.


    "No, actually I have never tried to do that¡­" Logan said while staring at the vortex of darkness that entered back into her body, as if every pore inside her sucked the energy back in.


    "What? Then how is it you have four beasts without doing this? And don''t think I did not notice the slime that you keep around you¡­ and to tell you the truth, I only found out about this one just now when I used my power," she said, unable to contain her astonishment.


    "I have another way to tame I guess¡­" Logan stopped himself before revealing his own way of taming, he did not trust Valeria enough yet to disclose his power.


    "I know, I get it, kid, you need to trust me here. Let me tell you something: you may have enemies in this kingdom, but I am not one of them. Hell if I care what they plan or want here. If you think there are too many problems with this kingdom, just come with me. The empire may have its problems, but we don''t discriminate or try to cage an important asset."


    She laughed before continuing, "Just look at me, I was lost in the middle of the Great Zerk Mountain range when I was called up to help you here."


    Logan thought a bit more before exposing his left arm to let her see his mark that linked him with his fox.


    "What is that supposed to be¡­" she asked as she identified the same mark on the little fox.


    "Don''t tell me you are already making soul pacts. Do you have any idea how limited those are? I haven''t even been able to do that with my own beasts!" She stood up, almost hitting her head on the carriage''s roof.


    "Don''t you ever tell anyone about those marks, you hear me? They are only for the strongest tamers. Only six soul-bound beasts have been made in this world, and they are the ones protecting the forests and other territories," Valeria said, breathing roughly.


    "The great divine beasts?" he asked her, blurting out the first thing he thought of.


    "Precisely¡­ wait, does the earl know about this?" she asked, thinking about the one person who could have seen Logan doing the taming ritual.

 Chapter 41 Taming for Beginners

    Logan quickly recounted all the times he tamed and who was there to see how he did it.For his first tame, his Scorchwyrm, the earl and Rubina were there to witness him making the pact. As for the falcon, that could easily be taken as a fluke, as the young bird bit him, which could be passed off as an accident that no one made a deal of.


    For his fox, he was alone that time. As for his slime, only Rubina was there. Finally, when it came to the goblin, he thought back to the cave and made sure to keep his actions hidden, knowing Chloe and Kai were around.


    "From what I remember, only the Earl and his daughter should have known what I did," Logan finally told her after pondering for a while.


    "Well, I hope you can trust them. It''s an important secret that only a few should know. Think about it¡ªyour beasts have the possibility to be great divine beasts one day..." Valeria said while thinking of the long term consequences of having a hero like Logan.


    "Let''s leave all the thinking for later. Now that we have a bit of time, you should start getting a feel for your aura. Many just let it leak out; this is mainly to display their strength, like various knights and nobles do. But it is also like a beacon that tells everyone your weaknesses. It''s useless to keep it active in war or when you have enemies," Valeria began explaining.


    "To start off, you need to sense your mana. That''s the simple part, as the energy courses through your body. The difficult part is getting that energy under control and not letting it leak," she continued.


    "To do this, try focusing your mana on your palm. Make it physically exit and enter. You should have witnessed how I could expel and absorb my mana," she finished while demonstrating the same effect, having a black vapor of sorts enter and exit from her outstretched palm.


    Logan did the same, using his right hand as he tried focusing on his mana. He didn''t know how to control it, so he just tried to focus on the new energy he had never had in his life until coming into this world. It was easy to identify something that you never had before.


    The hard part was actually focusing enough to make it move around in or out of his body. The weird energy would fluctuate as he tried moving it around, but it did not produce the effect he intended.


    "Don''t worry about getting it in one go, try it a few times during the day, I did it by accident when I was taught to do it, sometimes it''s just hard to focus when your not alone." Valeria said while looking out the window. "By the way we have arrived, we should get your beast and immediately leave, we need to start as the mornings are the ideal time to hunt."


    As they arrived at the Rosengard Mansion, both Rubina and the earl greeted Logan, who was taken out back to the farm area where his tames were kept.


    Rubina, like her dad, wore a lab coat and both seemed busy with some kind of research.


    "Hey Logan, your tames are in the usual area. They should be together, as the goblin seems to enjoy the Scorchwyrm''s company. It seems your power to tame also lets them interact with each other as they would with you," the earl said while rubbing his beard. "It''s an interesting thing I would like to study later if you have time."


    Logan nodded while looking at Rubina, who seemed to be sizing up Valeria. As for Valeria, she made a formal, stoic expression.


    "Hello there, young miss, and the great monster breeder Earl Victor Rosengard. It seems young hero Logan has been in your care, so I hope we get to have the same trust. My name is Valeria Rowgar," Valeria introduced herself as politely as she could, something that took Logan by surprise.


    "If you could make some time later to speak, Earl, I would much appreciate your time."


    She finished before looking back at Logan and signaled for them to hurry.


    "Well then, I hope your trip today goes well. Sorry, but I will have to borrow Rubina for today. Hopefully, you can make time for her tomorrow, young hero," the earl said while ordering Rubina back into the research they were doing.


    Rubina left, looking back at Logan a few times. She waved just before disappearing.


    "Seems it''s a bit early for you, hero. Anyway, let''s go," Valeria said as she walked back towards the carriage area.


    Logan, who didn''t understand what she meant, wanted to question her but decided to just get his two remaining tamed beasts swiftly. Time was not going to wait for him.


    An hour into the ride, Logan felt his usual sickness. He was adapting, but long road trips like the one he was on made him feel ill. Luckily, the ailment potion was enough to cure him, though it would not fully help unless he actually stopped the ride or got out of the carriage.


    Valeria, who noticed his condition, did not want the boy to get sick on her, so she decided to keep quiet for the rest of the trip. She was busy looking at the five creatures the hero had; she only managed to have seven herself, and it was difficult and time-consuming.


    Her panther and raven were the most loyal of her creatures and knew how to behave themselves. As for her mount, it was busy resting after the long trip. Finally, her other three were left behind to keep the forest safe; they would be busy looking for mutated creatures and helping the Guardian Hazmal reduce the number of vile creatures. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The boy, on the other hand, already had five creatures, all of them soul tamed. Each one radiated a power that their kind only had after thousands of battles.


    She looked at his Scorchwyrm that was still only days old; it had already evolved, no doubt with the power of soul taming. This was not normal for a regular tamer or even an expert tamer like herself.


    Just how strong will this boy be¡­


    Valeria wondered to herself. She now understood why the empress wanted this boy to go to the empire. Yet she let him stay in this dump of a kingdom. She could guess why though¡ªyoung miss Rubina seemed to have a soft spot for the kid.


    It wasn''t long before the group reached the part of the forest where the strongest monsters roamed. It was an area Logan had never seen before. The air felt different¡ªheavier, almost oppressively so.


    He felt the mana in his body react to the environment. It seemed to pulse a little, as if something was reacting with it.


    "I guess by your expression that you have never been near a mana vein. It''s an area where the mana pours out from the world. The first time can be strange, but you will get used to it. Also, it''s a good area to find the strongest monsters, so we should have you as strong as the other heroes in a matter of hours," Valeria explained.


    "Looking at your team, I suggest we train your Scorchwyrm first. Hopefully, we can evolve him to a form that won''t require you to carry him all the time," Valeria said while looking at the salamander, who seemed to be getting a little rounder than what is expected of its species.


    "Wait, I forgot to ask before, but how does evolution work exactly?" Logan asked while wondering why he had not thought up that question earlier.


    "Like I said before, evolution tries to find a form that is most suitable for your tames. It depends on the tamer and the creatures, as it''s a class-specific skill that helps this effect happen," Valeria explained.


    Logan nodded while feeling the weight of his creature, it had grown a few pounds overnight it seemed. He had struggled yesterday and still felt some muscle pain from having to carry both him and Rubina and it still hurt now that he had picked up the salamander.


    "Well then, let''s go. Noire, Night, go find us something useful!" Valeria called out as both her well-trained beasts rushed forward into the dense forest, navigating the difficult terrain with ease.


    [Master, find, try] Zephyr tried to communicate, but Logan gently petted the young bird, not wanting it to fly in this new zone that could be dangerous for his still-infant pet, he asked him mentor just in case.


    "Oh, that''s right, it''s not a good idea to send your beast out yet. I forgot to mention it, sorry. Don''t worry though, Noire should find something¡­ yes, there we go, let''s hurry," Valeria began to apologize when the sound of a roar came from the forest. Soon, a few squeals were also heard, as well as some rumbling from the trees, as if a small earthquake was happening in front of them.

 Chapter 42 Hunting Expertise

    Logan struggled to keep up with Valeria, burdened by the weight of his Scorchwyrm on his back. The only thing that kept him at her pace was the adrenaline pumping through his veins.They continued for what seemed like forever, but in reality, it was only about ten minutes until they reached the place where the cries of a large beast and Valeria''s panther were battling.


    As they got closer, Logan saw how large trees were being pushed aside, with a massive beast trampling through everything in its path.


    It looked like a massive boar, its body covered in rocky, earth-like armor. The only fur it had was on its back and face, which sported four large tusks extending outwards. Its large belly resembled rhino skin, but with cracks that allowed it to move fluidly.


    The huge beast was surprisingly fast for something so big, stomping through boulders and foliage that got in its path. Meanwhile, Valeria''s panther raced through the jungle as if gliding.


    It used its powerful paws to leap from tree to tree like an acrobat, its quick maneuvering consistently leaving the large boar at least ten meters behind.


    "Wow, that''s a big one. It must be a chief monster of this area. Too bad its intelligence is lacking; it will be a good foe for your Scorchwyrm," Valeria said.


    "Now, let''s quickly set up a place to fight. Go towards that open area and place your beast there. Its flames should be good enough to burn through the face of that Stonehide Boar," Valeria commanded, pointing to a specific empty plot of land devastated by the fight.


    As for Valeria, she readied some tools¡ªspikes and strings that she quickly set up. Most of them, she threw into place before charging forward, as if they would have a delayed effect.


    "Hurry, we have at most half a minute for the trap to work," Valeria said as she continued her own work.


    Feeling the urgency of the matter, Logan placed his flame salamander, which seemed to be getting into the zone. Its breathing changed, and its scales produced a bright red color that made Logan back off quickly.


    "Noire, we are ready! Come!" Valeria screamed as she hid behind some shrubs. Logan received quick hand signals to stay back.


    Wiping sweat off his forehead, Logan ran back as quickly as he could. He felt everything was happening in slow motion as he turned back to see the panther three meters in the air, using three trees as stepping stones to propel itself forward. The dense forest shook with the force of Noire''s leap, branches snapping and leaves scattering in her wake.


    In the distance, the earth rumbled as the Stonehide emerged, its stone-like armor flaking off as it hit a large tree. It let out a thunderous roar, and with a swift charge, the ground trembled under its immense weight.


    It was going forward towards the trap, sensing a new opponent which it could kill with ease.


    The salamander felt that it was the new target of the large monster. To look intimidating, it bellowed a stream of flames, not enough to cause the forest harm but powerful enough to prove its might.


    Enraged at the tiny monster''s actions, the boar ran forward, its tusks set in place to pierce through anything in its path.


    Logan wanted to go back in and retrieve his monster, not fully convinced by the plan. But it was far too late¡ªthe boar suddenly stepped on the first trap. A huge explosion erupted, causing one of its front legs to bend at a strange angle. This triggered the other traps to activate. One pierced the beast with black spikes, while others, like the first, caused multiple explosions.


    The Scorchwyrm, aware that the target was being assaulted, wobbled forth. Its scales, producing intense heat, began to burn the ground beneath it as it advanced.


    It was less than five meters away, but that was enough distance for its intense flames to reach. It began breathing fire as it closed in, the flames causing the boar''s hairy face to ignite.


    The squeals from the boar were deafening as the monster was hit from all sides. Part of its face was beginning to smolder.


    "I wonder how the Earl got his hands on one of these babies. It''s one of the strongest monsters I''ve ever seen for its size. That fire will make quick work of that boar," Valeria said, now standing near Logan to ensure nothing happened to him.


    "He is¡­ isn''t he? But that fire, isn''t it dangerous?" Logan said, watching as nearby trees began to burn.


    "Oh, don''t worry. My panther will take care of that fire once your beast is done," Valeria said, pointing to her monster. The panther was already using magical black energy to extinguish the spreading flames, while her raven employed wind magic to snuff out any unintended fires instantly. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Your falcon should also be able to use the same technique. It''s hard to learn, as it prevents the wind from forming in a certain area. It can even cause some animals to go unconscious," Valeria explained.


    Logan quickly thought about how the wind manipulation was affecting the oxygen in the area, perfectly fitting with the phenomenon that the large raven had produced.


    Getting back to the one-sided battle, he saw the boar was about to give up on its life. Three of its legs were already broken, and most of its skin was charred. It heaved heavily as it wobbled a few times. After a minute of torture, it finally fell to one side, its breathing stopped.


    [Ping, ping, ping] Logan heard various jingles signifying a few good levels gained, not only for himself but also for his Scorchwyrm. The Scorchwyrm roared with the new power it was gaining.


    "It seems we are just getting started. I hope you''re ready for a day filled with battles. I have enough traps for about twenty monsters. That should be enough for you to start doing your part. Leave the smaller ones to your Everwind Falcon. We will concentrate on the mutations, only killing beasts like this one that impede our path forward."


    Logan nodded as he went to fetch his Scorchwyrm. The creature had already reduced its scales'' temperature enough to be safely picked up.


    Within three hours, the group had already encountered twelve mutations. This was not in Valeria''s calculations and painted a dire picture of what was happening in the forest.


    "Within my own lands, there are only about four of these mutations during the same distance that it took for us to find all twelve in this forest. Something bad is happening. It isn''t normal to have so many. Also, what is this kingdom doing? Does it not send people to check its territory?" Valeria said, while stomping on the mutation crystal which was slowly crumbling.


    "The only thing we can take from all this is that it will be easier for you to level. The mutations are many, but they are just starting, so they should still give you enough experience to raise a few levels," Valeria finished.


    She then directed her gaze towards a particular area in the forest, where her raven seemed to be calling from.


    "Seems we have a horde of something over there. Let''s hurry and check so we can make a plan," she said, guiding the team towards the location of her bird.


    "There, do you see them? The thick green hide is perfect for this area, but I can smell that stench a whole league away. We seem to have stumbled into Warks. They may look human, but don''t let them fool you¡ªthey have a particular interest in human meat," Valeria said, as Logan''s vision finally focused on one part of the forest.


    There, he saw a type of pig-faced, bipedal monster, whose hair grew in various parts of its body as if it were wearing clothing.


    The monsters were looking up at the raven, which cawed to get their attention. They didn''t seem too intelligent as they picked up stones to throw at the bird, most of them missing.


    "This won''t be hard if we find a good position. Remember, Logan, hunting is all about finding the perfect vantage point. Always remember it''s not all about sight but also smell and hearing," she finished, while leading the group to where her panther had settled itself.


    It seemed to have found a spot where the wind was not strong and was well protected behind various bushes, making the perfect cover for them.


    "As with before, I will toss a few bombs to cause some chaos. Place your Scorchwyrm¡­ over¡­ there, yeah, that spot should be good. Just watch where you''re stepping so you don''t make too much noise. While Warks don''t have good hearing, their sense of smell is particularly strong," she said, setting up everyone''s positions.


    Her panther made three powerful jumps and landed on a large branch about four stories high, ready to pounce if necessary.


    Logan, as before, followed the instructions to the letter. He placed his beast and ran back to the team''s hiding spot.


    Explosions suddenly attracted the Warks'' attention, causing them to look back at the lone salamander. Hunger guiding their actions, they rushed towards their new victim.

 Chapter 43 Primal Evolution

    Logan looked back once again, feeling bad for his beast who had to face monsters alone. It was for the best, and he was really not in any danger as Valeria''s traps proved they were effective.They would always be perfectly placed to cause the most damage and cripple the enemy enough to not kill it but perfectly leave them open for his monster to deal the finishing blow.


    He was interested in her tactics and was willing to learn them to reduce the damage his tamed beasts would take in the future and make him more useful in battle.


    As he got in place, he felt the breath of his beast behind him, starting its flaming ability. The forest smelled of smoke and grilled meat as it hit the first of its prey. The Warks, now fully focused on the Scorchwyrm, charged in wildly, their hunger driving them forward. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Valeria''s raven and Logan''s Everwind Falcon circled above, keeping an eye on the battlefield. The bombs had caused significant chaos, and the Warks were severely disoriented. As the Scorchwyrm continued to breathe fire, the Warks'' numbers began to dwindle. Logan could see the battle was turning in their favor.


    As the Warks began to feel the loss in their numbers, they tried escaping. This was met with more traps, making them sitting ducks. The Scorchwyrm now had the confidence to walk forth and burn every single enemy before it, its powerful flames killing even the most fearless of the Warks.


    [Ping, Ping, Ping] Logan heard the melody of his level-ups, his body rejuvenating the fatigue and strength he had lost so far. He grinned with satisfaction as his level rose.


    "Say, mentor¡­ don''t you have any skills you can use? Why do you only use traps?" he questioned, wondering if she also had the capability to use her monsters'' powers or any other skills that would be useful for him in the future.


    "What do you mean, hero? Having various tamed beasts and learning to harness their skills... wait, if I recall correctly, you should be able to use soul-tamed beasts'' skills. Don''t tell me you can also use your Scorchwyrm''s ability?" Valeria said, looking enviously at Logan. She was almost tempted to shake him by the collar for not telling her earlier.


    "After all this, we will be having a long talk. I need to know everything, Logan. Like I said, I want to train you as fast as possible. There is my own territory to maintain, and I can''t be here long," she said with a stern voice before continuing.


    "Well, now that I know this, we should focus on eliminating the mutations after this battle. I won''t have to worry too much about my traps running out."


    Just as they were speaking, something happened on the battlefield. The flames whirled around, causing chaos. Logan knew something was happening with his Scorchwyrm, as it had leveled up just before the explosive power surged.


    "You should thank the Great Darkness Spirit for the power you were given, Logan. It usually takes a year of training for this to happen normally, you know. At least my guess about your monster''s evolution was spot on," Valeria spoke out as she and everyone witnessed the event unfolding before them.


    The light from the flame was so strong that no one could tell what was happening within the vortex; they just felt the power and the blessing of the Fire Spirit converge to help the Scorchwyrm transcend.


    Finally, all the flames converged on a single point, as if his monster was drawing in the inferno. A great cloud of smoke enveloped the fire beast, concealing it from their sight.


    "Kree-rah!" A new beast emerged from the smoke with a powerful jump. It looked fierce as its golden scales shone in the sun, the forest around it turning to ashes.


    At first, he did not recognize it, but the colors and texture of its scales made it obvious who it was. The Scorchwyrm, or whatever species it had now become, had grown in size.


    [No way I will ever carry you again, Scorch¡­] Logan muttered, as he went closer to his beast. It stood tall, almost two meters high, and its length was probably seven meters long, with most of it attributed to the large, powerful tail.


    [Master, I stronger, look good?]


    "A raptor, how to say no to that?" Logan yelled as he hugged his beast, who placed its head on his chest, as gentle-tempered as ever. Despite the transformation, the bond between them remained strong, and Logan felt a surge of pride and affection for his loyal companion.


    "Now that is an evolution, I would have never guessed possible. To tell you the truth, I have never seen such a monster. It seems more primal than anything I have ever seen," Valeria said, examining every part of Logan''s new beast.


    "Instead of you carrying your tame around it will be the opposite, I can already see you using this kid as a mount especially when in this forest." She said with excitement in her voice, "Actually¡­ let''s try that, I have an extra saddle for when I need to use Noire to travel quickly through parts of my territory, she is not fond of it so it should work better for you."


    Logan nodded, feeling excited at the prospect of not using a carriage again. Valeria retrieved the saddle from her own pocket dimension and handed it to him. It was sturdy, designed to withstand any rough terrain. Logan along with Valeria carefully fitted it onto Scorch, who seemed curious about the new accessory.


    With Valeria''s guidance, Logan climbed onto his new raptor''s back. The beast stood tall and steady, ready to move.


    Logan felt somewhat scared just like a kid getting on his first bicycle while he settled into the saddle, his legs gripping the creature''s sides.


    [Scorch please go slowly I have never done this, just as I know its something new for you too, bud.] Logan commanded while petting his tames radiant scales.


    His new raptor began with a few slow steps to get used to his body and the added weight, before launching into a swift run.


    [Slowly, slowly Scorch!] Logan communicated while grabbing onto his mount''s neck.


    [Running, fun, slow never¡­more] He heard his beast say with joy, but this was not a shared emotion, Logan struggled to keep himself on its back as it rushed forth.


    It took a while for his beast to settle but it was enough for Logan to get used to some of its speed, it was not made to walk but to run, this was evident by its powerful legs that could jump ten meters with ease.


    "Well that was more than I expected, it''s good that you could hang on, but I will advise you to find a good leatherworker to add some straps and fit the saddle for your beast. The Earl should help you with that." Valeria said as Logan returned getting off his new mount while holding on to a tree to help his wobbling legs.


    "How long does it take¡­" Logan said breathlessly, his hair a mess while he trying to remove the feeling of being constantly shaken.


    "About a week to get used to the movement, a few months to become a true beginner but that will probably be reduced because of your bond with your beast, after that its just like everything else where you need to place years of dedication and practice." She replied which made Logan hopeful.


    "I am not sure you know this, but I can send telepathic signals to my beasts," Logan said, trying to not sound like he was boasting but also not wanting his new mentor to grill him for not saying that earlier.


    "I knew it, you were hiding something else. What else can you do? Morph into your creature or something¡­ Why are you kids so strong¡­" Valeria said as if looking disgusted, she made a big sigh before returning to the new task on hand.


    "Now that you won''t have to carry your kid, we will start moving fast, there are at least twenty mutations in this forest and now that you don''t need as much experience, we will start working on honing your skills. Don''t just rely on your tame beasts'' instincts, it is fine for the most part, but for unpredictable battles that is dangerous." She warned while sending off her raven and panther off again.


    "First off, now that you have your greatest asset, which is this¡­ I don''t even know what species it is, but what do you call him?" Valeria questioned.


    "His name is Scorch¡­" Logan said with a timid voice.


    "Yeah¡­ Scorch." She looked at him with a knowing gaze before continuing, "Well then, now that you have him, it will be wise to start looking into tactics that you could use for the next battle. I want you to only use him for the first mutation; after that, we should start working on your overall teamwork."


    Logan nodded at her suggestion, realizing the importance of developing his leadership skills. To command an army of tamed creatures, he knew he needed to be more strategic and well-prepared.


    He then turned his attention to something crucial¡ªchecking on his fire beast''s stats.

 Chapter 44 Infernal Raptor

    After finishing the wild ride, Logan dismounted with Valeria''s assistance and eagerly checked his tamed monster''s updated stats. He couldn''t wait to see the extent of its newfound strength.[Name: Scorch / Species: Infernal Raptor / Level: 16 / Blood Mark: Neck / Loyalty: 36/100]


    Str: 18 / Agi: 16 / Dex: 13 / Con: 14 / Int: 15 / Char: 8


    Flame Breath: Unleashes a powerful stream of fire capable of incinerating foes.


    Molten Scales: Scales radiate intense heat, burning anything that comes into contact with them.


    Searing Whip: Whips its tail releasing a blazing slash on its path.


    Inferno Burst: Unleashes a powerful burst of flames, dealing massive fire damage to enemies in a wide area.


    Flame Aura: Surrounds itself with an aura of fire, reducing damage taken and burning any enemies that come close.]


    As he finished reading his tamed beast''s stats, Logan noticed the significant changes in his beast. Previously, it had low strength and high intelligence. Now, its strength had risen exponentially while its intelligence remained high. It was a substantial improvement, one he welcomed with satisfaction.


    Scorch seemed like a completely different creature. Before, it had been lazy and kept to itself, but now it had gained the confidence to walk around and even interact with Logan''s fox. It made the first move to nuzzle up to Logan, showing affection¡ªsomething it rarely did before.


    [Small creature, I stronger, I''m best] Scorch communicated to Luna, whose fur stood on end.


    [Grrrr, wait, master, I stronger, soon] Luna growled in response, her eyes blazing with a competitive but very cute spirit.


    Scorch''s intelligence was not enough to make him speak properly, but it did get a bit more fluid.


    Logan watched the exchange between Scorch and Luna with amusement. It was fascinating to see how his creatures interacted, even if it was a bit rough around the edges.


    "I know you are having fun, Logan, but I need to remind you that we need to keep training. There is more to learn about tactics, especially now that you have a new tamed beast," Valeria said.


    "You''re right, we wasted too much time. Where should we head next?" Logan asked, switching to his serious demeanor. He did not want to waste more time, seeing how much things had changed with proper help.


    "We will have your Scorch start training. I want to see how much he has improved," Valeria said. She then called for her tamed beasts, expert trackers, to lead the way. They would hunt the mutated creatures first before giving the normal beasts a try.


    Within minutes, both tamed creatures found monsters but in opposite directions. Without giving Logan time to decide, Valeria quickly instructed his Falcon to follow her Raven. Meanwhile, the rest of Logan''s team and Valeria were guided by the panther, who had returned to lead them.


    "It''s weird, but this forest is even more infected than I originally thought," Valeria remarked.


    "Something strange is happening. The vile demons'' movements may have been rushed to cause problems for your summoned creatures. Good thing we learned about this before a stampede could occur. It was crucial that you found the Forest Guardian on time. Now, let''s go¡ªwe have no time to waste."


    Valeria rushed forth, hopping on her large cat. Logan chased behind, his tames perched on top of his raptor. His goblin clung to his back, and his fox held on for its dear life as the mount ran to keep up with the black beast.


    "Good to know you''re getting better at riding your beast. It''s a good sign," Valeria said, glancing back.


    Logan nodded, gripping the harness. The pointed scales on the back of his tamed creature provided something to hold on to, helping him steady himself.


    As they ran forth, they witnessed Valeria swiftly dealing with the minor enemies. Those she could kill in a few hits were taken down by the strange black magic that her panther unleashed with a swipe or by the crossbow she wielded, causing the bodies to explode upon impact.


    Most of the beasts easily dealt with were no larger than a wolf. Many were probably normal animals that had been infected. None of them posed a significant threat, so Valeria saw no need to stop and have Logan hunt them.


    As they reached a particular area, they noticed trees on the ground, and a moss-covered monster whose body showed signs of corruption. It struggled to hold on to its sanity, with most of its leaves appearing dead and its skin barely containing color.


    "What have they done to you, poor creature?" Valeria called out. The monster, trying to maintain its original gentle demeanor, stomped near their direction as if to tell them to stay away.


    "Chex techu," Logan''s goblin called out in a sorrowful voice, one hand extended as if it knew the creature.


    [Tis, a forest keeper,] she tried to communicate, pain evident in her voice.


    "What is a forest keeper?" Logan called out to Valeria, trying to figure out his tamed beast''s intentions.


    "It''s one of the guards placed by the Guardian of the Forest. Without it, the monsters could run amok. It''s an important part of this area; it keeps the mana stable enough so that not all animals turn into magical beasts," Valeria explained, concern evident in her voice.


    "We need to try something. Look for a shard or stone around it. It''s not fully infected, so maybe we can overturn the mutation if we remove it," Valeria suggested.


    Logan began to search one side while Valeria checked the other. The massive beast was at least three meters high, but its most impressive feature was its long body, which stretched at least eight meters like a giant snake. It had two arms it used to move and two antlers that resembled tree branches.


    It was challenging to inspect each part, so Logan decided to enlist his monsters for assistance, cautioning them against touching anything directly.


    "There should be a pattern. Some leaves are withered, but how is it that it''s spread all over its body?" Logan mumbled, trying to decipher the mutation process.


    [Scorch, jump over the beast. Maybe you could spot something from a higher position,] Logan communicated while being careful of the great beast''s hands, which began to try pushing them away.


    The guardian made low grumbles as it tried to maintain its sanity, struggling as it raised its hands to hold its head.


    "Scorch, do you see anything?" Logan called out, anxiously awaiting a response.


    "Logan, it should be in its stomach. Tell your creature to stop jumping; we need to figure out how to make this beast turn over," Valeria called from the other side.


    Logan quickly moved to join her, his tames sensing his worry and remaining hidden in the forest.


    "Come kid, get some of these bombs. They''re some of my ones, so set them apart carefully. We need to make this beast flip to its side and hurry to remove the jewel. Also, call back your Fox and have it freeze the floor¡ªmake it fast. The guardian isn''t moving to let us help, but once it gets fully mutated, it will start trying to kill us," Valeria instructed.


    Without hesitation, Logan rushed through his task. His Fox, already instructed, caused ice to cover the floor. Everything was done as quickly as possible, and within seconds, everyone was in position.


    Logan, Scorch, and Valeria took their places on one side, while the Fox and Goblin, who had no major role, were on the other side hiding behind trees and shrubs, ready to assist if needed.


    As the great monster held its head, it had no time to ponder what was about to happen. Valeria signaled with her fingers, activating a string with mana. The bombs detonated, causing an explosion that pushed the beast to the side.


    "Now hurry!" Valeria shouted, rushing forward as they both searched for any signs of the gem. As soon as he got two meters below the creature, Logan felt the source.


    "There, hurry! It''s about to roll back!" he yelled, urgency clear in his voice.


    Valeria, having no time to think, pulled out a sword and plunged it into the decaying part of the beast, causing it to roar in pain.


    Before it had a chance to whip her away, her panther jumped in, and Scorch, sensing his master''s worry, used his powerful legs to push the beast to the side.


    Blood spattered, luckily still red, along with a jewel that was cut away with parts of the great beast''s skin. The monster roared in anger, but it started to feel better, at least with the mental confusion that had kept it half-berserk beginning to fade.


    "Let''s retreat. He should go back to normal if he didn''t absorb too much of that negative energy, but if in ten minutes he starts to act up, we need to kill him. So prepare," Valeria yelled, causing everyone to relocate to a safe location. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan used this time to get on Scorch''s back and return to his other two tames, which were defenseless in this situation.

 Chapter 45 First Blood

    Everyone was in place, waiting to see what the forest keeper would do. The creature was still reeling in pain on the floor, but Logan expected it to recover soon.In less than five minutes, the large creature cried out before settling itself. It started pulling the dead parts of its body off, roaring as if pulling out large patches of hair.


    With each piece it removed, its overall appearance became healthier.


    After finishing its painful task, the creature looked around. Its gaze first turned to Valeria and her panther, then to Logan and his group. It let out a long breath and, with a raspy voice, roared as if acknowledging their actions.


    Using its strong arms, it began digging a large hole, its actions causing an earthquake as its claws dug into the ground.


    In no time, the beast had disappeared, as if not wanting to show its disgraceful balding figure. Both Valeria and Logan were stunned by this but just laughed it off before focusing on the sound of fighting in the distance.


    Their birds seemed to be in a scuffle with something in the sky¡ªa large eagle that also seemed infected, its body halfway withered.


    The raven, being the more experienced fighter, seemed to be giving orders, while Zephyr assisted from afar with wind magic.


    This magic caused the eagle to worry about falling or struggle with the changing wind currents and pressure.


    The raven used dark magic to produce dark tendrils, extracting a tiny blue crystal from the eagle. Once the crystal was removed, the eagle lost all its power. Zephyr then used wind magic to soften the blow as the eagle landed on top of a tree.


    "It seems most of the beasts affected by the mutation are just starting. We need to move out; the culprit might still be around here." Valeria called her raven and panther back with a clear purpose.


    Logan told his Falcon to listen to her orders as the boy followed from behind.


    "We need to be careful not to scare whoever is causing this. I will be frank with you; it will most likely be a demon, probably the first one you have ever seen. Don''t think that just because it looks human, it won''t harm you," she said before mounting her panther. Logan followed closely behind.


    Both of their birds began to scout the surroundings. An easier method to identify the source of the forest''s problems was to follow the path of the mutants.


    The raven, already aware of the strategy, ignored the infected monsters and began following the trail.


    The falcon, inexperienced in such matters, followed a little behind to keep the team updated. It soared above Logan''s group, communicating anything it could see from the sky.


    They continued this cautious journey for an hour and a half, stepping carefully through the dense forest and pausing at every suspicious sound.


    Although the team encountered numerous beasts in the early stages of mutation, they chose to ignore them for now. Finding the true culprit was their top priority.


    The one responsible should still be nearby, as they approached an area where mutation was just beginning. Crystals were embedded in the ground near a food source, seemingly designed to attract the monsters.


    "There is a clear culprit around here. Keep close, and try to make your tame less noisy as it moves. We need to capture at least one of them," Valeria said, her temper close to blowing as she saw how many beasts were dying or struggling against the mutation.


    As they got closer to wherever the raven was leading them, they dismounted their rides.


    Logan was instructed to follow at least ten meters behind, as his monsters didn''t know how to navigate the forest without stepping on branches or leaves, causing noise.


    As the raven finally perched atop a particular tree, Logan halted. He watched as Valeria jumped onto her tamed beast, directing it to climb a few large branches to stay hidden from view.


    Logan couldn''t see anything but sensed that up ahead, there were likely one or two demons they needed to take down. He stayed alert, trusting Valeria''s lead and preparing himself for the upcoming confrontation.


    His hands began to tremble as he recalled how Rubina''s form didn''t look much different from a human. He couldn''t come to terms with what might come next.


    Though he wanted to leave, he didn''t want to abandon his mentor. What kept him in place was knowing that many creatures were suffering because of whoever was spreading the infection.


    Logan steeled his heart; this was something he needed to do. He clenched his hands, waiting for any signal from Valeria.


    It didn''t take long. The raven cawed three times, prompting Valeria to have her mount close in on whoever was causing the trouble. In her hand, he saw a blade he had yet to see her use.


    Logan moved a bit closer, leaving his goblin and fox behind. He kept only the slime, which always clung to him, and his raptor for ease of movement. He didn''t yet feel capable of keeping both pets safe while running at top speed.


    [When you hear something, rush forth, Scorch. We need to end whoever is doing this¡­] Logan communicated while taking out a dagger from his ring. It was a small blade, but it could possibly be enough to help him if the situation turned worse.


    As soon as they heard the explosion, Scorch ran forward, dodging any trees in his path. Logan clung to Scorch''s neck as they charged forth.


    Before long, they saw three robed individuals. One of them was already engaged in battle with Valeria, while the other two were being stared down by her panther. It was a good chance.


    [The one on the left!] he called out, trying to resist the wind pressure that was making him lose his grip. His raptor charged in, taking the robed individual by surprise.


    Just like in the dinosaur movies, it leapt into battle, using its talons to attack from behind, piercing the body as if it were paper. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan felt sick looking at what his tamed creature had done, its talons already dirtied with red liquid. Nevertheless, he jumped as soon as his tame settled. The panther was already engaged in a fight with the other robed being.


    Logan raised his dagger in defense, sensing the powerful magic the robed users were trying to unleash. He braced himself, knowing that the fight was about to reach its peak.


    [Go for the one in front, I''ll help Valeria,] Logan instructed, rushing toward his mentor''s side.


    Of the three, the one the panther and raptor were fighting was the strongest. Valeria struggled mainly because the robed one she fought was much faster than her.


    Everyone seemed pretty capable in battle, which unsettled Logan. He didn''t know what to do with his dagger and didn''t want to find out. However, the chaos around him demanded that he fight.


    Three explosions resounded as magic was cast. One was directed at him, which he dodged at the last second, but part of his clothes was singed. The other two explosions¡ªone hit a tree, and the third hit his beast.


    "Hey, watch where you''re hitting!" Logan cried out in rage, now convinced he needed to use his blade. The situation was dire, especially after seeing some of his beast''s scales torn off and hearing its pained groans.


    The robed individual didn''t see him but sensed the danger and jumped back. Valeria intercepted with a kick, pushing the person back into the battle. Logan didn''t plan his next move, but he felt his blade connect as the robed person was forced back.


    His hands trembled, but the anger in his heart didn''t subside. He stabbed again, causing even Valeria to flinch at the young boy''s intense determination.


    After a few more stabs, Logan finally stopped, his hands red. The boy looked confused, breathing hard.


    "What did..." he muttered, watching the body fall before him, its life fading away as the being began coughing blood.


    You did well, boy. That is all," Valeria called out behind him, patting him before heading towards her tame, which had the final assailant by the throat, ready to break it if he tried to move.


    "You also did well, Noire. Splendid job. At least we have one alive," she said, quickly using magic to cover the stranger''s mouth and nose, making him pass out.


    She suddenly heard the boy retching in a corner. The body he had stabbed had its face uncovered¡ªit was a young girl, probably in her late teens or early twenties.


    Her skin was changing back from blue to its normal skin color the only notable traits where two horns above her ears.


    "Why did you look¡­" Valeria sighed. She knew what had made the boy sick. It wasn''t something she had planned, but seeing the youth with trembling hands and a tear-filled face, she realized he should not have witnessed this yet.

 Chapter 46 Battle Front

    Reynar was a privileged youth, beloved by the Spirit of Light from an early age. He was always at the top of his class, his age group, and his academy. At the age of four, he held his first sword, and at eight, his first wand.He was the first prince and heir to a small kingdom, a place now on everyone''s lips as it was where the heroes were summoned. He felt proud and was even told he could leave and be exempted from war as a reward for his kingdom''s achievements, but that was not what the young boy in his late teens wanted.


    As he grew and joined the military, memories of the past haunted him. Six years ago, he had witnessed the fall of one of the largest kingdoms. He had been sent to aid the empire, which had called for reinforcements during a battle between the three largest forces on the continent.


    During that time, the empire called upon all those under its influence, as well as its allies, to battle against the powerful Burgia and Zelthy Kingdoms. These two great kingdoms had succumbed to the demonic forces later after this great battle.


    It was revealed that this was all part of a cunning plan to weaken the power of both nations, allowing the demons to initiate an unimpeded invasion while the soldiers were out fighting.


    This led to the First Great War, which ended in a stalemate. Those who were tricked returned only to find their homes in ruins, and many were killed, along with numerous small countries.


    The demons took over half of the continent through these tactics. As for Reynar, he decided to stay to give his soldiers hope. He felt that leaving would undermine everything he had accomplished so far.


    Today, the war had reached the border of the empire, a place every small kingdom wanted to protect to prevent the battle from reaching their own territories.


    In the distance, long-range magic was used, and he could see how it struck the empire''s defensive arrays, causing tremors that made everyone rush out of their tents to witness the frightening spectacle.


    The empire''s mages were preparing to return fire with their own long-range spells when a large explosion erupted within one of the allied army''s tents. Soldiers quickly began to mobilize, their movements swift and coordinated.


    Reynar readied himself, donning his armor and gripping his long sword trying to stop his trembling hand.


    It was rare, but sometimes crazed monsters emerged from the forest, blue and pale, ready to explode on contact. Today, the monsters seemed alarmingly close to his area. When one exploded, more would emerge, creating a deadly chain reaction.


    "Your Highness Reynar! Let''s go, the attack is from the east this time. They seem to be coming in hordes, so ready a shield," one of his close aides called out.


    He readied his antimagic shield that had protected him from various previous attacks. The monsters this time seemed to be a type of wolf monster; they were larger than normal wolves, with glowing red eyes and dark blue fur.


    Their growls and howls filled the air, sending shivers down the spines of the soldiers.


    A horn resounded from the area where the battle would take place, attracting most of the monsters with the sounds produced by the magical instrument. Everyone was ready.


    Reynar settled himself on top of his mount, a thoroughbred Breeze Roc¡ªone of his kingdom''s best¡ªwhich his father had gifted him before leaving for the war.


    His armored bird was given antimagic armor like his shield, essential for Reynar to charge. Deciding on a large pike to kill from afar, he began gathering his own troops.


    Imbuing power into a tool for speaking, he called out to his three top generals, one of them his mentor, Lord Harris who was the real commander in his camp, before addressing the whole platoon. "Set, ready!"


    The generals nodded, their faces determined. The troops quickly formed into their designated units, prepared to face the oncoming horde. Reynar felt a surge of pride and responsibility as he watched his soldiers ready themselves for battle.


    "Stay strong and hold the line!" he commanded, his voice echoing across the camp. "We fight for our kingdom, for our people!"


    The Breeze Roc beneath him ruffled its feathers, sensing the fluctuations of mana in the air. With a deep breath, Reynar raised his pike, signaling the beginning of the charge. The troops followed his lead, moving forward with a coordinated precision honed through countless battles.


    "Charge!" Prince Reynar yelled with the most commanding voice he could muster, letting his mount rush forth at top speed. His cavalry followed behind, while the militia ran using either magic to propel themselves forward or tools to hasten their speed.


    The clash between humans and monsters happened almost instantly. In a world where magic reigned supreme, battles were brutal, and only the strongest survived.


    Reynar''s pike pierced the first of the wolf monsters, its dark blood splattering across his armor. The creature let out a pained howl before collapsing.


    A special group within the army was responsible for creating dark voids to remove corpses, using either transport spells or void spells that devoured the dead remains, whether beast or human.


    This was a war where humans who died had no place for a proper burial. A new tactic used by demons made even corpses explode, something that had caused many casualties before a solution was devised.


    Around him, his troops engaged in fierce combat. Magic spells lit up the battlefield, and the sounds of clashing weapons and roaring monsters filled the air. Reynar''s focus was unwavering as he fought, his mind sharp and his movements precise.


    As the battle raged on, he could see his generals leading their respective units with skill and courage. His mentor, in particular, was a beacon of strength and leadership, inspiring the soldiers around him as well as the young man.


    Another sound of the great horn was heard just as they were finishing with the first wave, this one made in three bursts signaling a retreat to reorganize.


    "Reynar, let''s recall the troops. Something bigger is coming, we need to be ready!" Sir Harlok roared as many of their soldiers were still scattered about. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Retreat! Raise the flag, we need to retreat!" Reynar called out, using his magic tool. The area had many craters and uneven surfaces, and was so full of blood and corpses that it caused even his mount to struggle to run.


    After most of the army returned to a safe spot, the mages set the battlefield ablaze from afar. It was one of many tactics to slow the next wave, and with the explosions the bodies caused, it made for an effective strategy.


    Sadly, it also took the lives of any soldiers who could not make it back.


    "What are we facing next, Ermond? We need a field report!" Reynar called out to his logistics team''s leader, a bald man known for his ingenious way of using wind magic¡ªsome even rebranded his magic as sound magic.


    "Four Tusk Grav-Wools, about thirty of them. Some have demons as riders. This might not be a typical fight; they have finally invaded these lands. It''s the first time the demons have come out," Ermond replied, his voice dry.


    "How did they get so many? I bet there aren''t even more than five in all my territory. We need to change strategy. Bring me my bow! We will need to aim for soft spots. Get the mages ready; swords and short-ranged weapons will be useless here!" Lord Harris called out, seriously wondering why he had not sent the first prince back, even after having finished teaching him everything he knew.


    "Prince, we will need at least ten of us to ride out to keep the monsters at bay. It seems there are at least five hundred soldiers from all the kingdoms who will be sent out on this mission. I will lead our own; you need to stay here this time, do you hear?" Lord Harris tried using his commanding voice to deter the prince from going.


    "No, I will also¡ª" Reynar tried to say.


    "You will do no such thing. Your father asked me to personally stop you if it came to these situations. And don''t worry, I won''t be dying here yet; this war is just starting, kid," Lord Harris assured the young boy.


    "Fine, be careful, mentor." Reynar tried his best to mask his frustration and worry, knowing his mentor''s wisdom was worth heeding.


    As soon as they settled the matter, rumbles could be felt. The forest on the enemy''s side split as large mammoth-like creatures emerged. These beasts had four tusks and a large, muscular chest, with arms that looked like those of a gorilla.


    They charged forth, slapping away bodies that stumbled toward the fire. The handlers quickly began using water magic to clear the flames.


    Reynar, like many long-distance attackers, started charging either arrows or magic, aiming for the Four Tusk Grav-Wools'' eyes or the ends of their muscle tissue. Some bold archers and mages targeted the heart or throat, trying to pierce the most vital areas.


    The sounds of battle filled the air as arrows and magic missiles soared through the sky, striking and killing the first of the Grav-Wools.


    Some found their mark, hitting eyes, muscle tissue, hearts, and throats, causing the beasts to howl in pain. The demon handlers'' water magic worked to extinguish the flames, creating a clearer battlefield.


    Reynar focused his energy, charging a powerful spell to empower his arrow. He aimed at a particularly large Grav-Wool, hoping to take it down and create a ripple effect among the enemy ranks. As his magic reached its peak, he released the bowstring with a forceful gesture.


    The spell hit its target, causing the monster to stagger and fall. The arrow continued its path, hitting two others behind it and creating chaos within the enemy ranks.


    Seeing their leader''s success, the troops gained a surge of confidence. They pressed forward, using their combined efforts to pressure the large monsters.


    Lord Harris, leading the cavalry, skillfully maneuvered his mount and lance, taking down weakened enemies or going straight for the mages who controlled the beasts.


    The battle was fierce, but Reynar''s strategy and the bravery of his soldiers began to turn the tide. Each Grav-Wool defeated was a step closer to securing their position and protecting their kingdom. Reynar knew they could not afford to falter; the stakes were too high.


    Despite the chaos, Reynar''s mind remained sharp. He called out commands, directing his troops with precision. The air was thick with smoke and the scent of burning flesh, but he stood resolute, a beacon of hope for his men and other kingdoms'' soldiers.


    When fewer than five of the great beasts were left, Reynar began to falter. His strength had long given out, but he knew that his job was done. The rest could be handled by the empire''s elite, who always took the best part.


    Reynar took a moment to catch his breath. He watched as wyverns took to the skies and used large magical stakes to finish off the leftovers.


    The sour mood of all the troops changed to one of bliss, as everyone cheered for the victory.


    As for Prince Reynar, he thought about his land.


    "How long will we last¡­ Father, mother, sisters¡­ I hope you never have to face these challenges. For now, we can celebrate, but who knows what tomorrow may bring¡­"

 Chapter 47 Remorse and Recovery

    Logan didn''t know how he got back, but he found himself in the room he used at the Rosengard Estate. His hands were still trembling, the young demon girl''s face ever-present in his memory.He could feel the way he killed her, the anger that drove his actions, making him shiver to remember.


    Especially when he made the mistake of seeing her face¡ªher bloody mouth, her lifeless eyes¡ªthey tormented him. It was not what he wanted to do.


    He felt his fox over his sheet, the embrace of his slime, and even the goblin at the corner of his bed, crunching on something. Yet, he couldn''t feel the warmth from any of them.


    Not even the blanket he was using was enough. He covered his head just to make sure, trying to hold on to the contents of his empty stomach, acid doing its best to burn his insides.


    An hour, two hours¡ªhe did not keep count of the time. It wasn''t until he felt a hand over his back that he reacted.


    "Logan?" He heard the sweet voice of Rubina calling him. He knew she had called him many times during the day, but this time he reacted to it.


    "I know how you are feeling, but you have to remember you did it to protect your own. Remember how you felt and try to understand that what you did was worth something," she said, keeping her hand on his back.


    She used some magic to make the area around him warm. Her soothing voice lulled Logan to sleep as Rubina began to softly hum a melody.


    Seeing the boy finally asleep, Rubina stayed for a few more minutes, just in case he happened to wake up unexpectedly.


    She overheard what had happened and knew Logan was not yet ready to kill others.


    Rubina could understand killing beasts; they seemed easier to get over after a while. But killing humans¡ªor in this case, demons¡ªwas another matter altogether.


    Valeria dropped off Logan and talked to her father before informing the kingdom about what had happened. She said she would emphasize the fragile minds of the teenagers and how difficult it would be to introduce killing to the other heroes.


    Rubina herself had never killed another human or demon, so she didn''t truly know how Logan felt. Her father was not one for fighting, but for creating¡ªeach day, he bred new creatures of various species for his research.


    The only death Rubina witnessed was the killing of insects or the lesser intelligent beings to be fed to the carnivores. She didn''t even have to take part in that, as her father had many workers to oversee such roles.


    She sighed as she looked at Logan''s tames, who did their best to be there for their master.


    The only one not present was his newly evolved Scorchwyrm, or whatever new species it was, because it was too big for the room. It would easily take up half of the place.


    All of them looked sad, scared, and anxious. It seemed that even the short time they had spent with their master was enough to form a strong bond.


    She left the room and went down to visit Logan''s newest tame. It still had some parts of its leg damaged by magic, which seemed to be what drove Logan to kill.


    The limb was slowly healing with magic, but scales were not the same as skin¡ªthey would take a little more time to grow back.


    The young beast cried out in joy upon seeing Rubina, who often brought it more food than she should have. She had done this since the first day Logan left the beast here, thinking it would be a good way to get on Logan''s good side.


    She petted the young creature, and then went over to her father''s laboratory. The earl was busy examining a mutation crystal, which was the cause of many of the problems the kingdom was facing lately.


    He was testing it on some insect creatures, trying to figure out a way to prevent the mutation. The mutation was causing the creatures to experience an anomaly in their mana cores, something that made them expend mana erratically and even caused the cores to explode when enough time was spent with the blue gem.


    "There doesn''t seem to be anything I can do for now. Only light magic helps, but the crystal needs to be removed to purify the body. It will take too long to heal every creature in the forest this way," he said, taking off his strange spectacles that allowed him to magnify what he was looking at.


    His assistant, who was brought by the Church of Light, helped decontaminate the area and used a purifying spell on the earl before he left, to make sure to prevent any consequences from the prolonged exposure.


    "Well Rubina, how is Logan doing? I hope he is resting well. He will need time to heal from what he is going through," the earl said, walking back into the mansion with his daughter who was hugging his arm.


    "It seems he finally went to sleep after I helped him with some of my magic. I don''t think it will last long, so I had his maid check on him," Rubina replied. Everyone seemed too tired to eat, so they decided to talk for a while before sleeping.


    It took two days before Logan had the strength to get up, thanks mostly to the help of his tamed beasts. They seemed eager to eat, though some, like him, abstained from eating.


    He didn''t like this though; they didn''t have to suffer just because of him. Logan got up, which made the rest of his beasts to imitate him.


    His cute little fox wagged her tail like a puppy, placing her small paws on his legs as if asking to be picked up.


    His slime, which was attached to him, jiggled slightly, likely the weakest of his beasts due to the lack of food. As for his falcon, it entered through a half-opened window, holding a small rodent ready for Logan.


    [Master, food, I brought!] it communicated with an innocent tone; Logan did not know how to respond to its strange act of kindness.


    "Thank you, everyone. Zephyr, humans can''t eat that, but I appreciate the offer." Logan petted the falcon, who promptly devoured the refused meal.


    It was still happy that its master was pleased by its action. Logan knew his tamed beasts were doing their best to support him, even when he felt he didn''t deserve it.


    "Come, let''s find our friendly little goblin who is probably in the kitchen, and meet up with Scorch, whom I haven''t checked on for a few days," Logan said as he put on a new set of clothing that Ruri had left for him.


    Tossing the dirty clothes away felt refreshing. They probably still had dirt from the outing; his pants had a few burnt parts, and his shirt was still damaged on one side.


    He tried to forget what caused it for now, as he had other things to do.


    With a fresh set of clothes and a renewed sense of purpose, Logan gathered his tamed beasts and headed towards the kitchen to find the small goblin.


    The sun was shining brightly outside, casting warm rays through the windows, and Logan felt a weird spark of joy igniting within him.


    Soon he heard the cheerful kitchen staff as he entered to find his goblin; they filled the room with warmth. There were five people in total, all talking and complimenting his goblin, who someone had dressed up.


    Based on its design, he guessed it was either Rubina or Chloe, both of whom he knew had the best tastes in fashion.


    The small creature did not seem to care for the words given to her; instead, she was drawn to the smell of the bread being baked and the food being prepared.


    One of the chefs gave her a piece of jam to calm down the small creature, who cried in frustration from hunger.


    As soon as he entered the kitchen to calm his little glutton, the staff turned towards him, each one cheering at his presence.


    "Good to see you, Hero Logan!" one of the maids exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with warmth. "We''ve got a feast prepared for you and your companions; I hope you can wait just a little bit."


    The chefs nodded in agreement, busying themselves with platters of food that looked and smelled delicious. Logan''s tamed beasts perked up, their eyes wide with anticipation.


    "Oh¡­ thanks, don''t mind me, I just came for this little one," Logan replied, trying his best to calm his nervousness.


    "Don''t worry about Princess; she''s always here to help taste the food," one of the chefs said. She was an elderly but healthy woman who gave another portion of jam to his goblin with a smile.


    "Thank you for taking care of her." Logan finally had the courage to smile, each moment he began to forget the pain that ailed his messed-up mind. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 48 Forced to Accept

    Leaving behind the ruckus and his goblin, who was busy happily taste-testing today''s breakfast, Logan decided to finally visit Scorch.His tame would be in the shed out back, hopefully sleeping or resting. Logan recalled the damage Scorch had sustained on his left leg.


    Opening the shed''s door revealed his new raptor, snoring without a care in the world. In front of it stood an empty bowl. As for its leg, Logan noticed a section with no scales but with orange skin showing, indicating a healthy recovery.


    Logan got close to check everything carefully. Suddenly, his pet''s eyes opened, and its face lifted in delight.


    [Master, visit, finally.] The raptor communicated by slapping its long tail against the small room''s walls.


    "Yes, sorry for being late, Scorch." Logan patted the creature''s back as it stood up, placing its head on Logan''s chest.


    "What can I say, you are still a kid inside." Logan sighed, happy that his tame was fine.


    "Logan?" he heard a voice behind him. The scent of sweet perfume and her lovely voice quickly revealed who had entered.


    "Hey Rubina, as always thanks for taking care of Scorch," he said as he turned to face the girl.


    Rubina wore a lovely white tunic with a red belt and ribbons, perfectly complementing her natural features. Her sweet smile made his day brighten even more for some reason.


    "There was no problem. I was just surprised that he returned so different. We didn''t even know it was the same creature until it nuzzled up to me as Scorch would usually do," Rubina said as she petted the raptor, who ran towards her, leaving his master behind.


    "Oh? So you prefer Rubina to me?" Logan said, holding his heart.


    "Why wouldn''t he? This kid needs someone who will feed him every day and pet his neck, right, Scorch?" Rubina replied, while rubbing a particular area, which made the raptor almost fall flat on his face.


    Both teenagers laughed hard, enjoying the moment. After a few seconds, Logan stopped, his eyes reflecting on Rubina''s lovely profile.


    "Say¡­ Rubina, I am sorry you had to see me like that. You should know by now that I am no hero¡­" Logan began to speak, his voice tinged with a mix of regret and sincerity. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Don''t go putting yourself down, Logan. You may think you are the weakest out of the heroes, but tell me, who found the mutating crystal? Who stopped the kingdom from causing more damage to the forest and provoking the Forest Guardian to retaliate?" Rubina began rebuking Logan before he could say anything more.


    "Who killed two demons who were harming our lands and helped capture another to interrogate¡­" she continued with anger in her voice.


    "But you were there for most of that. As for the demons, it was Valeria¡­" he attempted to correct her.


    "No, Logan, without you, none of this would have happened the same way. Who knows, maybe we would have only discovered the demons'' plans after every beast in the forest was contaminated," Rubina cried out.


    The girl then got close to the young man, placing a finger on his chest. "Logan, stop. Think hard. You did good things, and that is all you need to know. Accept them and thank you, Logan. You have changed people''s and monsters'' lives already. You chose to do this; you have helped many already."


    "I know you''ve faced something harsh, but think about the good you have done too. Now then, let''s go eat; it seems the food is ready," Rubina said, pulling Logan out by the hand.


    "Alright, alright, let''s go eat," Logan told her as he was being dragged away.


    "Master Logan don''t scare me like that, I had thought you ran away!" A voice called out as soon as they reached the mansion, Logan saw Ruri running towards him, Rubina on the other hand gripped his hand harder.


    "Sorry about that, Ruri. I''m better now. Thanks for worrying¡­" Logan said, lightly waving as he was pulled inside.


    Ruri sighed with relief and joined them as they headed inside. The mansion was filled with activity, and the delicious aroma of breakfast filled the air.


    The dining table was set, and everyone gathered around, ready to enjoy the meal.


    After a grand breakfast, the Earl seemed to want to have a talk with Logan. He gathered everyone in a more private room for tea, and Ruri, who was with Logan, was given the chance to stay.


    "I have news from the King. It seems the demon did not speak much; it was just his mission to infect the area he was assigned to. He later committed suicide. Just like the rest of the beasts, he overloaded his core, causing an explosion that killed a few soldiers."


    The Earl paused and turned towards Logan to check his reaction. The boy just sat; his breathing only increased slightly, but he did not take the news too badly.


    "Now then, it is known that you had a big part in all this, Logan. The King wants to make a big deal out of this and give you an award, gold, and some land," the Earl finished, trying to probe Logan''s reaction.


    "You know as well as I do that I just went to the forest. Everything just happened¡ªit''s not like I went out to fight evil or something. Why do they want to make something big out of it anyway?" Logan said with exasperation, trying to control himself from standing up and start pulling his hair.


    "I know, Logan. I know you don''t want the attention, but please, accept and join the ceremony. Think about it¡ªthe King and the representatives kept you away from your class due to fear. They kept you weaker to control you. Didn''t they also chain you with a bodyguard?" The earl said, earnestly trying to make the boy change his mind.


    "After accepting this, they may reduce all that. You''re the only hero so far who has made any achievement, and you can bet they want to make a huge thing out of all of this to increase morale and give prestige to you heroes," the Earl said.


    "Okay...okay, so what do I have to do?" Logan said, placing a finger on his temple as if trying to contain a headache.


    "You are called to go to the throne room and be given the awards in front of an audience. They will make it early, as I told them you don''t like banquets. That is as much as I could do. Sorry, kid," the Earl finished, taking a long sip from his tea.


    "Ugh, I hate crowded areas¡­" Logan sighed. The taste of his pastries was ruined; they might as well have been cardboard.


    "I can imagine. Now then, I think the faster you get through this, the better. I will send out word that you will be ready tomorrow. They have already waited, so I don''t want them to think you are ignoring or declining. Who knows what else they may do to annoy you," the Earl added, as everyone nodded while waiting for Logan''s reply.


    "There is nothing more to say then. I will go. Thanks again, Earl, for the help. Now, does that mean I have the rest of the day to myself?" Logan asked as he readied himself to leave, craving some time to think alone.


    "You have a bit of time, but I was sent a letter by the church. Your friend Lisa will be coming later after training. That is all that was said; I don''t know if others will join her," the Earl said, handing Logan a letter that appeared to be made from expensive paper.


    "Then I shall prepare. Thank you again, everyone. I will be in my room for a while." Logan left, trying to hold back his anger.


    He did not like the formalities in this world, but he knew it would be in his best interest, so in the end, he chose to go without putting much resistance.


    Logan heard his tames walking behind him as he headed back to his room. He sighed, thinking about how he would need to leave them behind.


    The boy didn''t want to show them to the world just yet; like Valeria said, people would just look at him as if he were part of a circus.


    After entering, he jumped into the bed, extending all his limbs wide. He wanted to feel a bit of freedom. His fox jumped on top of his chest, licking his cheek.


    His slime extended a tendril towards the other cheek, making it feel like a tongue, which made his back shiver but caused him to laugh.


    His goblin, on the other hand, tried to imitate him but accidentally backslapped his stomach, making him cough.


    "It''s fine, it''s fine. Let''s just relax for now. Who knows, this might be the last chance I get before everyone expects something out of me," Logan told her, petting her slightly bald head.

 Chapter 49 Meeting the Team

    Logan finally felt like a human again. It was only after a nice, warm shower and changing into new clothes that he was able to feel this way.The day was rough, but as a teenager, he was glad that at least he wasn''t forced to be in school. He thought about his mother and father but held more anger toward them than sadness or any other emotions.


    In reality, he was trying to keep his thoughts from going in a certain direction. Lisa was actually coming all the way here to visit him.


    He knew his feelings for her from knowing her in the past; they did not speak enough for it to blossom. It could even be platonic, and yet he was excited at this exact moment.


    There was joy, but then there was also fear. He recalled what his mentor had said: it was illegal to have a tamed human. But then again, it wasn''t clear that she was his tamed, right?


    The boy paced back and forth, his tamed beast sitting on the bed. He even placed the slime down, feeling too stressed to keep it on him.


    He knew one thing: he would tell her to keep this an even greater secret.


    "What do you all think, do I look good enough?" Logan asked while fixing his hair.


    "Mii / Kwiii / Kriii / Krex." He heard various cries call out and felt that they were all positive, which made him feel good at least.


    "It should be about time for her to arrive¡­ I wonder what will happen," Logan pondered.


    He slid the curtain to check outside. The day had almost ended; it was probably around seven in the afternoon. He did not expect Lisa to stay long.


    It was not even a few minutes after this thought before he heard the sound of a carriage outside, it was the classy cart that belonged to the church.


    The ones boarding it exited, there were only two, a female knight and Lisa which made Logan happy.


    "Alright everyone, you all need to be on your best behavior. Come, let''s go greet our guest," Logan said, gathering his tamed creatures and preparing to welcome Lisa.


    Just as he was opening the door, he stopped when he saw Ruri coming up to fetch him. He nodded towards her. "Ruri, thank you for taking the time. Lead me to where we should go."


    "No problem, Master Logan. The Earl is also heading outside to greet our guest. We should just follow his example," she said.


    As soon as they reached downstairs, they spotted Rubina, who had just finished taking a shower and gotten ready.


    "Oh, there you are, Logan. Come, I need help walking." Rubina got close to him, hugging him by the arm.


    "What? Why? What happened?" Logan cried out as he was pulled to the door.


    "Welcome, my esteemed guest, Saintess Hero of Light," the Earl said, bowing slightly.


    "Thank you for accepting my visit, Earl Victor. I am grateful for your care for Hero Logan."


    It was in a voice that Logan had never heard her use before, more formal than how she would usually speak.


    "There is no problem. Come inside; we were just getting ready to sit down and eat. You are welcome to join us, Saintess," the Earl said warmly.


    "Just call me Lisa, thanks¡­" Lisa replied as she was led inside.


    As soon as he saw her, he felt a shiver run down his back. It was not the best way to greet her, with Rubina by his side.


    [Oh great hero of darkness, care to explain yourself???] Lisa began to communicate, Logan could feel the anger in her voice.


    [Hey Lisa, this is not what it looks like¡­] He began, trying to think of a way out.


    [So how should I take it then? I came because I heard you were hurt, so I came to heal you. What is there to heal, huh...] She continued, in a tone Logan had never heard before.


    [Lizzy, calm down, nothing is happening here. I am fine. Thank you for coming,] Logan tried to convey.


    Lisa made a long sigh before trying to recover herself in the presence of Rubina and the Earl.


    Rubina, realizing that her little stunt did not anger the hero Lisa as she had hoped, began leading everyone back into the dining room.


    [Lizzy, thanks for coming here. Sorry, I did not go back yesterday; I was feeling unwell after a series of events,] Logan began to explain, hoping to defuse the tension.


    [The battle with the demons...? We heard from the castle that your mentor brought one in to interrogate a day ago,] Lisa replied, still mildly annoyed but curious to hear what Logan had been through.


    There was a brief silence between Logan and Lisa as everyone settled down to enjoy the grand meal that had been prepared.


    "Do you find the food to your taste, young Miss Lisa?" the Earl asked while taking a spoonful of soup made from freshly hunted game.


    "Yes, thank you, Earl. I am just getting used to the food here; this particular dish is delicious," Lisa said, trying to concentrate on both conversations.


    [That day¡­ yes, there was a fight. Something happened. Let''s talk more after this, please¡­] Logan cut the conversation short for now.


    He did not want to ruin the meal before them and also risk Lisa quickly changing expressions when they communicated through telepathy.


    The meal went well, and everyone had their fill. To Logan''s surprise, the conversation was a pleasure. No one mentioned what had happened earlier; instead, they focused on talking about his world and its customs.


    They spoke about how they would spend their days back home: attending school, going home, and how they knew each other in class. They listened as Lisa talked about her days here and how the other heroes were faring.


    Everyone was slowly adjusting to life in the new world. Although those who had participated in the training had the power to join the war, they still weren''t mentally ready.


    One thing Logan noticed, and kept to himself, was the hostility each girl beside him displayed. Lisa was to his left, while Rubina was on his right.


    Logan did not want to face them as they aggressively stabbed their meals. Watching them use knives to cut meat was especially hard without feeling a twinge of fear.


    "So, has the king said how they will train the heroes now that the forest is off-limits? It seems this will be for some time. Now that demons are found within our borders, I don''t think they will let anyone who is not a soldier out to hunt," the Earl informed, curious about the kingdom''s next plan for the heroes.


    "Yes, about that, we are going to be preparing to enter a labyrinth of sorts to train. We are actually getting used to tight and dark places to get ready. It''s in a town nearby; I forgot the name," Lisa replied, side-eyeing Logan to see if he would join.


    "I guess my mentor will want me to also go. I have yet to speak to her, so I will know tomorrow¡­" Logan said, trying to ease the pressure off himself.


    "Now then, it''s getting late, Lady Lisa. Will you be staying the night, or shall I have you go back with one of my carriages?" the Earl asked, trying to see if he would have to send out a letter to the heroes'' housing so they wouldn''t worry.


    "I think I will stay. It''s a bit late, and I will need to head out early tomorrow, if you don''t mind, Earl. I also want to do a bit of a checkup on Logan here to see if everything is really fine. Also, we both need to go out, and I''m sure you know what the kingdom wants to do¡ªthe awarding ceremony for a certain hero¡­" Lisa said, addressing the Earl''s question while looking at Logan.


    The Earl nodded in agreement. "Of course, Lady Lisa. You are welcome to stay. I will have a room prepared for you."


    With the arrangements settled, Logan felt a mix of anticipation and worry. The night would be a chance to talk things over with Lisa and introduce her to his other tames.


    The meal concluded soon, and Logan took Lisa out back before it got too late. He wanted to show her Scorch, who he was proud of. He thought that maybe she could check up on him first with her powerful healing magic just to make sure he was alright.


    "It shouldn''t need it, but if Logan says so, I guess you can look at Scorch''s wound¡­" Rubina said, showing off how friendly she was with Scorch.


    "Wow, is that a raptor?" Lisa said not caring about Rubina''s tactics for once.


    [Yes, it is, and don''t worry, it''s not dangerous. It''s actually a baby, only days old, even though it looks like that...] Logan communicated through their link, trying to prevent further tension between the girls.


    Lisa went forth, touching the leg carefully. It was the only part of the young beast that seemed to have sustained damage. She cast magic a few times, which began to help regrow the scales while fixing any minor damage the bone had sustained.


    Although it was already healthy, with Lisa''s powerful healing magic, the slight damage was undone as if the clock had been rewound to a time when the skin was perfect.


    Lisa then turned to Logan with a triumphant smile. [There, it''s as good as new.]


    Rubina suspected that something was happening. She didn''t know why, but she sensed it when both Logan and Lisa would fall silent for a while. This happened throughout the night. It was as if they could communicate using another method.


    The young girl sighed as Logan led them back to his room, there his other beasts were placed in his bed, and each one was happy to see a new friendly person, something that made Rubina feel angry for some reason.


    The first to ask for affection was the lovable fox who ran towards Rubina while scratching her legs in an adorable manner.


    [Thank you, Luna. Could you help Rubina, who seems upset? I will owe you a great favor!] Logan asked the affectionate baby fox, wishing she would always remain in this helpful form.


    [Aww, what a cute animal!] Lisa exclaimed, looking at Rubina with envy.


    [Don''t worry about that. Little Luna will let you cuddle her next,] Logan quickly added before continuing.


    "Now then, let''s introduce you to the team. Kryst... Zephyr is my buddy here on my shoulder, and Krexa is my newest helper. She was sent to help me by her queen goblin." Logan quickly went over his beasts'' names before Rubina''s attention was directed back to them.


    "And that little one is Luna, a gift from the divine beast Ferra. I told you about her, remember?" Logan informed.


    "Can I ask something else of you, Lisa? Could you try using your powers on my slime? I want to see what reaction would happen. You see, this little one is my party''s healer. Maybe you can teach or even learn something from Kryst."


    He handed the small spherical slime, which outstretched a tendril towards the girl as if extending a hand.


    "Hey there, little one. Let''s see, I will try showing you my healing, so stay still for a second¡­" Lisa said, focusing mana on one finger and releasing a pulse of healing magic.


    The slime, feeling a surge of power from the light element, absorbed the mana and wobbled for a while as if thinking.


    It then extended the tendril and used the same spell back towards Lisa. This happened a few times, and neither Logan nor Rubina knew what was happening. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Well, I think it has potential. You see, what I did was send a pulse of healing magic. I am not sure how it is using its abilities, but I was taught to do this particular action to increase my healing ability. It''s like a way to check how much mana one needs to use on a patient," Lisa said while hugging the slime as if it was a new friend.


    [Gosh, Logan, this feels so good. It''s like touching a balloon filled with water. It''s so weird, but its healing properties make you want to keep it on you all the time,] Lisa expressed, unable to hide the pleasure she was feeling.


    [That is exactly why I always keep it under my shirt. It keeps me clean and always at the perfect temperature. It''s so nice¡­] Logan admitted.


    [If you find another, give it to me, please!] the young girl added.


    "Logan, while I would like to keep having fun here, I think we should all sleep soon. We have a long day tomorrow, or should I say you do¡­ the ceremony should be a little after sunrise." Rubina finally interrupted the two, looking parched after laughing so long in Luna''s company.


    "That is right, Rubina, we should all retire for the night," Logan said.


    "One last thing before we split¡ªstay still, Logan," Lisa said, pulling up his shirt slightly and placing a hand on his chest.


    "What are¡ª!" Logan yelled, taken by surprise.


    "I told you to stay still, Logan," Lisa said, using her other hand to flick his forehead.


    Logan suddenly felt a surge of energy around his chest. The energy seemed to be directed towards a specific area where he felt the flow of mana, almost like discovering a new organ.


    "There, you should feel reinvigorated for a few days. That should also help you with the events tomorrow. We need you in top shape so you don''t embarrass the other heroes," Lisa said with a smirk.


    "Ah, well, thanks¡­" Logan replied, feeling mentally tired but physically ready to fight a bull. He could also feel Rubina staring daggers at him.

 Chapter 50 Award Ceremony

    "Master Logan, I am sorry to wake you so early, but we have to head out soon," Ruri said, shaking Logan awake.The boy usually rose at the sound of her voice, but today he struggled, so she had to take matters into her own hands.


    With the help of Krexa, who jumped on Logan without a second thought, the boy finally got up.


    He flicked the little goblin in the forehead as payback before yawning.


    "Sorry about that, Ruri. I had an awful night thinking about the ceremony. I really, really don''t want to go¡­" Logan pleaded, fully aware that his maid couldn''t do anything to prevent the event.


    "I know, Master Logan, but we are all really thankful for your actions. Please just accept it. As for your attire, I have placed new garments that were bought especially for today. Please clean yourself before putting them on. I will start helping the staff with the food so you can have a good meal before leaving," the maid said, leaving the boy to get ready by himself.


    "Say, Kryst, you wouldn''t happen to have the ability to transform into me, right?" Logan said playfully, trying to cheer himself up while getting ready to change into formal wear.


    Thanks to his slime, he was already spotless and ready to head out.


    Just as Logan exited his room, he saw both Rubina and Lisa, who had also finished getting ready. Everyone seemed too tired to speak and headed downstairs to greet the Earl, who had a joyful expression on his face.


    He was already drinking something that resembled coffee, the sweet, smoky, nutty aroma waking everyone up with its mere scent.


    "Great to see everyone up and ready. We will be leaving right after eating," the Earl said, rushing everyone by waving his hand.


    Everyone quickly ate in silence, aware that there would be no time for conversation.


    After finishing their meal, they entered two different carriages. Logan and Lisa took one, while the Earl and Rubina reluctantly left in another.


    Logan, for once, was glad to be with Lisa as they made their way back to the castle.


    Her magic kept him in top shape; whenever he felt a bit sick, she would place a finger on his forehead, reinvigorating him and reducing the sickness from the ride.


    [Thanks, Lizzy. I owe you one, once again¡­] Logan communicated, finding it comfortable to use his telepathy to speak with the girl.


    "You know, you can speak normally when it''s just us, right?" she replied from her seat in front of him.


    [I know, but I have to tell you something important that I don''t want others to hear. My mentor mentioned that taming other humans was illegal. I wanted to bring this up yesterday, but there was no chance,] Logan said, sharing his concern.


    [Ah, about that! Yes, I have bought jewelry to cover the mark. I see you have done the same. Just make sure no one notices; it''s in a pretty obvious place,] she replied in a serious tone.


    [Don''t worry, I have kept it a secret. Just make sure to take care of things on your end, and we should be fine. It''s not like you can order me to do anything, right?] she told him, almost in a mocking tone.


    [No, I think it just adds a link between us. In my monsters'' case, they get stronger somehow, so I hope it doesn''t affect you negatively,] Logan said, trying to imagine the scenarios their bond could cause.


    [So you''re telling me I can be turned into a hairy cavewoman? Based on your dinosaur''s result?] She smiled, trying to think of the weirdest situation.


    [No... if anything, maybe you will turn into an angel or something. Haha, I wonder how wings would look on you¡­] Logan tried to contain his laughter. He thought about Rubina''s soft and elastic bat-like wings and could imagine Lisa with feathery, white, holy-looking wings.


    [Right, right... what are you trying to make me into?] Lisa said, laughing.


    [Anyway, it''s a serious matter. Let''s try to keep things under wraps. I don''t want to think about what they will do to me otherwise,] Logan sighed, trying to bring back the serious tone into the conversation.


    [Just keep doing good deeds. I''m sure they will forgive anything after you kill a few more demons,] Lisa added, trying to end the conversation on a positive note.


    [Lisa, don''t take life so casually. I didn''t like the way things happened that day. I don''t want you to feel the same way I did¡­] Logan warned, clenching his teeth as he tried to push the memory to the back of his mind.


    [Sorry, Logan¡­ I didn''t mean it like that. It''s just that I hope we can continue the way we are now,] Lisa said with a tinge of sorrow. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Don''t worry, we will. I''m just feeling a little unprotected now that my beasts aren''t with me¡­] Logan said, thinking about how he was left alone while the Earl took his creatures to avoid causing problems at Logan''s event.


    "You know¡­ I never took you for a loner who needed company. You seem to be changing a little," Lisa said, finally speaking normally after tiring from all the mental communication.


    "Yes¡­ I don''t know how, but now that I am not with my team, I just don''t feel the same, like something is missing," Logan added, just as the carriage stopped.


    "Heroes, we have arrived," the coachman said, opening the door for both youths.


    "Thank you, James. You have always taken the best route," Logan told the elderly man. James was, in Logan''s opinion, the best driver.


    He always tried to go at a speed that kept Logan from getting sick or at least made the ride more bearable compared to other carriage drivers.


    "It''s my pleasure, young hero Logan. Now you should hurry; the king should be ready to welcome you," the driver said, pointing toward the opened double doors, where a few knights stood guard.


    "I will see you later, Logan. I need to check on the class and find out where we should be. Bye," Lisa said before walking off toward an area where a few of their classmates were standing and talking amongst themselves.


    Logan sighed, feeling lonely for the first time in a while. He looked around and saw the magical garden, with his plant Scarlet overshadowing all the others.


    "Guess I will feed her after everything is over," Logan whispered to himself before taking the path inside the audience room.


    He was stopped and checked using a special tool to ensure he was not armed. The boy had to wear a special ring that sealed his powers while inside the room.


    It seemed to be a way to keep the king safe from anyone who might hide anything dangerous in their dimensional space items.


    "You can enter, hero. You will be guided by a knight to a designated area so we can proceed with the ceremony. The rules will be given to you shortly," a knight with bright yellow eyes said, his aura indicating he was an earth user.


    Logan followed orders, moving almost automatically as he tried to keep his mind clear. He entered a small room and exited after being given a new suit¡ªa red tuxedo embroidered with gold.


    Soon enough, he heard the sound of music and cheering. He tried to rehearse what he would do in his mind, and just as a trumpet sounded, the doors of the small room opened.


    Like a robot, he walked, ignoring all the cheers and calls, marching like a soldier toward the seating area along the red carpet. He then walked toward the thrones where the king, his wife, and children sat or stood.


    He did not attempt to turn to see anyone as his nerves were at their wits'' end. He just wanted to get everything over with and return to being with his tames.


    "Hero Logan, we have heard about the many good deeds you have done so far¡­ You have saved us from conflict with the Great Divine Beast, Ferra, who watches over the lands," said the king, whose name Logan had forgotten.


    "You have cleansed a great part of the forest ridden with mutated beasts¡­" the king continued, making Logan mentally sigh as he refused to see this as a great deed.


    "At a young age, you have slain two demons and provided one for us to interrogate¡­" the king said with even greater vigor, prompting the room to cheer even louder while Logan mentally refused with more zeal.


    "For this, we will reward you with the lands to the north of here, young hero. You will also gain a substantial amount of money¡ªa good amount, if I may add¡ªas many nations wish to reward your bravery." The king then ordered a nearby knight to place a sack of coins next to Logan.


    "And finally, you will be given two personal knights to help you in your future endeavors." Logan stopped whatever thinking he was doing at that moment and looked around, hoping this was not real.


    "Come forth, you two. You shall be with Logan from this day forth. Protect your new master, even at the cost of your life," the king commanded, his voice enhanced by magic.


    Logan spotted two figures who stood on each side of him. He sighed but was thankful that they were at least people he knew.


    Kneeling behind him, he glanced to each side respectively and saw both Kai and Chloe behind him, each holding a ceremonial sword by the hilt.


    Logan nodded to accept what was given to him, trying not to cause any commotion.


    "Now then, to complete this great deed, we will also bestow upon you the title of Baron. Now rise, hero," the king said. A knight handed Logan a gold sword encrusted with precious jewels.


    He placed the sword''s flat edge over Logan''s left shoulder, then moved it towards his right, and finally towards his head while chanting, "In the name of the Seven Spirits who have enchanted this blade, and by the power vested in me, I dub you Sir Logan, the Baron of Highcrest," the king finished.


    After doing so, the king went back to his seat. Another knight stepped forward and raised a flag with an insignia. It appeared to depict a couple of mountains in the distance and three trees. He approached Logan, handed him a badge, and then gave the flag to Kai, who stood up to accept it with a careful gesture.


    The audience erupted in cheers as the ceremony concluded, but Logan stood there in shock, holding onto his badge with a heart full of turmoil.


    What is all this crap for¡­ he thought, feeling the weight of his new title and responsibilities.

 Chapter 51 Power of Money

    The celebration went fast for Logan. He had gone on autopilot through most of it. He only shook hands or offered fake smiles as nobles and representatives catered to him.What happened had yet to register properly in his head. He was now a baron for some reason.


    Within his hand, the insignia of his new land stood. It was carefully made out of gold and silver, signifying its importance, or at least the importance the king wanted him to give it.


    The boy was currently standing outside the banquet hall, finally away from everyone''s prying eyes. During the event, his classmates and teacher were also showered with attention, so at least he didn''t need to talk to them as they were also busy.


    The few who did come to greet him were the teacher, who wanted to know how he was doing, Lisa, who congratulated him, and a few other classmates who just wanted to know how it felt to be a noble.


    The sun was still out. The morning breeze was starting to be affected by the first sun, which was almost midway throughout the sky. He could hear the festive atmosphere behind him, but Logan just wanted to leave. He had a lot to think about, yet not a lot of time for himself.


    "Kid, it seems you''re doing better." A voice called him from behind.


    Logan jumped slightly before noticing the person behind him. It was his mentor, dressed lavishly for the occasion in a dark dress that clung to her body, adorned with silver and purple jewelry that matched her eyes.


    "Sorry about that, I didn''t mean to startle you," she said, trying to hold back her laughter.


    "Don''t worry about it, Miss Valeria, I was just engrossed in my own thoughts," Logan said while faking a cough.


    "That is good to hear. I hope you''re doing better, boy. Forgive me, I really didn''t know everything was going to be blown out of proportion¡­" Valeria said, leaning back against the wall.


    "Me neither¡­ What exactly do you think will happen?" Logan questioned while settling himself beside her.


    "What can I say? You will have to go to your territory, talk to your people, find out how it''s doing, and try to solve small-time problems. You should know that they are really doing it to keep you away from the others while they train in the labyrinth to the south of here, you know¡­" Valeria whispered near his ear, trying to hold in her anger.


    "But it doesn''t matter much. The good thing about your particular taming is that you''re linked to your kids. Let them roam around while you settle yourself. Remember, boy, you need to work on other things before you start trying to enter battles," she said, getting back into a comfortable position as she saw Logan''s ears turn red after getting close to him.


    "For now, I will head north with you, probably give you a few pointers, show you how to effectively use magic and traps, and then leave you to your own device, kid. I have about a month to help you still before things get hectic in my lands," Valeria said, whistling to attract her raven.


    "Now then, I think I owe you something for all the work you put in. Here, take this," Valeria said, picking up a package tied to the raven''s leg.


    "It''s not much, but it will help you start understanding how to create and make bombs and traps. As you know, we can''t have dimensional items here, so I had to use Night to bring it."


    Logan picked up a small metal bracelet and wore it immediately on his hand. The boy wondered why he would need so many items to store things, as he already had a ring.


    "I don''t think you are ready to head out just yet. Take two or more days to talk to your classmates and look over the book within the bracelet. Try to figure out the simple traps; that shouldn''t be too hard. I will show you the stronger ones that use mana when we are in your territory."


    "Thank you, mentor¡­" Logan said, fixing his bracelet in place.


    "Don''t worry about it, kid. Now then¡­ you should really enjoy yourself. If not, you should look for people to join your cause. Remember, Logan, you may think you don''t need anyone, but there will be a time when even the weakest noble might have what you are in need of," she said, making the universal sign of money.


    "A little hint here: as a hero, try to suck up to a few wealthy merchants. A good dragon will be easily twenty times the amount of coins you were given, and you will want one, boy... I did not bring mine because it''s currently protecting my own land. It''s the only reason I am able to be here so relaxed," she said before leaving.


    "Twenty sacks?!" Logan exclaimed, thinking about the money he was allowed to store.


    Logan did not know if he would need a dragon, but he could not deny it either. If his tiny creatures had gotten so strong with just a little push, how powerful would something as mythical as a dragon become?


    He then thought about Lisa. She would be placed in harm''s way as the class entered the labyrinth, and by the look of things, he would not be able to join.


    What he could do would be to have a small but strong animal join her on his behalf. It would allow him to level up even with the great distance and help her stay safe.


    The more he thought about the plan, the more excited he got. It needed to be the perfect animal for her to travel with.


    But first things first, he needed to find Rubina. She might help him butter up a few nobles to assist him. The idea of having a dragon was very enticing, especially now that he knew his mentor had one.


    Logan went back inside with a goal in mind. He spotted Rubina, but she did not seem too thrilled to be there, just like him. The girl was hiding behind her dad most of the time.


    "Rubina?" He got close enough and saw how she changed her expression to one with a smile, as if trying to hide her prior state.


    "Hero Logan, I hope you are enjoying yourself¡­ jerk," she finished with a whisper.


    "What happened?" Logan asked, not understanding what she meant.


    "You just left the party. You know I don''t like these fancy places either¡­ It''s very hard to enjoy myself with my secret and all. I usually need to be close to my father to avoid it being exposed. You never know who might cause trouble and have the knights use dispel magic," Rubina said, shivering.


    "Oh yeah, I forgot about that. Does that mean you can''t help me?" Logan asked, beginning to tell her his idea.


    "If it''s about that, you should make good use of your knight Kai. I am sure the boy will be eager to help you. As for Chloe, she is too straightforward for this stuff," Rubina suggested.


    She looked lonely, knowing it would be hard to go around with the boy, especially since it was a morning ceremony that hindered her magic even more.


    "Alright, thank you, Rubina. I will probably have to stay here tonight. Please take care of my tames for today," Logan said, apologizing before heading out.


    "Oh, if it''s about them, you won''t have to worry, Logan. Just make sure you come back tomorrow, or they will go nuts," Rubina waved as she went back to her father, who was busy talking to a noble.


    Logan was glad that he was not stuck only with Chloe for a knight. Kai seemed friendly enough to start a random conversation with, so he began walking towards his direction.


    He began trying to think of what to say and how he would say it, playing the conversation over in his head. Just like with Ruri, Logan was not fully convinced about his new connection with his so-called knights.


    Logan wanted to understand what their role was, if he would have to pay them, and how they personally took their new job.


    "Hey¡­ Kai, Chloe," Logan called out. The other boy was talking to Chloe; both of them were in formal wear made for knights, with a single blade sheathed to their left side.


    "Sir Hero, Greeting!" Kai saluted as if addressing a commander as for Chloe she just nodded in response.


    "Ugh, Kai, it''s just me," Logan said, waving his hand to diffuse the formal talk. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I know it''s you, but we can''t go showing that we are best buds when others are watching, now can we?" Kai responded.


    "So, what is it you needed, Baron Logan?" Kai spoke with a playful smile.


    "Well, I need help with being that¡ªa baron. I was suggested to start speaking to merchants and such to¡­" Before Logan could finish, he was cut off.


    "Say no more," Kai interrupted while rubbing his hands together, glad to be asked for assistance.

 Chapter 52 The Right Connections 1

    "Let me guess, you''re looking for allies to help you with your territory. How admirable Logan! To start caring for your land and people from the very beginning," Kai said, his eyes sparkling with admiration as he looked at Logan like he was a saint."No, no, no, Kai, that''s not what I meant. Well, okay yes, partially. I just need to make some gold and connect with people who know how to handle money. Given your noble background, you probably have more insight into this, right?" Logan said in a low voice.


    "If it''s about that, I think I can help," Chloe said.


    She had tried not to eavesdrop on the boys, but knowing Logan''s needs, she figured it was better to offer her assistance than leave it to Kai and risk a disaster.


    Chloe knew her childhood friend all too well and could easily picture the mess he might create, dragging the shy Logan into it.


    "Anyways, if it''s about your territory, there are four key people you need to know right from the start: the kingdom''s treasurer, the leader of the merchant''s guild, Count Yarvs, and Baroness Elvir. The last two are your neighbors, and both are known for their rich and wealthy lands," Chloe explained.


    "Yes, I think four is enough. Thanks, Chloe," Logan replied, grateful that there were only four people he needed to speak with.


    "I suppose as knights, we should begin fulfilling our duty¡­" Chloe said, leading the way.


    "About that, what do knights do, or what does it mean?" Logan asked his first major question.


    "We are sworn to serve a lord. In our case, it means providing military service for your barony, protection, and sometimes administrative duties," Chloe said while spotting the first of the objectives for today.


    "Logan, this is Sir Harold, the leader of the merchant''s guild. He owns most of the west district shops and is one of the best merchants on the continent. He is even renowned in the empire," Chloe introduced.


    Logan was greeted by a stout man in his late fifties, who looked every bit the classic tycoon. His presence was commanding, marked by a big, round belly and a well-groomed mustache that twitched as he smiled warmly.


    "It''s a pleasure to meet you, Hero Baron Logan. What a grand title, but one that fits all your accomplishments perfectly. How can I assist you?" Sir Harold said, extending his hand for a handshake.


    "About that¡­ Well, I wanted to meet you, Sir Harold. I''m new to being a Baron and wanted to connect with influential people for my new land. I also have something interesting to show you, and I think you might be interested in buying it for a good price." Logan got closer, lowering his voice as he thought about the mana crystal cave.


    He could start generating income from this place. Although he wouldn''t damage the beautiful cave, he was curious to see what a few crystals might fetch.


    "Sure, I can make time for you any day, hero. Just come to our main guild branch. I will await your arrival." The man''s mustache wiggled, as if sensing the money that would be made.


    He took inspiration from one of the production class heroes. The boy had created various tools, daily-use items, and equipment never before seen in this world.


    If the kingdom hadn''t been so impoverished by the war, the merchant calculated that the young hero would surpass him in wealth in no less than two years.


    Each of the heroes could potentially be a gold mine. The greatest idea right now was a so-called bicycle, which only needed a type of material called rubber.


    Alchemists in the kingdom are busy trying to create this new material to finish the transportation device.


    "Yes, I will try to visit you tomorrow as I will be leaving for my territory in a few days. Hopefully, you will be interested in buying what I bring," Logan said, extending his hand awkwardly to the stout man.


    The merchant Harold extended both hands in a show of favor, shaking the boy''s hand with unintentional force. "I will make time then. Have a good day, Hero Baron Logan."


    After the first conversation, Logan felt like a fish out of water. He wanted to leave and forget the rest of his plans, but Chloe, busy looking for his next target, didn''t give him a chance to escape.


    Soon enough, they spotted a tall, lean man standing next to the royal area where the king and his family were still seated. They seemed to be eating slowly while conversing with the guests who approached to greet them.


    "Good afternoon, Treasurer Golman. We hope to take a little of your time as the young hero wishes to express his gratitude for the gold provided by the kingdom," Chloe said, introducing the two parties.


    She observed how the hero had fared in the first meeting and decided it was better to intervene and assist him while speaking to the treasurer, who was a man of few words.


    The tall man embodied the phrase "time is money" and seemed forced to attend, a fact that was quickly reflected in his cold attitude.


    "Yes, yes, I know who you are, the hero of the hour. You know, it was painful to give so much while we are in dire need," Golman said with a long sigh.


    He wanted nothing more than to choke the young hero into returning the kingdom''s money, as the war had left them in a huge deficit.


    All his hard work throughout the years to bring the kingdom to the top had been undone so easily by the war.


    "Yes, we will be quick, Sir Golman. Right, Baron Logan?" Chloe said, passing the ball to Logan with a wink. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Oh, uh, yes, hello Mr. Golman. I wanted to thank you and express my hope to help the kingdom in the future," Logan said, feeling sweat trickling down his back under the stern man''s gaze.


    The boy wiped his hand on his pants before extending it for a handshake. He felt the daggers in the tall man''s stare, but as soon as they exchanged a handshake, the treasurer''s features softened.


    "Sorry about that, hero. Sometimes I forget that you all will end this atrocious war. Thanks for coming. I had to let go of a few hundred gold coins to host this banquet, so please, enjoy the rest of it¡ªespecially the food."


    Soon, the group left the treasurer, who decided to take his own advice and had a chef serve him the most expensive food they had prepared.

 Chapter 53 The Right Connections 2

    "Well, that went better than I imagined¡­ He''s a hard one to get to know, but just maybe he''ll add a few gold coins to your payment for your territory later¡­" Chloe told Logan, while having Kai help her find the count."There he is!" Kai pointed out. They found a handsome man in his thirties, busy talking to a few noblewomen. His gaze soon turned to the boy pointing him out.


    "I take it you were looking for me?" the middle-aged man said, radiating a powerful blue aura that tinged all his features.


    "Yes, it''s good to see you, Count Yarvs. We wanted to meet you as a fellow neighbor to our lord''s new territory. Let me introduce you to Baron Logan, one of the heroes," Kai said, trying to prove his worth. He also did not want Chloe to speak to the enigmatic and charming Count.


    Especially since he was known to keep various mistresses and had two wives, he was only pardoned from the war because his father, a great general, joined the current conflict.


    To protect heirs from dying, the kingdom allowed the firstborn to remain in charge of their territory.


    "The star of the hour! It''s a pleasure to meet you, young hero. Your feats are already in every child''s bedtime stories. My daughters are already fans of you heroes," Count Yarvs praised, pointing to a ten to twelve-year-old who was busy cheering Brian and his goons, who were showing off in front of various ladies as usual.


    "Yes, well, I wanted to meet my neighbors. I hope we can work together to help our lands prosper in the future, Count. I never thought I would have a territory, so all of this is new to me," Logan said, trying to count the number of women around the count.


    "Sorry, but we must be leaving. Thank you for having us," Kai said respectfully, his actions refined as if trying to compete with the noble.


    "Worry not, I am sure we will have time to speak at a later date. Please do send an invitation when you have settled, young hero," the count said, waving as he returned to being the center of attention among his crowd of ladies.


    With only one left to go, Logan wanted to take a breather. The party seemed to be ending soon, so he knew he had to hurry.


    "Before we meet the Baroness, I need you to do something¡­" Chloe said, pulling him into a corner.


    She then got out a comb from somewhere and started brushing his hair to the side and fixing parts of his clothes that were crumpled or messy.


    "Baron Logan, I know you don''t care about your appearance, but you should try working on it when speaking to ladies. It will really help you, especially since you have so many good traits. Right, Kai?" Chloe looked toward Kai as if asking for help.


    "Man¡­ why do you hide your face? I think it''s even better than the womanizing count." Kai nodded while giving a thumbs up, a new gesture that had taken the kingdom by storm after the heroes introduced it.


    "You know, you don''t have to raise your arm to do a thumbs up. But thanks, Kai and Chloe. Now can we hurry and get this over with?" Logan said, trying to resist the urge to fix his hair back into place, feeling strange with his entire face exposed.


    "Certainly, the Baroness shouldn''t be too hard to find," Chloe said as she spotted the final objective for the day.


    The next person they approached was a young lady in her mid to late twenties, surrounded by a flock of admirers.


    It was even harder to spot her, as many of the guys around were taller than Logan, muscular, and seemed to be pushing each other.


    "Make way, the hero needs to talk to Baroness Elvir," Kai said in a stern tone, making those nearest in the crowd turn to face Logan, some of them sneering after looking at the handsome hero.


    "I said move it, we don''t have much time," Chloe added, placing force in her arm to shove those in the way. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "It seems I have a visitor. Make way, please. Don''t worry, this shouldn''t take long,"


    Logan heard a sweet voice that didn''t match her age. It belonged to a frail but beautiful woman whose pale skin added a special charm, evoking a desire to take care of her.


    The woman had a modest figure, which she displayed in a blue skin-tight dress. She had large green eyes and brown hair with green highlights, suggesting she was possibly a wind magic user.


    Her weak appearance did not fool Logan. She seemed dangerous somehow, like a deadly flower that would slowly ensnare her prey. He shivered as she looked him up and down.


    "My, my, what joy to be sought after by such a young hero. To what do I owe the pleasure of our meeting?"


    "It seems we will be neighbors, my lady¡­ I just came to greet you in the hope of... creating a relationship between us," Logan stammered as the lady looked at him with a deep hungry gaze.


    "How cute. I appreciate and welcome the gesture, hero. You should invite me to tea sometime; I won''t put up too much resistance," the young baroness said, moistening the side of her lip with the tip of her tongue.


    Logan gulped and made a goofy laugh. "Uh, yeah, I think that would be best. I will send an invitation once I am settled. Thanks for your time."


    The boy finished as fast as he could, not only to minimize his awkwardness but also to avoid provoking the men around the baroness.


    "Well, I think that went well. She at least took an interest in you," Kai said with a suggestive smile.


    "A little too well, if you ask me. Maybe having you look like that made things worse¡­" Chloe said with an apologetic tone.


    "It''s fine, let''s just go¡­" Logan replied, feeling mentally drained.


    Soon, the trio was back at their original spot, preparing to leave the room.


    "I don''t know if that last one went smoothly, but at least we got the chance to greet the ones you needed to find today. You should stay vigilant, Logan. We will be preparing to leave for your territory in a few days, but there''s no telling when the demons might seek revenge on you," Chloe said, reminding the boy of the dangers he could possibly face.


    "If need be, I can go around with you, Logan. I am now your knight, so it won''t be strange," Kai pitched in, holding his ceremonial sword to demonstrate his potential.


    "About that, since we are leaving soon, how about you help me buy some stuff after this? I need to go to a particular place to find something special¡­"


    Thinking about his busy day, the boy just wanted to be left alone, but he had some urgent matters to attend to.


    The first of these would require the help of Rubina and her father.

 Chapter 54 Tame Giveaway

    The trio quickly exited the venue. A worker, busy cleaning, told them where they could find Rubina and her father. They had also just recently left and shouldn''t have reached the carriages yet.Logan quickly left to find them, as he had a few urgent questions before they set out to town. Maybe Rubina would be keen on going with them.


    Luckily, after pacing quickly through a crowd that was also leaving, Logan spotted Rubina''s shiny red hair. He quickly ran forward, leaving both Chloe and Kai behind.


    "Hey, Rubina!" he called out.


    It wasn''t hard for the girl to know who was calling her. Looking back, she saw Logan panting and told her father to stop. It was strange, but Logan seemed to have forgotten to cover half of his face as he usually did.


    "Hey Logan, what''s with the look? You seem more handsome," Rubina teased as Logan quickly fixed long strands back into his face.


    "Aww, don''t do that. Keep it back; it looked better."


    "No, I hate when people keep staring. I just forgot to do so before. Now then, I have a few things to talk to you and the Earl about," Logan said, while recovering his breath.


    "Glad to see you''re doing well today, Logan. Nice to hear you''re joining the noble society. Now, what is it you want to speak about, boy?" The Earl smiled as he led the three of them to the side to let the crowd pass through. He then used a particular accessory to form a bubble to keep the sound in.


    "Wow, I need to get one of those," Logan commented as he tried to touch the strange magic bubble, which produced a translucent wall as if they were inside water.


    "I think it''s doable. If you want, I will give you one later as a gift for what you have done," the Earl told him, while rushing him as the bubble cost him mana.


    "Yes, I wanted to ask for a favor. You see, I was thinking that I needed to help a friend among the heroes. To do that, I need a particular pet I could tame and send into the labyrinth as a precaution.


    "Since you both are well-versed in this matter, I wanted to ask for your opinions on the best beast to send," Logan began to explain.


    "Well, if it''s about that¡­ I don''t currently have many beasts to give out, but I''m sure if you visit Miles, he could find you one," the Earl said, turning toward Rubina, who seemed to send him a pleading gaze, as if she wanted to join Logan''s group.


    "Well, I can take a guess who it will be for¡­ I will help you with one condition," Rubina said, holding her lovely chin and making an expression as if thinking hard.


    "Fine¡­ what is it?" Logan asked, wondering what she had in mind. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Well, if you''re going to be giving out tamed beasts¡­ I want one for myself as well. Don''t you think it would be nice to have a monster who, like Scorch, evolves?" she told Logan, grabbing his hand and displaying the most adorable eyes she could muster.


    "Now, Rubina, I am sure you don''t need one." The Earl tried to calm his daughter while holding himself back from committing murder.


    "No, Dad, you don''t understand. I may be in danger too, right Logan?" she said, looking at the boy with a sad expression.


    "It''s not like I mind¡­ Since you have helped me out, Rubina, I just don''t understand why you would need one, but alright, no problem¡­" Logan replied, as the Earl finally felt like his mana reserve was at its limit.


    "Well then, I guess I will leave you both¡ªor should I say you four¡ªfor now." The Earl noticed that Kai and Chloe had joined the group after the sound barrier had been dispeled, and he decided to take his leave.


    "Let''s get going then. We have a lot to do and very little time to do it. I need to buy a few things and then head out to try something," Logan told them. The other three just went along and followed him towards a carriage.


    It was the Earl''s carriage that both Lisa and Logan had ridden in that morning. The friendly driver, James, was instructed to drop them off at Miles''s store.


    It was a quick drive to the market area. Being the afternoon, most of the morning activity had calmed down. It was close to two in the afternoon, and people were relaxing before the day ended.


    "This store¡­" Chloe said with a disgusted expression.


    "I know, I felt the same way the first day. But I''m not here for a slave; I just want to ask about a particular monster. Can you and Kai wait outside for me, please?" Logan explained, thankful that the girl was too revolted with the idea of entering with Rubina and him.


    As soon as they entered, Logan heard the bell chime and the attendant who told them to pass through. She knew Rubina and had been informed that if the hero Logan were to come, he could pass directly inside without a problem.


    It wasn''t long before they found Miles, who was taking care of a slave. It seemed to be a young girl who had hurt herself trying to touch a particular spiked beast.


    "Now, Irma, I told you to be careful with the Sandquills. They may hide their spikes and look cute, but when threatened, they instantly bring them out. It''s a wonder you only got one stuck on your finger," the merchant said, while a healer was removing the sharp pin.


    "I''m sorry, Master Miles," the young girl cried.


    "Oh, is that you, Hero Logan? What a pleasure to meet you on this fine day. Sorry about showing you something like this¡ªit usually never happens. We don''t tend to get kids here, but many orphans are being displaced because of the war. It''s either an orphanage or slave trading¡­ Of course, we follow the law and only sell them after making a soul-bound contract, meaning harming this child leads to death," the merchant tried to explain himself.


    The girl seemed unharmed, except for the small cut that stretched a good centimeter through her finger.


    "It''s fine¡­ Miles. I came with an urgent matter¡­ or two," Logan said, after remembering that Rubina also wanted a tamed beast.

 Chapter 55 Tri-horn Basilisk

    Logan turned to the little girl, his mind pondering the sorrowful life she might have led. Before leaving with Miles and Rubina, they made their way to the monster area to inspect the beasts Logan needed to purchase."So, hero, what kind of beast are you looking for today?" Miles asked as they entered the expansive tent. The scent of beasts was overwhelming¡ªa blend of fresh meat, hay, and animal waste creating a uniquely pungent aroma.


    "Can I check out your most interesting monsters? I need one as a present, or maybe two... Rubina here also wants one," Logan explained, grateful for the experienced merchant who understood immediately.


    "Interesting monsters... you''re making it hard on me, Hero Logan. With Rubina here, it''ll be even harder to trick you. Hahaha! Now then, let''s go. I think I might have a few," the merry merchant said, guiding them to an area where cute animals roamed.


    Rubina instantly became excited, wandering around and wondering which one she should choose.


    "So, Rubina, being the daughter of a famous breeder, you should know what to pick, right?" Logan questioned. The girl turned to him, showing slight anger.


    "Nope, it''s not my job to decide what you will pick for... your friend. But I will choose something for myself," Rubina replied.


    Logan wondered what Rubina would choose. As for Lisa''s pet, he began to look around. His choice needed to be based on evolution, so picking something cute wouldn''t be suitable in the long run.


    Logan began looking through the pen. Most of the creatures here were harmless, so he didn''t think it was a good area to find a tame to help Lisa in battle.


    He first discarded all the creatures she did not like: slithering creatures, reptiles, rodents, and any insects.


    Then he began thinking of those she did like: cats, dogs, some kind of bird, or something too interesting to refuse. He went through each cage and hatchery, the place so vast he could get lost if he wasn''t careful.


    He encountered winged snakes, furry horned rabbits, large predatory cats with impressive fangs, small wolf cubs, and a type of armadillo which he fancied for himself, as he still needed a defensive beast.


    He encountered a type of deer with glowing antlers and a bipedal goat with a muscular torso, but nothing caught his attention yet.


    Then he spotted a small four-legged owl. It was a strange beast, but perhaps it was exactly what he needed.


    It radiated an air of wisdom, observing everything and everyone in great detail. He liked that inquisitive gaze. It also emitted an aura of light, and its gold-colored plumage sparkled like platinum when it unconsciously produced light magic.


    "Hey Miles, what about this one?" Logan yelled, trying to attract the stout merchant''s attention.


    "That one was born with a clear defect. Are you sure you want it? I only keep it as an oddity to attract attention to my store," Miles responded.


    "The two extra limbs?" Logan asked, wondering as he originally thought it was just a normal strange beast from this world.


    "Yeah, that. You don''t actually think an owl has that many legs, right?" Miles said, petting the beast to show its gentle nature.


    "I don''t mind¡­ it actually looks cool like that," Logan insisted, sticking to his decision to buy the strange owl.


    "Well, I don''t mind. It would never have been bought otherwise. Now that that''s settled, how about young Rubina?" Miles said, walking back while having a caretaker bring the owl along with the items it required, like a glove to hold it on one''s hand.


    "Rubina, I have chosen one beast. Have you found the one you want?" Logan asked the girl who was busy cuddling a horned rabbit.


    "An owl? Wait, does that have four legs? Never mind, a bird... Zephyr, I think I know where this is going. I want that one then," she said, pointing to an egg. Logan did not know what it was, but the red color made it noticeable.


    "An Aurelius Fowl, its main elements are fire and light. It''s a beautiful bird indeed. Very knowledgeable, young Rubina, to even know it by egg color. That particular egg should hatch in some hours maybe even a day, so if you are going to take it, make sure you take very careful care of it," Miles advised.


    "Don''t worry, Miles, I am ready for what''s to come. Just make sure you let me borrow a good portable hatchery with a few fire stones. I will be paying for that. Thank you," Rubina replied, getting close to the egg with a resplendent smile.


    "Well, you heard her, Miles. We will also take that one. Just one last favor: I need help with a protector-type beast, something that will shield me in battle. Do you have anything interesting?" Logan asked Miles, but also turned towards Rubina, who would probably have a good suggestion.


    "Hmm, if it''s about defense¡­ I can only think of earth monsters. We have a few, but I need to know more to understand," Miles asked, trying to get more information.


    "Oh, that is easy. Based on how Scorch''s evolution went¡­ I would suggest you get a Tri-horn Basilisk," Rubina said, pointing towards the reptile area.


    "Which one is that one?" Logan asked, checking the cages by name.


    "We only have one youngling, about a year and a half old. It''s about a third of its adult size," Miles said excitedly, showing him what looked like a large cobra with horns on its head. Its size was about six feet long, and it had a sleek yet fierce appearance. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I don''t understand, Rubina. How is this going to help?" Logan asked the girl, who stood next to him, to explain.


    "Well, it''s a powerful earth-type creature. It shouldn''t be too hard to figure out how powerful it will be after an evolution, but if it stays the same, its stone-like scales can harden to protect you. Its hood is said to be one of the toughest materials known, and finally, its venom can be useful. It''s probably the only basilisk that can be tamed," Rubina pointed out, listing all its traits and how each one could help Logan in the future.


    "Well, I do like how it looks, and what you are saying makes sense. I was thinking of a shelled beast, but if it''s this one, he could probably enlarge his neck to shield me," Logan said as he saw the large snake sleeping within its enclosure.


    "Yes, hero, that is its hood, as Rubina mentioned. When this creature reaches its adult form, it will be able to shield you from danger¡­ if you manage to tame it correctly, which I have no doubt you will."


    "Now, how about you tell me about this evolution you two keep talking about while we make contracts for your new beast?" Miles added, trying to pry into the interesting topic the two youngsters were keeping to themselves.


    "We won''t need contracts, Miles. Just take us to a room with the two beasts. I can only trust you to see what will happen," Rubina commanded, waiting for his response.

 Chapter 56 Sealing the Deal

    Miles took the two youths into a room and watched as the hero used his blood to mark the beasts. After marking the owl, the creature seemed to instantly trust the boy. It carefully perched itself on his shoulder, as if it had known the hero all its life.The second was even more amazing. The snake, which had caused the store many problems, gently coiled around the boy as if it had seen him hatch.


    Miles had never seen such powers and control over beasts during his long life as the kingdom''s top beast merchant. The idea of employing the boy even swiftly crossed his mind, but he held himself back, knowing it was a foolish thought.


    "I take it it''s your unique way of taming creatures, Logan. I will keep it a secret. It''s good to know I won''t have to refuse the best but hardest creatures now that I know this. Expect me to send you anything I think you might need in the future," Miles said, laughing harder than ever while rubbing his hands.


    He knew that those monsters would cost a lot of money¡ªcash that this hero would be able to pay. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan finished his usual taming. It went quite well this time, as both creatures were eager to get out of the store. They seemed to know that being with Logan was equivalent to being freed from the prison they were kept in.


    [Welcome to the team, it will be a good day to see what you can do,] Logan communicated.


    [Want fightss, killss, fresssh meatss] His serpent, the Tri-horn Basilisk, slithered around his legs, letting his intentions be known.


    [Need fly, want wind] The midsize bird tried speaking next, flapping its wings.


    "Fair enough. We will be going out soon, and I will need both of you for that. Now let''s get out of here," Logan smiled. He felt the connection between both creatures rise just with those words.


    "Well, Miles, now we just need to talk about payment. How much will everything cost?" Logan asked, curious about the monetary system in this world. He was used to others handling the payments for him.


    "I will apply the Earl''s usual discount for you, hero: 60 gold for the Tri-horn Basilisk, 25 gold for the Starlight Owl, and 32 gold coins for the Aurelius Fowl. I made sure to exclude the items young Rubina is going to buy for egg care," the merchant reminded Logan.


    Rubina kept quiet, indicating that it was a decent amount for what they got. He took out a huge sack of coins, some spilling out as he released it.


    "That is crazy, hero. You shouldn''t flaunt your wealth so easily," the merchant said, laughing at the kid''s bold action.


    "Sorry, I just got it like that. I haven''t had time to check it after accepting it from the king," Logan said, picking up the gold coins that fell.


    He began looking through each one, discovering different colored coins and wondering which one he should use to pay.


    "Logan, before you think they are the same, the three you have in your hand are Platinum Coins. They are worth 100 Gold each. You should be fine with the gold you dropped and one of those platinum coins."


    "Oh! Alright¡­" He counted and placed what he did not need back, setting aside one of the platinum coins in a different part of the dimensional storage for easy access during their next shop visit.


    "Well then, I think that concludes our business, young hero. I will escort you both out," the stout merchant said, smiling widely. He patted Logan''s hand as if he were a son.


    "As always, thanks, Miles. Just send someone to collect the payment I owe you. I guess my father will need more feed for the large beasts soon, so add that as well," Rubina said. The three of them were just steps from the door.


    After shaking hands, Logan left the shop with Rubina. Both Kai and Chloe were stationed outside, and they seemed interested in Logan''s new pets.


    The owl, upon seeing the blue sky, flapped its wings. [Master, fly?] it begged Logan.


    [Sure, just stay close to us. We are still in the city, and people might get crazy seeing you around,] Logan communicated, watching the bird take off as soon as it was given permission.


    As for the snake, it stayed close beside him. Logan noticed it would try to keep its head near his arm, as if it were a portable armrest.


    [Stay with me, Basilisk. We will be in the city for a little while longer, then we will head out so you can hunt.] He petted the serpent''s head, which was somewhat difficult with the sharp horns around it.


    "Looks like you got two new creatures, a weird bird and a pretty nice Basilisk. You know my father keeps a few to train with¡ªthey are great at molding stone into weapons," Kai said, demonstrating a quick magic trick that transformed a spike of dirt into a small serpent. Its tail could slice wood with ease.


    "Now that is interesting. I can''t use magic like that," Logan said, trying to show off his clumsy use of darkness aura to make a miniature smoke screen that, at best, hid his hand.


    "Don''t worry about that. I am sure you can do other things. Just focus on training, and you will find a use for your specific element," Chloe pitched in.


    "So, where are we heading to next?" Rubina asked while caring for the egg in a small pouch filled with red mana stones.


    "About that, I need to buy a few more storage rings. I will need to store a good amount of water, and if possible, some crystals. Ah, and before I forget, also some alchemical ingredients¡­" Logan said, winking at Rubina, who quickly understood what the boy wanted to try.


    "Well, I guess we will be heading to the magical tool store then," Rubina said, walking next to Logan as his two knights followed.

 Chapter 57 Revisiting the Den

    The group had visited various shops, but Logan was particularly drawn to the magical tool shop, wanting to spend more time there.He got various ideas with each new item shown.


    Some tools were simple, like heating using fire mana stones or producing water using water magic stones. One tool he was particularly interested in was a combination of wind and earth stones to produce a small but primitive motor.


    If he had a production class that could work with these, he would invest time into improving that particular invention. However, he considered the potential problems it could cause and decided to push those thoughts aside.


    After an hour of shopping, Logan had bought everything he came for: three monsters, all the items needed to make traps, tools, a few storage rings to help store more water, and, if possible, magical crystals.


    His sack of coins did not dwindle in the slightest with everything he bought.


    Logan had so far only used the coins that fell out of his large coin bag this morning¡ªthe few platinum and gold coins. This meant his wealth would last for some time, or at least he hoped.


    "I am tired just from shopping; I hope we can go to a caf¨¦ or eat something before we go," Kai said, while rubbing his stomach.


    "I''m sorry, Kai, but we need to head out or I will miss what I need to do next. How about we order takeout?" Logan suggested, but was met with everyone staring at him in confusion.


    However, he quickly realized that he was with three otherworlders who did not understand what he meant, as some words could not be translated well.


    He had forgotten that magic was used to help the heroes adjust to this world, including his ability to speak in the common tongue.


    "You know, like one would take a sandwich to eat at a picnic," Logan explained.


    "Oh, that helps when deep in the forest. True, we would just order and place it in our storage¡ªjust make sure not to forget. One time, I placed a drumstick into my storage bag and forgot about it. I took it out almost a year later, and it seemed safe. But once I took a bite, it was like eating sewer slime. It was the worst thing I tasted in my life." Kai reeled in disgust just recalling the memory.


    "You should periodically remove everything in your storage, clean, and store it again. I''ve heard of infectious diseases caused by not doing so¡­ even potions struggled to cure them," Chloe added.


    "Okay, okay, let''s change the subject, also we should take food we can eat along the way. After that, we need to go into the forest. Do you think they will let us go into the southern area where we found the goblin den?" Logan asked.


    "I''m sure they have cleansed that area out. It was the first place we reported, and hunters still need to hunt game, so they can''t keep people away from the forest for too long," Chloe replied.


    "Well then, we have our destination planned. Let''s move quickly¡ªwe have at most three hours to go in and back out before night comes," Rubina said, haggard from the day''s events but knowing she could be useful in case something unexpected happened.


    The team hurried and bought what they needed for their outing. After doing so, they met James, one of the Rosengards'' drivers, and began to ride towards the Southern BeastClaw Forest.


    It wasn''t such a long trip, and Logan noticed that his usual car sickness didn''t happen anymore; he didn''t feel quite like himself, though.


    An outing just wasn''t the same without the rest of his tamed beasts. He wanted to hop on and feel the wind on his new raptor mount. He even missed his slime''s soothing touch as it hugged him from beneath his shirt, acting like a portable temperature regulator.


    They arrived in the same area where they had previously seen a lot of adventurers roaming about. Just like their previous visit, everyone was there, minding their own business.


    Some male Knights and adventurers stared at Rubina and Chloe, but Kai''s glare was enough to make them stop having second thoughts about approaching.


    Stopping to eat for a while before heading into the goblin den, they made sure to fill themselves to the brim, knowing it would take strength to reach the bottom of the cave.


    Entering the forest was probably the best part for his new serpent, which quickly rushed forth trying to find prey. Even Logan''s words did not stop the newly tamed beast.


    His new owl was still perched on his shoulder. It was a little heavier than Zephyr, but it seemed to enjoy riding on Logan''s shoulder. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Master, want to sleep,] it said, placing a wing over its face. Amazingly, it balanced itself on his shoulder throughout the journey with the help of its four strange limbs.


    [Ping] Logan suddenly heard someone level up. The only one that could have done so had come back slithering.


    Basilisk had returned, with a noticeable bulge in its body, moving slower than before.


    [Massster, ssatissfied,] it said, trailing behind everyone.


    [Alright, just still close this time, make sure you are with the team,] He warned his new reptilian tame.


    Chloe led the group to the area they had explored last time. It was challenging without Zephyr, but some landmarks, like distinctive rocks and peculiar trees, helped her remember the location, especially with the group pitching in ideas and memories.


    Soon they reached the area with a revolting stench; the place was as dirty as ever.


    "Okay, there is no doubt this is the place, but before we take one more step, I need to know why we are here again. I don''t think anyone is crazy enough to tame more than one goblin. Forgive me, Sir Logan, but I know you wouldn''t come here for that," Chloe finally asked, wondering if it was worth the effort to enter the wretched place.


    "About that, I think it will be better if you two see what is at the very bottom of this place, I won''t ask you to enter with me but do know it is something important for me." Logan said, not fully intending to have them trust him.


    It would be even better if both Chloe and Kai stayed behind and yet he knew that it would help if they also came along.


    "Fine, but if it''s not worth my time, I will be charging you for this particular protection, Logan¡­" Chloe decided to trust the boy; he had not done anything to prove her wrong yet.


    "I don''t really care if we go in, but at least tell me it isn''t for any of those pale blue monsters. I wasn''t expecting to fight today, and I don''t want to ruin my brand new shiny ceremonial sword," Kai begged, lifting his gold and silver sword to hug it.


    "Don''t worry, I did not encounter any beasts down there, and I doubt we will see any, as during our short walk we didn''t find any traces of mutations," Logan replied.


    "Alright, I will believe you then. Let''s go¡­" Kai said, using his fingers to pinch his nose.

 Chapter 58 Quick Rich Scheme

    "Wait, if Scorch could clean this place, so can I. Just make sure no goblins are around; I''d hate to make a mess in our plan," Rubina said as she began using fire magic to remove the waste, being careful not to damage the entrance of the cave.It was even faster and more precise than how Scorch did it, showcasing how someone with years of experience handled things, even against monsters whose nature was the manipulation of an element.


    "There we go, I think it''s a little more bearable now," Rubina said, clapping her hands together and rubbing them in satisfaction as if cleaning dust away.


    "Whoa, sometimes I wish I could use fire magic¡­" Kai said as he used dirt bombs to cover the remains of ash.


    "Let''s hurry, we have a long way to go," Logan urged them. The entrance was starting to fill with goblins who noticed the kids as they exited to see the commotion happening outside their burrow.


    Logan saw one particular goblin who appeared to be the queen''s guard and tried to signal with hand gestures that they needed to go inside.


    "I think it''s working!" Kai said excitedly.


    "Well, it pays off to have a goblin as a tamed beast. I have observed her way of acting, and they seem keen on specific body language," Logan explained, sharing how he was able to communicate his needs to the primitive creatures.


    [Can you stay out here and guard? You can also rest while you''re at it,] Logan told his basilisk. The creature seemed too full to move around and would slow them down.


    [Forgivess, I atess, much] The serpent apologized as it curled itself up and began to sleep under a bush, completely hidden from sight.


    [It''s fine just make sure you don''t do it again.] Logan petted the basilisk before heading down with the team.


    It wasn''t long before they were guided to the queen''s chamber. Unlike the last time, the place was filled with goblins; new small creatures filled each room, a testament to their breeding abilities.


    "Well, we''re lucky we knew one of the guards because I can''t tell any other goblin apart," Rubina said with mild disgust. The place still smelled like a pig pen.


    When they reached the large inner throne room, the queen goblin looked expectantly at Logan, but she noticed he did not bring her daughter.


    He tried to make it clear that she was okay and eating very well, and that he promised to bring her next time.


    Logan then tried to express his need to go deeper underground, which the goblin queen acknowledged. To reward them for their help this time, Logan took out from his ring foods that he had bought specially for the goblin tribe, with whom he needed to be on friendly terms.


    After presenting the food, the goblins showed a festive mood. Even though Logan made sure to bring enough, he didn''t expect so many new goblins to suddenly appear. He was second-guessing his choice as some got into fights for scraps. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The queen showed her authority and made sure to punish those that got too rowdy, just as a mother would.


    She then ordered a few guards to lead them down into the tunnels. It was strange, but they seemed so accustomed to darkness that they did not need light to move.


    Yet he recalled that a few had been given tools before, which they used properly to light up the dark tunnels.


    There was a point where the goblins did not want to go any further. Logan didn''t know why, but he planned to bring his own goblin later to check the reason through their link.


    "So, are you going to tell us what is good about¡ª" Kai stopped midway, left speechless by the room in front of him.


    "So, what do you think about this place?" Logan asked as he walked into the large cavern. A large body of sparkling, mana-filled water stood in the center, and crystal-filled walls lit up the magical space.


    "This is...the purest mana I have ever seen. To think it was under the kingdom this whole time," Chloe said, the others seeing her surprised for the first time.


    Logan''s inquisitive owl suddenly woke up, sensing the mana. It looked around, wondering where its master had taken it.


    [Mana, strong, mana,] the owl communicated, its feathers ruffling as it bathed in energy.


    "It seems some monsters react differently to mana¡­" Logan spoke just enough for Rubina to understand why he had done so.


    "Well, I think it''s because its main element is light. They seem to be more receptive to these kinds of places. Don''t you know why your slime has a healing effect? It''s not just a normal slime from the sewers," she pointed out, trying to explain the situation the boy''s owl was experiencing.


    "Don''t worry, though, it should go back to normal after it gets used to this place," she assured him.


    "Now...what were you going to do with this place, Logan? You know it belongs to the kingdom, right?" Kai asked, glancing at Chloe, who would be more strict with the policies when it came to her country.


    "Tell me, what would happen to the goblins and life that lives in this place if I did that? My slime came from here. Also, what is the kingdom''s purpose in sending me to some unknown territory and not the labyrinth with the others?" Logan began, explaining his reason for not saying anything so far.


    "It''s to keep you weaker than them, you should know that they fear you by now," Chloe answered. "But this place¡­ it could bring wealth back to this kingdom¡­"


    "Tell me, Chloe, what is the worth of money when the kingdom falls? As for what I plan to do, it''s just to take enough water to feed my slime as I go north to wherever they sent me." He paused, staring at the girl.


    "And also take a few crystals to sell. I was told a dragon would be expensive. Well, how many crystals do you think would be enough to buy one?" Logan looked at each one, wondering if any of them knew.


    "Well, it''s pure mana. I''m guessing around three large ones like that one would be worth a sack of your coins," Chloe said, with a hand on her chin, deep in thought as she tried to calculate the amount.


    "I guess that is about right, maybe even a little more depending on the buyer. They need about a crystal of that size to power up the defense arrays of the castle for a month," Kai pitched in.


    Logan began counting how many he would need and saw that at least fifty crystals were easily within reach.


    However, not wanting his greed to win him over, he only took thirteen with the help of Rubina, Chloe, and Kai, promising them one each for their help.


    "I hope you two will help me keep this place a secret. It might be the only way I will be able to train my strongest tamed beasts in the future," Logan explained.


    "Oh how is that possible?" Kai asked.


    "Like this..." Logan picked up water using his hands and gave his tamed bird a drink. It instantly sucked in the water as if it were a vacuum cleaner.


    [Ping]


    He heard a sound after the third handful. The owl stretched its wings, as if it had gotten stronger, and shrilled to express its newfound power.


    "There, he got a level up, meaning he got stronger just by drinking the mana-filled water," Logan explained, presenting his bird. Its worn-out plumage had changed to a radiant white.


    "Now, let''s go back. I think there might be something strong here. If you didn''t notice, the goblins seem to be scared of coming down here." Logan looked around suddenly feeling someone was watching.


    As the group left, a beast rose from the water. Its eyes shone like the crystals, and its body radiated energy like the diamonds covering the walls. The only recognizable feature was its mouth, which opened to better understand the scents in the now empty chamber.


    Its sharp fangs, like those of a saw, formed a fierce maw that closed before the great beast dived back in.

 Chapter 59 Short Trip Back

    The four youths took an hour to return to the carriage area. It was later than planned, as the day had almost ended, making it difficult to traverse the dark terrain.Thankfully, they had the owl to help guide the team with its useful night vision. It would rise into the sky from time to time and lead them towards the carriage area.


    The trip back in the carriage was quiet, as everyone was far too tired, with many thoughts keeping them busy.


    Chloe sat near the window, her thoughts shifting between her newfound friendship and her duty to the kingdom.


    On one hand, she worried about the future of the kingdom and the heavy financial toll the war was causing. On the other hand, she had her new responsibility as Logan''s knight and saw how helping him could potentially benefit the kingdom''s future, even if he wasn''t the most liked hero.


    She tried balancing the two, thinking about the report she would have to make in a few hours. As Logan''s knight, she had to stay with him and send back word via magical communication.


    She sighed a few times until she felt Kai, who was next to her, poke her cheek.


    "Why do you look so down, Clo? I know you like thinking a lot, but we need to show that we are enjoying ourselves at least," the boy said, trying to cheer her up.


    "I told you not to call me that," she replied, lightly slapping his hand away.


    "You didn''t have a problem when I used to call you that as kids," Kai retorted, reeling back his hand as if it were broken.


    "We are working right now. Let''s talk about this later," Chloe muttered, glaring at him. Then she noticed how the two youths in front of her stared back at her.


    "You know, we could have ordered another carriage for you two," Rubina commented with a smirk.


    "Why would we need that? Hmpf." Chloe turned back to the window.


    Logan tried to look away, feeling that both of his knights shared the same bond he had with Lisa. He sighed, trying to imagine what she would be doing at that moment and how he would not be able to see her once they went their separate ways.


    "I guess I will have to go back with the heroes, at least for today. Tomorrow, I will need to speak to my mentor about my plans for the next few days. How about you three?" Logan asked the group.


    "Well, I need to speak with my father about certain matters. I also hope this little one will hatch soon," Rubina said, hugging the small hatching device that emitted heat. She kept the fire mana stones charged using her own mana.


    "We will be provided rooms when we reach the castle, so that we are near you, Logan. Don''t mind us; we will be close enough in case of danger," Chloe explained, while Kai nodded in agreement as she explained their situation.


    "Okay, well, I will need to stop by your house first, Rubina. I need to pick up the tame beasts I can bring back to the castle. I doubt they will let me enter riding on Scorch," he declared, eager to return to his tames as soon as possible. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Sure thing," Rubina nodded in approval. "Why don''t you all stay for dinner and go back after Logan is done."


    "Woo! Finally, we will eat something other than quick meals. I am starving," Kai admitted, holding his empty stomach.


    "We just ate about four hours ago..." Chloe sighed, holding her forehead in exasperation.


    "What? I am still a growing boy. I have yet to reach my final height," Kai replied, bumping her with his shoulder gently.


    "Very well, we will accept your offer, Ms. Rubina," Chloe said with a slight bow.


    "You don''t need to do that, Chloe. Don''t we know each other from a long time ago? Just treat me as you would a friend," Rubina replied, feeling slightly sad.


    "Ugh, when will you stop being so cold to Ruby, Clo," Kai exclaimed, bumping against Chloe again.


    "Fine, sorry about that, Rubina. We''ll happily go then," Chloe did a retake, her voice more friendly.


    Logan couldn''t help but laugh as he watched the three teenagers interact. His new tame, the basilisk, coiled in the middle of the carriage, raised its head to see why its master was happy.


    "Sorry about that, Basilisk. We will let you rest." Logan petted the snake''s head, and it went back to sleep.


    "Don''t tell me you haven''t named her yet?" Kai observed, amazed at how Logan had completely tamed the beast. The large reptile still scared him, even though his father had a few at home.


    "I did not have the time..." Logan responded, thinking about the topic.


    "Oh, before you start thinking about names, don''t go calling the poor creature Basil," Rubina joked, trying to prevent Logan from doing the obvious.


    "Well, there go three names..." Logan whispered dejectedly.


    "Don''t tell me..." Kai responded, laughing.


    "Fine, what do you all suggest then¡­" Logan glared at them as if challenging them to do better.


    "Terra, Celin, Petra," all three voiced out at the same time.


    "Now then, let''s see which one she likes," Logan asked his tamed beast to face towards the person whose name it liked.


    It remained still for a few seconds, then raised its head towards Logan.


    [No goodsss, bad], it transmitted in a foul mood.


    "There you have it, none of them seemed to work," Logan chuckled.


    "Well, which one were you going to use then?" Rubina asked, feeling bad that Celin wasn''t liked.


    "Silis, of course, would have been my choice," Logan said, wondering what his creature thought of the name.


    [Sssilisss, like, muchsss], the serpent transmitted, wrapping the end of her tail around Logan''s leg as if thankful for its new name.


    "Well, there you have it, it will be Silis," Logan smiled, feeling good about his naming ability.

 Chapter 60 Class in Transition

    As always, the Rosengard Estate served a grand meal, which the four youths enjoyed.Logan offered the Earl money to pay for the hospitality, but the Earl reminded him that he was his sponsor.


    All he needed to do to pay him back was to get strong enough to protect his daughter.


    Logan took this to heart, feeling the kindness the Earl showed him¡ªit was even greater than what his father on Earth had done for him.


    He then visited his tamed beasts, providing them with food and pats as they welcomed him back.


    At one point, he could have passed as a monster, with two birds on each shoulder, a slime wrapped around his neck, a fox nestled on his chest (held with his right hand), and his left hand holding the tiny goblin''s small hand.


    Beside him was his serpent, who was to be placed with his best bud, Scorch. He was nervous about the interaction they would have, recalling the incident that occurred when his two powerful birds first met.


    About an hour or so ago, Logan was getting out of the carriage, Zephyr flew out of the window to meet him. The bird instantly noticed another occupying his favorite spot.


    [Master, who, shoulder] the bird chirped, seeing a new feathered beast settled in its spot.


    It used wind to try to push it off.


    [Hey Zephyr, don''t worry about our new friend. He will be going to Lisa,] Logan tried to intervene before things got out of hand.


    [Lisa, master, mate,] Zephyr angry but innocently replied while he landed on Logan''s other shoulder.


    [Ah, uhm, yes, Lisa, who was here yesterday,] Logan said, wiping the sweat from his brow.


    He could only imagine the ruckus Scorch would make after finding his new reptilian tame.


    They got close to Scorch''s enclosure, and next to it, there was another room where they could place the basilisk, Silis, for the night.


    Scorch, sensing his master''s presence, jumped out merrily. The large beast nuzzled his face against Logan''s stomach, sniffing all the scents the boy had on him.


    Two new smells, along with the stench of goblins, were imprinted on his master.


    He looked down to see a snake coiled up around one of his master''s legs. Upon seeing him, the basilisk extended its hood wide, as if not wanting to back down.


    [Not again, you two, chill. There is no need for hostility in our team.] The two beasts instantly calmed down.


    Another glare from Logan made them understand their place.


    "There we go. Silis, you will stay here. Scorch, you need to teach the new kids the ropes." The boy petted the raptor''s side, who understood what was expected of him.


    After leaving the two largest beasts behind after feeding them, Logan, Kai, and Chloe got ready to go back to the castle, leaving only the goblin behind with Rubina.


    The group traveled via carriage to the castle and, just before 10, reached the castle garden where they went their separate ways.


    On his way to the inn, Logan stopped by to feed his plant some mana. With enough water, it jumped two levels.


    It did not have any significant change, so he stopped there for the day.


    He was humming a song while heading to the inn. Along the way, he spotted a few classmates, various pairs of boys or girls with partners from this world, they seemed to have easily found love within a few days.


    Unlike his previous visits, he noticed that the group, which had only consisted of kids in the class, began to mingle with otherworlders.


    "Hey Logan, congratulations on your award and title! I hope to get one soon¡ªwait for it," a random boy called out. Logan turned towards him with a nod, not knowing how to respond.


    Others around him also began to cheer him on. He felt undeserving but accepted the praise nonetheless, knowing that doing otherwise might bring problems.


    Luckily, no one made a bigger deal out of it, as none in his class or the otherworlders took the time to shake his hand or ask for autographs.


    As soon as he got close to the inn, it didn''t go as smoothly. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He felt clear hostility from three particular guys and the eight or more girls around them.


    "Look who is back, the wimp who doesn''t join training and yet has others do the dirty work for him," Brian sneered as Logan passed by.


    "None of his pets look particularly strong. I wonder if his mentor did all the work and just gave the credit to the loner," Jonathan added, pointing to his owl. The girls around him laughed, almost as if he had told the best joke of his life.


    Logan did the same thing he always had done when dealing with them¡ªignored them and kept walking.


    This angered them even more, but seeing that the loner did not play into their plan, they just laughed harder and let the boy go.


    The boy entered the inn where there were fewer students than before. He looked around for his teacher, but it seemed she was not on the first floor this time.


    Not feeling hungry, he went back to his room. The other students either ignored him or praised him, and he responded with waves, nods, or silence, depending on their actions.


    As he settled himself, he heard his maid come out of her own room. She had a book in hand and glasses, which he rarely saw on others from this world.


    "Welcome, Master. I''m glad I chose to come here today. I sort of guessed you would, as the other heroes will be leaving for Dracone Ridge in a few days. It should be a safe journey for them, at least a little better than our own."


    "Why is that, Ruri?" Logan patted his fox while the rest of his creatures roamed the room to settle themselves.


    "We will have to travel about twelve days, mostly on uneven terrain. There will be a lot of beasts throughout the journey, and after all of that... you will need to improve the city. Or so I heard around the castle," Ruri told him the bad news.

 Chapter 61 Perfect Duo

    Logan''s heart almost shattered, especially upon hearing the time it would take to reach his barony.He was now second-guessing the decision.


    Although in reality, he didn''t have a particular choice here. He needed to go north to Highcrest, and it seemed impossible to go against the plan set for him.


    "Well then, Sir Logan, I will leave you for tonight. Will we need to get up early tomorrow?" Ruri asked, seeing that Logan was too busy thinking to speak with her. She also noticed how gloomy he had gotten with the news.


    "Oh yeah, one more thing, I have this for you Ruri." He brought out a storage ring and a communication amulet, the maid stood dumbfounded holding two very expensive magical tools.


    "But Master Logan, I can''t use magic well. I don''t think these items will be good for me," she tried to refuse.


    "I heard that it doesn''t need too much mana, just accept them, please. You know me and how I forget to tell you where I am; with this, you won''t have to worry anymore. As for the ring, it stores just the essentials, so it won''t drain too much of your mana." Logan tried to convince his maid.


    "Oh and one last thing, I placed a small mana crystal inside it, so it should help you maintain the mana that you lack," Logan added, thankful for the girl''s care so far.


    The crystal Logan gave her was a small mana stone, just a little part of the large crystals he still had in his storage.


    Ruri left Logan after a few too many bows. The boy stood in his room, lost in thought, until a knock was heard at his door.


    "Who is it?" Logan asked, opening the door slowly, hoping no one was trying to harm him.


    "Logan, let me in quickly. I don''t want others to see that I am here," Lisa said, trying to be as silent as possible while entering.


    "What are you doing here, Lizz?" Logan asked while letting her inside.


    "Well, I thought I would visit you, knowing that you won''t try doing the same for me," she said jokingly.


    "Of course, it''s not right to check in on a girl your age at this hour," he said, imitating an old man''s voice.


    "Always worried about how others think, Logan. You need to be more proactive¡­ Anyways, it''s good to see you''re better. So, how does it feel to be a noble?" Lisa said while sitting on his bed.


    "Just like before, I guess. The only thing that has changed is the money I got," he said while sitting next to her, although not as close as he hoped due to shyness.


    "Well, that was a lot of money. I hope you didn''t spend it all," Lisa laughed, looking at a particular beast she had never seen Logan have until today.


    "Well, I did spend a little. I had things I needed urgently, and speaking of that particular subject¡­ it''s a perfect time to introduce you to someone I wanted you to meet," Logan said while lifting his hand for his new owl to fly to.


    "I wondered why you had a new beast. Was that the only one you bought?" she asked excitedly, petting the white, soft feathers of the bird.


    "I did, but this one in particular I bought for you. It might look strange with its four limbs, but I bet my whole bag of money that it will evolve into something amazing," Logan said while scratching the bird''s neck.


    "You mean like your raptor?" Lisa asked, having never seen how that particular beast looked before it became the fearsome dinosaur.


    "Exactly. Remember I told you it was just a little salamander about 10 or so centimeters long when I arrived?" He used his hands to show Lisa just how long he recalled the salamander being when it hatched.


    "Now that is real magic¡­ but why would you give me this little one?" she asked, still excited at the notion of having her own tamed beast.


    "I hope it will help you in your journey. I know the labyrinth is dark, so having this guy might help in that place. It is also a rare light magic beast, which should help you understand the light element. Based on my mentor''s teachings, it is good to have an elemental beast for reference to see how magic can be used," Logan said, placing the owl slowly on Lisa''s shoulder.


    "How about you try communicating with it using our link, but try sending it towards it instead," Logan suggested, noticing how well the two made a perfect duo.


    The radiance both of them showed even blinded him.


    "I forgot to ask you, but do you have a communication device?" Logan asked, trying to rush through the things they needed to talk about before relaxing.


    "I do, but I wanted to buy another. You know, you can''t be too careful with the things you are given," she said, placing the owl on her lap. The small creature made cute noises, loving the attention.


    "Then I guess buying this was correct. Here, it''s a ring with a mana crystal in case you ever run out of magic, a few vials of mana-filled water, and a few magical tools I thought you would need," he said, passing her a ring just like Ruri''s, which contained things he wanted to hand over to Lisa to keep her safe in her travels.


    "Oh, and also feed for this little one. It shouldn''t go bad since it''s just dried seeds, so don''t worry about having no food for it for a good while," Logan added.


    "Sounds like you already spent a good amount, but really, thanks, Logan. I did not want to ask the church for money and later worry that I owed them," Lisa said, holding herself from hugging the boy.


    "Well, I did add a few coins in there too. And don''t worry about owing me anything. I just want you to take care of yourself when you go to the labyrinth. This little one will protect you; just make sure it also gets some levels in when you fight," Logan said, finishing most of what he planned to speak about.


    "So I take it you''re not coming with us then¡­" Lisa looked dejected.


    "It''s not that I won''t, but I was told that I can''t. You should know why I was sent to some city up north instead of going with you all who are going south," Logan explained.


    "I knew it. I tried looking at a few maps in the library, and it all made sense¡ªthey still want to separate you. Well, it''s not like we could do much¡­ but just you wait. When we are strong enough, we will have the last word. So, don''t just stay up there and sleep. Train hard, Logan," she said, trying to motivate the boy, but also herself from the thoughts that made her wonder why everything was happening the way it was. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "So now that I have given you that creature, how about I tell you about a serpent I bought¡­" Logan began, recounting his day''s events.

 Chapter 62 Bombs and Traps

    Logan felt like a mess; he had stayed up for far too long yesterday, thinking about his time with Lisa.They spoke for a good few hours before she left when the coast was clear.


    Ruri, as always, had shaken him awake and taken his dirty clothes to be washed.


    She had also placed clean water for him to cleanse himself, something he did only out of pleasure since his slime did a good job.


    "Well then, kids, let''s get going¡­" he said, while wondering how his owl was doing now that it had left with Lisa.


    It did come back twice last night, as he kept his window open, so it wasn''t like he wouldn''t see it anymore.


    Opening the window wider, he saw the sky clearing after a rainy night¡ªthe first time he had seen signs of rain in this world.


    The morning air was fresh, and the rising sun was giving him the energy he needed to go downstairs for food.


    Today, the chefs served a quick but nutritious meal wrapped in cloth to take to the training field.


    The sandwiches were convenient for the kids to eat, reducing the time it took to have their meal.


    The meals were well-made and delicious.


    Logan took a few bites while walking to the field, throwing a crumb or piece to his tamed beast whenever he was about to finish a sandwich.


    As soon as he saw and heard the heavy armor of soldiers moving about, he began to feel like he had entered school.


    The morning hustle and the sense of his freedom being robbed weren''t pleasant for the boy.


    He quickly spotted his mentor, who was sitting in a corner eating her own quick meal.


    "You know how long I have been waiting, hero?" Valeria said, taking the final bite of her bread and rubbing her hands to remove the small crumbs that stuck to them.


    "No, I''m sorry. I did a lot of thinking last night," Logan said with a sigh.


    "Well, it doesn''t matter. I just wanted to say that. Let''s begin and get away from here. I need to teach you about traps, remember? I don''t think we will be able to go anywhere with the extermination groups cleaning the forests," she said, riding on her panther while Logan followed behind.


    "I would have thought you would bring your new mount?" she asked, wondering why the boy was walking.


    "About that, I don''t know where to put him in this castle. I would prefer he stay with the Rosengards when I''m not around to take care of him. Remember, he is only days old," he reminded her.


    "Oh yeah, it will take a little more to rear the kid, huh. Well, it won''t matter much today. Let''s head to the alchemy area; we will need to use our brains. You did buy all the ingredients, right?" Valeria questioned.


    "Yes, about as much as the store had. I even went to three others just to make sure I had enough," he answered.


    "That is good. You will probably destroy the first thirty or so before you get the hang of things," Valeria said, reminiscing about her early days.


    The place she led him to was not far; it was one of the towers where alchemy could be practiced. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It had special arrays to prevent damage to the walls, so even a few explosions could be safely withstood within the rooms.


    "Well, here we are. Now take everything out, including the book. I hope you brought something to write with so that you can take notes. It''s important for you to write the process in your own words."


    She demonstrated how to make a few of each trap and three bombs within a few hours.


    It was probably one of the most difficult things Logan had ever done; using magic to make the traps'' mana crystals recognize a command was like charging a battery with your own hands.


    The mana stone had to have just enough power to activate the trap but also be strong enough to produce the effect.


    It was like taking into account voltage and amperage.


    It was difficult not only because of the new terms used to speak about magic but also because it relied on formulas that Logan needed to think about before putting them into practice.


    Four hours in, he had successfully made three bombs: one that caused detonations (the last one he was tasked with), one that produced a smokescreen, and another that made high-pressure needles shot out of a spherical device.


    For traps, their utility was to create a chance for Logan or his beasts to enter battle with a hindered enemy.


    The first of these was a standard spike strip that extended itself when magic was applied.


    Another of these was magical threads that came from a special spider beast that needed mana to be infused to be as strong as steel.


    This one required a type of ball that, once thrown, began unwinding the string. It was a very well-crafted tool, but the expensive string made it niche.


    Other tools included noise-producing pipes that, once activated, produced magic to create a deafening sound.


    One particular trap Logan was exempted from testing was the smell-producing cylinders, which emitted a foul odor that could make someone instantly wretch just by coming in contact with it.


    "Well, that is the gist of it, Logan. You will need to work on improving the time it takes to make and use them. Make sure you work on it until you can time the activation by seconds. These can not only save you from death but also keep some monsters alive long enough for you to tame them," Valeria said, finishing the day''s lesson.


    She was certain the boy would be able to handle each bomb or trap within a few weeks, so the next thing on her agenda was to teach him how to control his mana better.


    He was wasting far too much to produce so little, and it needed to be worked on before he could use any of the dangerous tools in combat.

 Chapter 63 From Buyer to Vendor

    "Well then, Logan, what is your plan for the rest of the day?" Valeria asked as they headed back to the field from the alchemy tower."I will need to head out and restock my traps and bombs. I think I will need a lot more before going up to my territory. I also want to visit my beasts in the Rosengard Estate. How about you, mentor? What do you do when you''re not teaching me?" Logan asked.


    "I will be tending to my tames just like you. I need to visit my mount, who is probably starving, so I will see you tomorrow," she replied.


    "Sounds like a plan. I will be here at the same time," Logan said. He thought about extending the time to go north after finishing everything he wanted to do in the capital.


    As he began to leave the training area, he saw two youths sparring at a distance.


    He knew them well, as they were his newly appointed knights.


    Chloe and Kai were having a fierce practice fight, showcasing their powerful moves.


    They mixed earth magic to create pillars and weapons almost instantly, each one directed but never intending to hit each other''s vital points.


    They continued for about five minutes, during which Logan used the time to inspect each of his knights.


    Chloe used fluid movement to dodge Kai''s well trained swordplay, he would change between blade and spear showing how he could use a variety of weapons.


    It wasn''t long before they finished, heaving heavily.


    Logan got closer and passed each of them a vial of mana water, which he now knew was safe for others to drink.


    He and Lisa had done a few tests last night, since she was a healer and could inspect his body in case the water did any damage to him.


    It turned out that, just like with monsters, it would heal humans and provide them with extra mana, not only to recover what they lost but also to add to their body just as experience points from monsters did.


    It was a miracle elixir that Lisa said only she had the pleasure of drinking, as the church refined water using a special method to produce the same magical water. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After both of his knights seemed refreshed, Logan only had to wait a couple of minutes for Kai and Chloe to join him in shopping.


    The boy knew they would need to visit a caf¨¦ or a good restaurant before they started shopping.


    He was beginning to feel hungry and didn''t want to return to the inn to be with the other heroes.


    As soon as his two knights returned, they departed for the bustling town.


    The town looked more lively as the news of Logan''s achievements spread.


    Logan was no longer able to walk without his face covered, especially since most of the people knew that Chloe and Kai, two prominent figures who safeguarded their town, were now his knights.


    The three ate in a place Kai had chosen for them, a comfortable caf¨¦ that didn''t mind Logan''s popularity.


    The owner was a kind old man who served delicious meals.


    "Well then, where is our next destination?" Chloe asked, ready to lead the group.


    "I want to go to the merchants guild to try selling some of the mana crystals. I am sure they will be willing to buy them for a good price. After that, I want to buy ingredients for my traps. Oh, and Chloe, do you think it would be good to also sell some crystals to the treasurer to keep the kingdom happy?" Logan asked, wondering if his idea was worth considering.


    "I think it will help your standing. I thought about it, and the best course of action would be to tell them that Ferra, the Guardian of the Forest, provided you the crystals. That way, they won''t make a big deal out of it since no one is willing to fight with the divine beasts," Chloe said.


    Her goal now was to help Logan''s standing to make her work easier. She placed her bet on the boy''s power, and he did not seem dangerous, at least for now.


    "Very well, let''s get to it. We have a long day ahead of us, and I also want to visit my beasts before the day ends," Logan ordered.


    Being in town, it was easy to find the shopping district where they had previously visited the day before.


    The only problem was the difficulty caused by people who spotted Logan and had to stop to address him.


    Logan''s mentality was about to collapse before even reaching the first stop, where an old lady greeted them.


    She was a great alchemist that Chloe knew.


    The old lady treated the girl as her granddaughter and always had sweets to give out.


    The charismatic seller also sympathized with Kai and his display of affection for the girl.


    Pulling him aside, the seller planned various strategies to help Kai connect with the oblivious tomboyish girl.


    "Well, we can cross the first thing off our list. I think I have everything we came for. Are you two sure there''s nothing else you want? I feel bad being the only one getting something," Logan spoke out after exiting the shop.


    "Don''t worry, Logan. We are nobles and, being honorary knights, we are getting handsomely paid by the kingdom to take real good care of you," Kai informed the boy.


    "Okay, so now we are going to the merchant guild, right?" he asked Chloe, who always took the position of leading the group.


    "It should be in that direction. It''s not hard to find; you can even see the building from here," Chloe said.


    Logan looked at a three-story building that rose above those around it.


    Most of the houses and stores occupied the first floor, with two floors typically reserved for residential use where most of the population lived.


    When they got closer, Logan thought the building was a bank. People exited while holding notes instead of coins, indicating an established monetary system.


    Coins were far easier to keep on hand, while notes were for those who wanted to store and invest their money within the guild.


    As they entered, they saw how busy the place was.


    People were seated or standing in line, while others were tending to those who brought sacks of coins and began placing them behind two large metal doors.


    Only by using his name, he was brought up to the second floor where a stout man, who reminded him of the Monopoly Man, met him


    The man even pushed his assistant aside, knowing the hero wasn''t here for simple words.


    It was as if he smelled business from a kilometer away.

 Chapter 64 Sealed Deal

    "Come in, hero! You are always welcome here," Guildmaster Harold greeted the hero with a handshake and invited the boy and his two knights into his office."Jen, bring us some tea, dear. The best we have, if you will," he ordered his secretary. After doing so, he signaled everyone to sit.


    The chairs in the room were neatly arranged and seemed soft enough to make one fall asleep instantly.


    As Logan sat, he was far from feeling sleepy.


    He was going over what he would say in his head, nervous about undertaking what was probably the biggest deal of his life.


    He breathed in and out slowly, trying to calm his thoughts, and finally, he was able to speak normally.


    "Well then, I have a deal I wanted to speak with you about, Sir Harold." Logan began with a cough to get everyone''s full attention. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I came across¡­ these crystals provided to me by the guardian of the land¡­" He knew he should not say more than that. He wasn''t the best liar and decided to simply take out a large crystal from his storage and show it to the merchant.


    The middle-aged man''s eyes almost popped out at the sight of the large, pure crystal. It was mouth-watering for him; he knew how much each kingdom, and even the empire, would pay for this.


    It was worth nearly the price of the smallest kingdom. If this boy wanted, he could be a king.


    "This¡­ Is this the only one you have?" Harold asked, trying not to bite his tongue.


    "For today¡­ yes. So, how much are you willing to give me, Sir?" Logan began, attempting to bargain. Using words for negotiation was not his strong suit so he went with a direct approach.


    "Whoa, I am sorry, young hero. I don''t think we can afford this, Sir Logan. What we can do is sell it for you¡ªthat would be much better. I don''t think this kingdom would be able to afford such a gem¡­ to think the guardian gave you this..." The merchant, seeing his secretary come in, told her to call someone else.


    "Please be patient for a little while. Let me know if you need anything while you wait. I will bring a specialist to inspect this carefully. After that, I will give you a price we can try selling it at. How about we split the sale 90/10 for the first time?" The merchant said, trying not to jump for joy.


    Logan turned towards Chloe, who looked just as shocked as he did.


    "Alright, I think that would be good. As for the wait, I don''t mind¡­" Logan tried to get himself comfortable.


    "About that¡­ do you think I could get some pastries with this tea? That would be lovely," Kai said nonchalantly.


    "Sure, right away, Sir Kai. Sorry about that; I thought the talk was going to be shorter," Harold replied, offering his guests the best the guild had to offer.


    It wasn''t long before a spectacled individual arrived and carefully examined the crystal.


    He used various tools and even his personal magic, then nodded towards the Guildmaster before leaving.


    "Well, I have confirmed it. This is real and very pure. If anyone is going to pay good coin for this, it will be the empire. Should we have it flown over there and try selling it, hero?" Harold paused before continuing.


    "The money would be sent to wherever you will go. It will take at least two weeks before we can pay you, though," the knowledgeable merchant leader said.


    "And how much do you think they will offer?" Logan asked, trying to figure out how much he would need for a dragon.


    "About that, it should be¡­ forty thousand gold coins, minimum. But with the war going on, it might be raised a little more to keep the defense arrays up," the merchant said, trying to calculate a fixed price.


    Logan wondered how much he was given; it would probably be around five to ten thousand by the king this morning, so this amount was extraordinary. And to think he still had around ten of these crystals.


    "Uh, that is fine, but I will probably be heading to my lands north of here, so I hope you can take the money there¡­" Logan tried to explain his situation.


    "Yes, don''t worry. We know about your new barony. If possible, we would like to establish a branch of our guild there soon. I hope you can welcome us in your new territory," Harold said, knowing that staying close to Logan would be beneficial, especially with the potential to obtain more of these crystals.


    He instantly thought about establishing a small store in Highcrest, a distant but small city. Doing so would be a good way to keep in touch with the hero.


    "So, I guess we will be taking this for today, hero." The merchant placed the large crystal inside a small bag that looked normal to anyone, then called someone to take it.


    "It will be sent as quickly as possible, using the fastest routes we have for merchandise of this level," he assured Logan.


    With nothing more to add, the trio bid their farewells and headed back to the castle.


    It was time to finish shopping before speaking with the treasurer.


    Logan thought about what he would say to the strict man of few words. At least he knew he would not need to say much.


    He now understood that the kingdom would probably not buy his crystals for the same amount as the empire.


    However, if he did sell them, he could possibly earn their trust by offering something precious at a lower price.


    "Let me guess, more shopping?" Kai said, looking at Logan with repulsion clear on his face.


    "Yes, but it shouldn''t take more than half an hour. We just need to restock ingredients in the nearby magic tool shop," Logan said as he hurried his knights.


    Chloe kept quiet for some reason. Logan guessed it was because she had previously underestimated the value of each crystal.


    He remembered that he had previously given everyone in the team one crystal each.

 Chapter 65 Hard Bargain

    "So, you are telling me you want to hold a meeting, Hero Logan¡­" Treasurer Golman asked the young boy who had suddenly shown up, his two knights following behind.He did not seem to have wasted his money on fancy clothing or jewelry, which made the treasurer see the boy in a better light compared to his peers, who had instantly spent the kingdom''s gold on riches as soon as their first wage was given.


    Three particular boys came to mind who wasted so much on useless mounts that could have easily been provided by the castle''s stables.


    And they were not the only ones wasting money.


    Many of the girls wore fine magical clothing, whose only function was to always remain clean, as if they didn''t have maids to wash their clothes.


    His worst assessment was reserved for those who didn''t even buy practical items, opting instead for jewelry with no special use or magical endowment.


    It was a pity, but most of the heroes were just kids with power. He had yet to be impressed.


    He stared at the boy and then welcomed him into his small but comfortable office, furnished with only the essentials the treasurer needed¡ªnothing more, nothing less.


    "You will have to forgive me, Hero, I only have a seat for one. You see, my job does not require much company," Golman said while sitting behind his desk and looking at papers, as if telling Logan he had other matters to attend to.


    "I will be quick then. Thanks for making time for me. Now, with the help of the Guardian of the Forest, I was given a particular gift that I think you will need. I was wondering if I could sell it to the kingdom..." Logan began to explain his lie.


    "What could you possibly have, boy, that we would need, especially when we are low on funds?" Golman replied.


    If not for the boy''s status as a hero, he would have already sent him away.


    "About that, Sir... I think it would be easier to show you than to say any more," Logan said, summoning the crystal onto the treasurer''s desk.


    The weight of the item was enough to make the cheap wooden table''s legs give out.


    "What in the world..." Golman let his jaw drop as he felt the pure magical item''s radiance reach him.


    His slight headache even seemed to disappear near the large, meter-and-a-half-long crystal.


    "Well, that''s the item I wanted to sell to the kingdom. You know its value, right, Sir?" Logan almost laughed at the man''s reaction. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It even felt good after the way the guy had been treating him.


    "Indeed¡ª" He was about to say something when he felt someone enter his room unannounced.


    "Golman! What... what is this!" Aldric Spellweaver, the castle''s Archmage, exclaimed as he entered.


    He was an elder but a very wise mage in charge of the kingdom''s Magic Guild.


    The old wizard should have been busy training the magic-based heroes at this time, so Golman did not know why he had interrupted him so abruptly.


    "Where did you get your hands on this, Golman? Do you know the value of this crystal? It''s four times larger and so much purer than the one we use to provide the capital''s energy..." Aldric, who had forgotten about the others in the room, began to caress the crystal as if it were his own child.


    "What did you just say, Aldric? Do you know how much our own crystal cost us? You know better than anyone how much we have to pay the empire to get those," Golman told the wizard.


    "Now, Hero, do tell me everything in detail, please. I promise to listen to your story," Golman asked Logan in a different tone than the one he had used earlier.


    "I would also like to hear this," Archmage Aldric said, retrieving three seats from his storage and offering them to Logan''s knights.


    Going over the same details as before, Logan outlined the main points of his lie and waited for both elders in the room to speak.


    "Well, that is amazing. How much are you willing to sell it for?" the elderly mage asked, his piercing gaze fixed on Logan.


    He seemed willing to sell his soul to acquire the large crystal.


    "I wanted to speak to Sir Golman about that..." Logan made it clear that he intended to sell it to the kingdom, demonstrating his value to them in the future.


    "Well... if it''s as Aldric said, when compared to what we pay the Empire... I would say... twenty thousand gold coins..." The treasurer rubbed his chin, trying to maintain the best poker face he had ever made in his life.


    Everyone in the room, including the mage who didn''t have that kind of money, knew the treasurer was blatantly deceiving Logan.


    "You know, I just returned from the Merchants Guild... but I am willing to give it to the kingdom for twenty thousand coins, even though I know the real price." Logan did not appreciate the manipulation, especially since he knew the true value.


    "If I knew you had this... I wouldn''t have given you that huge sack of coins..." the treasurer mumbled, tapping his fingers on the desk.


    "We can afford... ten thousand in cash. You will be allowed to expand your land, which is currently thirty-four kilometers. We can increase your land to three times the size and send some workers to help with infrastructure for half a year," Golman said, thinking that was enough for the young hero to accept.


    "Surely you jest, trying to give only that much to the young hero, Golman. Think about it¡ªdid he ever say this was the only one he had?" Aldric tried getting on Logan''s good side.


    He knew he did not have enough for this particular crystal, but maybe the boy had a way to provide one even a tenth of the size to study and use.


    "Fine, tsk. We will also give you one artifact from the royal treasury of your choosing. This will be on a later day, and we will only present those that might be suited for you," the stingy man said, wanting to toss the elder out.


    With the deal completed, Logan exited the room, accompanied by his two knights.


    The elderly mage, who seemed eager to speak to him, followed closely.


    "Here, sir, I thank you for your help." Logan anticipated what the old man wanted and handed him a piece of the crystal, just as big as a palm.


    "Wait, how much..." the old man began to say.


    "It''s on the house," Logan said, making his intentions clear.


    He knew he could use the old man for help later, just as he did with Golman.


    "Thank you, Hero. I will remember this," the archmage said with joy before teleporting out of sight.

 Chapter 66 Bonds and Confidence

    Ten thousand coins heavier than before he visited the castle, Logan and his two knights were now debating on their next course of action.Logan would need to return to the inn where he had left his other pets, except for his slime, which was always with him.


    "Now that we have finished the day''s events, I think I will spend the night in the Rosengard Mansion. What do you two plan to do?" Logan asked his knights as he headed back to the inn to pick up his tamed beast, which he had left in his room.


    "I will head back home for today and meet you at the mansion tomorrow," Chloe said before stopping at the entrance of the Heroes'' Inn.


    "Seeing that you will be busy, I will also head home. I only have a few days with my family before we head north, so I want to make good use of my time," Kai replied afterward.


    "Well then, call me if anything happens," Chloe waved before leaving.


    Kai, who saw the girl walking off, followed while awkwardly making a peace sign towards Logan.


    Logan laughed inwardly, noticing that the people of this world were rapidly learning certain things from the heroes.


    He went back to his room without much difficulty, the inn was empty; no one seemed to be there.


    Considering the time¡ªaround five in the afternoon¡ªLogan guessed they were either training or out in town.


    [Hey everyone, how was your day,] Logan opened his door and spotted Ruri feeding his baby fox.


    "Hi there, Ruri. Thank you for taking care of my little one," Logan spoke gently, trying not to scare the girl.


    It sort of failed as she jolted up, holding her chest. "Oh, hey, Master Logan... I know it''s your room, but please at least knock once."


    Logan smiled as he watched the teenage girl fidget.


    She fixed her hair back in place and tried to normalize her breathing. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Sorry about that, Ruri. How about you sit and cuddle that bundle of joy while we talk?" Logan suggested.


    "Talk about what?" Ruri asked, a little scared, almost as if she would be fired.


    "I just wanted to finish talking about what we were discussing yesterday. I wanted to ask what you wanted to do. I haven''t had the chance to do so yet, as you know I will be heading north," Logan began to explain.


    "If it''s about that, I don''t mind going. My family is not in the capital, and I doubt I will see them for some time. It''s just a normal part of living as a castle''s maid," Ruri told the boy, understanding what he was trying to say and feeling her prior nerves ease.


    "Well then, we will be heading out as soon as the heroes leave for the labyrinth south of here. Tell me if you need anything, Ruri. Also, here, I forgot to give you this." Logan handed Ruri some money, having previously provided her with the essentials but forgetting to include funds.


    He handed her a normal bag with extra money in case she needed to send some home before their long trip.


    "I will be going to the Rosengard Mansion. Are you coming with me?" Logan asked his maid before she began thanking him nonstop.


    "Of course! I don''t have much to do here anymore. The room is too small for me to take long to clean," Ruri said while cuddling the small fox, who cutely barked for attention.


    Both youths left the castle and headed to the Rosengard Estate. It was now something normal for Logan, who would use the carriage two or three times per day.


    He and Ruri seemed to be closer these days and would chat normally, unlike before. He noticed a small change in his way of speaking. After being made a baron, even unwillingly, he felt that he had gained a bit more confidence.


    "We are here, Master Logan," the girl said, waking Logan up who had begun dozing off halfway through the trip.


    As they exited the carriage, it was one of the few times they weren''t greeted or waited for.


    Suddenly, Logan felt his communication device react within his pocket. It pulsed with mild heat while producing light.


    He held onto the carefully made device, having only tested it once before while in the magic store.


    He felt like he had his cellphone once again, only this device used magic to send mental images and sounds directly into his head.


    [Logan, where are you? My bird is about to hatch! I need you to mark it,] Rubina communicated.


    [Good timing. Guess where I am,] Logan responded.


    [I can''t see, it''s dark around... wait, is that my entrance?] Rubina replied.


    Logan suddenly heard the door open, and one of the maids he knew quite well, Ms. Hestia, opened the door for him and his company.


    "Hero Logan and Miss Ruri, it''s good to see you both. Lady Rubina is waiting in the usual tea room. Please enter."


    Logan swiftly went to see the new monster he had yet to meet.


    As soon as he entered the room, he spotted Rubina with her usual long, flowing hair styled in a bun.


    She wore light indoor clothing, tasteful enough to step out at any time.


    "What impeccable timing, it''s almost as if you read my mind," Rubina said, all her focus on the young chick pushing itself out of the egg.


    Its newborn sticky body made the egg shells hard to remove, so the girl helped as gently as possible to avoid hurting it when removing a shell.


    "By its strong red color, I can say it''s a boy. It''s one of the few newborns that have such distinguished coloring by gender," Rubina said, putting more mana into her crystal.


    "You know, that mana crystal you gave me worked wonders. I gave it to my father, and he has been testing it on a few creatures," Rubina began to explain.


    "But he told me to keep the largest part. He said it would be better to use it on this little bird to help it grow, as the mana crystal will be enhanced by your taming ability." Rubina then cleaned off the red-skinned chick, using fire to dry it.

 Chapter 67 Aurolious Fowl

    In no time, it began chirping while looking for food, which Rubina had ready nearby."This is my favorite part of helping my father¡ªwatching new life being brought into this world, especially something so cute," Rubina explained in excitement, petting the palm-sized bird on the head with her index finger.


    Not knowing if the little bird imprints, Logan decided to stay a few feet away, giving the two space to get to know each other before he marked the small creature.


    "Come, it should be enough with this. Make sure you make it somewhere meaningful for me," Rubina beckoned, almost pulling him by the arm.


    "Well, where do you suggest then?" Logan said before he heard a voice from behind.


    "I am sorry for being late, kids. It seems our new beast beat me in arriving. Let''s see, it''s a healthy male with quite a strong color," Earl Rosengard said stealthily. He knew the hero was getting friendly with his daughter, something he appreciated but also loathed.


    "Earl, good evening, sir. We were just thinking of where to mark this little beast." Logan replied while looking at the owner of the mansion who just arrived.


    "Well, knowing the Aurolious Fowl, a good spot should be under its wing. Remember, it''s a good idea to mark areas where it won''t be easily seen or targeted. Who knows what would happen if a mark gets damaged, and I don''t think you''d want to test that," the earl reminded Logan, urging him to be more careful.


    "That sounds like a great spot, Father. Is it possible near the side of the heart?" Rubina lifted the small bird and showed Logan the spot.


    "Alright, I guess," Logan said, using a small knife he had bought for these exact situations.


    It would be a scalpel if it were smaller, but the sharpness was what made him buy it.


    Just a graze from the enchanted knife split open his skin, causing a small drop of blood to exit the wound.


    He then placed his finger where Rubina was pointing and finished the binding.


    [Food, food, food] He suddenly heard.


    It was constant and noisy, making him instantly regret the procedure.


    "Please stuff his mouth! The small creature is begging to eat!" Logan tried to cover one of his ears in response to the cries but forgot the noise was actually within his mind.


    "Sure, no problem. Here, little one, we have lots of treats for you," Rubina said, quickly giving it various foods to calm it.


    Logan sat down a little away, trying to clear his headache.


    "Now I know not to try getting eggs to tame..." Logan said, watching the tiny bird easily eat most of the food presented.


    "Sorry about that, fire beasts need more to eat since they waste a lot of mana just to keep their bodies at an ideal temperature," Rubina explained as she watched her little bird eat even more, as if its stomach was a furnace incinerating all the food she gave it.


    "I think I have just the solution for this. Rubina told me that you had mana crystals, correct?" the earl said to Logan.


    "Yes, here is one if you need it, Earl," Logan replied, bringing out a mana crystal and wondering what the earl had planned.


    "Well, let''s begin testing. It''s a good thing Rubina is also a fire user; we could try having her do the experiment. You see, I am an earth user but with very weak power. I can also use a little light magic, so I can''t do this on my own," the earl began explaining.


    His daughter, Rubina, had an inkling of what her father wanted to try.


    "Mana crystals are far too rare for this to normally be done, but with you having a few large ones of very pure quality, it will be a very good test, I hope. Now then, Ruby, please place one hand on the crystal and the other on the small bird," the earl began explaining.


    "You will need to start infusing the creature with the mana inside the crystal. You will be the one forcing it through your core and then into the small animal," the earl instructed.


    "Like this, Father?" Rubina asked, following his instructions.


    Warmth radiated as she transferred the mana through her body and into her new creature.


    "You need to keep it stable and slowly at the beginning so it does not overwhelm the creature," the earl instructed.


    The small bird glowed red, showing no signs of pain and seemingly accepting the mana with joy.


    [Ping, ping, ping, ping¡­] Logan, who was spectating with fervor, heard four pings as time went by.


    The small creature suddenly seemed energized, its body appearing unable to absorb any more mana.


    Its skin began to radiate red particles, soon dyeing the room with a blinding light.


    Just as Logan had witnessed his Scorchwyrm evolve, the small creature''s limbs also grew.


    Its skin was quickly covered with radiant red feathers that emanated heat.


    Only Rubina, who used the same element, was able to stand close to the creature.


    "Fascinating, to think your power does so much for a creature. Seeing this a second time makes me wonder just how much a monster can change," the earl appraised the fully grown bird. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It looked like a peacock with red feathers, majestic and a perfect fit for Rubina.


    Sadly, being almost a meter long, it was difficult for her to carry the bird on her shoulder like he would his falcon.


    "Kuuaa," it called out in a loud voice.


    "It''s just what I wanted," Rubina said as she hugged the bird.


    Her dad kept checking the new form of the creature and the crystal, which still radiated a good amount of energy.


    "How about you try this with your viper tomorrow? I doubt it will evolve, but it should get stronger at least," the earl suggested, signaling for Logan to put away the mana crystal.


    "I believe this only happened because it was an infant. It only reached its maximum form while remaining as the same species. As for the Scorchwyrm, it changed after absorbing a larger amount of mana," the earl concluded his inspection, having nothing else to add.


    "So, what will be its new name, Rubina? I want to try communicating with it to see its nature," Logan asked, watching the girl who kept petting her new Aurelius Fowl.


    "Uriel," she suddenly called out, as if it had been thought out with time.


    "Hey, didn''t you give me a hard time when I came up with a name that came from my monster''s species?" Logan glared at her.


    "That is exactly why. I thought about what you would name it and what I could accept, hehe," Rubina snickered, trying to hide her embarrassment.


    "I see. Well, it''s yours now; I don''t have a problem either way..." Logan said as he got closer to the bird and petted its feathery head.


    [Welcome to the team, kid. You sure are the most beautiful of my creatures so far,] Logan praised the bird, who radiated pride.


    Its tail extended to all sides, as if to show off its beautiful plumage.


    [Beautiful, only, me,] it announced as it danced over the table it had been born on only half an hour ago.

 Chapter 68 Danger Ahead

    Four days passed after the birth and growth of the Aurolious Fowl.Logan had been busy caring for his own creatures, and Chloe had even helped him level up his Basilisk using the same method Rubina had used.


    He even told Lisa about the method one night, yet in both cases, nothing happened. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The two monsters were far too low-leveled to get any real results, but it did help them improve overall. The only problem was the amount of crystals Logan had at hand.


    Earlier today, Logan received a notice that the class would go south the next day.


    He knew what this meant, as he was later given news that he would be guided north.


    He would go with four carriages, ten soldiers, a group of magic builders and workers, some maids including Ruri, and his mentor.


    He was thankful that at least they would send him with people who would protect him.


    Kai and Chloe expressed that they would go on their mounts and did not need anything more for the long journey.


    Due to all this, Logan had gotten the group together and rode on Scorch to practice moving next to a carriage.


    His tamed beast did not tire easily and was even happy to run faster than the cart a few times.


    [You sure do like speed, huh?] Logan commented as he held on to the spikes on his tamed beast''s back.


    His saddle was fixed by one of Rosengard''s best leatherworkers and fit his beast perfectly.


    Scorch could run at top speed, and Logan wouldn''t feel a thing. This was because his falcon helped by reducing and guiding the air current, aiding them instead of working against them.


    The boy felt as free as he could possibly be. He saw the carriage being left behind and then stopped Scorch, who could not get enough of being let free from the small room he was placed in.


    [Alright, calm down, we need to wait for the others.]


    [Boring, want, run,] Scorch said as he breathed flames into the sky in a rebellious attitude. It was like a child''s tantrum, but he was easily calmed with a pet.


    [Don''t worry, we will have you walk until your feet fall off soon, then you will want to be as bored as today,] Logan explained as he looked back. The carriage was closing in, and he spotted Rubina''s pet riding on top of the carriage.


    Today, they brought the whole team, including his goblin, who would probably be the most useful.


    They would be heading into the cave to have Krexa visit her mother before they left, and Logan wanted a few more crystals for himself and even more water.


    It wasn''t long before they reached the forest, and within half an hour, they were near the goblin dwelling.


    As always, someone would burn and hide the dirty entrance. The goblins didn''t bother to check who did that after the third time.


    They let themselves in, spotting only goblin warriors protecting the entrance with weapons they had given them before.


    The warriors smiled as the youths passed through and greeted Krexa, who was happy to be home.


    They were relaxed, and with Krexa''s help, no one bothered or stopped them.


    Other than those who wanted to meet the goblin, they seemed curious about why she was dressed differently now.


    She wore her frilly dress that the maids made for her, showing it off while acting like a high-class girl.


    Some of her actions seemed to mimic Rubina as she walked.


    "Don''t tell me she is mimicking me..." Rubina exclaimed, pretending to be offended.


    "It does look like something you would do. It''s adorable the way she walks," Kai added, trying to stop himself from laughing.


    "Don''t laugh at her; she is trying hard," Chloe pointed out while watching from afar.


    "Let''s keep going, we have to be back early," Logan cut them off, feeling pressured by the events that would come.


    As they went further down, the crowd of goblins cheered even more. This grew even greater when Krexa spotted her mother. She bowed politely, as any human would to a royal, mimicking human customs.


    The queen mother of the goblins seemed overjoyed at the intelligence Krexa showed.


    Her confidence had skyrocketed compared to before when she would only follow her mother.


    Krexa hugged her after showing how much she had learned.


    "As before, I have brought food for all to enjoy," Logan began, bringing out more food than last time. He was prepared for there to be even more goblins, but this time the tribe seemed to be fewer than the previous time.


    [Krexa, where did the other goblins go?] Logan asked with a worried expression, thinking another tragedy had happened to the tribe.


    [No, worry, left, they go,] she tried expressing. Logan understood and realized that it was a rough life for goblins. In mere days, they would grow and leave the nest.


    As the goblins enjoyed the banquet, the youths left and went down to the crystal cavern.


    Logan, as before, noticed that none of the goblins wanted to head down. This time, he had Krexa to explain the reason.


    [Master, no, danger,] Krexa called out after a certain distance.


    [Danger from what? I haven''t seen anything yet,] Logan said, stopping the group who kept going down.


    [Crystal, beast, sharp, fang,] the small goblin said, trembling.


    Logan looked towards his tamed beast, who shook in fright. He then told everyone what Krexa had said.


    "Well, we could try to get the nearest ones for now while trying to see what lurks there," Chloe responded, holding on to her weapon.


    "Yeah, I came prepared to fight today. We should at least see what we are up against. It''s not like anything happened so far," Kai added.


    "I kind of want to see what my bird will do..." Rubina said as she petted the Aurolious Fowl, who was always by her side.


    Seeing that no one wanted to back down, Logan marched forth, entering the crystal cavern.

 Chapter 69 Bitter Defeat

    Deciding to go ahead and enter the crystal cavern, Rubina, Kai, Chloe, and Logan, along with his raptor, falcon, slime, fox, fowl, and viper, ventured in.His goblin was too scared, and while the raptor didn''t really like the enclosed space, it made an attempt to follow and help its master.


    The cavern was just like before: rather chilly, mystical, and invigorating.


    "Well, I don''t think we have been spotted. Do you think we should try getting water or go for the crystals first?" Kai asked, and like the others, stared at the water to see if they spotted anything.


    "I don''t think I see anything either, but let''s try getting the crystals that are around the entrance. I don''t want to go near the water," Chloe replied, as everyone nodded to her suggestion.


    [Hey Kryst, do you know what lives in the water?] Logan asked his slime.


    [Hii, hiii, hiii,] it replied, unable to form words even through his link.


    [Is it dangerous?] Logan asked again, trying to sense its intention instead of understanding speech directly.


    [Hii,] it shook, trying to communicate.


    [Guess that is a yes...] Logan continued to mine, trying to push along with Kai to separate a crystal from the base, just enough so it could be considered an object that can enter his storage.


    "Well, this will be a little harder than last time. These are even bigger. I just hope it helps your beast evolve. I really want to see what your viper changes into," Kai commented, wiping his brow and breathing roughly.


    "I... I know, right? I also want to see that," Logan said, almost falling from exhaustion after the second one.


    Luckily, his raptor was around and was busy pushing another one carefully with the help of the girls.


    "I think we should just get these. It''s already making a lot of noise just to bring them into storage..." Rubina said, trying to be as quiet as possible.


    "Uhm, guys, I think I just saw something," Chloe said, looking towards the lake.


    "Are you sure? I don''t see anything," Kai asked, pushing the seventh crystal with Logan.


    Logan rushed to put away the crystals he saw on the floor and turned to his tamed beasts, who did not seem to have seen anything yet.


    "It was a large... shadow, yet it did not have any color. I don''t know, maybe I was seeing things. Let''s hurry," Chloe said as she helped Scorch with the next crystal. As it fell, they felt a rumble.


    "I don''t think that was the crystal..." Rubina said, looking at the water.


    "Look, something is there. It''s just hard to see," Logan exclaimed as he saw his fox''s back stand on end.


    Before they had a chance to exit, they saw a fearsome beast emerge.


    It was like a crystal-made leviathan, its serpent-like body appearing out of the water.


    Adorned with large spikes throughout its body, it looked as if it was part of the cave.


    Its scales¡ªor should I say crystals¡ªperfectly camouflaged the beast with its surroundings.


    "No wonder we never saw it. Do you think we were spotted when we came here before?" Chloe said, trying to tell everyone to back off with hand signals.


    The large beast roared from a distance. It did not know who to attack first, so it waited to see who would move.


    "I think we are in a stare down..." Kai said as he readied a large sword.


    "We should all back away at the same time, slowly," Logan told them.


    He explained the plan to his creatures, and everyone began walking back slowly together.


    "I believe it''s working..." Kai mumbled as they saw the beast stay still.


    Seeing that no one showed fear, the large thirty-meter beast decided to go for the closest prey.


    It roared before using its powerful body to propel itself forward, with Rubina in its sight.


    "Watch out!" Logan yelled as both Kai and Chloe cast barriers of earth to slow the creature down.


    Logan used this chance to pull Rubina away while her beast took to the sky, releasing powerful bursts of fire. His raptor did the same.


    Both attacks did not faze the monster.


    Its crystal body shrugged off the flames, as there was nothing for the fire to burn, but it did feel the heat through its shining scales.


    [Luna, try using ice magic where the flames hit!] Logan told his creature, hoping something like out of cartoons or novels would happen when heat met cold.


    However, it only made the beast roar and become enraged.


    "My barriers are being torn apart like thin ice. I''m wasting too much mana here. Let''s get out now!" Kai yelled, too busy creating wall after wall to see everyone''s position.


    Suddenly, he saw a tail emerge from the water.


    It had a fin at the end and was ready to strike Chloe from the side.


    "Get back, everyone!" Kai shouted as he ran to intercept the incoming blow.


    It was coming from the left in a side sweep.


    He pushed Chloe back, causing her to fall, and used his large sword as a shield. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Ugh!" he cried out as his body was tossed aside, blown a few meters back.


    He felt his grip on his sword loosen and a few broken bones on one side.


    "Kai!" he heard a girl call out, blood dripping and covering one of his eyes.


    Logan, who witnessed the hit, was struggling now that no one was creating walls.


    His viper was busy producing spikes of earth and tossing them after spraying them with venom.


    It was a unique way of creating deadly weapons, but the only problem was the aim¡ªmost of them missed.


    [Silis, create barriers, we need cover,] Logan ordered, taking out various traps to toss.


    He threw out bombs of various kinds, hoping one of them would stop the onslaught.


    Rubina joined the other two beasts, using fire arrows.


    Her target was the only part that could be damaged: the beast''s eyes, which seemed to be the only flesh visible besides the inside of its mouth.


    Seeing they had no chance, Logan took out twenty smoke bombs, ready to blind the beast.


    "I will smoke the place. Everyone get ready to retreat, hurry!" As soon as he spoke, he threw all twenty bombs into various areas.


    Within seconds, they began to release a dark haze that covered most of the cave.


    Everyone had already moved to leave.


    Silis the basilisk and Chloe were the last, as she carried Kai on her shoulder.


    The boy had already taken potions but was far from a full recovery.


    Seeing everyone exit safely, Logan placed one last crystal in his storage before running back with the others.


    His exploding bombs caused enough chaos to keep the beast at bay.


    "Is everyone alright?" Logan called out, noticing one of his hands bleeding from a piece of the beast''s skin that had flown out when it bashed its face trying to eat him.


    "Everyone but Kai. Although he is slowly recovering, we should go back for today. I doubt we will be able to get any more for some time," Chloe informed, as she placed Kai over Scorch''s back.


    "I should be fine soon," Kai said, knowing he would need to visit a church.


    His broken bones made him almost want to cry from the pain.


    "Don''t move, you will be needing a healer," Chloe warned him, looking hysterical and losing her usual calm, uncaring demeanor.


    Everyone, including Logan, just followed her lead and tried not to agitate her further.


    "Glad we escaped. That thing is probably a dragon subclass. Its armor is one of the strongest I''ve ever heard of or seen," Rubina pointed out, using a piece of mana to show everyone the way.


    "At least we got six more crystals. That should hold out for my future training. Thank you, everyone. I am sorry about what happened," Logan remarked.


    He felt awful about Kai''s situation but was glad they were able to escape without anyone dying.


    "I think it was worth it, even if I look like this..." Kai said, as he lost all his strength.


    The adrenaline leaving his body caused the pain to hurt even more.


    "If I knew, I don''t think I would have come even if they offered twice the amount of cash," Logan told the team.


    They soon got to the area where goblins gathered.

 Chapter 70 Perfect Spy

    After having Kai receive treatment in the church, the team was back together, this time in the Rosengard Mansion.It would take a few days for his bones to be fully repaired, a process that needed to be done slowly to ensure they didn''t set incorrectly.


    They were busy discussing their plans.


    Today would probably be his last day in the capital, as he needed to leave early the next day.


    "I have all the food I need for my beasts for a good while. Thanks for the help, Rubina," Logan said.


    He took the time to thank her more formally than usual, as he had yet to learn her plans.


    "Well, about that. I spoke with my father, and it seems I don''t have much to do here..." Rubina paused, trying to gauge Logan''s reaction.


    "So then...?" the boy asked, looking straight at the red-haired girl. She wore a red dress with blue sapphire-colored accessories¡ªa combination that made it impossible to take his eyes off her.


    "It means that I will also go. You need someone who knows about various monsters, their food, and care, right?" she tried to convince him, worried about being rejected.


    "That is good news, then. I will have an easier time," Logan smiled, petting his little fox Luna, who seemed to never want to grow.


    Zephyr was perched on his shoulder, one wing over its face as it slept.


    "You know, we are here too... and it''s nice to have you with us, Lady Rubina," Kai said, lying on a bed with half his body bandaged but otherwise fine.


    "We will need your expertise. I think it''s a good choice," Chloe added, sitting next to Kai. She watched as the boy struggled to pick up a glass of water and got up to help him.


    "I bet you''re glad you won''t be the only girl now. Anyways, what do you need to do, Logan? I am sure you are heading back to the castle today," Rubina commented, noticing the boy''s unease.


    "Sorry about that. Yes, I will go back. Tomorrow we will be leaving two hours after sunrise. It will be the last night I see my class for a while," Logan said, feeling sad and anxious.


    "If it''s like that, I think it''s the best time to leave. As for your knights, they should stay here so Kai can let his wounds heal faster," Rubina suggested, knowing the boy needed personal time with his class. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I will do that then. I will come back early tomorrow. I''ll see you all tomorrow." Logan got up and exited the mansion, taking only his smallest creatures with him.


    As soon as he arrived at the castle, he fed his plant, thinking about what he would do with it.


    The beautiful rose could not speak, but it sensed its master''s feelings.


    Using more water than usual while thinking about his upcoming conversation with Lisa, Logan heard a few pings.


    The plant''s level had grown, but this time it did not just end with a chime.


    As with his other beasts, he began to see a change with Scarlet the Crimson Majesty.


    The plant began to change, it did not grow but instead produced a large bulb, the plant radiated as with his other beasts, it was shining red and green until it finished.


    "What happened, where is the change¡­" Logan mumbled as he inspected the plant, the bulbs was the only real change along with the growth of many other flowers.


    As he touched the bulb this began to open slowly, withing it a small seed emerged, only that it wasn''t a seed, it was a part of the same plant.


    [Name: Scarlet / Species: Greater Crimson Majesty / Level: 9 / Blood Mark: Right Ankle / Loyalty: 19/100]


    Str: 1 / Agi: 1 / Dex: 4 / Con: 4 / Int: 5 / Char: 14


    Scent of Serenity: Emits a calming fragrance that soothes those nearby, reducing stress and attracting prey.


    Hyper sense: Detects nearby presences through vibrations and movements around the plant.


    Thorny Defense: Protect itself using thorns found in its vines if attacked.


    Splitting Blossom: Can detach a small portion of itself in a form of a bulb, which retains a connection to the main plant. This fragment can move independently, gather information, and relay it back to Scarlet.


    Whispering Petal: A detached petal from Scarlet can attach itself to a target and transmit audio and visual information back to Scarlet. This petal can blend into the environment, making it difficult to detect]


    The truth was that it did not change much; it only gained the ability to make a part of itself portable.


    As Logan''s hand touched the bulb, it detached itself from the plant, growing new vines that gently ensnared his arm.


    It became a sort of bracelet that he could wear.


    "So I guess it''s true; the evolutions try to take on a form that helps me..." The boy welcomed the change, as he always thought of what he would do with this plant.


    It was in a perfect place to spy on the kingdom as he left, and with its new skill, Whispering Petal, it could use its petals to check on those it got attached to.


    Although it was not yet time for it to shine, its intelligence was still lacking as a plant organism, only producing bzzz noises he felt through his link.


    But one thing did change.


    Instead of speech, it produced a type of video replay as he felt something strange with his link.


    He closed his eyes and saw himself¡ªa petal in front of him was sending him live feedback of what it sensed around it.


    It was not in color, nor was it a video anyone could see normally.


    It was what the plant detected around it, sort of like sonar, or so Logan imagined.


    [Looks like you wanted to come with me, Scarlet,] Logan said as he petted his new bracelet. He noticed how the plant in front of him shook a little in reaction.


    "That is good, I will need you also..." He then thought of what else he could do. Suddenly, an idea came to mind.


    He wondered what would happen if he buried a few shards of mana next to his deep red flower.


    He began gently clearing a part of the dirt and placed a few shards next to the roots of the plant, knowing that today would probably be the last day he could feed it, or at least the main body of the flora.


    As soon as he finished, he saw how the roots were wrapping around the crystals, as if hiding them from the roots of the other vegetation.


    Logan petted the pedals of his flower one last time as he left the place.

 Chapter 71 Everchanging Class

    Happy with what had happened with Scarlet, Logan went back to the class''s inn. Unlike the previous time when he saw many couples around, this time he felt that some were saying their farewells, as silence and sadness permeated the area.They did not notice his presence this time and focused on their own problems. Some were crying, some fighting, and others still hugging each other.


    He kept walking, trying to avoid those who might cause him problems. He noticed that today they were as merry as ever.


    The kids were near the entrance, talking amongst their groupies. Logan decided to take the long way around; he would need to go through the back door where the maids usually entered. He didn''t want to deal with their antics and ruin his mood.


    As he passed through the back, he noticed that the maids were also packing. Some whispered that the journey south would be long and that they didn''t know what they were going to do.


    Through the kitchen area, he saw that the chefs were clearing out the food, placing most of it in storage containers and leaving the place spotless.


    It had only been a few days, but their new home was going to be empty.


    As he headed towards the dining area, he saw the one person he had neglected to communicate with¡ªhis teacher, Ms. Claire, who was busy with paperwork.


    "Hi there, Ms. Claire..." Logan sat in front of her, taking one of the sheets of paper to see what she was writing.


    It showed a detailed description of a particular classmate, including his strengths and weaknesses, his skills, and his growth as he leveled up.


    "You know, that''s classified information. I only got it so that I can help them when we fight using my class as Orator. You should put it back, Sir Logan, hero who doesn''t show." Ms. Claire then placed all the documents down with care.


    "So tell me, great hero, what have you been up to?" she said, looking a bit better than before. She appeared well-rested and less worried about those she couldn''t control.


    "As you might have guessed, I was sent to my newly given land. You should know it was basically ordered for me to go there," Logan began to tell her.


    "Before you continue¡­" the teacher took the same device the earl used to create a barrier of sound.


    "Now, let''s speak, Logan. I know what they are doing. You should be careful. I can''t stop this from happening, but they will probably use you as a scapegoat to attract attention away from us who are going south," she began to explain.


    "I thought about it as well. They tried to place me as an important asset; my feats were not as significant as they made them out to be... but don''t worry about me, Ms. Claire. With my beast and two knights, I think I will be safe," Logan replied.


    "So tell me, what is your plan? I want to at least know you will be safe by yourself. I now know that everyone decided to do their own thing, and as a teacher, I have given up on controlling your lives. I will only help those who want to return safely and try to keep everyone together," she said, trying to keep herself composed.


    "Ms. Claire, I might not be there with you all, but I will be with you when you need me. Until then, I will get stronger. I won''t just be sitting idly; I will be training my beasts. Recently, I even got a raptor. I''ll try to show it to you tomorrow¡ªmaybe you''ll have more confidence in my abilities," Logan commented, trying to assure his teacher.


    "Well, I hope it''s better than Brian''s white horse. I swear they bought it only for looks. I, myself, ordered one of those large birds from the stables. It''s faster than any other, and I named it Gale..." Ms. Claire smiled, one of the first smiles Logan had seen from her since arriving.


    "You know, I can tame that bird, use one of my abilities, and it will get stronger. It will eventually evolve into something helpful. My small lizard turned into a raptor, so I know your bird will help you in any fight or difficult situation." Logan thought about helping one of the few people he cared for or who meant anything to him in the class.


    "That would help me, Logan. I will introduce it to you tomorrow before we leave. Well then, I think I will retire for the night. Young man, make sure you don''t stay up too late. We may have medicine to help our bodies, but our minds still need to rest." Ms. Claire picked up her papers, and Logan helped her with some before she left the dining room.


    Logan waited a few seconds, reflecting on what had been said.


    After he was sure his teacher had left, he took out a device¡ªa communication tool that would allow him to speak with others.


    He began trying to contact Lisa.


    She took a few seconds to pick up, and Logan imagined that, like him, she did not have much experience with the device.


    [Logan, I wonder who would be calling. I only have you and Alma to talk to, and I am...]


    [Taking a bath¡­ you know you could have ignored it,] Logan said in shock, staring at the water in front of him and the bathroom.


    [I could have, yes, but I am almost done. Let''s talk in your room like last time,] the girl said before the call was cut off.


    The boy opened his eyes; he didn''t get the chance to see much, but he did notice feet under the water.


    Well, I guess she could still have worn her storage ring in the shower, he thought, wondering why she would answer him in such a state.


    Inside the girls'' bath, Lisa placed her device back into her storage ring.


    She was equally as shocked, thinking her friend Alma had called her. Alma had gone out with a boy, and Lisa thought she was trying to call for help.


    Alma always found herself in dangerous situations. She loved risks and even dated a pair of brothers once, causing both to fight for her attention after discovering they were dating the same girl.


    She was lousy as a person but a great best friend who had always been there for her. She reminded Lisa of a boy she knew when she was a child¡ªa boy who loved excitement, quite different from the person he is today. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Lisa then thought back to the call.


    She couldn''t see Logan''s face but knew he had been shaken by seeing the girls'' bathroom she was in.


    Luckily, the device did not show the other person their face unless they looked at a mirror; it only showed them a perspective, and she made sure he didn''t see her body.

 Chapter 72 Light Grimoires

    An hour passed before there was a knock on his door.Logan knew who it was and wondered why the girl entered dressed in a long robe.


    "Don''t ask. Sometimes girls wearing this kind of clothing enter boys'' rooms. You tell me why that is¡­ and if so, have you invited one?" Lisa asked while taking off the robe.


    "What? No, I don''t know the reason or care, you know I am not the type¡­" Logan, who had learned something new, took a seat on the couch, leaving the bed for Lisa to sit on.


    He was surprised when she pushed him aside and sat beside him.


    "I hope you have brought tea or something, at least," Lisa said, trying to start a simple conversation.


    "No¡­ but wait, I do have this¡­" Logan took out two containers with a type of juice.


    He thought about offering her mana water, but now that he knew a beast swam in that water, he kept the vials for emergencies.


    Logan also took out some snacks he had stored in case he wanted something during the long trip; it was a type of French fry.


    The student, who had the class name "Hero," recreated a few foods from their world using ingredients from this one.


    This particular dish was one of the favorites, as it used a fruit with the consistency of a potato.


    It was naturally salty, making it a good substitute since it didn''t need condiments.


    Ketchup was also introduced.


    Logan even heard that the girl was busy working on creating a burger chain and gaining wealth by copying a certain fast-food joint from Earth.


    "Karla''s reinvented food, huh? I''d also like to visit the original place. You know, you should try getting food from her directly¡ªit adds bonuses to stats, making you strong for a limited time," the girl explained.


    "Buff food from games¡ªwhat will they come up with next, a save and load system?" Logan joked, knowing Lisa would get the reference.


    "It does seem like a world from a game," Lisa added as they laughed for a little while.


    "Logan, I can''t understand how much you have changed... I can''t believe you''re the same person, and I like this version of you more," Lisa stated as she watched the boy, who was still laughing, from the side.


    "Maybe a little. It''s mostly with those I know around me. I''m still not good with crowds; you could say that this world just gave me other opportunities." Logan laid back, thinking about everything that had happened so far.


    "So, are you ready to go to the labyrinth?" the boy asked, feeling comfortable.


    Luna took the chance to jump from the bed where she was sleeping to his lap.


    "To tell you the truth, no¡­ we are being rushed since we can''t keep killing the beasts around here. It''s not something I liked doing, but now that we are forced to go, I don''t feel safe like I do here." Lisa looked down after the change of subject.


    "The worst part is that you are not coming. You know how hard it is to be in a team with Brian? He bosses everyone around, thinking he is the sun, and since he knows I will heal him, he gets even more reckless. Ugh¡­" She then began to get mad.


    "Seems you haven''t changed though; you switch emotions on the fly. As for the three stooges, try to get the little owl stronger. I am sure he will help you with healing." Logan then looked at the window and noticed the very one he was talking about had entered.


    "Why look who came to visit, just as we were talking about you." Logan watched as the owl nestled itself beside Lisa. It seemed to have sensed her distress because it kept close and nuzzled near her shoulder.


    "Yes, he is very kind and helpful. Thanks again for giving me Orus," she said, petting the small bird.


    "Well, I will take this as a sign that it has gotten late. Before I leave, I wanted to give you this, Logan¡­" Lisa handed Logan three books.


    "I am sorry, but these are all I could get from the church; as you know, they specialize in light magic¡­" Lisa said, noticing the boy''s confused reaction.


    "I think you forgot, but you were blessed by both darkness and light to get your powerful ability," she began to explain.


    Logan picked up one of the very lightweight books; he could bet anyone that it weighed a tenth of what it should. He opened it, only for it to disappear as soon as he read the first word: [Heal].


    "What in the¡­" Logan exclaimed, staring at the particles that dispersed into his body. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "How is it? I think it worked. Now open the next two!" Lisa laughed, seeing the boy''s reaction.


    It was the same as hers when she first opened one of these books.


    Logan nodded and opened the second book; its word was "Cure." He then opened the third book, and its activating word was "Light Barrier."


    "Wow, to think I could learn magic this way! You have given me very interesting things, Lisa. Thank you!" Logan said, not waiting to use his new Heal spell. He tried to cure the scab he had made on himself while marking the Aurolious Fowl.


    The wound healed instantly, but Logan also felt a tiny bit tired.


    "Seems you need to level up. Your mana gets drained with each skill use, so do be careful," Lisa reminded him.


    "Does the church have any more?" Logan asked, wondering if he could buy more.


    "Yes, but they don''t sell grimoires for money. They require a point system to keep the healers within the church," Lisa explained, shutting down his plan.


    "Does that mean you used your points on me? Thank you again, Lisa, this will really help me." Logan rubbed her shoulder, overflowing with joy.


    "You''re welcome, Logan. Just please take care of yourself¡­ don''t do dangerous things, please." Lisa grabbed his hand and held it firmly to make her point.


    "Fine, I won''t." Logan returned to normal, wondering why he had rubbed her shoulder like that. But now, feeling the warmth of her hand, he felt butterflies in his stomach.


    Lisa stared at the boy who did not react to her touch as she had hoped.


    She stood up, but Logan''s hand did not let her move far.


    "Lizzy, please take care in the labyrinth. I don''t know what I would do if something happened to you," Logan said, trying to keep his face from flushing as he let go of the girl.


    "I will. Just hurry and train yourself; we will need to meet later for the fight with the demons, right?" Lisa smiled and then left the room.


    She felt her face turn red after seeing Logan''s serious expression; he even pushed back the ever-present strands of hair to look at her clearly.

 Chapter 73 Farewell Caravan

    Logan, as usual these days, slept very little.The thoughts about the next day''s events, the long trip, and Lisa''s visit gave him a lot to think about.


    He didn''t even need Ruri''s help to awaken; he stood up with the sound of his falcon''s wings flapping as it exited the room in the morning.


    The falcon would fly to hunt something for breakfast even before the sun rose.


    As soon as he got up, he went down to take a quick bath, one of the last he would have until they reached his territory.


    Luckily for him, his maid had placed a set of clothes aside the night before, thinking of her master''s needs for the next day.


    In no time, he was clean.


    He spotted some kids in his class who were up and as restless as him.


    They were either busy talking to others or packing the last of their remaining items.


    The breakfast for everyone was simple sandwiches to avoid needing plates or dishes to wash.


    Everyone hurried, knowing the day was going to be long.


    Ms. Claire was hurrying up those who were late; she had been told the class needed to be out by 9, and everyone needed to be ready to board the carriages that would take them to a teleportation array.


    This array would take them to a city closer to Dracone Ridge, the labyrinth city.


    The place was hectic.


    Logan himself wanted to follow them and see them off.


    His own caravan would be nearby the other carriages and would split off to go north during a certain section of the road.


    "Is everyone ready? We need to leave. Start getting in lines; we will be heading to the carriages. Anyone who has mounts needs to get them before we leave, so hurry up," Ms. Claire said sternly.


    The main butler, Mr. Alric, wouldn''t be going with the class but did help most of them with what they needed to hasten the departure.


    Within an hour, everyone had settled and began moving.


    Logan, as always, went to the end of the line, knowing he didn''t have to but felt it was right, at least for one last time.


    The class walked through the garden and into the carriage area, where twenty or more carts were parked, each one with different monsters.


    Standing next to them, the two princesses wore their luxurious dresses.


    Their own cart was not the Pegasus-led wagon, but a normal cart pulled by powerful golden birds that stood in wait.


    Logan had not seen them since the day they arrived.


    "Welcome, heroes. We will be going with you on this journey. I hope this trip will strengthen our bonds and hopefully make you all powerful enough to crush those demons," the older princess Vianell said, as graceful as always.


    The class cheered, knowing they could now get stronger.


    Some were addicted to the sweet feeling after a good few level-ups, while others now had someone to fight for.


    Logan stared at Lisa while everyone was getting ready.


    The young girl seemed to be doing better than him.


    The owl perched on her shoulder gave him the confidence he needed to send her off.


    [Guess this will be where we part. Please have a safe trip and make sure to communicate if you need anything,] the boy used his link.


    The girl, who heard the familiar voice, turned back to spot the boy. He nodded and smiled before she returned her attention to her friend Alma, who was talking.


    [You too, Logan. Please stay safe.] She tried to hold back a tear and continue her joyful talk with her friend as she saw the boy walking off.


    Logan, who was about to leave, saw that his teacher, Ms. Claire, was coming back while riding on a large bird. It was the same species as Chloe but with a deeper green color.


    He waved to her before she got close to the others, not wanting them to witness his special way of taming.


    "What is it, Logan? I should be with the class," Ms. Claire asked as she jumped off the bird with skill, demonstrating that she had trained. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Well, about that, I wanted to do what I said yesterday¡ªthe thing about making this monster stronger," Logan said while petting the beast


    He had already secretly made a cut to hurry with the procedure and was petting near the large wings under the right side of the monstrous bird''s chest.


    "There, it''s done," Logan said as he felt the mark begin to manifest on his right side, corresponding to the place he had touched.


    "That was quick. I thought it would have taken longer. I don''t know what it does, but I hope, like you said, it makes this kid stronger," Ms. Claire said as she petted the bird and got back on.


    "Logan, stay safe. I hope we see each other soon," Ms. Claire said, staring at the boy for a while before fixing her hair.


    "I will, teacher. Please keep the others safe. I know we will see each other soon, so hurry and get stronger," Logan replied, waving to her after she kicked off the bird''s side.


    [Ouch, too hard, moreee!] he heard the weird bird say. It seemed something wrong had happened to the strange beast.


    Logan chuckled as he saw a few carts coming from the road.


    One of them had his unique beast walking beside it.


    It began running to him with great speed.


    [Free, master, freee,] Logan heard Scorch roar. Some of his scales radiated a red glow as he shot fire into the sky in excitement.


    He heard the class behind him begin to stir, and some called out as the raptor ran towards the boy.


    With a strong jump, Scorch reached Logan and began nuzzling his face against Logan''s chest like a dog. Soon, most of his other pets arrived.


    Ruri had his fox nestled on her well-endowed chest, the small creature deep asleep.


    His falcon perched itself on his shoulder, his slime was as always under his shirt.


    His goblin exited a carriage and ran to hug his leg, while his basilisk slithered out from the same carriage to hug his other leg.


    As for his plant, Scarlet, it sensed the other beasts and tightened its grip on his arm, as if to signal her presence.

 Chapter 74 Three Artifacts

    "Do you always have to hug your beast in broad daylight?" Rubina said from afar, a little jealous of the display of affection the boy showed his beasts."Why not? It''s hard to ignore their loyalty," Logan replied, patting his creatures one last time.


    After doing so, he took out the saddle and placed it on his raptor. The creature was overjoyed that it would not go back to the small room.


    Before he could move, he was called. It was the treasurer, Golman, who had come via warp portal, with the elderly Archmage Aldric beside him.


    "You don''t think I would forget, right?" the merchant said while taking out three objects from a storage tool.


    "Now then, let''s hurry, as I know you have a long road ahead of you. From these, you can only have one, hero. I only brought three because I know a sword would not help you, but one of these tools has to be good enough for you." The archmage helped create a hovering disk that let the treasurer place the three items on it.


    One of them was a small badge that resembled a shield.


    The second was a pair of glasses that looked normal, but the part where the lenses should have been was strangely empty.


    The final item was a small lantern that must have some kind of function.


    "I guess you need an explanation. The first is an Evershield Badge. Using mana, it can grow in size and partially reflect magic," the merchant explained.


    The treasurer picked up the badge and fed it a bit of mana, allowing it to grow to the size of a small dish in a matter of seconds. He then placed it back, and after leaving his hand, it returned to its small size.


    "The next item is a pair of glasses that let you see information about the item you concentrate on. I thought, as someone not from this world, it would be a helpful tool for you." Golman signaled for Logan to put them on.


    The glasses adjusted themselves to his features, and as soon as he saw through them, he could appraise things with ease.


    However, he needed to be careful about what he was looking at, as checking too many things at once overloaded his mind, causing a headache.


    He took them off and looked at the final item with expectation.


    "The final one is a lamp. It lights the way," the treasurer said, as if it held no importance.


    "Don''t be like that, Golman. That last one lights the way one should take, as if guiding them to a destined event or item," the Aldric added with a wink.


    "Why do you have to talk¡­" Golman remarked angrily, but huffed and returned to trying to act normally.


    "Now then, which will you choose?"


    Logan thought hard about his choice. He sort of needed all three; the shield was amazing, the glasses would help him as someone not from this world, and the final item sounded like a must-have.


    "How much would all three of them cost¡­" the boy tried to negotiate, staring at the three items carefully.


    "I am only giving you one to show our intent, kid. If we were selling them, I would ask no less than one hundred thousand for the three." The man looked at Logan as if his time was being wasted. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan thought hard. Would the guy yield for two crystals more, but then ask questions?


    He turned to Rubina, who knew how many crystals he had and could help him make a decision.


    She only knew the old guy from afar, but even for her, the offer of the three artifacts was impressive.


    Rubina even thought about how the glasses would help her dad, who researched many things.


    The girl nodded, and Logan came to the same conclusion.


    "You know¡­ I have another crystal... How about a trade for all three items," Logan whispered, trying to keep his voice low enough for only the treasurer to hear.


    He saw Golman''s eyes twitch, showing he was tempted, but his overall features remained unmoved.


    "Fine, two, one is nearly the size of the one I gave you and another my last is smaller by a third." Logan tried to negotiate.


    The Archmage Aldric Spellweaver wanted to cry, but he was unable to join the conversation since he had wasted his money on research.


    It was now the treasurer''s turn to turn to his helper, who showed a wide smile and nodded.


    "Fine¡­ fine, take them. Now give those here," he said, ordering the mage to cast a visual effect spell that concealed the items.


    Logan quickly took out the crystals he intended to give the treasurer and picked up the three tools.


    He tested the badge as soon as he got it. It was lightweight, but as it grew in size, it equally got heavier.


    He tapped it and heard the sound of metal. It was wonderful for the boy who would be in the rearguard.


    He made it shrink again and placed it on his chest as if it was a button. It had a small pin that let him hold it when it got big and adjust it in his shirt when it was small.


    He then picked up the glasses and put them on, causing a headache but helping him identify his final item.


    Lantern of Destiny: lights the way to a spot ideally chosen by destiny. It can be either good or bad for the user, but it is where fate has chosen for you to go.


    Logan smiled as he picked up the last item, transferring mana to see its reaction.


    The light pointed him north for some reason, producing a white radiant light that strangely curved towards that direction.


    "Well, at least I will be heading the right way," Logan said to those present. They all nodded in agreement, seeing the direction the light was pointing towards.


    "We are done then. I thank you for the successful trade. Hope you find what you are looking for. Bye, hero," Golman said as he turned to the Aldric to make a portal.


    The Archmage Aldric turned to Logan, hoping to get a crystal-like last time. He then took out a book. "How about it, hero? You must have another part of a crystal. I think it would be a fair exchange for this¡­"

 Chapter 75 Long Road Ahead

    Logan took the book to see the title.He knew it¡ªit was a grimoire, magically light like those that Lisa gave him.


    Dark Arrow, Logan read the title. It was easy to understand that it would be beneficial to him, and he did have a few small crystals that he could give the man.


    He took out four small pieces of crystals, knowing it was more about befriending than making money with the archwizard Aldric.


    "I thank you, hero. If I find anything that will help you, I shall contact you," he said before leaving.


    "That went well," Rubina commented after seeing Logan use the grimoire, which disappeared into particles that entered his body.


    "Yes, I think it was. Do you need any of the tools?" Logan asked before putting them away.


    "They are yours; I wouldn''t mind having a spare of those glasses though, but don''t worry about that for now," Rubina replied.


    "Well then, let''s get ready to leave." Logan looked towards Rubina, who, like him, had brought a mount to use and had settled its saddle while he talked. It was a large deer-like creature, its majestic horns glowing.


    "I''ve never seen that monster; I didn''t know you had it," Logan remarked.


    "Yeah, it was my father''s mount. He told me to bring it as it''s strong and fast, probably enough to beat your raptor for now." She paused, comparing the two beasts.


    "For now¡­" Logan said with a competitive glare.


    "Yes, yes, let''s just get ready. Tell your pets to enter the carriage; the heroes seem ready to go," Rubina said, pointing at the carriages, which seemed packed.


    Logan''s caravan was also behind those, and two of Rubina''s carriages were there to hold his beast and her own personal caretakers.


    Suddenly, he saw his mentor riding a large, four-legged bison-like monster with a thick stone hide.


    It was huge, almost the size of one of the carts. Her panther was right beside her, and her crow was flying above.


    Behind her, a man on a breeze roc approached.


    His stern military demeanor and the badges on his chest made Logan understand he was the one who would be leading them.


    "This is Lieutenant Biron. He will guide us north and oversee the situation in your land. He will stay with us only until we reach our destination. After that, he will return to the frontlines, so be thankful that we have someone as experienced as him leading us." Valeria presented the man. He nodded slightly, revealing a balding part of his head.


    The rest was short and blue, radiating a blue hue that few showed, indicating he was probably a water user.


    It was not as defined as the princess''s lady knight.


    Logan, needing to make things brief, nodded towards the man and hurried to settle his creatures.


    Leaving Luna with Ruri, Logan asked all his beasts to enter their cart.


    After all that the boy began speeding up a little as his raptor went ahead and rushed out of the castle gates.


    Rubina was close behind, and they stopped to see the castle one last time.


    The magnificent fortress had been his home for less than two weeks, so he did not feel too bad leaving it behind, but he would miss the safety it represented.


    Now that they were embarking on a long journey, Logan knew that he wouldn''t be as safe. At least he had all his beasts to help him in case things got bad.


    "Logan, don''t go off alone! Stay with your caravan!" he heard his teacher yell from afar as they got closer.


    "Don''t worry, I will. Scorch just wanted to stretch his legs," he called out loudly enough for her to hear.


    As he looked at the large train of carriages, he spotted a few of his classmates with their own mounts, yet none of them compared to his own.


    He noticed Brian looking especially angry, and this brought a smile to his face, which he made sure to show him.


    He knew that with Scorch, not even Brian would dare try attacking him.


    His raptor was just that fearsome; it wasn''t like the beasts they had used to level up with.


    They passed through the city, which readied itself to send off the heroes.


    It was not as lively as the day of the parade, but everyone present waved as the carriages passed.


    Some were impressed with how Scorch looked, especially the kids who called his monster a dragon, pointing it out with excitement.


    Logan did not feel good with such a crowd around him but tried his best to look good for the children.


    It wasn''t long before they reached the edge of the city and entered the forest.


    Logan and Rubina moved next to their own caravan to avoid conflicts with the other heroes, now that they didn''t have as many eyes on them.


    The point where they would separate paths was an hour away at their current pace. It was in a city with a large transportation array used to teleport carts like theirs.


    The city was specially chosen as it was near a large mana vein, meaning they wouldn''t need to waste money on crystals, as Rubina explained.


    "There you have it, that is the place," the girl said, showing Logan a medium-sized fortress with four towers at each corner.


    Each tower would light up and direct a beam of some kind to the center, out of view''s reach.


    "Every time those light up, they activate a teleport array to send off a group to some city.


    There are smaller ones inside for individual use." Logan could not hide his amazement.


    This reduced the need for airplanes or long-distance travel.


    He wondered why humans did not achieve this level of population movement on Earth.


    As they got closer, the carts were exempted from being in line.


    Many merchants, curious about the new arrivals, got off to see the small, military-protected caravan.


    They were led to two large gates, just big enough for a large truck to enter.


    The first part of the caravan, consisting of the heroes who were heading south, entered while Logan and his group were made to wait. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He watched as those who entered stood on a long platform that enclosed them in a large magical dome.


    Then, the four towers sent a powerful light of mana, making everything inside disappear.


    "I bet they weren''t warned to avoid scaring them, but the first few travels are rough. I hope you''re ready," Rubina warned him as the gates opened again.


    Everyone from his group¡ªknights on top of mounts, and five carriages¡ªbegan to move forward.


    One of the carriages was for the maids and servants, another two were Rubina''s, and the remaining two had workers and more soldiers.

 Chapter 76 Cold Horizon

    Lieutenant Biron ordered his small unit to move.Rubina, his mentor, and Logan followed behind, and finally, each of the carts passed through.


    Logan was tense after what Rubina said, imagining that the journey would be rough, especially when the towers zapped the barrier to activate the array.


    Soon, he felt that he could not move.


    This happened as the barrier lit up, and suddenly he could move again.


    Yet, the place was different.


    The scents were more like pine trees, the temperature was cold, and there was even ice around the top of the nearest building.


    Scorch, who felt the drop in temperature, regulated his body. A few of his scales radiated a little heat to warm Logan up.


    "I forgot to warn you, sorry," Rubina said. Like Scorch, she could maintain the temperature around her warm.


    "It''s fine, my bud here has me covered," Logan replied, tapping his beast''s back. As everyone was guided out, the small fortress saluted the Lieutenant as they exited.


    Just like before, they did not have time to wait as other groups entered and exited the magical buildings.


    The defenses seemed top-notch, with more than fifty marksmen and mages ready to eliminate anyone who posed a danger to the structure.


    "We have a long way to go, so let''s move. If we hurry, we should be there in ten to twelve days, depending on the terrain and weather," he informed everyone, checking the destination ahead on a map.


    Logan decided to sit back. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Since he would not be the leader of the group, he tried his best to stay out of the way of the knights.


    The now smaller-sized caravan followed a road that was only wide enough for one car to pass through.


    The path ahead seemed long, with a forest and mountains visible in the distance.


    The barren land around them ensured the teleport array had a good line of sight.


    Logan was given a coat by Ruri, who called out to him.


    He felt like a kid who needed to be taken care of, but he did not hesitate to put it on.


    The boy wanted to remain on Scorch''s back throughout the journey to see where they were taking him.


    Soon enough, they left the fortress behind.


    It looked like a speckle as soon as they entered the forest.


    The morning had passed by then, and the two suns were overhead, radiating a warmth that helped reduce the chilly morning''s ice, but not enough to make Logan remove his jacket.


    The breeze that passed through still made him shiver at times, but as soon as Scorch felt it, he began radiating warmth like a car''s air conditioner.


    No one spoke throughout most of the journey.


    Being in these woods alone made it possible for attacks to happen at any time, or so Logan was told by the commander.


    Three scouts were sent forward, cycling every few hours to keep a watch out for danger.


    They had wind magic, which let them fly just enough to glide over the trees like ninjas in some movie, and walk around to check the area.


    So far, they had only encountered small creatures that wouldn''t even be enough for his viper to feast on.


    This particular beast was bad with the cold and kept itself within the carriage, making a small stone dome around itself to stay warm.


    The journey continued like this until they stopped to rest for the day.


    It was around six in the afternoon when they settled to make camp, using the carriages as housing in a circular formation to keep the cold out.


    They made a fire at the center of the circle, where maids and a cook busied themselves making food.


    Scorch rested while his meal was made, while everyone else huddled around the campfire.


    This was a new experience for Logan, who was getting used to food being made for him in lavish tableware.


    "Well, that went better than I expected. You''ve gotten used to riding and being inside carriages now. It makes me wonder if you were only acting at the beginning," Rubina said as she sat next to Logan''s right side.


    To his left, he had Kai and Chloe, who were tending to their equipment.


    "I don''t know how, but yes, it got better. I also have a new skill to help with that," Logan said, recalling how he used Cure a few times during the day. It helped, especially when his bottom hurt.


    It wasn''t damaged, but the pain seemed to be something the spell could cure.


    "I didn''t know about that. Could you use it on my back? It seems to be aching from the rough road," Rubina said as she turned her back towards him.


    She was wearing normal clothes without a coat, a frilly white top that exposed her arms, and beige-colored pants that stopped below her knees.


    "Sure, give me a moment," Logan said as he gulped and placed his hand over her back.


    "It''s a bit lower than that, Logan," Rubina said, moving her hair to the side.


    Logan lowered his hand by a few inches and began casting the spell, trying to hurry to keep sweat from forming on his palm.


    "Does it feel better now?" he asked, trying not to move his hand.


    "Yes, it worked! It''s good that you learned it before our trip. I don''t think I could have slept well with the pain," Rubina said, returning to her spot and trying to keep her flushed face from showing.


    Kai and Chloe did not say anything as they kept to themselves. Kai was busy polishing his shiny golden ornamental sword, while Chloe was sewing her breastplate that had been damaged by the crystal serpent.


    His mentor suddenly sat beside the group and stared at Logan, making the boy feel uneasy.


    "That, I will be needing that treatment also," she stated, making Kai move a little bit as she sat down and moved her hair away.


    "Sure, I don''t mind," Logan said, concentrating on the spot where he helped Rubina just a few moments ago. He felt his mentor shudder a little since his hand was cold.


    "Anyone else?" he asked before putting on some gloves. He noticed snow was beginning to fall, making the night cold.

 Chapter 77 Raid Pt. 1

    Seven days were spent the same way, uneventfully.The caravan only stopped a few times during the day, and at night they settled to eat dinner and sleep.


    The mornings were probably the worst as the men had to sleep outside.


    Logan was given a tent that helped him avoid the cool outside breeze, but the rest of the soldiers, who took turns keeping watch, did not.


    He tried to make himself useful by using his magic to help them in the mornings.


    His Cure spell became the most loved skill among all the mages present.


    It could cure drowsiness, headaches, back pain, and even hangovers.


    For Logan, it was essential as he still occasionally had an uneasy feeling from being away from civilization.


    It helped with his depression, making him wonder again how this world was so far behind Earth with such amazing magic existing.


    The care he showed for his troops quickly made him approachable by everyone.


    Even the cook, who accidentally got burned, sought him out and welcomed him with pancakes the next morning, which he enjoyed.


    The road today was difficult to navigate as thick snow slowed the vehicles'' progress.


    His mentor used her bison to lead the caravan, employing a skill that allowed it to act like a snow plow, pushing snow aside with ease.


    However, the bison would tire at times, requiring Logan to use Cure on its feet to prevent frostbite.


    It was then that Scorch would go forth and use bursts of flames to melt the snow in front of them, turning his scales to maximum heat to keep the ground dry and prevent ice from forming.


    This only made the monster hungrier, but it did not seem to affect it much; it fared better than the bison.


    Scorch even let Rubina ride on his back while she helped by transferring mana from magic crystals to keep him strong, just as she would with her bird.


    He was slowly getting stronger by the day, allowing the group to move normally once again.


    Lieutenant Biron spoke to Logan only three times during the journey.


    The youngster felt that the grown man was probably like those who hated him for his class, so he kept his distance.


    The leader of the group busied himself with reports from his spies and even told Valeria to help, as her crow seemed more experienced than Zephyr at keeping watch from above.


    Zephyr would use his own time to hunt and bring prey back for the monsters to eat, especially the Viper, who would call out to be fed multiple times during the day.


    Today, Logan seemed to enjoy sitting on the roof of a carriage while looking at the sky.


    He was tired from using his latest skill, Dark Arrow.


    He could only use it twelve times before his mana ran out, making it vital for him to keep his mana filled before a fight.


    The magic would create black arrows midair, their size dictated by the amount of mana he spent on them.


    It was better to keep them as small twenty-centimeter arrows; any bigger and they would not fly far, and any smaller and they would disappear before they hit their target.


    Those that did hit when he tossed them at trees would create a small but deep hole, showing just how good the penetration power was.


    It was exhausting in the end, as the boy had to calm down and wait for his mana to return.


    Suddenly, he felt the carriage stop abruptly, and he almost fell down if it wasn''t for the rail that kept the baggage on top.


    Logan, like the rest, tried to see what the commotion was about.


    He stood up slowly and suddenly noticed the disturbance: at least twenty individuals or more were in front of them, clad in armor with their faces covered.


    Three of them had bows, while some were trying to cast magic.


    One figure stood in front, as if commanding them.


    "Who are you and what are you doing in our path?" Lieutenant Biron yelled, having his soldiers stand ready. From his height, Logan saw two other figures standing above the trees as if to spectate.


    "I repeat, what are you doing standing in our way?" Biron yelled out with more force.


    Logan took out a crystal from his storage, one already half-used, and quickly drained as much energy as he could, feeling the tension that was occurring below him.


    It wasn''t long before a shot was fired from Biron''s group to make the others move, yet the warning shot hit a barrier and dispersed.


    "Everyone, to arms! These guys aren''t here to play," Biron called, summoning everyone who could fight to surround the carriages.


    As soon as Logan witnessed this, he jumped down and mentally called for Scorch and Silis.


    Both of them together were tasked to protect the rear, where the two people standing above the trees had dropped.


    Sounds of fighting came from the front, with each side repelling and tossing spells and projectiles.


    Without thinking clearly about what he needed to do, Logan got on top of Scorch, ready to defend.


    Chloe jumped out to assist him, while Kai went forward to provide support at the front.


    The two in the back noticed who he was and began trying to fight him without declaring their intentions.


    They were well-coordinated, but with Logan speaking mentally to his beast, it seemed like child''s play. Experience new stories on My Virtual Library Empire sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Scorch ran forward with Logan and Silis on top of him.


    Silis created spears of dirt, while Logan tried his new skill, Dark Arrow, aiming and waiting for one of the robed individuals to make a mistake.


    It wasn''t long before one did, as Zephyr entered the fray from behind, catching them off-guard with a strong gale that pushed them forward.


    One got pierced through by the spears, which left Logan to make a shot on the second one.


    Logan only wavered for a second before letting the dark arrow shoot into the man''s chest.


    He could not waste the chance given, allowing those attacking him to hurt his comrades or the innocent maids he had gotten to know during the trip.


    Scorch jumped forward, ensuring he ended the lives of those his master could not yet do with his own hands.


    Taking a look at one of the corpses, Logan saw blue skin like the demons before.


    He quickly told Scorch to incinerate the bodies as they could still explode.


    They then moved towards the front where the fighting was still going strong.


    "Logan, get back! They are using strong spells. They are experienced, unlike the beasts you have fought," Kai yelled as Chloe and Rubina joined from behind.

 Chapter 78 Raid Pt. 2

    Only two of Logan''s new soldiers were wounded, while the rest were battered.Luckily, no one died, thanks to Kai''s earth magic, which disrupted the landscape and neutralized the opposing side''s powerful spells.


    The demons in front of him appeared more experienced than the two he had dealt with before.


    The tallest demon, standing in the center, was likely the one casting barriers, while the others focused on ranged magic.


    The soldiers were also trying to create barriers of their own, but Logan could see which side was better suited for battle.


    He took off his shield that was as small as a button and began infusing mana into it while waiting for orders.


    Not being a combatant, Logan, like the others, turned to Biron, who was busy thinking and giving instructions.


    His mentor was the only one doing her own thing, casting dark spells to create a haze that obscured the battlefield, giving their side a few moments of respite.


    Logan did not waste even a second.


    He also took out his traps; it was a good thing he and his mentor had not been idle these past few days.


    During the long trip, he learned and practice even more not letting a day pass without being taught new tactics.


    As a result, his aim with his bombs became more precise.


    Logan tossed a few smoke bombs to keep the effect active while readying his other spells.


    It took only a few moments to absorb mana from a crystal before he began ordering his beasts. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Luna stepped forward to help, turning the snow around them into ice and making it hard to walk.


    Scorch waited patiently for a chance to create an inferno.


    Within a minute, the barriers formed by the weakened soldiers gave out.


    It was time to act, and everyone received an order.


    Logan was to stay back this time as soldiers, his mentor, and Biron set up spells to release as soon as vision was restored.


    Chloe and Kai were ready to create earth barriers at the sight of a deadly spell, while Rubina was setting up various fire magic and began charging her mana into them.


    Her flaming bird was also present in the sky, waiting for the chance to burn anyone.


    As soon as the barriers failed, wind magic was unleashed, and spells flew in every direction.


    Logan expanded his shield to its maximum size, trying to protect himself and those around him.


    Ice spikes and stone lances were hurled their way.


    Other, more dangerous spells were reflected by his shield, causing some to return like a mirror.


    It was a nifty effect, but it cost Logan quite a bit of mana.


    His side returned fire as soon as they saw a chance.


    More stone pillars were created on each side, but with three fire users, they were quickly blasted away.


    Scorch caused most of the damage, while Rubina''s arrows tore through the stone barriers blasting them like bombs.


    Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire


    Wind blades tossed by Zephyr made the fire hit the demons'' barrier with two great slashes of wind mixed with fire.


    It was a perfect combination of elements that tore through the protection array like glass.


    Yells rang from both sides as Valeria tossed in bombs and traps while using bolts on a crossbow imbued with mana to snipe the exposed demons.


    Logan tossed in more bombs but encountered trouble when an arrow pierced his arm, causing a nasty wound that tore through his skin.


    The injury was quickly healed by the slime, which wrapped itself around the wound to keep it closed while it healed the cut.


    "Don''t stop, keep firing," Logan heard Biron command as he threw large ice spikes through the air, two of them landing on a single demon, piercing it in the chest and leg.


    Chloe and Kai helped Silis create barrier after barrier to protect the team while pulling the injured from the field.


    "Logan, we need to do something. They have more people than us; we are losing," Rubina called out from behind.


    "I know, but what¡­" Logan thought as he witnessed one of the carriages catch on fire.


    Luckily, the civilians ran to the back.


    "Get on your ride, Logan. We need to clamp them," Valeria whispered, mounting her panther and quickly running to the side.


    Logan passed Rubina the shield so she could keep those behind her covered and rushed to jump on Scorch.


    With powerful legs, Scorch leaped to the side and then ran forward to get into a good position.


    Logan tossed more smoke bombs to keep his position hidden and regular explosive bombs to cause chaos in the field.


    Suddenly, he jumped into the closest one, his raptor pulling him by the arm to drag the demon away.


    Logan tossed a few dark arrows at the surrounding demons to keep them focused on his position.


    From the opposite end, he heard a similar cry, likely his mentor doing the same.


    His other monsters were busy using their own skills, and he heard a few pings, signaling they had also managed to get some kills.


    Soon the battle calmed.


    The smoke cleared with a gust from the three birds.


    The group of twenty-something strong demons was reduced to a third of its size, most of them mana-spent, making Logan wary.


    Those who remained did not look like they wanted to back down.


    Logan returned to Rubina, who needed Kai and Chloe to help maintain the large shield.


    "What now?" Kai said, breathing roughly.


    "A final all-out attack. They seem to be trying to do the same. Look!" Chloe called out.


    Logan took a peek and saw one of the demons holding up a stone.


    It was a mutation crystal like the ones they had witnessed before.


    This time, it was being used to empower the wielder.


    "Looks like we have no choice," Logan said, feeling like he was about to faint from all the movement and mana exhaustion.


    He let Scorch move by himself this time and threw out all his bombs at once, setting their reaction time to a few seconds.


    Logan heard grunts and yells after they activated.


    And yet the boy couldn''t kill the empowered beings, but it seemed not all the demons used the stones to transform.

 Chapter 79 Raid Pt. 3

    That was when everything went wrong.His little stunt only slowed down the process of transformation, but it did not kill the four that withstood death and began to charge forth in fury.


    One of them knocked his shield back along with Logan, who was still hanging on to it, while another went for his mentor, who jumped away on top of her panther.


    The last two went for Kai, Chloe, and Biron, each one with the power of a truck.


    Even three full walls made by both Chloe and Kai couldn''t stop the charge from the leader of the group of demons they were facing.


    Logan had no more bombs, but his beasts were still going strong.


    As for his mentor, her bison entered the battle, covering itself with armor by absorbing dirt from the floor and condensing it as hard as stone.


    Its horns also grew in size, making them two deadly spears that it placed forward to impale the crazed demon attacking its master.


    Scorch also used the last of its flames to enchant his tail, which he used to slam the demon who bashed through Logan''s shield.


    It not only seared the man but blew him back a great distance.


    Silis, on the other hand, helped Kai and Chloe stop the demon giving them trouble, each one making earth cover the man''s body until he stood like a statue.


    Biron had the toughest job.


    He used all his military training to try and dodge the blows and incoming magic.


    Logan quickly told Zephyr and Uriel to help the man out, as they could combine their two elements to create a fire tornado, sucking the man up and sending him into the sky.


    Everything seemed like it would conclude as his mentor''s large beast finished the crazed man, and Silis pierced the statue of their own enemy in the heart.


    The one Scorch dealt with was dying from the large wound it had received as well.


    "I think that is all of them," Logan said, looking around before picking up his shield that had transformed back into a button.


    "Watch out!" he suddenly heard as Rubina pushed him away.


    The boy only had a moment to see what happened as he saw her being pierced in the chest. Stay updated through My Virtual Library Empire


    He did not even make it to the floor as he used his hand to pull himself back to catch her and look up to see what caused the injury.


    Three new enemies emerged.


    None of them had been present in the previous battle, as they showed no signs of damage, their robes fully intact and clean.


    Logan formed his shield while pulling his slime, which was still trying to heal his hand.


    Ignoring the wound and the blood that still spilled, Logan focused on healing Rubina.


    Holding onto the spike plunged into her chest, Logan directed the slime to cover the injury.


    Then, taking out two crystals, Logan hurried to absorb as much energy as possible.


    Logan kept transferring all that mana into his slime, which was healing Rubina while trying to close the large wound as he pulled the spike out.


    Rubina was coughing blood with a hand reaching out to Logan''s own. Logan felt her shiver, trying to maintain her human appearance.


    "Hang on Rubina, hang¡­" Logan quickly took off his sweater and put it over her to hide the small wings and horns that were trying to appear.


    Without stopping, Logan kept pouring mana into his slime, draining one crystal and starting with the other.


    The injury was slowly closing, but being in a vital place, it was not only the skin that needed to be healed.


    [Mii, miiii] Logan heard his slime call out, as if trying its best, knowing Logan needed him the most at the moment.


    "You can do it, please try your best," Logan said as blasts and more spells were being thrown around him.


    Drops fell on Logan''s cheeks, but he did not stop empowering his beast.


    At one point, Logan felt his beast could not accept any more mana, but it was not a bad thing.


    A shudder came from his monster, then a glow.


    The process of evolution began, and his beast moved out of the way, making Logan place his hand directly on Rubina''s chest to continue healing.


    Using heal and cure spells, one with each hand, Logan continued to observe his slime, which finally finished its transformation.


    This time, the small spherical monster grew in size; it looked exactly the same except it now had what seemed to be two cores.


    The slime left Logan''s side and began using its body like a rubber ball, quickly jumping to the nearest demon body and absorbing it into itself.


    It then did the same for the others.


    When the slime was about to go for a soldier, Logan stopped it, as he did not think it was right to do the same for one of their own.


    After doing so, the slime came back and enveloped Rubina.


    Logan thought it was going to devour her like the rest, but it did not.


    Instead, it encased her and glowed white, also eating the two crystals even if one was empty, and devoured those before returning Rubina, who coughed a few times. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "That was nasty, but I feel¡­ even better than I did before¡­ What happened?" she said while quickly covering her chest area.


    The wound did not reveal her important parts, but there was a tear that could continue if she moved too much.


    Logan was happy but also angered by what had happened and hugged her.


    He got up quickly and passed his shield to Biron, whose leg was in an awkward position.


    "Take this and start transferring mana to my fox. I don''t think it can continue like that," Logan said while also patting a crystal to empower Luna, who looked worn out and unable to stand.


    His slime, having finished helping Rubina, quickly went over to heal Biron, who was panting with a face showing the pain he was in.

 Chapter 80 True Power

    Logan felt anger well up like never before.All his beasts, who had been fighting nonstop, used this chance to come back next to him. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He passed Rubina another crystal.


    His storage was running out, but he didn''t care¡ªhe needed Scorch in top shape.


    As weak as the girl was, she knew Logan''s plan and quickly got on the raptor to pass it energy.


    His hawk was doing alright; it had yet to be hurt but seemed tired from all the aerial maneuvering.


    The three new demons were being held back only by Valeria, Kai, and Chloe, who were already at their last bit of strength.


    Most of the soldiers were either injured or dead.


    Logan looked at each one and gritted his teeth.


    Everything looked to be going bad for the boy.


    He imagined the same thing happening to Lisa, and his anger rose even more.


    Biron, who saw how the boy had transferred energy earlier, quickly did the same towards the little fox who kept her eyes on the hero.


    Its small body was recovering quickly but did not move from the spot.


    It seemed to be sucking in the energy he was transferring, as if wanting to get stronger.


    As for his leg, he had popped it into place.


    The strange golden slime began to heal it, and he was thankful for the boy, as that wound would have been permanent if no one healed it in time.


    He did his best to follow the boy''s instructions.


    Soon, he felt a large amount of mana radiate before him.


    The boy had a crystal beside him, using his left hand to hold on to it while his right hand created three or more spells.


    Wind, ice, light, and darkness began to mix into a vortex.


    The boy had never shown this kind of power before.


    In his travels, he would have only used small darkness arrows, but now he was mixing elements that made even the wind stir.


    "No, Logan, don''t use so much mana!" he heard the Earl''s daughter yell, as she was doing the same thing as Biron transferring mana to recover the large lizard''s fire mana.


    Soon, he heard the boy call out.


    "Move!" he ordered as his serpent used its tail to pull Chloe, who was in front of the radiant yet dark orb quickly rushing forward.


    As soon as the orb passed, it pushed everyone forth by the force of wind it carried.


    Logan, however, was pushed back by the immense recoil from the spell.


    In front of him, the three demons began casting barrier after barrier, yet none of them seemed to stop the strange orb filled with various elements moving towards them like a cannonball.


    Biron used the shield to keep himself in place.


    The impact of the sphere did not directly hit the demons but rather behind them, and yet they were instantly sucked up before being pushed back.


    Their remains did not look the same.


    The power of those elements devoured, slashed, burned, and disintegrated each one differently.


    At the point of impact, there was a large crater that showed just how powerful the energy of the orb had been.


    No one wanted to get close, as the mana radiating from the spot was enough to make one sick.


    It was an abomination of a spell that should have never existed, as opposing elements were almost impossible to combine.


    Everyone turned back to its caster, who seemed to be sitting, until they saw the blank look in his eyes.


    "Mana depletion! Hurry, bring that slime back. We need it to transfer mana back into the boy before he dies," Valeria called out.


    Rubina, who did not have to keep pumping mana into Scorch now that the enemy had been dealt with, rushed to the slime and placed it on Logan.


    The boy had been laid down, his slime trying its best to heal him.


    No one had noticed the midsized fox with two tails that created a dome to keep the cold air and mana from pulsing in their direction from the impact zone.


    "To think a hero had this kind of power," Biron muttered as he tried to stand up, checking on the kid who had fainted.


    He looked around to see that four of his ten soldiers had fallen, while the others were badly injured but would make it if healed later.


    Explore stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    The tired lieutenant placed each of his fallen comrades inside his storage and stared at the mess before him.


    The kids were crying, the boy''s mentor doing her best to maintain the situation.


    His beasts were either showing hostility or worry.


    Biron knew that the task given was a suicide mission and had kept to himself for the past few days.


    While the heroes were sent to a random location that no one could guess, this kid''s teleport destination was given away easily.


    Those who planned everything either wanted the demons to go after the sole hero, whether it was to kill off the taming hero or to make him the target of the demons to keep the others safe.


    One thing he did know was that the boy showed just how powerful and necessary each hero was.


    It was not long before everyone settled as the boy was breathing normally.


    He seemed to be doing better, yet his veins showed otherwise; they were burned out, a symptom shared by those who used too much mana in a short period of time.


    "Well, we did it, I think," Biron said, trying to get everyone''s spirits up. It was an hour after the attack, and everyone worked to get the caravan moving.


    One of the carts had been quickly repaired by the workers, while those who could cast magic tried to cover the crater which still leaked mana.


    "We should hurry, as we don''t know if demons are still here in wait. A fort should be about a day away, and I have already called them to send reinforcements. I don''t think they will try attacking after failing like that," Biron told Valeria after everyone settled.


    As before, one of the two monsters would use their powers to keep the caravan moving.


    "I don''t think we should stop moving until we reach the fortress then," Valeria pressed on.


    They needed a place to rest, and she did not feel safe outside anymore.

 Chapter 81 Long Road to Recovery

    Logan felt the buzz from his communication device, but he couldn''t take it out.The pain of feeling mana course through his body made him instantly give up.


    He was bedridden; he didn''t know where, but it was cold.


    Logan could see his breath as a small light entered from a window.


    Even breathing hurt, but then he felt relief.


    He saw his new golden slime trying to heal him.


    It couldn''t cure his problem, but alleviating the pain was now easy for the creature.


    "I see you''re awake, Master Logan. It''s good timing, since this will probably be your bed for some time," Ruri said as she stood next to him.


    It was a new, weird angle Logan wasn''t used to, but he couldn''t do anything about being unable to move his neck.


    Soon, he heard another voice as Rubina entered the room.


    "Are you finally awake?!" she called out, grabbing his hand.


    "Yesss," he tried to answer, but like everything he did, it failed.


    "Don''t try moving, you need time to recover your mana conduits. You should never try that again, Logan¡ªyou could have died, idiot!" He saw her tear up, something he was not used to seeing others do for him.


    "Srri," Logan struggled to say before losing consciousness from the pain.


    Logan suddenly opened his eyes again.


    He noticed the others were not in the room at first, and beside him, a candle illuminated his surroundings.


    It was when he slowly turned his neck that he saw Rubina who sat sleeping while holding his hand.


    He did not know why she slept that way, but he felt good that someone cared for him enough to sleep uncomfortably for his sake.


    He tried to move his other hand to see how badly it would hurt.


    It was less pain than in the morning but still strong enough to leave him reeling on the floor, rolling in pain if he could move.


    He could do nothing but try to sleep again.


    It wasn''t long before he awoke again.


    This time the sun was just rising, or so he guessed, as light hit the left side of his wall.


    It was weak but helped at least to make Logan feel that heat was entering his room.


    Logan only felt his slime around him; this time Rubina was not by his side.


    He could at least try to get up¡ªthe pain was not so bad as to keep him down this time.


    The medium-sized creature suddenly engulfed his body.


    Logan quickly took out water from his ring to feed his squishy pet.


    It was hard to know when it finished drinking, as it would not stop devouring the water.


    Its size also grew, which made the bed creak and Logan feel crushed under all the weight.


    [Mii, full] It jiggled, now being able to send a word when communicating.


    [Alright buddy, now get off me or do something about your weight, you''re crushing me!] He felt his slime try to heal him.


    It helped alleviate both the pain and the weight, as spending mana made it shrink.


    What happened to you? Let''s give it a check.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Kryst / Species: Greater Mana Crystal Slime / Level: 12 / Blood Mark: Right Sheen / Loyalty: 39/100]


    Str: 2 / Agi: 8 / Dex: 4 / Con: 19 / Int: 12 / Char: 6


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Greater Healing Touch: Heals allies by transferring mana through physical contact. The amount of healing depends on Kryst''s own mana reserves.


    Mana Absorption: Absorbs mana from the environment or fallen enemies to replenish its own mana reserves.


    Purifying Light: Emits a bright light that purifies toxins and curses from allies within range.


    Devour: Kryst can consume various forms of matter¡ªbe it organic, inorganic, or even magical substances¡ªand convert them into mana.


    Greater Cure: Kryst channels its considerable mana reserves to cure ailments such as poisons, curses, and diseases. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Logan was happy with how his slime turned out.


    He recalled what happened and why it turned out this way.


    As with all his beasts, it seemed to evolve in a form that best suited his needs, something he could not explain but was grateful for.


    With the healing his monster did to him, he was finally able to move a little more and try sitting up.


    No one was in his room, but the door was open, so he thought that someone would enter soon.


    He tried getting up, holding on to the edge of the bed to see outside the window.


    He was in a two-story building by the look of things.


    His room was pretty simple for an aristocrat, likely without much furniture.


    There was only a desk and his bed.


    The wooden floor creaked as he tried walking on it, while the walls were clean yet old, indicating his maids were already cleaning up the place.


    He finally reached the window and saw the old frame needing a repair, its window patched in a few areas.


    Experience tales with My Virtual Library Empire


    Outside, he saw a snow-covered field.


    It did not look anything like what a Baron would have¡ªit was just a flat, endless field filled with snow.


    No statues, no ornaments, not even trees.


    "Just where did they send me," Logan shivered, his only solace being the sun hitting his upper part exposed by the window.


    He heard someone coming into the room; the red hair made it obvious who it was.


    "Already excited to see your new mansion, huh¡­" Rubina commented, standing next to him.


    "Yeah, but tell me the truth, it''s just a small house, right?" Logan said as he slowly turned his head to look at her face.


    "Well¡­ I can''t lie, it''s what we would build for our servants¡­ but the builders are already working hard to renovate most of the place. They just weren''t working on this side of the house to not wake you up," Rubina said as she held one arm out so Logan could hold on.


    "Are you ready to move or should I settle you back into bed?" Rubina asked while looking at the old mattress.


    "No, I don''t think I could sleep even if someone cast magic to try making me," Logan replied, carefully grabbing on to her arm like a crutch.


    "Let''s go steady then; you should really see your new house." She guided him outside the room, his beasts soon came to greet him.


    He saw that his fox had also changed¡ªshe had grown a lot, now the size of a mid-sized dog with two tails.


    "I am going to miss your cute form, Luna," Logan smiled as the fox got close to him and licked his hand.


    [Safe, master, good to see.] The white fox communicated while controlling the temperature.


    Although being next to Rubina already helped him with the cold, he noticed that Luna''s presence made even the ice outside the window fall.


    "Show off¡­" Rubina said while radiating more heat, which made Silis, who was sluggish, get near the girl in a hurry to enjoy the warmth.


    Logan took another look at Silis.


    She was even longer and, although she had not changed significantly, she could have possibly sped up her growth to her full adult form.

 Chapter 82 Poor Cold Village

    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤Name: Luna / Species: Twin Tail Glacivulpes / Level: 19 / Blood Mark: Inner Left Elbow / Loyalty: 41/100]


    Str: 7 / Agi: 16 / Dex: 12 / Con: 9 / Int: 15 / Char: 14


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Ice Shards: She can shoot small shards of ice from her tail, used both offensively and defensively.


    Cryo Shield: Generates a shield of ice around herself or an ally, providing temporary protection from attacks.


    Frost Strike: Luna channels a chilling power into any strike or bite, causing instant freeze at the point of contact.


    Glacial Veil: Luna envelops herself or an ally in a mystical veil of frost, enhancing water and ice abilities, obscuring an area, and providing greater protection. Discover exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Logan took a moment to check on Luna, who seemed stronger.


    She had gained two new skills that could potentially help him in battle, and he wanted to try them out since he could use both with his shared linked powers.


    Unfortunately, he could not even attempt to use the weakest of his spells, as his mana still seemed unstable.


    The two youths walked towards the stairway, where Logan saw workers using magic in combination with their storage devices to remove, repair, and replace wood.


    It amazed Logan to see them standing on magic disks to fix even the highest areas of the ceiling.


    "How is it, Ms. Rubina? I hope it''s to your taste. We have followed your instructions to the letter," a worker waved at the girl, who now felt awkward with Logan beside her.


    It looked like she was the wife, and the worker wanted to make an impression to make Logan feel happy that he was doing what his lover wanted.


    "Sorry about that, Logan. I just thought you would like it that way¡­ and they needed someone to give them instructions to begin renovating¡­" Rubina whispered near his ear, trying not to lose face.


    "Ah¡­ well, it''s fine. I would have asked your opinion since I have no clue how a house should look. Thank you, Rubina," Logan replied while nudging her to go to change the awkward atmosphere.


    "You heard it, everything is looking great. Please continue," Rubina smiled to the workers while going down with the weakened boy.


    Kai and Chloe heard a familiar voice and hurried to help Logan go downstairs.


    Kai almost picked him up to hurry the process.


    "Thanks, you two. Glad to see you both are fine," Logan said, looking at the duo who wore a type of military outfight.


    They seemed to have been eating, as Kai had some crumbs near his mouth, which he quickly licked away after being pointed out by Chloe.


    "I am also starving, why don''t I join you," Logan stated as he followed everyone into the kitchen.


    He noticed the lower part of the house was already finished, with many decorations set up and tasteful furniture that gave the place life.


    Two maids could be seen fixing areas that still needed adjustments, which made Logan smile.


    He was finally starting to feel that unique sense of being a new homeowner while appraising each part of his new home. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The meal served by the maids was simple yet satisfying.


    Logan enjoyed himself and even ordered double as his stomach was as empty as a bottomless pit.


    Strength seemed to have returned after a good talk with his friends and Ruri who joined in after doing laundry.


    Logan thought about gifting her a particular pet to help her with her everyday chores, he shoved the idea for things to do.


    "Well then, tell me, how is this town, I only remember waking up a few times but being so weak I don''t even know how I got here." Logan told his friends to begin understanding his new land.


    "Well¡­ it was pretty much abandoned, you have at least¡­ thirty towns people and well, it''s a bit rural." Kai began to explain.


    "This is the biggest house and it was in pretty bad shape when we arrived, we had to even sleep on the floor covered in blankets." He informed Logan while laughing and recalling the memories that happened just a few days.


    "It has been a week since we arrived if you did not know¡­" Chloe said while sipping on hot tea.


    "Wow, I did had no idea¡­ how about the soldiers and my mentor?" Logan asked.


    "They are making rounds, it is necessary to keep the area safe since you are still badly hurt, we don''t know if those demons have plans to attack, we got a few other soldiers to join from a fort so we should be fine in numbers at least.


    "How about those that¡­ did not make it?" Logan question with a knot on his throat.


    "They have been sent back with the help of the fort. They will be given back to their families, who will be compensated. Don''t worry about them¡­ it''s a matter the kingdom will take care of," Rubina answered while rubbing his back.


    "As for your mentor, she was helping your creatures train. She is currently with Scorch, trying to find creatures in this land. She should be back before nightfall."


    [Ping]


    "Speak of the¡­ one of my monsters just leveled up." Logan chuckled as he checked his stats, he noticed his raptor was already at level 24 which was pretty high compared to before.


    "It seems their isn''t many monsters since the cold drives them into hibernation or hiding, but some do try to steal livestock from the farmers so hunting those will be helping the villagers.


    "So give it to me straight, how is this land¡­" Logan finally asked, wanting to piece together everything said so far, the picture in his mind was already eighty percent finished.


    "It''s a very small, poor, cold village at the edge of the kingdom, it will take a lot of work and money to make it a proper town." Chloe nonchalantly answered being as biased as she could.


    Logan sighed, he felt betrayed as they made it out to be a place worthy for a hero, but it was his new land, somewhere only for him.


    He shrugged and finished a piece of toast that he had left from being so full.

 Chapter 83 Planning Ahead

    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤Name: Logan


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Class: Soul Bound Tamer Enjoy more content from My Virtual Library Empire


    Level: 19 / Health: 126 / Mana: 102


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Attributes:


    Strength: 21 Agility: 18 Dexterity: 14 Constitution: 24 Intelligence: 22 Charisma: 21


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Skills:]


    Taming (Rank: Intermediate): Forms a permanent bond with a marked beast or being using the masters blood; the being must be willing to form a pact and cannot be of higher rank or level than the master. (Max Beings: 11/20)


    Empathic Link (Rank: Beginner): Establishes a mental connection with a tamed creature, allowing for silent communication and understanding of their emotions and thoughts within a certain distance. (Max distance: 38 meters)


    Beast Synergy: Logan achieves a synergy based on the loyalty of his tamed creatures, allowing him to harness their abilities as extensions of his own power. (Max abilities: 9)


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Abilities:]


    Tamer''s Bond: Allows the hero to form a soul bond with creatures, making them permanent allies.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Tamed Beings:]


    Greater Crimson Majesty [Level 9 / Blood Mark ¨C Right Ankle] Loyalty 19/100


    Error [Level ? / Blood Mark ¨C Ring Finger] Loyalty ?/100


    Inferno Raptor [Level 24 / Blood Mark ¨C Neck] Loyalty 2/100


    Everwind Falcon [Level 18 / Blood Mark ¨C Vertex] Loyalty: 28/100


    Twin Tail Glacivulpes [Level 19 / Blood Mark ¨C Inner Left Elbow] Loyalty: 41/100


    Greater Mana Crystal Slime [Level 12 / Blood Mark ¨C Right Sheen] Loyalty: 39


    Goblin [Level 12 / Blood Mark ¨C Left Shoulder] Loyalty: 38/100


    Tri-horn Basilisk [Level 14 / Blood Mark ¨C Right Upper Rib] Loyalty: 22/100


    Lumos Northern Owl [Level 17 / Blood Mark ¨C Right Abdomen] Loyalty: 9/100


    Aurolious Fowl [Level 14 / Blood Mark ¨C Left Upper Rib] Loyalty 9/100


    Breeze Roc [Level 12 / Blood Mark ¨C Right Lower Rib] 4/100


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Experience Points (XP): 526/1564] S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    After eating, everyone had gone their separate ways to do their own things.


    Logan took this time to rest a little more.


    The boy checked over his stats while he sat on a comfortable couch.


    He was tired of his bed and also tired of laying about, but he could not move.


    Logan wanted to call Lisa, but even that was painful, and he did not want to bother anyone else, so he left it for later.


    He counted all his tamed beasts and their information, memorizing their skills and stats for future battles.


    The teenager hadn''t needed to do this before, but now that demons were aiming for his life, he needed to think about future battles and how he could use everything he had to prevent what had happened on his long journey.


    Logan then thought about his land and its future growth. He needed to strengthen the security and create walls to protect his new fief.


    He imagined a place with large walls like those in the capital that kept the castle safe.


    The boy then recalled the problems the place was facing.


    They had no wood, as trees were basically nonexistent in his cold, dreary surroundings.


    If he could tame Scarlet, maybe he could do the same with a type of tree that would grow quickly.


    It would be even better if that tree could remove parts of its body to provide firewood or timber while also acting as a type of guard.


    He had many ideas but first needed the ability to walk to make them happen.


    If the problem was the economy, how about looking for particular beasts that like to dig and try to find minerals, crystals, or something they could use for trade?


    Work animals would also be necessary, whether to clean the fields or help the builders with construction.


    Soon, the boy was too tired to even think and took a nap to recover faster.


    "Master Logan¡­ wake up¡­" a soft voice called as he felt soft fur next to one of his hands.


    As he opened his eyes, he petted his fox, who yawned as it woke to his touch.


    "Thanks, Ruri. I think my back would have ached if I stayed here any longer¡­ What time is it, by the way?" He tried clearing his eyes with his hand.


    "About that¡­ it''s time to eat dinner. You slept for about four hours. Also, your mentor, Ms. Valeria, just arrived. I think she wants to speak with you." Ruri tried to help him up.


    She was anything but strong, so she struggled during the process.


    "Then let''s get to it. I am starting to feel hungry." Logan grabbed her by the arm and walked to the table where everyone was sitting in the dining room.


    "Good to see you up and about, boy. I have a few things I want to speak to you about. How about we talk before eating, as I want to quickly finish to get cleaned and rest?" Valeria was sitting on the left side of the long table with eight well-made wooden chairs.


    Based on all those he had seen so far, it was small, but for his needs, it was perfect for the boy.


    "Sure, please tell me all you have seen." He replied as Logan sat next to her.


    The rest were already prepared to begin eating as everyone waited for him.


    "Well then, first off, we had a good hunt and managed to bring back quite a good catch that I passed around to the villagers. They will be grateful for the meal provided, at least," Valeria began as she prepared her soup with various seasonings she had in her personal storage.


    "As for the monsters around here, they are on the strong side, which is good for you at your current level. The only problem is the distance you will have to travel to find them. Most are wary of being around humans, so at least the village managed to stay safe because of this." She paused to take a sip from her soup to test the taste.


    "Sounds like good news. I was thinking of going hunting as soon as I get better. I have to make traps once I recover; I think I could try making the simple ones tomorrow," Logan commented.


    "Yeah, as you know, trees around here have been cut excessively. It will be a problem if you plan to expand, but knowing your power, I brought a few samples of plants I thought you could use. Let''s try working your magic on them tomorrow since it''s freezing outside," Valeria paused again to finish what she wanted to say before digging in.


    Logan chuckled as he thought about the same thing during the afternoon.


    "Guess we are on the same page. I was thinking about doing that earlier. Great minds think alike, or so the saying goes," Logan commented before focusing on his food.


    Everyone else was too busy eating to say anything, as the cold day had intensified their hunger.

 Chapter 84 Forestry Pt. 1

    The next day, Logan stood outside on a patch of land cleared of snow.The readied terrain, adjacent to the house, was where the youths planned to build a small shed with sturdy earth walls.


    The top would be made of wood, as well as the door, as they only had enough of this material for those two components.


    For now, the shed would house Logan''s raptor and viper, as well as his mentor''s tamed beasts while she stayed on his land.


    With Chloe, Kai, and his eager viper each creating one wall, the shed was completed in less than three minutes.


    It took longer to cast the complicated spell that would raise the large three by ten-meter walls, which would hopefully shield his future pets from the harsh weather. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After finishing the task, they took a break while the workers prepared to complete the rest.


    "I am ashamed to say it, but your basilisk did better than me¡­ I think my wall is a little curved," Kai said, pointing to his work.


    "Its fine, it''s only temporary," Logan tried to encourage his knight while watching the others hard at work.


    "Now then, let''s hurry. I am eager to see what will be produced with the plants your mentor brought," Rubina said, pointing to Valeria, who was busy brushing her bison.


    "Yeah, I think I can use just a little bit of magic today. Hopefully, it won''t be needed¡ªwho knows," Logan added as the group walked to where Valeria was.


    "Morning, Logan. I see your group is done with the building. Hopefully, you made room for Teria here." Valeria petted her beast, which responded with a friendly grunt.


    "Sure thing, you don''t even have to ask¡­now then, can we get to checking those plants you were speaking about?" Logan asked, trying not to seem too impatient.


    "I already planted them. Try checking which one you see as a worthy candidate. There are a total of six different plants native to this region¡ªthree are small shrubs, while the others are saplings I thought would be interesting," Valeria commented as she guided the kids to an enclosed area to keep the other beasts from eating the plants.


    "Well¡­ which one do you think is the best candidate, and what makes the others worth bringing here?" Logan asked, taking a look at the six plants that were carefully planted recently.


    The smallest of the bunch looked like a regular bush, yet when someone placed a hand near it, it would defend itself by pointing its sharp, needle-like branches toward the intruder.


    "As you have seen, the first one has a type of reaction towards anyone who tries to get near it. It was difficult to bring without breaking it, you know. Good thing my bison''s earth ability was able to pull it along with the dirt around it. Just don''t ask me how I brought it here after that," she said, showing a finger that still showed signs of a wound.


    "Just help me heal this later. I know you''re eager to learn about the next plant. As you can see, it''s a rare gem in this area. It might be short, but its flowers radiate heat. Notice how no snow surrounds this particular shrub." Valeria placed a handful of snow near the flower, which quickly melted, the drops of water enjoyed by the plant as it was showered with them.


    "Looks interesting, I can see why you brought it," Kai stated, while everyone nodded in approval.


    "The one after that is also a type of shrub. I didn''t see it grow large, but let me tell you, it has some sort of healing ability. It regrows almost instantly. I had my bison feed on a few of them in the wild, and they didn''t dwindle in size. It''s pretty resilient, but it does erode the ground around it, so that needs to be taken into consideration." Valeria pulled a few leaves, which were quickly replaced by new growth.


    "I did see a few nuts of some kind grow from a few mature ones, and I think they are edible, based on what some villagers said. So, it might help alleviate any food shortages," Valeria added.


    "I think I saw a few kids eating some of those in the afternoon that we arrived here," Chloe remarked, recalling a recent memory.


    "As for the saplings, this one can move. As you can see, I had to tie it with a few rocks. The next one, like the shrub, can regrow limbs, just at a slower pace. As for the last one¡­ that one is very special. I don''t even know how I was able to find it, even with Night''s help," Valeria said, petting her black crow with pride.


    "What is it?" Logan questioned, trying to figure out what was so special about the last tree¡ªit just looked normal to him.


    "Well, it''s hard to point it out without having something like this around¡­" Valeria suddenly took out a few branches from different trees and began poking the tree with one of them.


    "I think I know what it does," Rubina said with excitement.


    "Let''s have the boys guess," Valeria grinned as the plant began to change to look like the tree that the branch should have belonged to.


    As soon as it transformed, Valeria poked it with another type of branch, causing the tree to mimic the color, shape, and even the smell of the newly introduced branch.


    Find your next adventure on My Virtual Library Empire


    "Now that is amazing¡­ don''t tell me that would also work with fruit trees or something like that." Logan smiled widely, thinking about all the possibilities this last sapling could bring to his territory.


    "Honestly I have no idea, but I am glad you approve. It took a while to find and bring each one. I think if we can understand their nature, we can find even more and soon grow a forest to help your land, or at least that''s my idea," his mentor said, waiting for Logan to work his magic.

 Chapter 85 Forestry Pt. 2

    Logan took out his small dagger for this occasion. He pricked his finger and let a drop of blood fall on the small sapling in front of him¡ªthe one that could mimic other plants just by touch.As soon as his blood touched the stem, it began to shake a little before returning to its original form.


    The sapling''s link was created, yet it was not as lively or as exciting as his rose.


    The stats showed his new plant was called a Mimic Birch.


    Its only skill was Mimic¡ªa simple ability that allowed the plant to take the form of another plant for a short while before returning to its original form.


    Feeling a little devious, Logan placed his bracelet close to the plant, and it soon took the form of the Greater Crimson Majesty.


    That was until the petals felt the cold and it reverted to its original form.


    The cold seemed to affect the plant negatively, causing it to lose a bit of HP just from the attempt to turn into a flower.


    Logan petted the plant and placed a small crystal next to its root as a form of apology before moving to the next tree.


    The next plant wiggled, trying to free itself from its restraints¡ªit was almost like watching a criminal attempting to escape their cuffs.


    As he had done with the previous plant, Logan held on to it and let a drop of blood splash onto a branch.


    Contrary to everyone''s expectations, the moving plant stopped as it formed the link and remained still for a while.


    Logan took this moment to check on it.


    "Wanderwillow, it only has one skill¡ªthe ability to move to find a good spot to grow," Logan said loudly enough for the others who were interested in the process to understand the new plant.


    The third sapling''s name was quite mystical: Phoenix Redwood.


    It had the ability to regrow its limbs and combust parts of itself to keep predators away.


    It was resistant to extreme temperatures, as it could generate heat within itself, making it bad for firewood but good for insolation and building material.


    As he got to the shrubs, Logan started with the Quillbush.


    This plant had three attacks: it could throw spikes at nearby opponents, inject a mild poison on its spikes, and use a sensory skill to identify predators.


    Logan threw drops of blood at the shrub from afar, hoping it would work.


    After the link was formed, the small plant became as friendly and delicate to Logan as his Scarlet, but it remained wary of others.


    The Pyrothorn was the hardest to mark, as it sensed the blood was a type of toxin and instantly evaporated the first drops Logan tried to mark it with.


    He had to keep pouring blood in order to mark it, which tired him, but it was rewarding to identify the plant and gain its trust after doing so.


    The final one, probably the easiest to interact with, was the Regen Hazel Brush.


    Its fruit had slight healing properties that helped create low-quality healing potions.


    Placing crystals around each plant, Logan noticed through his link that they loved the mana being provided to them.


    He even watered them for a good amount of time until he felt they were satisfied.


    None of them could communicate with him, but Logan was becoming sensitive to their feelings.


    Having taken so long, Logan noticed the others had left.


    The only ones near him were Scorch, who helped him through the cold, and Luna, who did not mind sleeping on top of the snow.


    Logan checked his beast, noticing a few scratches that needed healing.


    [Need stronger, no more master hurt,] he heard his beast say as Logan pointed to the cuts.


    [Scorch, don''t try so hard for my sake. Let''s get stronger together, buddy. Don''t do dangerous stuff,] he communicated while having his slime heal the torn scales and damaged skin.


    Although he didn''t get an answer back, the raptor gently placed his large head over Logan''s shoulder, seeking a neck rub.


    "Big baby," Logan laughed.


    He heard a whistle from afar and saw that Scorch''s new house was finished.


    "Well then, let''s go check out your new home, bud. I hope you like it," Logan said, using the raptor to help him get to the new barn.


    The barn was filled with hay to pad the floor.


    With Scorch entering the small house, it warmed up enough for Silis to enjoy its new home.


    As for the bison, it started feeding on what would be its bed, making Valeria bring food to keep it from eating the hay.


    As soon as they exited the barn, Logan spotted a group of ten or more people approaching the estate.


    They looked poor but had smiles on their faces.


    Among them were two kids, while the others were a mix of elders and adult men.


    Logan saw his mentor, Valeria, wave to the strangers, and he tried doing the same.


    The two kids soon got close enough to run to his charismatic teacher and hug her legs.


    "Well, meet your villagers, Logan. This is little Lily and Finn. I gave them fur that your Scorch helped hunt, so you can say you had a part in their new coats," Valeria introduced the kids. The small girl, Lily, spun around, trying to show off her new wear.


    "Scorch even helped with the tanning. His precision with flames helped cure the skins faster than they otherwise would have," she praised Scorch, who showed his face through one of the barn''s windows as his name was mentioned.


    "Thank you, Lord!" Lily, the young girl, said while hugging Logan''s leg.


    Logan patted the girl''s back and nodded.


    As for the others, they soon arrived with various gifts and foods.


    "You must be the new lord and hero¡­ please accept these. We hope you are doing well," an old man introduced himself.


    Judging by how others treated him, he was probably the acting village elder.


    "Yes, I am the appointed lord. I hope we can work together to improve this land," Logan replied, extending his hand.


    "I forgot you southerners do this. My name is Liam, a bailiff of sorts¡ªor at least that''s what they called me before the previous lord died," the elder said with a smile, offering an awkward handshake.


    "Well, I don''t know much about leading a village, but I do believe what I have planned will help improve the lives of the residents here," Logan stated, trying to assess the others who had come.


    "I am Tobin, the head hunter of the village. I thank you for helping Finn with such a fine fur coat. Even in my years of slaying beasts, I find it difficult to procure such goods," a burly man introduced himself.


    "Nice to meet you, great hero Logan. I am Nolan, a merchant. To be frank with you, my father sent me here to get close to you. I hope we can make good business. Ask, and I will bring you even the freshest Oapan from the southern seas," the merchant Nolan said, extending his hand.


    He was the only one in the group who didn''t seem to fit in, his clean and proper clothing instantly gave this away.


    Continue your adventure with My Virtual Library Empire


    Nolan was likely the first thin merchant Logan had encountered in this world. At twenty-four years old, he looked like the young son of a wealthy tycoon. With short, neat blond hair and strikingly handsome features, Nolan had the refined appearance of someone from a prestigious background.


    S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 86 Dracone Ridge

    It took two warp gates for the class to reach the labyrinth city, Dracone Ridge.The large city was built around the labyrinth, with adventurers and merchant guilds surrounding the massive stone entrance, which was protected by a defense array.


    The array formed a huge bubble that prevented monsters from escaping and reaching the town.


    This happened several times a day and became a sort of spectacle for the common people who dared not enter the dangerous place.


    Knights and top adventurers were sent to kill these monsters, displaying flashy skills.


    As soon as they arrived, they were confronted with five chained beasts that had managed to escape.


    Brian didn''t waste time asking why and quickly forced Lisa and two others to join him in the fight.


    "Let''s go. It looks like we will finally have some fun after being without prey for so long," the blond boy smiled, though the tips of his hair were beginning to look as if they were dyed red as his power rose.


    Lisa had no choice but to follow the kid. She knew he was her ticket to get stronger, even if she hated his guts by now.


    As Brian got stronger, he became more cocky.


    This time, it showed as he backflipped into action¡ªan unnecessary move that put him in danger while his team wasn''t prepared.


    Lisa had yet to cast defensive spells on everyone to shield them from damage.


    Their tank had yet to don his full armor, and the mage had was only now starting to cast a spell that would work against the fast creatures they had to face.


    The beasts they were fighting were bipedal, goat-like creatures with muscular torsos, large arms, and very sharp horns.


    Three of these monsters were stomping about, readying their posture to charge and headbutt different members of the party.


    Brian managed to land a kick on the back of one of the creatures, causing it to tumble.


    However, the beast used earth magic to create a spike of earth to hold on to, while one of its companions helped peel Brian off.


    The third beast charged toward the party''s tank, Chris, who held up a sturdy shield.


    He was only pushed back five centimeters, while the mage Mia finally readied a penetrative wind spell that could pierce through steel, breaking even the sturdy earth walls the goatman created like thin ice.


    "Let me add another layer of barriers, Chris. The ones I cast broke," Lisa yelled to the tank, who looked at the two markings on his shield from the goat''s sturdy horns.


    "Thanks, Lisa. I will be needing them. Those horns look dangerous. Let''s hurry and help Brian," Chris replied while bashing his shield and activating a provoke skill.


    "Please give me time to cast. I need to focus for at least a minute; any less and their shield walls will render my skills useless."


    Brian was still dancing between the two other goatmen. His punches easily broke off pieces of their horns, but they grew back as quickly as they broke off, created by earth magic instead of bone.


    "Alright, let''s stop playing," Brian suddenly jumped in the air and cast two spells that let him soar even higher, using fire to propel himself. He did the same as he descended, and with the momentum, rushed into one of the beasts like a comet.


    "Well, there goes rocketman, never fears hurting himself with you here, Lisa," Chris said while watching the destructive power the flames caused.


    "Guess he will be needing new gloves¡­ I don''t think this kingdom will be able to afford making him new mithril gloves every time he breaks them," Mia said, stopping her casting.


    "And so¡­ this battle is over. Did anyone level up at least?" Lisa asked while putting her staff away, which helped quicken her casting speed.


    As soon as the battle ended, everyone returned to the class as they heard the crowd cheer.


    Brian, who never shied away from attention, raised his hands and let bursts of fire flow like sprinklers.


    "Show off," Chris said as he placed his equipment away.


    "Are you all okay? Thankfully, nothing serious happened. I will have to talk to Brian about his actions," Ms. Claire angrily commented as she saw how the boy had dragged his team into a fight unprepared.


    An hour later, the class was guided to a small inn.


    Some of the guys stayed on the bottom floor, where merchants began to offer them gear and rare items while crowds began forming to see the heroes.


    Lisa used the rest of the time to try to contact Logan.


    During the trip, her owl Orus showed signs of distress; she thought it was due to the change in temperature.


    The warm southern region was arid and always sunny.


    But after days of nonstop shaking, her owl still seemed sick.


    Lisa tried using every spell she knew and even potions, but the bird wouldn''t move, staying in its cage without making a sound.


    Worried about Orus, she realized that during the trip, she had also felt somewhat sick.


    Since many others felt the same after seven days in carriages, she assumed it was a normal reaction.


    And yet, the marking on her finger had begun to fade, which brought her doubt about Logan.


    The boy did not contact her.


    She sighed once again after her communication attempt failed and looked at her bird, who was beginning to eat.


    She then glanced at her finger and saw that the marking was just like before¡ªthe red tattoo glowed a few times as it had done previously.


    [What do you think, is Logan doing fine?] Lisa communicated with the bird.


    [Fine, good, more seeds] It communicated while stretching its wings.


    "Alright, let me bring more. It''s good to see you''re doing better now." Lisa smiled while trying to put the communication device away. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Just then, it glowed brightly, signaling someone was trying to contact her.


    [Who is it?] She closed her eyes to concentrate.


    [Sorry I did not talk to you sooner, hey there Lisa.] She saw Logan smiling while looking at himself in the mirror.


    [Good to see you''re doing well, what took you so long, idiot!] She mentally took a jab at the boy, trying to avoid looking at a reflective surface.


    The young lady hadn''t expected the boy to call and had forgotten to changed out of her dirtied attire, ruined by the afternoon''s battle.


    Both youths then began speaking to each other.


    Enjoy new tales from My Virtual Library Empire


    The owl, having finished eating, stared at its master who lay on her bed, rocking her feet.


    Happiness radiated from her every action.

 Chapter 87 Full Recovery

    A week went by before Logan recovered his full strength.The markings his veins had left on his skin faded, and mana finally coursed through them as before.


    The day was as cold as ever, but he was happy to have a good meal.


    Eager to see his plants'' growth, he went outside wearing a large coat made from a creature that Scorch had hunted and a villager had pieced together to fit him perfectly, with Ruri''s help.


    He felt good now that he was ready to face the cold and his strength was back to its peak condition.


    The boy felt even better today since he was finally able to speak to Lisa, who had tried to contact him for a few days.


    Reaching his first plant that had been placed near the house, he saw that the small sapling was now a full-grown tree.


    It had drained a third of his mana water, but with it, all the plants had grown to their mature state.


    "What form are you taking today..." Logan wondered as he looked up to see various nuts on the underside of the tree''s green crown.


    The mimic tree had not only perfected the art of mimicking other trees but also the ability to grow their fruit permanently and maintain a certain shape for much longer.


    It had taken the form of a hazelnut-type tree that thrived in the cold tundra plains for the past week.


    It was perfect for this weather and even dropped its fruit when Logan asked for it.


    The next tree he checked on was the Phoenix Redwood, which was placed near the entrance of his estate.


    This location was to prevent fires, as the tree loved to keep itself warm.


    Its body would burst into flames at times, making it dangerous to keep near the house or fields, but it made for a perfect guard.


    It would light up the place at night, giving the night watch visibility whenever someone approached the gates.


    Its wood would also be given out to keep the villagers warm.


    The third tree, however, was a problem; he had to search for it every morning.


    With his power to enhance his tamed beings, the Wanderwillow grew fast, but instead of becoming a huge tree, it remained thin and long, like a palm tree.


    Logan had no idea what to do with this tree yet.


    Its ability to move was probably the only thing that attracted him to make a pact with it, but other than that, it was just like a child playing tag¡ªit needed to be chased to be fed.


    The shrubs were next on his agenda.


    The Regen Hazel Brush was probably everyone''s favorite, as the sweet fruit it provided not only made for good medicine but produced so much fruit that Logan was able to send some to the villagers so they could eat.


    Nolan the merchant constantly nagged him about selling the fruits, but Logan told him he needed to find a way to feed the villagers first. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    What he did give the merchant was the leaves that could be made into a tea that would have great medical properties.


    Unlike the trees, which grew tall, each of the shrubs spread out to the sides.


    The Quillbush had grown wide enough to cover most of the backyard fence.


    Just as the Phoenix Redwood protected the front, the Quillbush protected the back.


    As for the large field, this was the Pyrothorn territory.


    It had learned to distinguish between friend and foe and did not harm those that Logan introduced to it.


    The good thing about the Pyrothorn was the warmth it emitted, which warmed the fields enough for crops to grow.


    A villager skilled in farming began using them to start producing food.


    Logan decided not to meddle with the process or try taming these plants, giving the villagers work for which he paid them.


    After finishing today''s duties, Logan got ready to go with his mentor.


    Today, they would be looking for a particular animal that Logan needed.


    Unlike before, when Logan did not worry about the creatures he would tame, he now needed to be more selective with his choices.


    He had ordered for farm creatures to be brought.


    Spring would soon come, and they needed animals to tend the fields.


    Logan ordered poultry, horse-like beasts, cattle, and other creatures from this world that would be good for the rural village.


    However, something urgent came up before all this: the need for more mana crystals.


    For this, Logan needed specific monsters capable of finding any mana mines that might be in his territory.


    He thought about the large tunnels created by earthen moles in the capital and how, with their help, he was able to find the underground passage into the mine.


    "You ready, Logan? We will be heading to some old mines. There should be creatures you probably need there," his mentor said, leading the small expedition.


    Valeria had already explored more areas of his vast land compared to the soldiers.


    As soon as the day''s plans were discussed, everyone in the group wanted to join.


    Yet his mentor reminded them of the amount of work that still needed to be done on the new estate.


    New goods were arriving that needed to be checked, and the planned outer walls that would surround the town were already mapped out and ready to be built.


    With Chloe and Kai helping, the construction was going faster than ever.


    Silis the Basilisk, who had been trained and was almost ready to evolve, also pitched in whenever she felt like it.


    "The old mine should be around here. It''s an open-pit mine, so it''s not like we have to enter a cave or anything like that," Valeria said, pointing to a crater in the ground that was dug out in layers.


    The center of the pit was teeming with various creatures that feasted on minerals. Some looked like moles, while others seemed to be a type of worm.


    Explore hidden tales at My Virtual Library Empire


    Logan wasn''t sure how long it would take to get down there, but it needed to be done stealthily since he saw how easily the beasts could dig their way to safety.

 Chapter 88 Old Mine

    "Well, there are a few ways we can try doing this. First, we rush in and hope one of those beasts doesn''t run away¡ªnot the most likely choice to tame one. Second, we sneak in as close as possible and try trapping one using a type of lure. Or our third option, we make them surrender by throwing in as much power as possible, hoping one gets caught in all the action," Valeria said, waiting for Logan to answer. She was just here to help, not to make the choice."Let me guess, the correct choice is trying to lure them... They love stone, so maybe using a mana crystal will suffice. I guess we''ll be leaving the mounts and larger creatures behind and start descending slowly then," Logan answered, hopping off Scorch to look for a section in the pit where they could start descending.


    "Well said. Let''s go then. We will need wire traps, and as soon as we get close, you will start tossing a few of those fragments to lure them," Valeria instructed, pointing to the section she deemed best before beginning to climb down.


    The pit was large, carved in by magic. It took a considerable amount of time just to get halfway down.


    They knew going back up would probably take the rest of the day if they didn''t hurry.


    There was no time to waste; the task of taming needed to be done today.


    Fortunately, paths had been created, and large rocks littered the place, providing cover. Discover stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    As soon as they reached the bottom, they saw three large worms eating what looked like iron ores, while some moles popped up every now and then to take some for themselves.


    "So which of the two do you think I should tame?" Logan whispered as he took out various crushed crystals, the last of the ones he had.


    As for the big crystals, he only had three left, which he kept for emergencies.


    "Both are good. You may want the mole since it''s not as creepy, but those worms dig far faster and deeper underground," Valeria replied while preparing traps, making the string invisible using dark magic.


    She tied the crystals with the thin strings and began throwing them in obvious spots where the monsters would gather.


    Sensing strong mana around, the closest mole sniffed the air as it closed in.


    It was a little small in size, which was perfect for what they needed.


    "You will be in charge of reeling it in. I will shoot it to make it sleep. It will be rough, but you will need to heal it after," Valeria instructed.


    Valeria began taking out her crossbow and placed thin bolts while adjusting them to shoot.


    "Wait, you''re going to shoot it? What if you kill it?" Logan tried to keep his voice down.


    "Well, of course. How else do you think we will get it to calm down? If we just come out and try catching it, it will alert the others," Valeria replied.


    "Don''t worry though, it''s just a mild paralyzing dart. It produces a small electrical current which will stun it," she added while sniping the creature as it got close.


    Logan readied himself, trying to ignore the weird method of taming.


    At least he didn''t need to whittle its life dangerously low and use a ball to capture the creature.


    As the earthen mole bit into the crystal, he saw the bolt fly and hit one of its arms.


    As soon as it convulsed a little and fell to the floor, Logan began pulling the string given to him.


    It sort of worked until the creature''s claws got stuck next to a large rock, and Logan had to reposition himself.


    "Say, teacher, what if we have to break the line because the crystal is stuck in its stomach or something?" he questioned as the mole got closer to them.


    "Logan, they eat rocks. Do you really think a small amount of mana-filled string will hurt them?" Valeria told the boy the reality of the situation.


    Soon, the creature was close enough that they could pull on one of its arms. Luckily, it remained stunned enough not to fight them.


    Before it could get up, they took the dart, which still pulsed with electrical currents, and tied the mole to pull it away into a good area with cover.


    "Well then, heal it and do your magic. We should try catching a worm next. I think it would be better if we have both; maybe you''ll get what you want that way," Valeria stated while keeping lookout.


    Logan took out his slime to heal the mole, then placed a few drops of blood on its back before it could fully recover.


    It seemed to not like the first few drops of blood and ignored the taming, so Logan teased it with a big crystal and tried more drops of blood.


    That got the creature''s attention as it let the mark form.


    [Hey there, I am sorry but you won''t be able to have all the crystal, kid. Take a few bites before I put it away though,] Logan said before he placed the crystal back.


    He was amazed the crystal was a third gone after just eight bites.


    "Are you done yet, kid? We have to hurry, the climb back will be tough otherwise," Valeria reminded him.


    "Sorry about that. Who is the next target?" Logan said as he gave orders to his mole to stay back so they could continue. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Let''s go for that large beast there. I was thinking about just going for the biggest one. I''ve been observing the worms, and the bigger they are, the slower they react to stimuli," Valeria said, pointing to the biggest worm, which surfaced a few times to eat whole stones half a meter wide.


    "If you say so, teacher. How will we do this? I don''t think a small string will work with those," Logan asked, hoping his theory was wrong.


    "Well, you have half of a crystal or something like that, right? Offer it up. Let''s put it next to where the creature last surfaced and hope it comes up to eat it. While it struggles to swallow it, you go in and do your blood trick. If that doesn''t work, you may have to give up another one of those," Valeria said, not considering the amount of money Logan would have to waste just feeding the creature.


    "Well... it will let me look for more crystals, hopefully... so why not?" Logan agreed, waiting for the large creature to surface.


    They already had an idea, as the last rock it gobbled up was ten meters from where they now hid.


    "I suggest you place the mana crystal... there, and get one of those fingers ready to bleed because it''s fast," Valeria explained, staying back this time.


    Logan rushed to place the already-bitten crystal and tried to run back, but he was only able to take two steps before feeling a rumble beneath him.


    He recalled the beast that should have come out of the hole, realizing it had to be large to cause the earthquake he was feeling.

 Chapter 89 First Clue

    Unable to walk any further as the ground shook violently, Logan stumbled and tried his best to stand up and run. He did not care about losing the crystal if it meant saving his life.But it was for naught as he saw rows of teeth surrounding him.


    The creature''s mouth was at least three meters wide, and he was within the center of its gaping maw.


    "Damn this idea!" Logan cursed as he was sucked inside the mouth like quicksand, before being trapped within the large creature''s maw.


    It seemed like a tunnel that shook violently.


    He could not distinguish top from bottom, but he knew he had to try something before he was swallowed up.


    He began pressing his bleeding finger frantically as he felt the form of a tongue beneath him.


    Pressing his finger on it, he felt a shake, indicating he was doing something right.


    "Ah, to hell with it!" Logan exclaimed as he saw the sharp row of teeth.


    As the mouth opened for a few seconds, he pressed his finger on it to make the wound larger.


    The razor-sharp teeth almost cut his finger off, making him regret the choice.


    The place quickly became messy as the monster struggled with the force link being made.


    "I wonder if the damn tattoo will be on my tongue after this..." Logan tried to settle his mind with a joke as the monster shook even more.


    "Come on!! Accept to be my tamed beast!" Logan shouted, frustration mounting.


    He knew he had to take a drastic step and, reluctantly, he took out a new crystal¡ªone of the only two he had left¡ªand sent it down the large tunnel, leaving the powerful mana in the creature''s mouth.


    "There, now let me out!!!" Logan yelled in anger.


    Suddenly, he felt the strangest link he had made so far¡ªit was unlike any he had created before.


    He felt the power of his new creature through this link, as if instead of Logan sharing his energy with the creature, this time the creature had to send energy back to Logan.


    Logan felt invigorated.


    Taming the beast gave him four whole level-ups, something he had not experienced before.


    [Let me out now, I know you can hear me!] Logan commanded, feeling the creature accept his order.


    The mouth soon opened, and Logan saw the light of the sun again.


    His mentor and even Scorch were present, ready to fight.


    "It''s fine, it''s fine. I finally got this kid under control," Logan said as he walked out of the large beast''s mouth.


    "You are seriously crazy and very lucky, boy. How are you alive with all the stuff that happens to you?" Valeria yelled as she placed her weapons away while calming her large panther, which looked on edge.


    "I''d rather call it bad luck," Logan said as he stepped away to check on his new tamed monster.


    He walked and kept walking trying to get a full view of his new creature.


    The large worm was huge.


    The three-meter mouth should have been enough for one to imagine, but just looking at its face, he could estimate the beast was at least thirty or forty meters long. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Well, it''s almost the size of my dragon... and that kid''s still growing," Valeria said, petting Logan''s back.


    "Do you think it will be like the rest of my creatures? I got stronger just by taming it," Logan asked while walking back to pet the large worm, which seemed expectant.


    "Don''t think I will give you another mana stone¡­ you just ate what someone would take a lifetime to make in cash," the boy joked while his mentor inspected the worm from all sides.


    "Well¡­ I think I know why it was a tough monster to tame. Do you remember that forest keeper back before we fought the demons?" Valeria pondered, rubbing her chin.


    "You mean the snake with horns who had a mutation stone in its belly?" Logan replied, trying to remember the creature.


    "Precisely, that one. This monster is the same¡ªthe most powerful beast of this part of the land and its guardian. It''s nothing compared to Ferra, but at least with this kid around, you won''t have to fear other creatures. Think of it as the king of this zone," Valeria pointed out the other worms and moles, who acted like they were waiting for orders.


    "I guess that explains a lot¡­" Logan replied as he tried commanding one of the creatures he had not tamed.


    This one did not follow his orders, so it seemed only his tamed beast was able to understand him.


    Logan then took out his crystal, knowing he had to try something before they had to leave for the day.


    [Hey, do you know if there are crystals like these around here?] He communicated his intentions to his new beast.


    [Food, hard to find, only big mountain, Grav Territory, be mad if take.] Logan pieced together the information but did not know who Korro was.


    As for the biggest mountain, he remembered it was at a considerable distance with snow on its peak.


    "Say, teacher, do you remember the large mountain with snow at its peak?


    Well, this creature tells me there are crystals over there¡­ it''s just that it belongs to someone named Grav¡­" Logan asked, wondering if she knew the name or if it was some bigshot like Ferra.


    "Never heard of it. How about you ask your beast what kind of creature it is?" Valeria suggested while dusting herself off.


    [So tell me, who is this Grav? Can you describe the creature?]


    [Grav is Grav, big, made stone, can''t eat, walk two legs.] The beast tried to describe the creature, but with its limited vocabulary, it didn''t give Logan a concrete answer.


    "Well, it seems to be a type of golem based on this kid''s description," Logan explained.


    "Let''s go back and ask around. Maybe someone in the village or the fort nearby knows something," Valeria suggested.


    Before they started to climb back up, Logan pitched an idea. He told the whole team to get on top of his new earthworm and used it as a ride to get to the top of the mine. With its huge size, the beast took them up as if it was swimming in water. In reality, it was eating all the dirt in front of it, leaving a huge trail behind.


    As soon as they got to the top of the mine, they got off the large worm and tried looking for the mountain mentioned.


    North of them, they spotted the snow-covered mountain. It was large in size and would be a difficult climb. However, now they had a train to ride on, as Logan petted his new tamed beast.

 Chapter 90 New Guild Branch

    Leaving the huge earthworm near the mine so Logan did not have to worry about its need for food, he, along with his mentor, was about to reach the village on their mounts.His mole had to be placed behind Scorch as it was slow.


    As for Zephyr, he kept an eye out from the sky along with Night the crow.


    As he entered the small village with wooden houses that resembled huts, he was greeted by the inhabitants who now knew his face.


    Besides Lily and Finn, there were three other children in the village of various ages.


    He knew there were also babies, as he could hear their cries from one of the houses, but he did not know whose they were yet.


    As soon as they got close, the kids ran towards them and began petting their beasts.


    The first time this had happened was a few days before, and Scorch welcomed the attention of the kids.


    Logan got off while preparing treats to give out, having ordered food from Nolan.


    His goal in visiting the village was to see if it had arrived.


    Soon enough, the merchant ran out of his own little hut, which was expanded with the use of tents, and began calling to Logan with a wide grin on his face.


    "Valeria, are you going to join me, or will you take off here?" Logan asked, knowing his teacher liked doing her own thing after hunts.


    "You know me, Logan. I have a lot to prepare, so let''s meet up later tonight¡ªhopefully with better food," Valeria smiled as she began walking off with her beasts.


    [Scorch, I will be busy for a while. Try playing with the kids, just make sure you don''t hurt anyone!] Logan communicated as he left Scorch.


    The mole quickly dug a hole to hide and escape the rowdy atmosphere, while Zephyr flew off to find small prey.


    The village was not large, with every building within half a kilometer of each other, except for the farmers who had medium-sized lands for their work.


    It wasn''t long before Logan arrived next to Nolan and shook the eager merchant''s hand.


    "Great to see you today, Baron Logan. I have already sent the creatures and food you ordered to your farm. Miss Rubina and Miss Chloe took the animals and food in magic crates so you can place them in the barn," Nolan began to explain as he led Logan inside his small shop.


    "That is good. I hope everything was easy to find, and great work with the fast transportation. I doubt it was easy in this cold weather," Logan replied, now more versed in speaking to the trader.


    "No problem. Luckily, our neighbors had a surplus of the creatures, and their farmers were willing to sell the food to help your cause," Nolan said as he sat down, while one of his assistants began brewing tea.


    "That is good. Now, what was so urgent that you wanted to talk to me about?" Logan asked as he settled himself in front of the young merchant''s desk.


    While the tea was brewing, they made small talk.


    Logan took a moment to admire Nolan''s tidy fashion sense, which he seemed to change every time they met.


    The charismatic merchant always managed to look impeccable.


    He noticed the merchant could not stop grinning today, which creeped Logan out, making him want to leave as soon as he finished his tea.


    Soon enough, two cups were served.


    Logan was given a small plate with a pastry to eat while drinking, which he welcomed.


    "Now then, let''s speak. I hope you don''t mind if I go first. I was contacted by the great Guildmaster Harold a few hours ago... At first, I was surprised at the request since he sent a storage container..." Nolan paused while giving Logan what looked like a very small jewelry box.


    "You should know what it contains. I assure you, no one has opened it. As for the magic lock, here is a key for that..." The young merchant passed an envelope with what felt like a small metallic key inside.


    "As for what I wanted to speak to you about... it''s a request I hope you accept. You see, Guildmaster Harold wants to make a guild branch here and wants me to be the one to lead the shop. It will be great for this small village, as I will be in charge of the northern part, which includes the three other cities next to this one." Nolan stood up as he announced this, bashing his hands over his desk.


    "Ehem, sorry about that, Baron Logan... so for this to take effect, I hope you accept it so I can send word back. After this, they will send in a group of workers, adventurers and merchants to begin constructing routes," Nolan continued, nearly turning pale from lack of oxygen. "Well... sure, I don''t mind you being the one to lead the branch... will I have to do anything?" Logan asked, trying to understand the extent of the situation.


    "Thanks, Sir Logan! You won''t have to worry about a thing. I will make sure everything goes simple and quick," Nolan replied as he began writing a response letter without waiting for Logan to leave.


    "Knowing infrastructure costs money and wanting the best for my new land... here, take this. Make sure you use it to restore this place. If possible, bring more workers as I want a large wall before next year''s winter," Logan said, handing over the large sack of coins he was given by the king.


    It was useless for him to carry such a bag, which was given only to display his wealth.


    "Wow! No wonder the great Harold wanted this to go through. I will have the best artisans here in a few weeks, Sir Logan, to begin working on those walls and new houses. And while we''re at it, if you need your mansion rebuilt, please just tell me!" Nolan placed the sack of coins in his storage.


    His handsome face looked like it was trying to hold back maniacal laughter.


    "No, that''s alright. If anything, I will be needing workers for my fields. Try putting up notices for work within the village. I want those who live here to be given top priority. If possible, try to invest in equipment for them, whether it''s farm or hunting tools. I want this village to thrive before people start coming," Logan added, thinking about immigration, which Kai and Chloe had informed him about. Come spring, people would probably flock to his land in an attempt to change their lives. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Sure thing, Baron. We have only about forty days of snow left. After this, the heavily snow-covered roads will clear, and trading and travel will resume back to normal," Nolan stated as he began to calm down.


    "Well, I guess we are done then. Please make sure everything is ready, Nolan. And as for Guildmaster Harold, please give him my regards. He has kept his part of the deal, and I appreciate that." Logan stood and excused himself as he heard a joyful cheer behind him.


    Back outside, he hugged himself as the evening breeze hit his shoulders and spine. He quickly went to gather his beasts to head back to his estate.

 Chapter 91 Farm Animals

    Riding alone through the snow-covered road, Logan took the time to enjoy his land.The heat Scorch produced was enough to keep him warm.


    Even Zephyr, who roamed the cold skies, took the time to rest on its back.


    [So what do you guys think, do we have a good land or what?] Logan asked, wondering what his beasts thought.


    [Bad, cold, no food,] Zephyr whined.


    He had only managed to catch a small rodent, which did not fill his stomach.


    [Cold, waste heat, hungry,] Scorch replied, and Logan knew where this was going.


    [Cold, no stones...] his new mole chimed in. Unlike the others, the mole only cared about rocks to eat.


    [Alright, alright, let''s hurry. I am also starving. I hope this freezing weather ends soon...]


    Feeling a strong current that even Scorch could not block, they rushed back to the estate. It was less than a kilometer, but with Scorch''s speed, it was quick in sight.


    He noticed Rubina was waiting near the entrance alone. He found it strange but knew she had news for him if she took the time to wait for him there.


    "Rubina, you shouldn''t be outside. Why didn''t you wait for me in the house?" Logan asked as he got close enough to speak to her.


    "Hurry up, we need to get these new beasts settled. I know you want to see them," she yelled back, trying to speak over the sound of the strong wind.


    Logan commanded Scorch to pull up next to the girl and helped her up behind him to speed things up.


    The entrance was at least forty meters from the barn, where he imagined the new beasts were placed.


    "Thanks, Logan. With Scorch here, I think we won''t even need a coat in this cold weather," she laughed as she held on to his waist while sitting behind him.


    "You''re right, I feel like I''m sweating already¡­ good thing with Scorch it will only take¡­ I didn''t even get to finish," Logan replied as Scorch took two great leaps. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Sick, need get down,] he heard his mole say from the back, where it was made to hold the start of Scorch''s long tail.


    "Sorry about that. Please help our new buddy Digger, Kryst¡­" Logan had to almost drag the greater slime who did not want to leave his embrace to heal the earth mole in the cold windy night.


    "I guess that''s your new beast, but¡­ isn''t he a little small for, you know," Rubina questioned as she waited for Logan to finish.


    "Oh, he is just one of two. The other beast was way too large to bring. He''s a Tunnel Burrower, the biggest of its kind... I wouldn''t know how to feed it if I brought it here," Logan explained.


    "That is perfect, just as I imagined. I just didn''t think you would go for one of those... just please don''t show it to me yet, as you know..." Rubina shivered before finishing her sentence.


    "I know you hate insects or any creature that resembles them, ha," Logan said, returning Kryst back to its place and placing the Mole next to the barn. The Mole didn''t care to go inside and started making a hole to hide itself from the cold.


    "Guess it didn''t need the shelter... Now then, please tell me what we have, Rubina." Logan opened the barn''s door to let Scorch in. As his raptor entered, he saw various creatures already resting, some in hay, including his master''s bison.


    Others were kept in partitions, resembling chickens, roosters, and ducks. There was even a type of bird that resembled a turkey, but with more colorful feathers.


    "Well, as you can see, we received quite a good variety of beasts. As for the ones you need to worry about taming, it''s only the Dustfoot Horse and Starhoof Cattle. We got two of the former and four of the latter. As for the Silkmane Sheep, they can wait. I would suggest you tame... two Dustfoot, the Starhoof Bull, and at least one Silkmane Sheep to test," Rubina pointed out the animals as she named them.


    The large work horses looked sturdy and were placed within a wall between the bison and the cattle. Logan noticed the interior of the barn had to be extended to fit all the animals.


    Discover more stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    Taking out his trusted dagger to cut his finger, he began with the two large animals as pointed out. They accepted the bond, neighing only when he first got close.


    The other creatures made a ruckus that ended when Logan finished with the Silkmane Sheep, whose wool felt like cotton candy.


    "You know¡­ that is premium quality material. I can''t wait to see what it will evolve into and how its wool will improve!" Rubina said while hugging another sheep, which was busy eating hay.


    "That will take a while, as they don''t look like they would put up much of a fight. But¡­ yes, I also wonder what they would evolve into. For now, my head is hurting just thinking about what to name them. I already have the huge worm''s name to think about, and I didn''t even name the trees¡­ What will happen when I have to name hundreds or thousands of creatures," Logan scratched his head in agitation while considering using numbers to help speed things up.


    "It''s not like you have to name each one, right? I''m sure the workers and others will help us... You also won''t be seeing these creatures with your busy schedule," Rubina reminded him as they wrapped things up.


    "True. Now let''s go. I''m starving and feel sort of dizzy from not having enough calories," Logan said, while Rubina tried to guess what the last word meant.


    "It''s like mana... that our body uses to produce energy..." Logan tried to explain as he hurried the girl, who still looked confused, by pulling her arm.


    "Okay, forget it, let''s go!" Rubina smiled deviously as she pulled her arm up, making Logan''s hand hold onto hers, and dragged him away before he had a chance to react.


    "Wait, let me!" Logan tried to tell her about the barn''s door, but a nearby soldier already rushed to close it, waving to the two teenagers with a smile.

 Chapter 92 Hunting Pt. 1

    "No one knows what''s on that mountain. I have tried speaking with all the villagers and the soldiers. It seems the previous baron did not even try exploring his territory," Valeria stated as everyone finished eating dinner."So, what do you suggest we do, mentor? If my large worm monster does not dare to eat those crystals from fear of the golems, then I don''t think we have a chance," Logan replied, leaning his chair back to think.


    "Well, you will have to train. I have taught you about traps and tactics, but now you have to gain experience using them in the field and not just when danger happens. You also need to finish training the rest of your monsters. Scorch is powerful, but it is not your only strong point. Having various monsters with different skills will be for the best," Valeria added while the rest nodded in agreement.


    "For now, I think you should work on Luna and Zephyr. Silis will have a hard time out in the cold, so it should be left for last," Chloe commented.


    Luna, who heard her name called, turned to face the group as she was eating from a bowl away from them.


    [Want fight, stronger,] Luna, who still had some crumbs on her snout, ran to Logan, wagging her two tails.


    "Sounds like a plan. I will bring Scorch just in case, but it will be good exercise for us," Logan agreed with the plan.


    With nothing else to do, the team went to sleep early.


    It was nights like this that Logan missed his smartphone, but with everything that had happened, finding sleep was not difficult.


    The next morning, the team of two set out while everyone else went about their tasks.


    Rubina had promised to help with the animals as some villagers came by to begin working on the fields using the large horses.


    Others came to start building fencing for the cows and sheep.


    As for the poultry, they needed their own pen.


    Their noise had disturbed Scorch, who had barely restrained himself from burning down the whole barn that night.


    "Well then, mentor, where will we be hunting?" Logan asked.


    Luna was sitting behind him, still a little on edge from being on top of Scorch, while Zephyr was high in the sky scouting.


    "When we went to fight beasts with Scorch, the best training area was at the start of the mountain chains to the north. It shouldn''t take more than two hours at normal speed, so that is why we left early," Valeria explained, guiding the group.


    Her own bird, the large raven, followed in the sky, her bison charging forth at top speed, and her dark feline alternated between riding on the bison''s back and running when it spotted a quick meal nearby.


    "What kind of monsters did you find?" Logan asked, anxious to know about the creatures they had seen.


    "Many normal small creatures. As for the big ones, a type of large deer¡­ a few bears, and some boars. The boars were probably just like those we saw in the southern kingdoms'' nearby forest," Valeria commented while making her bison rest after a long sprint.


    "You mean the Stonehide Boar? That thing scared me, but I think we can take a horde of those now that we have Scorch," Logan yelled as the speed made talking harder.


    "Yeah, now let''s concentrate so we don''t bite our tongues. We should hurry, as this weather is unpredictable," Valeria said, pulling on the reins of her beast after a few minutes of rest.


    Within an hour and a half, they reached the beginning of the mountain range.


    The forest grew thicker in this area, filled with white snow.


    Only some trees managed to shrug off the snow; these were probably magic trees like the tamed ones back on Logan''s estate.


    Since he had limited spots for new creatures, he decided to ignore them.


    "Alright, have Scorch stay behind this time with my bison. We will be careful today to avoid attracting the stronger beasts. Today, you should focus on the others," Valeria instructed. Discover exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire


    They began moving through the forest, trying not to bump into branches that would shower them in snow, and proceeded silently.


    The sound of birds and deer mating calls could be heard in the distance as they ventured half a kilometer inside.


    It was good that Logan had brought boots this time, as the snow almost reached his knee in some places.


    The trail that adventurers used was completely covered, so they had to find sections of the forest with the least amount of snow.


    [Boar, forward, eating,] he suddenly heard Zephyr communicate as it flew in from the eastern area.


    "Let me guess, there is a monster in that direction," Valeria whispered as she saw the green falcon fly back.


    "That is correct¡­ how did you know?" Logan asked as they quickly changed directions to find the mentioned beast.


    "Come on, Logan. How long do you think I''ve had Night for?" Valeria let out a soft chuckle, while being careful to stay out of sight, which was hard as everything was white.


    As soon as they found the beasts, they noticed it was not one but three.


    They were busy eating seeds, scratching the floor to pull them out from the buried foliage.


    "Yup, Stonehide... and it''s not just one, what a good find," Valeria smiled while thinking up a plan.


    "They look larger but thinner than those in the capital..." Logan observed, noting a clear difference in size.


    The large beasts were at least double the size of the ones he had previously seen.


    "Of course. The many hunters and adventurers there keep those animals in check. Out here, they are stronger and more mana-fed than those," Valeria explained.


    "Now then, let''s get started. The goal here is to take down at least one. If Zephyr can keep the other two in check, maybe you''ll be able to get all three. I will try to help with Noire and route the other two after you finish the first," Valeria said as she began pointing out specific directions and places where they should put traps.


    This time, Valeria did not want to help with the fight or use her own traps; she wanted Logan to experience the battle as if he were on a solo hunt.


    "Right, I will keep all that in mind. Let me go for the largest one first, then to start fresh with the strongest boar," Logan said.


    He then separated from the group along with Luna, who was eager to show off her new skills.


    As soon as they got into position, they began their coordinated attack. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Luna, whose white fur was difficult to see in the snow and whose magic kept her scent hidden, attacked the largest boar from the side.


    Her goal was to scare the huge boar into a string of traps that would momentarily keep the beast''s legs tied up.


    Logan readied himself to infuse magic into the strings while Luna leaped into action.


    She readied ice spikes to pierce the boar''s neck and used smaller ones to coat her fingers like claws.


    As she jumped in and slashed at its wound, the boar, unprepared, ran right into the strings, making it tumble.


    One of the ice spikes embedded itself deeper, causing the boar to squeal horribly.


    Its two companions, instead of helping, took it as a warning and ran off in different directions.


    Zephyr used his aerial speed to keep up with the smaller one while using wind blades to try to cut off one of its legs.


    Logan continued holding on to the mana-filled string, not wanting to make the hunt too easy but determined to finish off the boar.


    [Luna, use your strongest skill! Kill that beast!] Logan mentally screamed as he felt his fingers burn from the tension caused by the cord.

 Chapter 93 Hunting Pt. 2

    From a distance, Logan saw how Luna lunged once again, using her ice claws to furiously swipe at the beast whose neck had been mangled.He felt the strength on the string begin to loosen before letting it go.


    [Luna, is everything fine?] Logan began to walk slowly forward.


    [Dead, come, no problem,] Luna responded, shaking her two tails as he got closer while licking the small amount of blood from her white front paws.


    "You did well¡­ Now let''s go for the other two." Logan quickly placed the large body inside his ring and ran back to find either Valeria or Zephyr.


    Out of the two, he noticed that Valeria had successfully caused the beast to turn back.


    It was good but also bad at the same time, as the beast was charging straight in their direction, its tusks ready to pierce them if they did not move.


    [Luna, quickly use Cryo Shield and ready a few Ice Shards to shoot when it crashes into the shield,] Logan commanded, as he added a layer by casting his own shield to make the one Luna created even stronger.


    He used a Glacial Veil to cloak himself, while Luna hid by crouching down and camouflaging herself with the snow.


    The large boar, seeing that his targets had disappeared, slowed his pace a little.


    However, it was not enough to avoid hurting himself as he bashed into the two-layered magic shield, which was invisible in the white expanse.


    The large thud caused snow to fall from a few trees, and that was the signal for six spikes of ice to hit the boar''s chest and feet.


    Logan had already warned Luna that they needed the pelts for the village folks and tried not to hit the areas where the fur needed to be intact.


    [Nicely done, Luna! Two down, one more to go. Let''s hurry!] Logan mentally communicated as he inspected the creature, which had taken its last breath as an ice spike hit its heart from the front.


    Soon, they heard the unique calls of Zephyr from afar.


    They saw the beast going around in circles at a distance and tried to get close.


    But before they reached the beast, Valeria''s bird stopped them, flapping its wings frantically.


    Zephyr noticed Logan was close and rushed to inform him.


    [Master, careful! Strong beast!] it screeched as it went back to check the situation.


    Valeria had already noticed the strange reactions of their birds and waited for Logan to explain.


    "There seems to be a new beast around here. By the looks of things, it is scaring both birds, so we should try to check that out first," Logan explained in a low voice, trying not to attract whatever was frightening the birds.


    Soon, Valeria noticed Noire''s reaction.


    She hissed and lowered herself, being the most obvious one to be spotted.


    Her black fur was easy to see from a kilometer away in the white forest.


    "So what do you think it is..." Logan tried to say before witnessing the battle in front of him. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The boar was losing badly as a large beast had it by the throat with its two large fangs.


    "What the..." Valeria said in disbelief.


    "What is it?" Logan tried to distinguish the large catlike creature.


    "Northern Maned Leopard..." Valeria whispered, lowering her face even more and hiding her black hair with her hoodie.


    "It''s quite a powerful and a very rare beast, Logan..." Valeria said, trying to keep her voice as quiet as possible.


    "What''s the plan? I want to tame it!" Logan said, readying up magic strings and beginning to tie them to nearby trees.


    "Are you crazy?!" Valeria replied, but hurried to do the same, knowing that what was done had already caused the beast to be on alert.


    Logan then called out to Zephyr to bring Scorch in a hurry.


    "We need to make some time until Scorch arrives. Let''s start," Logan said, throwing some smoke bombs while running around to create a web, hoping to catch the beast.


    He heard a roar like that of a lion from a zoo he once visited.


    The sound almost paralyzed him, but he kept moving while watching the beast, which began looking around, trying to spot them.


    Logan then instructed Luna to use Glacial Veil and took out a whip, which he had only used a few times.


    He cracked it after getting into position and saw how the meter-and-a-half tall feline looked his way.


    Valeria took this as her cue to throw some bombs to scare the beast in that direction.


    The monster rushed forth, almost in fright, showing that it was a timid yet fierce creature.


    Logan saw how it ran towards him at an astounding speed.


    He hoped the web would sustain the weight and readied himself to cast the earthen walls that Silis was so good at creating to trap the big cat.


    As soon as it reached the first web, it flipped over before landing on more of them that tangled the leopard.


    He made sure the web was layered so the cat''s legs would not be cut off and finished the earth wall spell. Read exclusive adventures at My Virtual Library Empire


    Since Logan did not have time or experience in creating four walls, he made it into a triangular tent that would also help restrain the large cat while hiding behind Luna''s Glacial Veil.


    Valeria rushed forward to do her part, using the electrical darts from before to hopefully paralyze the beast.


    He soon heard Scorch running through the snow and had him stand by as he cut his finger to hasten the taming process.


    "Quickly, Logan, before it breaks free!" Valeria called out as one of the darts hit the leopard''s hind leg, sending shockwaves as the cat roared in pain.


    Logan poured drops of blood onto one hand and readied himself to throw them onto the large cat''s face, not daring to get close enough to get within its claws'' range.


    "It''s not working. What do you suggest, mentor?!" Logan called out as he pressed his finger even more to bring out more blood.


    "There is no choice! We either weaken it or kill it!" Valeria yelled back.


    "No! I want this creature. Scorch, come here and scare this kitty!" Logan commanded.


    His raptor jumped out in front of the Maned Leopard and roared in its face before displaying a powerful breath of fire in the air above.


    "Now, try again!" Valeria said as Logan threw the blood that had been collecting on his hand.


    The large feline went from roaring loudly to hissing, and finally, he heard a powerful voice within his mind.


    [Free me!] Logan shuddered, hearing the deep voice.


    "It''s fine, let''s stop. Scorch, get back now; it''s alright," Logan quickly commanded as he undid both his earth magic and stopped providing mana to the webs.


    [Sorry about that, I just needed a strong beast like you,] Logan communicated while helping the large cat slowly, yet still feeling a bit of hesitation.


    [Man cub, I accept your bond. Make me strong,] the Northern Maned Leopard responded while licking its wounds.


    [Here, let me help you,] Logan communicated as he got close and began healing the large cat using Kryst''s skills.


    He cast until all the damaged parts of the cat were no more and tried petting its long, furry mane.


    He then looked back to his mentor with a smile.


    She showed the same expression as the one he first witnessed when she caught a glimpse of the leopard.


    "Mentor¡­ you know, I have left a few beasts in the care of others¡­" Logan smiled as he beckoned her to come closer.


    Valeria''s eyes widened at Logan''s words, and she rushed forward as if a rocket had been tied to her back.


    "Thank you, Logan!" Valeria grinned widely as she cuddled the burly white cat.


    Her own panther grumbled in the back, causing Logan to stifle a fit of coughing as the newly tamed beast caught a glimpse of the black panther.


    [Why hello there... beautiful,] Logan heard the leopard''s voice call out.

 Chapter 94 Hunting Pt. 3

    With a new beast joining their group and one that knew the terrain like the back of its hand, Logan and Valeria continued their hunt.[So, what are the strongest monsters and best areas around here?] Logan asked his new tamed beast, who walked beside the black panther, Noire, who clearly showed she did not like his presence.


    Read the latest on My Virtual Library Empire


    [A group of my own is strongest. Elk who use fire on horns¡ªforest to the west. Waterbear near river. Flying ice lizard on mountain,] the large feline began to recount the various large creatures who live in the vast wilderness.


    [Take us to fight the closest ones,] Logan asked. The maned leopard stopped and took a whiff before changing the group''s course.


    He began leading them away from the mountain and into the forest filled with small shrubs. As they walked further, they began hearing the sound of water.


    [Want strong beast, fight bear,] Logan heard the gruff voice within his mind.


    "The leopard is taking us to fight bears. I wonder if we are ready for these," Logan explained to Valeria, who had been just following until now.


    "I hope we don''t meet a group¡­ Scorch and my beast had a tough time when we found one of those just days into hunting. It was really tough, even for my beasts and him. In the end, the hide was a mess, and I had to dispose of it," Valeria recalled, with remorse in her tone of voice.


    "Not much has changed since then... just the amount of creatures we have brought, that should make this better at least," Logan added as the river came into view.


    The water had ice over it, yet various creatures were swimming inside.


    The bears were the easiest to spot, as they were seen pulling fish out and diving to find them in the cold water.


    Seeing the peaceful scene in front of him, Logan wondered if hunting down those monsters was the right thing to do.


    "I see you are having second thoughts, kid. Let me tell you something: as someone who has a territory, it''s good to keep the monsters around your area weak. Just as your tamed beasts get strong, other beasts naturally grow strong too, but sometimes they mutate into real monsters. These not only take lives but require a good army to kill them off. That is what mana does to these poor creatures," Valeria said as she petted both of her felines.


    "I did not know¡­" Logan said as he looked at Luna and Scorch.


    He thought about what would have happened to monsters like them if he had not tamed them.


    "Forests usually have keepers or guardians for this reason. They maintain an equilibrium, yet some parts don''t have these monsters, and that is when problems arise. The guardians usually try to find these monsters though, so we shouldn''t have problems. Usually..." Valeria explained.


    She then pointed to a nearby bear, which was eating what looked like a salmon-like fish.


    "Let''s keep going. There should be a lone bear around here¡ªwe wouldn''t want to have a group on us for creating a ruckus near their feeding area," Valeria said as she walked carefully through the bushes, trying to get away from the river. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Soon, they entered a field area where they settled for a little while.


    Both birds were sent to find a nearby beast they could hunt.


    There was a high probability it would be a bear since they were still near their territory, but if something stronger was around, they had no problems fighting it.


    [Master, found, follow,] he heard Zephyr as the bird swooped in and circled around the sky before heading in a certain direction.


    "One thing I will ask of you... Logan, please tell me sooner if you want to tame a beast. The last fight was dangerous since you made up your mind without proper warning," Valeria said as they began chasing after Zephyr.


    "Alright, I am sorry¡­" Logan tried saying this before continuing at a fast pace to keep up with his flying creature.


    As soon as they caught up, they saw a large elk and bear fighting.


    Neither side backed down as the elk used its flaming horns to put pressure on the bear, who used the snow to have a limitless amount of water to try wearing down the elk''s fire powers.


    "Two birds with one stone, huh? Your falcon is impressive," Valeria whispered as she began taking out thread to set up traps.


    "Take the left. I''ll go for the right. Make sure you keep quiet until we find a clear winner. That''s when you will send out a beast to fight while I will try keeping the losing monster preoccupied," Valeria ordered, moving into position.


    Logan quickly went to where he was told and decided to use Zephyr this time.


    If elements were taken into consideration, while it would be better to use electric-type magic, he did not have a beast of this nature.


    Wind, in this case, would help against the fire elk, who was being showered with cold water repeatedly by the bear.


    For the bear, it would be hard to retaliate against the speed and high damage output of Zephyr''s wind.


    [Zephyr, it''s your turn, buddy. I will try tying up the winning monster so you can use your strongest spells,] Logan communicated as he readied various traps and began observing the battle of titans happening before him.


    It wasn''t long before he saw the fight come close to finishing.


    The bear suddenly grabbed onto the elk''s horn, which could no longer produce fire, and tried slashing at its neck.


    [Now, Zephyr¡ªtwo blades at its back before it finishes the elk,] Logan called out.


    Zephyr, who was watching from above, plunged down with the help of his element.


    In mere milliseconds, he released two vertical slashes from each wing that almost sounded like a thunderclap as they hit both beasts standing below him.


    The bear, whose swipe was aimed at the elk''s neck, roared in pain as its back was slashed by an unknown power.


    It flinched, missing its strike.


    The elk, not expecting the blow from above, hit the ground with a loud thud.


    Its neck had been struck, and it stumbled a little before foam filled its mouth.


    "What the?" Logan called out as he heard a ping within his mind.


    He had gained two levels from the kill; he was already close to one, but Logan welcomed the second free level.


    [I guess you''re already strong from all the kills you had accumulated while finding food. Nice going,] Logan praised his bird as he saw the falcon do a U-turn in the air to come back for a second volley of air strikes on the weakened bear.


    Without the need for his traps, seeing how the battle was progressing, Logan placed all his tools away but kept Luna at the ready.


    Scorch was a few meters behind them, ready to enter if needed.


    Zephyr, eager to show how strong he had gotten during the past few days, kept using wind blade after wind blade, giving the bear no time to respond.


    The bear tried casting a few defensive spells to keep the bird away.


    Seeing a good opportunity for a final attack, Logan watched as his falcon sped up high and then suddenly dove down, twisting its small body.


    A green aura surrounded the flying tame, and a sound like that of a train could be heard.


    A tornado formed around Zephyr as the bird closed in like an arrow, hitting the bear with the wind surrounding its body.


    As Zephyr U-turned back up, the force of wind he carried was instantly transferred to the bear, impaling it to a tree as if it had been hit with a missile.


    "Damn it, the fur!" he heard his mentor call out from the other side.


    Logan was shocked at the sight before him.


    The poor creature''s remains were everywhere, but what he focused on more was his tamed beast.


    While ascending, Zephyr began to glow bright green.

 Chapter 95 Windstorm Eagle

    He suddenly heard a loud, powerful wind-infused screech from above.His once small falcon spread its wings, releasing green waves that rattled the snow from the nearby trees.


    Its form had transformed from that of a falcon to that of a large eagle.


    With its wings spread out, his beast seemed like a small airplane.


    As soon as it finished its transformation, it went even higher, flapping its powerful wings to create two tornados in the air, as if doing a test run.


    This caused the overcast to clear slightly where his new tamed beast was flying.


    Within seconds, Logan felt a cold chill as the winds around him picked up slightly before everything went back to normal.


    "That is just¡­ amazing," he heard the voice of his mentor behind him.


    She, like him, was staring at the sky as his new beast began to descend, causing the trees to move with each flap of its wings.


    [Powerful,] he heard Luna say as she used Glacial Veil to calm their surroundings.


    Snow and icicles began to fall from nearby trees.


    [Good for you, Zephyr. That is a beautiful form and impressive strength,] Logan called out mentally.


    Zephyr nodded and began going for the bear''s parts, eating them hungrily.


    "Well, I guess they won''t go to waste¡­" Logan said as Scorch joined in to alleviate the hunger it felt from suppressing the cold during the day.


    [Hey, wait! That will need to be taken. Don''t eat it!] Logan stopped the leopard who was closing in on the elk.


    Logan quickly stored the beast before his creatures devoured it.


    "So, tell me, what kind of monster is it now?" Valeria tapped Logan''s shoulder, eager to know about Zephyr''s new form.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Zephyr / Species: Windstorm Eagle / Level: 23 / Blood Mark: Vertex / Loyalty: 48/100]


    Str: 24 / Agi: 29 / Dex: 19 / Con: 18 / Int: 25 / Char: 19


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Wind Blades: Zephyr can create sharp gusts of wind to slice through enemies.


    Gale Force: Unleashes a powerful windstorm, disorienting and pushing back foes.


    Sharp Vision (Passive): Possesses incredibly keen eyesight and can spot targets from great distances and in low light conditions.


    Twin Tornados: Zephyr creates two vortexes of wind around his wings, allowing him to move swiftly and strike multiple enemies within the area. This whirlwind not only deals damage but also disorients and knocks back foes.


    Storm Shield: Zephyr can generate a protective barrier of wind around himself or an ally, reducing incoming damage and deflecting projectiles. This shield can also temporarily increase the speed and agility of the protected individual.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Logan was happy with the change.


    He explained to Valeria every detail about his new Windstorm Eagle and watched as his creatures finished every part of the beasts'' meat, leaving only large bones behind.


    "So that makes five of my creatures who have evolved. For battle, I will need my basilisk to evolve next and try to find a dark or electric creature to fill in the missing elements¡­ Do you have any ideas of what I should get?" Logan asked Valeria now that things had settled.


    "Well¡­ you should know I specialize in dark elements. There is one creature that comes to mind that would be perfect for the role actually¡­ and since you gave me this beautiful animal, I guess it won''t hurt if I gave it to you later. As for the electrical beast, that will be hard to find. They are the rarest because they require a certain area to thrive¡­ I think it would be best to have one sold to you," Valeria answered, making Logan wonder what kind of beast she would give him later.


    "Let''s keep going. We need to wrap this up in no less than two hours," Valeria rushed the group to find more monsters.


    After two hours of nonstop fighting, Zephyr was awarded the MVP of the hunt, mainly due to the fact that he would finish the fight before the others got a chance to enter the battle.


    Scorch did not take this kindly, as the flying beast was going to surpass his level if he did not step up his game.


    He ran off to find monsters by himself to kill.


    Logan and Valeria then looked for their own creatures to help both the maned leopard and Luna keep up.


    "Well, it looks like we had a good haul today. Sadly, we will have to find a new area to hunt so we don''t kill off all the beasts in this zone. I suggest we head to the next mountain and climb it to get used to the height," Valeria said as she began setting up her saddle, and the duo began to head back.


    The return journey was difficult as snow piled up.


    Thankfully, both Scorch and Valeria''s bison took turns clearing the road, and Luna helped prevent the falling snow from affecting the group. Your next chapter is on My Virtual Library Empire


    As for Zephyr, his new ability, Storm Shield, helped keep the strong freezing winds from reaching the group.


    They reached the estate before nightfall and noticed the changes made: new houses were built for all the animals, and Scorch finally got his own place to enjoy a good night''s sleep.


    The problem now was his new eagle, which would not fit inside his room.


    The one-and-a-half-meter creature had to settle with Scorch and wait for his own place to be made the next day. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "A bit late, but I am glad to see you both," Rubina greeted them as she came out of the house, using fire magic to light up outside.


    "I hope those new light stones come soon. We need illumination for the fields and barns," Logan said, remembering that they had no electricity in his home and the few light crystals they had were only for the rooms within the house.


    "We will have more material and things coming in tomorrow, or so Nolan said when he dropped by in the afternoon. He wanted to see you, but he said it wasn''t anything urgent, so he left after leaving a map of the new merchant routes planned for the future," Rubina informed as she tried looking for Zephyr, who would usually ask her for food.


    "If you''re looking for the lovable bird, he is going to sleep in Scorch''s barn tonight. You should take a look at him tomorrow before we set off again," Logan added, still overjoyed with all the progress they had made.


    "That is good to hear¡­ you made me want to go out and check on him now, but I will hold myself back," Rubina said, inviting them in to have dinner, which was prepared.

 Chapter 96 Many-Legged Ally

    After dinner, Logan was called up by Valeria, who wanted to see him in her room.He was squirming, wondering why she would call him up and unsure of how he should react once inside her room.


    "Boy, quit thinking weird things. I am just going to return the favor for providing me with such a great beast. Come, there is something I have been holding on to for a while," Valeria said as she pulled Logan into her room.


    "Girl, I don''t think you want to see what will happen next," Valeria said with a grin after catching a certain red-haired girl hiding in a corner.


    "Don''t mind me!" Rubina flinched as she was caught.


    "Just come in. I really don''t think you will like what will happen though," Valeria kept teasing as she had Logan sit on her bed, making things even weirder for the youths.


    Rubina, who could not take the joke, entered the room while huffing and sat next to Logan, glaring at Valeria.


    "Be my guest then." Valeria took out a small box from one of her bags.


    She was careful with her movements as she secretly opened the box before shutting it again.


    "Alright, everything seems good here." She then took out another, smaller box and opened the first one again, taking out something and placing it in the second box.


    Logan and Rubina were left guessing what it was all about as Valeria kept her back turned to hide what she was doing.


    "Now then, I wonder if your magic is strong enough to make this work," Valeria said as she put the first box away and carefully picked up the smaller box again.


    It was a black box with a small mana crystal on the top. Stay tuned with My Virtual Library Empire


    "Okay, here it is¡ªyour gift, Logan." Valeria handed the boy the container while taking a seat on a chair she brought close to see their reaction.


    "What is it...?" Logan asked, trying to be as careful as Valeria, who had treated the object with a tender touch.


    He opened it and saw how the red-haired girl beside him stood up before storming off from the room.


    "I wonder what that was about..." Logan asked Valeria, who shrugged as she kept observing Logan.


    "Alright... now try infusing your mana into the crystal on top and don''t stop until you see a reaction. Make sure you only concentrate dark magic into it¡ªI keep forgetting you also use light magic."


    Logan did as he was told, concentrating a good portion of his energy into the small box until he saw the mana crystal shine, causing the small round object inside to move.


    "What is that?" Logan asked as he saw the round, black, pearl-like object grow a little before popping like a balloon.


    "There we go. I hope you aren''t afraid of it. Don''t worry, it shouldn''t hurt even if it bites you while it''s that young, so try your taming technique before it tries to move," Valeria instructed.


    Logan watched as the small creature began to uncurl itself. He noticed two legs as it tried to stretch, then four, then six... and finally eight.


    He wanted to jump at the sight but forced himself to remain in place and hurried to tame it before it had a chance to move.


    Without the time to take out a dagger, Logan used his teeth to nip at a finger and lightly pinched it to let a small drop fall on top of the small arachnid.


    "Mentor, why did you not tell me earlier?" Logan exclaimed as he felt a link form with the small creature, who was confused by the liquid being splashed over him.


    "So, did it work... Did you create the link?" Valeria asked, not caring about Logan''s questions.


    "Yes, it was easily accepted," Logan replied as the small creature suddenly jumped out of the box and stood on his hand.


    [Food!] the little critter demanded as it looked up at Logan, showing wisdom within its small, boxy body.


    "I had forgotten about baby creatures and their need for food¡­" Logan said while taking out his large mana crystal, which he laid on top of his mentor''s bed.


    "Hey, don''t just place that heavy thing on my..." she tried to rebuke.


    "It''s your fault for not warning me¡­" Logan said as he placed the box down and used one hand to hold on to the mana crystal while concentrating on the small spider in his left hand.


    [Feed¡­yum!] He heard the slight, squeaky, cute voice call out from his hand while transferring mana to it.


    The spider danced around in happiness as its body swelled a little.


    "Wait! Those grow fast!" Valeria exclaimed, but before she could finish her sentence, she saw how the four-millimeter small arachnid was enveloped by a dark fog. "I really should have informed you earlier¡­"


    Logan, whose hand began to weigh him down, tried to keep his focus, knowing that stopping midway could bring problems to the newborn creature.


    Soon he felt the tiny animal growing in size.


    He wasn''t sure what would happen but remembered the large insect dome filled with foot-long insects¡ªthe biggest of which were even larger than a cat from his world.


    Soon he had to let go as the two-foot spider finished evolving.


    It looked exactly as it did while it was small: black, a little hairy, but a little boxy, with its feet positioned in a manner that looked like it was ready to jump.


    "I can tell you one thing¡­ that is probably the largest one I have ever seen, and by its rich color, it''s one of the most powerful," his mentor said, nodding as she inspected the large creature for its species.


    "Ugh¡­ well, I never thought about getting one, but alright. I am guessing it''s dark elemental, so it does fit the¡­ request I had asked about," Logan said, a little creeped out by the large spider next to him.


    "It will grow on you¡­ just remember we have to get those magical threads from somewhere. Guess from who?" Valeria grinned as she tried petting the spider, who quickly turned towards her.


    "Hey there, little one, you look just like Char."


    "Char? Is that its mother?" Logan asked while trying to pet it to get used to his new tamed beast.


    "Yeah, I left her back home as she doesn''t like to move about much at her age. Her eggs just need a little bit of mana to hatch, so I was saving a few for when their mother¡­" Valeria trailed off while continuing to pet the creature.


    "Now then, take it back to your room and give it a little more mana. I did not expect it to become so big right away, so give it this¡­" Valeria took out a small rabbit from her storage container.


    It was still fresh, so it had been recently killed.


    Before Logan had a chance to put it away, the spider embraced it and began wrapping it with webs.


    [Food, food!] it said with joy in its tiny, cute voice, which made Logan want to pinch something around him¡ªjust not the spider.


    "Guess I will need small critters to food this kid" Logan stated while they waited for the spider to finish eating.


    sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 97 Growing Foundations

    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤Name: Regal / Species: Regal Jumping Spider / Level: 5 / Blood Mark: Thoracic / Loyalty: 9/100]


    Str: 6 / Agi: 9 / Dex: 8 / Con: 5 / Int: 6 / Char: 7


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Shadow Bolt: Regal can shoot a bolt of condensed dark energy that disorients and damages enemies. The bolt can also leave a lingering shadow effect, reducing the enemy''s visibility and accuracy.


    Venomous Bite: Regal delivers a bite infused with powerful dark magic venom, causing ongoing poison damage to the target. This venom weakens the enemy''s defenses and mobility.


    Midnight Web: Regal can spin a web made of thin silk that becomes strong when infused with mana, entangling enemies and slowing their movements. The web has an aura of darkness, making it harder for enemies to escape or cut through.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Reading through the spider''s stats, Logan checked on the larger-than-normal spider that had selected a corner of his room to create its home.


    Filled with webs, its nest had a small peephole which it expanded to check outside every so often, as if not completely comfortable with its hastily made house.


    [Are you alright?] Logan called out after the fourth time he saw it come out. Find adventures at My Virtual Library Empire


    [No prey¡­] it cutely communicated with its high-pitched voice.


    [Are you hungry?] Logan asked, wondering if he had something it could eat.


    [Full, want hunt, bored,] it replied while exiting its nest three times in succession, as if it was going to be bashed by a hammer in a game of Whac-A-Mole.


    [We will hunt tomorrow if you want to come. Does the cold affect you?] Logan replied, getting more used to the spider''s movements as time went by.


    [Cold bad, makes slow,] it said, its voice shuddering as if just imagining the temperature outside.


    [You will have to stay here then¡­ let''s see what we can come up with tomorrow,] Logan followed, letting out a long yawn.


    [Yes, want hunt.]


    That was the last thing he remembered hearing before dozing off.


    It wasn''t until some hours had passed that he felt the weight of one of his creatures over him.


    Logan lifted his hand to pet whoever it was, only to feel soft, small hairs on a thin leg.


    He opened his eyes to see a black figure in front of him with its shiny eyes looking straight at him.


    The boy almost jumped up in surprise before remembering who Regal was and continued petting the creature with a little disgust.


    [Hunt now?] she spoke while dancing over his chest, happy to see him awake.


    [Give me a few minutes, we will hunt after lunch¡­] Logan groaned as he sat up groggily and stretched. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Luna, who had been sleeping next to his legs, could also be seen stretching from under the cover before peeking out from the blanket with a yawn.


    "It''s so early," Logan muttered, beginning to make his bed to alleviate Ruri''s workload.


    These days, she had to help the others with food and laundry, leaving Logan wondering if she was fine and considering getting more people to help his workers.


    He left those thoughts for later and began walking downstairs as his spider clung to his back.


    He felt it move every once in a while to check its new environment and the people it had to share the space with. Luckily, it was well-mannered and kept asking Logan about everything around them.


    [Can see through wall, why?] Regal asked, pointing to a window and wondering why it was transparent.


    [I don''t really know¡­ but it''s made by melting sand. It''s a material called glass, and it''s not usually found in nature,] Logan tried to explain while tapping the glass window located in the living room as he headed to the dining room where a wonderful smell was coming from.


    "Welcome, Master Logan. We did not expect you just yet, so we only made soup for the servants," Ruri said while shyly placing her spoon down.


    [Join, food delicious] Krexa called from a corner of the table, she had two empty plates next to her the small goblin using a spoon awkwardly to dig into the third.


    "Ruri, everyone¡­ you should eat what we do. Don''t worry about ingredients; eat meat, vegetables, and anything you wish. Just make sure to ask Nolan to restock what is used," Logan said while going for a bowl to serve himself.


    "Thank you, Master¡­ Logan," he heard Ruri say.


    "That is something unheard of, Sir Logan. We appreciate the gesture," he heard the chef say as she went back in to get some fresh bread she had been saving.


    "No problem, just make sure you are healthy. If anything hurts or you feel sick, tell me about it. Luckily, I was given healing spells," Logan informed the staff, who began speaking about minor problems they had encountered.


    After eating, Logan went out to check on the workers busying themselves while his mentor, Rubina, Kai, and Chloe began to eat.


    He saw that the workers tending to the fields were already doing their job and their numbers had increased.


    Luckily, with the help of his tamed trees and plants, the frozen area became something of the past, and new sprouts of plants began to grow.


    As for his horses, they were busy hauling wood that the Phoenix Redwood shed chunks of wood like snake skin.


    As with every morning, Logan poured mana-filled water onto each of his plants as well as Kryst, who loved taking daily showers.


    The midsized slime was now loved by the workers around the farm, as it healed most of their cuts and illnesses and even showed signs of creating a new skill.


    It slowly began to mold its gelatinous form into complex shapes, making itself look like a simple mannequin figure while curing people.


    It was not long before the rest of the team finished eating and Rubina exited the house to check on Zephyr, who was roaming the skies.


    "Wow, it changed so much, no wonder it couldn''t go in the house!" Rubina exclaimed as she saw Zephyr''s figure doing circles around the sunny sky.


    "Yeah, it''s a little over half my size, pretty big and strong. You should have seen it in action yesterday," Logan said, wondering who to take into the wilderness today to train.


    "I think I am done with all I have to do here¡­ how about I go with you all today? Uriel also needs to train," Rubina suggested as she called her beast over.


    "Sounds good, that will make the cold more bearable," Logan said while thinking of bringing his new tamed beast now that it would be warmed up by both Scorch and Rubina being nearby.


    "So, how is it? I used most of the mana crystal you gave me to empower him. He should be ready to evolve like your monsters, right?" Rubina asked, petting her bird while wanting Logan to check its stats.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Uriel / Species: Aurolious Fowl / Level: 16 / Blood Mark: Left Upper Rib / Loyalty: 12/100]


    Str: 11 / Agi: 14 / Dex: 12 / Con: 12 / Int: 19 / Char: 20


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Blazing Plumage: Uriel''s feathers ignite in flames, providing a defensive barrier that burns enemies on contact. The flames also have a slight healing effect on Uriel, allowing it to recover from minor injuries.


    Phoenix Dive: Uriel takes to the skies and dives towards its target with a trail of fire, dealing significant damage upon impact. The fiery trail can also set the ground ablaze, creating a temporary hazard for enemies.


    Inferno Song: Uriel emits a melodious call that summons a ring of fire around allies, boosting their attack power and providing temporary immunity to fire-based attacks. The song also has a disorienting effect on enemies within range.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤

 Chapter 98 Demons Lair Pt. 1

    Knowing that Rubina''s tamed beast would need to evolve to further assist them, Logan decided to take her along.She was going to join them on her father''s mount, a large, majestic deer that passed through the snowy terrain with ease.


    Today, they ventured further into the wilderness, going around the first small mountain and approaching the second largest one.


    Beyond this lay the largest mountain, where a supposed crystal mine was rumored to house a powerful golem.


    This time, they planned to climb a portion of the mountain to get used to the height.


    To do this, they needed to find a safe route around the dangerous areas where groups of beasts lived.


    Thanks to Zephyr''s improved vision and control over the wind, they were able to find a path up the mountain. It took them three hours to reach their current position.


    Strong winds were blowing through their fur coats.


    Despite Luna''s magic and Zephyr''s protective barriers, the wind continued to blow strongly, making them doubt whether they should go further up.


    Luckily, they found an old cave where they could set up camp to wait out the storm that was keeping them from advancing.


    Leaving their mounts and Scorch to protect them, the group consisted of Rubina, Valeria, Logan, Luna, Regal, Uriel, Kryst, Zephyr, Night, Saber (Valeria''s new leopard), and Noire.


    The group huddled around a campfire, using Phoenix Redwood wood that created a clean but intense heat.


    Discover hidden tales at My Virtual Library Empire


    "So, do you think we should try going further into the cave while we wait?" Logan asked as he got up to inspect the darkness surrounding them.


    "I think we should wait a bit and try to recover some of our strength. The journey was long and tough for some of our beasts," Rubina said, looking at her poor flaming bird, who seemed exhausted.


    "Don''t worry, young lady. Not all of us need to go. You should stay with half of the group. I think Logan, Saber, Noire, and Regal and I should go down to see how far this goes. If possible, it may be another mana mine, which would be a good thing," Valeria added as she got up and prepared some equipment.


    "Good plan. I think it should work, plus not all of our creatures are suitable for this dark place," Logan said as he readied some tools to enter the cave.


    "I guess I could stay. How about you take Uriel though? I think it would be best for him so he can light the dark place," Rubina pitched in, rubbing her hands to strengthen the fire.


    "Sure thing. How about I leave Kryst here? It will help in case healing is needed," Logan added as he handed his slime to Rubina.


    "Well then, we will be back soon, hopefully," Logan waved as he and the beasts headed off deep into the cavern.


    With lighting crystals, they began to follow a certain path that led into the cave. Thankfully, Regal could see through the dark with her many eyes, guiding them through the cave. She stood on top of Logan''s head throughout the expedition.


    The cave was long and wide, yet the walls seemed to close in with every meter they passed.


    It looked naturally formed by water that had streamed down through the ages.


    As they ventured further, the only things out of place were the bones littering the ground every so often.


    They didn''t worry about those, though¡ªthey looked ancient, half-buried, and covered in dust. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The only real problem was the lack of oxygen, which made it progressively harder to breathe as they went further in.


    "Well, it seems endless. How far do you think we should go before heading back?" Logan asked, starting to get bored from seeing nothing.


    "I think we should keep at it a while longer. If we find a crystal mine, maybe we won''t have to risk our lives fighting that unknown golem," Valeria replied.


    "True, true¡­" Logan said, sighing.


    [I ¡­see footprints, they are small] Regal said, pointing in a certain direction.


    "I think we''re onto something!" Logan exclaimed as he ran toward the area his tamed beast was pointing.


    "I think¡­ they are human-like¡­" Valeria said, wondering why a human would be living here.


    "Five toes, and what looks like a claw," Logan said, tracing the print created by someone stepping on the dust.


    "We should start being careful; we might not be alone," Valeria stated as she looked around, having her beast try to find anyone that could be around them.


    "Wait, do you hear that?" Logan asked as he observed Saber looking toward a certain direction deeper within the cave.


    [Movement, tall, red eyes] He heard Regal say as she lowered her stance.


    "Over there!" Logan whispered while trying to figure out what it was.


    "Get ready! Start setting what you can, it''s coming fast!" Valeria said as she spotted the creature.


    With great speed, the beast approached while growling, stopping only a few times to sniff the air.


    "It''s hunting us by scent. Be careful," Valeria warned as she threw a few bolts with strings to embed into the wall.


    It wasn''t long before the beast passed through them, and yet it did not flip over. It tore through the sharp thread without stopping.


    "Guess that won''t work. Let''s try to blind it for now!" Logan said as he tossed a flashbomb after warning the others.


    The beast did not stop, as if sight was not its main sense. It got close enough to take a swipe at Valeria, who readied her stance to kick it away, yet she was tossed a few feet back.


    "Damn it, it''s strong! Start casting a spell!" Valeria cried, trying to recover her stance.


    Noire and Saber were already on the move, attempting to slice the beast with various slashes.


    [Start casting your spell, Regal. We need your Shadow Bolt. If possible, aim for the head,] Logan called out while casting ice spikes to try hitting it with various elements. "Saber, Noire, move!" he ordered as both spells were ready to be unleashed.


    The creature did not try dodging and took them head-on. He saw how a red barrier formed around it, blocking both spells.


    "Uriel, your turn! Let''s try fire!" Logan called out while switching to use Scorch''s strongest spell.


    It took a little longer than the spell the bird unleashed, but he managed to finish casting Inferno Burst.


    The intense mana consumption in such a short amount of time made his head hurt.


    The red barrier couldn''t withstand the fire this time, and the beast began to writhe in pain. In its fury, it ran towards Logan, who had caused it the most damage.


    This time, it was met with a large web that Regal had prepared. The web was aimed at its legs, causing it to slip while its body still burned.


    "Hurry up and kill it before more of those come! Remember, there were more than one pair of footsteps!" Valeria said while Uriel cast Blazing Plumage, sending flaming feathers towards the enemy.


    "I think it''s dead¡­?" Logan said as it stopped moving.


    "What is¡­ that?" Logan asked as he got closer to check on the body.


    "It''s a demon!" Valeria said, covering her mouth.

 Chapter 99 Demons Lair Pt. 2

    "A demon? It didn''t seem to have intelligence though¡­" Logan asked as he saw the two characteristic wings behind its back.The only thing that did not fit was the facial features with large fangs and its hands, which had large claws.


    "Of course not, that shouldn''t be alive. It''s a vampire, one of the elder demon races. Roland had hunted them off. This one must have been hidden for so long it turned feral. If not enough human blood is taken, it turns into this thing," Valeria explained, as if knowing the creature in detail.


    "If there are more, we should hunt them down. It''s not wise to have them near a human settlement. One drop of human blood will reawaken their previous form until it slowly regains its prior intelligence," Valeria cautioned as she stabbed the heart of the creature, which began to struggle until it faded.


    "It was still alive?" Logan asked as he saw the creature turn into dust.


    "Sort of. It would have recovered in a few days if its magical core still had enough energy to keep going. By the look of things, it did have energy, so there must be a source of food around." Valeria suddenly turned around as her beast let out a roar.


    "There is more! How many do you see?" Valeria asked Logan, who was still observing the remains.


    [Two more are coming] Regal said as she jumped off him to create more webs.


    "Two, and they are almost here!" Logan called out while taking out a mana potion to reuse Inferno Burst.


    "Keep them at bay, mentor, I need more mana." Logan suddenly placed the ring on his mouth and began drinking the mana water to hurry the mana recovery process.


    "Okay, I am ready. Uriel, let''s go!" Logan hurried and used his Inferno Burst on the closest creature while he noticed the second one jump back.


    "Damn it, one of them seems to have a little intelligence!" Logan continued, not stopping the burst of flames that roared in front of his hands.


    "Keep at it, I will try to hold off the one that ran away," Valeria said while reloading her crossbow with darts imbued with fire magic.


    "This one is almost dead, mentor. I will help as soon as I am done," Logan said while drinking more mana water from his ring and taking out a whip to use Searing Whip, another of Scorch''s skills.


    The whip seemed to be doused with flames as Logan used the skill and cracked it in front of him, hitting the monster until it fell to the floor.


    Logan heard two explosions around him as he tossed the handle which remained; the rest of the whip had melted away.


    "Damn it, I will need a special one made to resist fire," Logan told himself as he took out a dagger to end the life of the vampire.


    Taking out another whip he had readied in case this happened, Logan ran to where his mentor was fighting.


    The particular beast she tried to shoot was fast enough to dodge her bolts.


    "Damn it, she is a fast one!" Valeria called out as Logan helped her with his whip to slow the creature.


    "She?" Logan asked, not stopping his hand.


    "Yeah, you should know a quick way to differentiate a woman," Valeria said with a sneer.


    "Oh, of course¡­ so what''s the plan?" Logan yelled as his whip began to look more like a mace.


    "Keep going, it should get tired soon¡­ I hope!" Valeria said as she kept using bolts.


    "Arg, I am going to go broke and also full¡­" Logan said as he took another sip of mana water and tossed the stub of a whip away.


    "Noire, use your spell!" Valeria ordered as Logan saw how the shadows in the room began to converge on the vampire''s foot.


    "Now use whatever you have!" Valeria yelled.


    Logan heard countless explosions as he used Inferno Burst for the third time, leaving him breathless.


    "It''s working! Keep going!" Logan said with excitement, even while his body ached.


    As soon as his mana was nearly depleted, he stopped and told Regal to cast its webs to cover the vampire.


    "We should be done, right?" Logan asked as he slowly walked towards the vampire, which seemed to be still within a cocoon of webs.


    "Until we break its core, nothing is finished," Valeria said as she cautiously approached the fallen enemy.


    They stopped a meter away from the cocoon, waiting to see if it would move.


    "You know it was a bad call to cover that thing in webs¡­ now we can''t see where its core is at," Valeria said as she took out a sword and poked it to see if it would react.


    "I am sorry, I didn''t know it would be that much. Regal sure is good at it," Logan said as he stood in wait.


    They waited a few minutes before deciding it was a good time to cut the creature loose and finally finish it off. Enjoy exclusive adventures from My Virtual Library Empire


    As Valeria used her sword to cut through the webs, she felt resistance not only from the strong webs but also from the tough skin of the vampire.


    "She seems better off than the other two," Valeria said as she continued to slice through it.


    As soon as the blade finished with the torso of the creature, its eyes lit back up as it opened its mouth to cast a spell.


    "Get back!" Valeria called out as she pushed Logan away.


    Logan saw Valeria hit with a spell, causing one of her arms to turn in an unnatural position.


    "Mentor!" Logan called out as he saw both Saber and Noire react, trying to kill the vampire.


    Logan rushed back in and ordered Uriel to use its two moves: Inferno Song to keep his allies fireproof, and Phoenix Dive to cause area-of-effect damage.


    He hurried to pull his mentor up and drag her back to safety. As he got close, he noticed she was not only unconscious, but also that she was a demon. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 100 A Demons Plea

    As Logan pulled the unconscious Valeria from the site, the flames of Phoenix Dive surged behind him.Seeing his mentor''s figure caused Logan to ignore what was happening behind him.


    She had large black wings, long horns, dark red skin, and a tail. Unlike Rubina, who was half a demon, Valeria seemed more complete. "What is a demon doing helping us¡­" Logan asked himself as he tried healing her.


    He had to drink more mana water, even if he did not want to.


    This time, he was sure not to overstep his limits while using magic.


    Logan looked at her arm, which was still bent, and closed his eyes before trying to set it back into position.


    He saw her eyes open and screamed as he began casting healing magic to quickly repair the damage before she lost consciousness again.


    "I think that''s good enough, mentor. I will be back!" Logan whispered as he ran back to check on the monster, which should have been further weakened by the strong blast.


    Its body was half charred, some parts still smoldering in flames.


    Logan looked at the creature in front of him, this time careful not to get near it.


    "So, are you still alive?" Logan lightly kicked the corpse, which did not seem to respond.


    "Answer me!" Logan tapped her again.


    He waited a few seconds before taking out a knife to cut her mana stone.


    Continue your journey on My Virtual Library Empire


    As he closed in to stab the dagger into the core within her chest, he saw her eyes¡ªthey showed emotion, something he did not know they could.


    Fear was etched into her expression as she tried to move the stubs to hold the dagger back.


    "No¡­ pl¡­" he heard in a raspy voice.


    His hand began to waver as it got closer to the demon''s chest.


    He tried to ignore her pleas as he brought the dagger closer to where it needed to enter, but he made the mistake of looking at her face again, which showed a tear.


    "Damn it¡­ if you attacked us, then why did you not just stay like the other two?" he said to himself as he began to doubt what he was going to do.


    Letting his mind fight between two sides, he stared at her one last time before clicking his tongue and then slitting his finger to press a drop into the middle of the beast''s chest.


    As soon as he did, he noticed a struggle between two invisible forces.


    He saw the eyes of the creature waver until the link was created.


    [Please¡­ blood,] he heard a young woman''s voice call out.


    [Does that mean you won''t hurt me?] he asked as he pulled his hand back.


    [Tamed¡­ you have created the link¡­ my life is forfeited,] she replied in a weak voice.


    "Fine, but if you move, I will kill you¡­" Logan placed the dagger on her chest while, with his other hand, he pinched his cut, letting blood drops flow into her throat.


    With each drop, he saw some improvement in her skin. It was slow, so he only let his blood drip for a few minutes.


    [Thank you¡­] he heard the voice call out before it slumped to sleep.


    "Now what do we do¡­ two unconscious bodies and low visibility to make things worse¡­" Logan thought of what he needed to do next.


    First, he had to try getting Valeria to safety, so he used Regal to create webs and tied her to Saber, who seemed to have the strength to carry her.


    He then wondered what to do with the vampire, so he also decided to tie her up as a precaution and carry her on his back.


    What a day, to have five demons around him, two of whom died, and this last one vampire he tamed who he didn''t know what she would do in the future.


    He also thought about his mentor, a little doubt within him, wondering if she was on their side or was a spy for the enemy.


    Logan sighed, trying to keep his mind preoccupied with reaching the exit of the cave and not wanting to think about what would happen later.


    It took them about an hour to reach halfway through the cavern, but with the weight on his back and Saber walking slowly to keep his new master safe, the journey back would take twice as long.


    It wasn''t long before Logan became too tired to keep going and stopped along the way, placing the vampire back down while heaving heavily.


    [Are you awake?] Logan asked as he placed the ring next to his mouth and began drinking mana water to replenish what he had used during the day.


    [More blood¡­] he heard the voice call within his mind.


    "Do you know how much I gave you?" Logan asked, still huffing.


    [Please¡­ will try to regenerate¡­] he heard a reply that might help him.


    "Fine, just not too much, alright!" Logan reopened the cut to give the demon more blood, letting it drip over her mouth.


    Within a few minutes, he noticed she was able to move a little more.


    [Are you bad against healing magic?] he asked, wondering if using heal would affect or damage her.


    [Why would it¡­?] he heard a reply that he did not expect before trying to use heal magic on the more serious wounds.


    [Feels nice¡­] he heard as he continued.


    With her ability to regenerate and his healing magic, he noticed that she was able to form legs and hands.


    It was a long way off from a full recovery, but it looked better than before at least. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Will save energy for later¡­] she finished as she began to transform into something smaller.


    Her figure began to shrink to that of a small bat as she rested on his shoulder.


    [If you could have done that, you know things would have been easier¡­] Logan said, wondering why she hadn''t used that strange magic before.


    [Too weak¡­ core needed mana¡­] he heard her say before snuggling inside his coat''s hoodie.


    "Well¡­ let''s continue, I guess¡­" Logan told the rest of the group consisting of monsters.

 Chapter 101 Long Trip Back

    Logan finally reached Rubina, who was humming a sweet tune while petting Zephyr, who was enjoying the touch.As soon as Luna spotted him, she ran happily to welcome Logan and pranced around his legs.


    "Good to see everyone safe, we might need a little help here," Logan told Rubina, while pointing at Saber, who seemed tired.


    Rubina rushed to place Kryst to start healing his mentor, who was still out cold, and asked why she was in that state.


    Logan hesitated, wondering if he should come clean or keep the secret, but decided to trust Rubina, who had helped him since the start.


    "About that¡­ we met vampires in the cave¡­ turns out they were in a feral state¡­ There were three. We managed to kill two, but the third one, I tried taming her. As for Valeria, she saved me from a certain spell but was hit hard. Also¡­ she is a demon," Logan said as he got closer to his mentor to use healing magic.


    She had reverted to her human form sometime during the trip back.


    "That is a lot to take in¡­" Rubina said as her eyes widened. She pointed to Valeria, signaling if Logan was talking about her, the mentor who had helped him for the past few weeks.


    Logan nodded and then pointed to his shoulder, where a small lump was breathing in and out.


    "I see, and that is¡­?" Rubina asked, not knowing what Logan meant.


    "The vampire who survived," Logan answered.


    "That little thing? So it''s true they can shape-shift?" Rubina covered her mouth as she stood in bewilderment.


    "Yes, now¡­ I need to rest for a while. if Valeria does not get up within half an hour, I will bring Scorch to help us take her back." Logan sighed as he lay next to the flame and tried to rest, sitting with his back leaned against Zephyr.


    "Yeah, take a quick nap. I will watch over the place," Rubina said as she paced around a little.


    It wasn''t even ten minutes before Logan was shaken and called by Rubina, who had seen Valeria move a little.


    "I think your teacher is going to wake up soon," Rubina whispered.


    "Oh, alright..." Logan wiped his eye as he stood up slowly to check on his mentor.


    He saw she had her eyes open, trying not to move her shoulder.


    "Are you awake, mentor?" Logan asked as he got closer.


    "Did you see?" Valeria asked, trying to understand what she needed to do next.


    "Your demon form? Yes, I saw it," Logan answered, while trying to act like it did not matter. Experience exclusive tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    "You aren''t scared? Worried?" She turned to face him.


    "Not really¡­ I have met another before you¡­ I just hope we are on the same side," Logan replied cautiously, wondering what she would say next.


    "Have I ever acted otherwise?" she smiled as she tried getting up.


    "Not yet," Logan said as he got closer, casting Cure to act like a painkiller while her arm needed more time to heal.


    "Good, let''s just act like nothing happened then. I will just say this: I am not one of those pale garbage trying to kill off every being this world holds," Valeria sneered as she tried to ignore the pain from moving so much.


    "Alright, that is good¡­ now do you feel capable enough to leave this place, or should I bring Scorch?" Logan asked.


    "I''m fine, let''s get out of here. Tell me what happened as we go back," Valeria said as she got up. She then walked to the bag she had left behind and took out a bottle to drink, making a face of disgust.


    "Tonic, it''s the best healing agent for these kinds of wounds. Good thing I had one left," Valeria said as Logan saw how the bones popped into place correctly this time.


    "You need more training if you''re going to heal someone with your magic. You could have kept me crippled for life," Valeria smiled as her wound began to heal just enough for her to move her hand.


    "I think we are ready, just store your equipment, Miss Valeria," Rubina stated as she finished cleaning the fireplace.


    "Sounds good, let''s go then." Valeria waited for the two kids to finish packing before moving and followed behind.


    As they carefully went down the mountain, he heard his mentor scream.


    "You did what?!" she repeated as Logan pointed to his shoulder.


    "I tamed it¡­" Logan said again in a softer tone.


    "Do you know what will happen if people see her?" Valeria said as she placed a hand over her forehead in frustration.


    "I don''t care¡­ she is tamed now. If someone has a problem, it will have to be against me, and I will make sure I become strong enough to answer," Logan replied with determination, thinking about all his tamed companions and how he would respond if one of them got hurt.


    "Well, I can''t say anything if you display that much resolution. Just try to keep her in a form that wouldn''t attract attention until you become that strong," Valeria warned as she thought about the future consequences.


    Rubina, who thought she was the only demon in Logan''s life, was having her own internal struggle after the many revelations.


    She kept to herself, thinking about how she should interact with both Valeria and Logan''s new tamed companion, whom she had yet to meet.


    Thankfully, the storm had passed, and they could walk normally outside.


    The suns showed it was somewhere between four and five in the afternoon, meaning that they now had to rush back as the winter''s short day was about to end.


    Reaching Scorch, they set out to go back to his estate.


    Logan used his communicator to inform Chloe about their position so she would not worry.


    "It was a good day at least. We might not have found much to fight today, besides, you know¡­ but we are fine at least," Logan tried to cheer up the tired group. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I hope we don''t find ourselves in another storm¡­" Rubina replied.


    "We won''t come to this part again. We will keep training within the first mountain area. I think we need to work more on teamwork within our current force before we try going further again," Valeria added as she moved her arm to check on its recovery.


    "Sounds good. I wonder how my new tames will do," Logan said thinking about the vampire while looking towards the horizon, which was slowly becoming pink with various colors.


    Even with the cold around him, he was happy to be where he was, slowly accumulating strength with people he trusted.

 Chapter 102 Soulforge Smith

    [Congratulations! You are the first hero to reach Level 40! As a reward for your incredible effort, you have been gifted 8 Orichalcum Ores...]Ruben suddenly sprang up, nearly dropping the fine sword he had just created.


    His calloused hands made it difficult for even the beautiful black steel sword, which had taken a day and a half to make, to cut his hands.


    "Did something happen?" he heard a sweet melodic voice from behind.


    "Don''t worry, some kind of system notification-like message suddenly appeared before me¡­" Ruben said to the girl who was sitting, watching him work as always.


    "A what?" the girl, wearing comfortable work clothes, said as she tilted her head.


    "Oh, well, it''s hard to explain. It was something we usually see in our world¡­" Ruben replied, wondering why this world had game-like features such as the notification.


    He wanted to understand the phenomenon even more and reached out for a small sigil he had been given by the church.


    He had forgotten what the church called it, but he knew it held great importance, as it came from a Chronical Crystal.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Ruben Terris


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Class: Master Blacksmith (Blessing: Fire / Wind)


    Level: 40 / Health: 422 / Mana: 254


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Attributes:


    Strength: 48 Agility: 29 Dexterity: 46 Constitution: 44 Intelligence: 31 Charisma: 33


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤ Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Skills:]


    Quick Temper: Reduces the time required for forging and repairing equipment.


    Precision Strike: Improves accuracy and critical hit rate when forging weapons.


    Heat Control: Enables precise control over fire, improving blacksmithing processes and reducing material waste. Your journey continues at My Virtual Library Empire


    Wind''s Grace: Ruben is able to control the wind currents around him to help maintain an ideal temperature. Increases agility and dexterity, allowing for more intricate and delicate work.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Abilities:]


    Forge Mastery: (Intermediate) Enhances the quality and efficiency of weapon and armor crafting.


    Inferno Forge: Temporarily enhances the forge with intense flames, greatly increasing the effectiveness of crafted items.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Experience Points (XP): 0/8000]


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    His stats and skills seemed normal, but there was another aspect of all this that he did not understand.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Quest: Soulforge Smith


    Unlocks


    The ability to create living weapons and armors, and an introductory class to create artifacts. Capability to surpass Level 40. Forge Mastery: (Advanced).


    Mission: Create an ideal weapon for 15 heroes, Create an ideal armor for 7 heroes, must be unique, Epic Quality, Durability Over 200, Attack Power: Class Depended, Weight: Class Dependent¡­Etc.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    He saw the long list of tasks the quest required and thought it was impossible at first.


    But after looking at the sword in his hand, he realized it wasn''t too daunting of a quest.


    Ruben had already crafted the finest weapons he could with his current abilities and was eager to surpass his creations, especially with the prospect of creating living weapons.


    He did not know what it meant, but just thinking about a weapon that could think or grow sounded cool.


    The first one he would create would be a hammer, as they were the first to fail him.


    He had already tried creating a few hundred, but by the end of the day, they would break under the immense pressure and usage he subjected them to.


    For now, he would rest.


    He needed to think about who he would create a weapon for, and understand his classmates'' needs.


    Before creating something, he loved to gain inspiration like this.


    Remembering how he had made countless weapons and armors inside his favorite MMORPG for his guild, Ruben tried to recall the job classes and skills while cleaning his anvil.


    As soon as he placed the sword within its sheath, Ruben handed it over to Irma, his lover.


    She was the only one, aside from his master, who was allowed to enter his forge.


    With the old man away, Ruben had enough time to enjoy the rest of the night with Irma.


    As soon as the sword was handed to her, the girl placed it on a shelf, carefully labeling it for its intended recipient.


    "So, are you done for the night?" the blonde girl called out to Ruben, leaping into his arms for a hug.


    "Yes! Is the food ready? I forgot to eat lunch. I only had bread and milk all day. If I keep this up, I''ll be nothing but bones."


    "I told you the food was ready about four hours ago. You just didn''t listen," Irma said, poking his nose.


    "Fine, I am sorry. You know how I get when working," the boy laughed as he held her by the hip, walking to the first floor to escape the hot, smoky basement.


    As soon as they exited the dark room below, Ruben finally breathed in clean, fresh air.


    He then picked up a towel, ready to take a quick shower while Irma finished reheating the food.


    Ruben went into the large bathroom he had ordered and quickly washed and soaped himself before entering the spacious tub to rest for a while.


    He began reflecting on the past months, recalling how his class and he had entered this world.


    He remembered the moment the Oracle had declared him a Master Blacksmith and how he had met his master, the great Hoggin, the best Forgemaster in the kingdom.


    Through his hard work and dedication, he had learned so much and earned enough money selling his creations to buy a house in the city of Midar, not far from the castle.


    It was then that he remembered how he met Irma, his lovely girlfriend and someone he would never leave.


    On the day they were summoned, he had been paired with another maid who clearly did not favor him.


    He could tell by the way she kept glancing at Brian that she was not meant for him.


    Ruben quickly released her from her duties, assuring her that she did not have to stay with him.


    Later that day, as he strolled sadly around the inn, he noticed another maid sitting on a bench outside the building.


    She had been dismissed for being a bit chubbier than the others.


    Ruben knew that his own overweight had likely made him less favored compared to Brian, a problem he had struggled with since childhood.


    Meeting Irma felt destined.


    He had always preferred a bit more meat on the bones, so she wasn''t a problem.


    Despite her tears that day, she had a lovely face.


    After talking and laughing at silly things, they quickly connected, and within days, they became a couple.


    Ruben smiled, feeling he was at the peak of his short life.


    He had money, a girl, and even a promising future compared to his life back home.


    Back there, he had faced problems with his parents, who always fought, struggled with his low grades, and endured the judgmental stares of others.


    He was slowly slipping into depression, but coming here had resolved enough problems that he did not wish to go back.


    Now, he just needed to figure out how to complete the mission and finish the quest.


    He needed to gather a list of heroes¡ªhis classmates¡ªand create weapons for fifteen of them, along with a few armors.


    During the past month, he had already made hundreds of these, and he was confident it was not going to be a problem.


    He suddenly remembered to check his storage.


    Unlike the other heroes, production classes had a skill that allowed them to have a small storage within their soul.


    Ruben took out the ores he had been given for reaching level 40 and inspected them.


    They looked like normal iron, except they were five times as strong and mana-resistant.


    They could be especially useful for close-quarter weapons and armor, though not ideal for long blades, given the amount he had.


    As soon as he finished his bath, Ruben went back to the dining room and kissed Irma before eating the grand meal she always prepared for him.

 Chapter 103 Danger in the Labyrinth Pt. 1

    Lisa''s group was deep underground; they had finally reached the 38th floor within two weeks of being in the labyrinth city.Due to time constraints, they only planned to reach the 50th floor, and with the way things were going, they would likely achieve this in another two weeks.


    It wasn''t long before the team, who had been camping, got up to get ready to challenge the next floor.


    Based on their progress so far, they would reach the next boss floor, the 40th floor by the end of the day.


    The problem was the number of monsters they had to fight and keeping tabs on their limited supplies.


    "What are we waiting for? Let''s go! I want to get to level 36 by the end of the day. I really need to catch up to whoever is at level 40," Brian said, urging the others.


    As soon as one hero reached level 40, everyone received a notice of the hero''s achievement.


    The others in the group, who had been calmly eating, had to rush through their simple meal.


    It was kept minimal for ease of movement, as monsters could invade the camp at any moment.


    Lisa was exhausted from all the traveling, but being at level 33 helped her withstand the pressure of being in a dark dungeon for two weeks¡ªa place that could drive anyone normal insane.


    She left the liquid of the soup and got up to fetch Orus, who had grown in size. Everyone, including the doubtful Brian, was glad the bird had come with them.


    Being nocturnal, Orus was useful in spotting prey in the dark labyrinth. As he evolved, he not only grew in size but also became a powerful combatant.


    The only problem now was the walls of the labyrinth, as his large griffon-like body could not fully extend its wings.


    In terms of magic, Orus could heal, cast rays of powerful light that acted as lasers, and use his front claws and beak to tear through flesh.


    Lisa was glad Logan had gifted her the creature and noticed the envy others felt.


    They even asked for their own, but she had to lie, saying it was the church''s doing¡ªa simple explanation that stopped others from asking.


    As soon as everyone was ready, they began to descend the staircase to the next floor.


    As always, Orus took the front, the tank took the back, with Mia the mage and Lisa in the center, and Brian ready to assist either the front or back.


    The rest of the class had separated into various groups based on the number of members needed to form a strong unit.


    The largest of these groups included Ms. Claire, who took it upon herself to help the weakest group, the ones others called "leftovers."


    With her class as Orator, they would gain the strength of the normal groups.


    Lisa felt sad that Alma was not with her, as she had been sent to help George and his group, who needed a little extra support to match Brian''s physical prowess.


    "It seems we''re done with the golems. That was a hard monster to fight. My gauntlets kept breaking," Brian said, looking relaxed as he walked forward without a care.


    "Tell us something we don''t know," Chris replied, still catching his breath as he got used to carrying a large shield to protect him from sneak attacks that had hurt him many times at the beginning of the exploration.


    "You know... you should improve your defensive capabilities. Maybe then you wouldn''t be so worried about someone hitting you from behind," Brian teased as he noticed Chris struggling to keep up.


    "Dude, you must remember how many times I''ve been pierced by an arrow in the rear. I''m tired of that crap and would rather carry this shield than have someone heal my buns," Chris replied, trying to avoid Lisa''s glance.


    She didn''t say it, but she was also tired of having to touch the guy''s rear to heal him, these days she had Orus do the job.


    "Orus seems to have found something. We should stay alert," Lisa interrupted the light talk and focused forward as they saw a couple of dark figures approaching while the large griffin snarled.


    "Wait, those aren''t monsters!" Lisa heard Mia say beside her.


    "Blue skin¡­ you must know what they are." Without waiting for the enemy to approach, Brian took out his strongest gauntlets and readied his stance.


    Chris had readied his Guardian''s Shield to protect the group.


    The skill enveloped them in a magic dome while Chris would absorb the damage.


    Meanwhile, Mia began casting various wind spells to attack the incoming enemies.


    Just as they thought they were ready, three blows struck them from behind¡ªfire, ice, and dark magic¡ªcatching the group off guard.


    Chris, whose shield protected the others, received the most damage as it was transferred to him.


    Lisa rushed to heal the boy so he could maintain his skill.


    "Damn it, ambush! Mia, release the spells forward! Lisa, tell your beast to keep those in front busy while I rush to whoever is hitting us from behind!" Brian yelled as he used his hands like rocket launchers and sped through the cave to confront the magic casters behind them.


    "Orus, help Mia!" Lisa called to her beast, who unleashed various rays of light forward, some hitting the demons who then tried to slice him with their blades.


    Lisa, who had been studying the situation, was grateful that the demons did not show signs of mutation like those Logan had faced. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Alright, that is enough, Lisa. Save some for the incoming battle," Chris said, spitting out blood.


    He took out a shield that would repel magic damage back at its caster and readied another shield, which he used to toss.


    She saw how Orus was handling two enemies with ease, while Mia kept the third at bay with wind blades that caused the tunnel to rumble.


    Debris fell from the ceiling with each powerful strike.


    Although she did not like the boy, Lisa turned back to check if Brian needed help and saw how he was taking it as a joke, smiling while kicking one demon as another tried to cut his head off.


    The demons were no match for the agile boy, making the attempt seem comical.


    That was until another group of two came to interrupt the fight.


    "Damn it¡­" Lisa cursed as she started to feel that the situation was not going in their favor.


    She, like Orus, had one skill that could help in battle and tried casting Divine Retribution.


    A ray of powerful light condensed in her outstretched hand and shot forward at the group of two aiming for Brian''s back.


    Lisa stumbled a little, feeling lightheaded from the overuse of magic, but took out a bottle of mana potion to restore herself in case someone needed help.


    She suddenly heard Orus cry out as he slashed at a demon who flew through the air and hit a wall.


    Orus did not come out unscathed, as a section of his chest was filled with red blood.


    Lisa knew the beast would be able to heal itself, so she kept focusing on Brian, who was the fighter in their group and the highest in level.


    Mia, who seemed mana-drained, had done enough damage to her opponent that he almost resembled sashimi.


    She was too tired to care if she had killed the demon and was busy drinking potion after potion to recover her mana.


    Continue reading at My Virtual Library Empire


    Meanwhile, Brian, who had the upper hand just a few seconds before, now seemed pressured as he had to finish the fight before backup arrived.


    He overcharged his fists with flames and, like two missiles, shot them forward into the faces of two demons, whose heads exploded.


    The third one, knowing he was next, quickly tried to take out a crystal that the class knew was for their weird mutation.


    However, he was killed off before he got to use it.


    Brian quickly put the crystal away in his storage and rushed forward to meet the two demons Lisa had shot.

 Chapter 104 Danger in the Labyrinth Pt. 2

    Brian reached the first opponent but found that he had already used the mutation crystal.What he now faced was two berserk mode demons who did not care for their lives anymore.


    One held his burning fist as if not caring that his hand would be seared and pulled Brian''s arm forward to hold him down.


    Lisa knew that Brian was going to be in trouble and began walking towards him, as Chris had Mia and Orus taken care of.


    Lisa needed to use her skill again but was hesitant, as the demons were too close to Brian to unleash it.


    She got closer to avoid missing with all the movement the three in front of her were doing and began casting Divine Retribution again.


    "Brian, try to move or dodge!" Lisa yelled to warn the boy as another beam of light shot forward.


    Unable to keep standing while using so much magic, Lisa fell to her knees.


    She still had mana potions, but using any more would not fully restore her like the ones before.


    "Thanks, Lisa!" She heard Brian say as he jumped back to his feet and used the missile punch he liked so much on the face of another demon.


    He did not react like those before and only showed signs that his teeth and a few bones were broken.


    "Tough bast¡­" Brian yelled, using his other hand to try bashing the demon''s skull in.


    Lisa was out of breath but turned to check on the ones behind her who were struggling even more than Brian, who only had one demon left to worry about.


    Orus was fighting two demons while Mia helped by throwing projectiles.


    When her magic ran out, doing this helped at least cause a diversion.


    The bladed objects embedded themselves in a demon''s chest, yet it did not react and tried reaching for her throat.


    Chris stopped it in time.


    "We are doing good," Lisa thought to herself as she was almost ready to stand.


    She needed to heal Brian''s wounds before going back with the others.


    "Damn it, where did those two come from?" Brian said, with one hand on his knee, coughing a little blood that had accumulated in his mouth.


    "Just stay still, I have just enough mana to heal you." Lisa got close to the boy, but suddenly she was pushed back as a dagger was tossed in her direction.


    Brian, who had seen it glint in the light, smacked it away, but in the process, it broke a piece of his fist weapon.


    "Damn it, there goes another!" Brian said as he tossed the remains.


    "Lisa, keep away. I think there are more hiding around here," Brian warned as they rushed back to the group.


    "Chris, hold our backs. I will handle the ones here," Brian said.


    "I will try, but do know my best shields are broken." Chris showed how there was a crack in the shield he was currently using.


    "Look, there are four more!" Mia yelled as more demons started to arrive.


    Brian, who saw the newcomers, clicked his tongue as he began trying to come up with a solution.


    His only thoughts were about using the large beast to buy them time, but he knew Lisa would not accept such a thing.


    The other option was to have another in the group be bait; it would be either Chris or Mia.


    As he was ready to push Chris into the demons so that the rest could escape, a voice called from above them.


    "What a pitiful sight, Brian. If you hadn''t had your head so far up your¡­ you might have bought Ruben''s weapons and maybe you wouldn''t be suffering so much¡­"


    A boy manifested himself from the shadows in the ceiling and waved to the group.


    "It''s way too early for someone to die. Here, let me help you a little¡­ Rise!" the boy said with a little hesitation.


    The shadows within the small room stirred as various figures emerged within them.


    The demons, who noticed the change within the group, suddenly backed off a little, but that only gave the figures more room to come out from the shadows.


    Ten or so figures finally came out, each made of black bodies with red eyes, and began quickly rushing to the demons, giving them no time to react.


    Explore stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    Everyone in the group was serious except for Chris, who could not hold back a laugh.


    "Bro, you had to use the same word!" he yelled while the rest of the group looked at the two, wondering what he meant.


    "No, I didn''t. ''Rise'' and ''Arise'' are not the same word! Now quit talking, I actually need to think of what my creatures are doing to control them."


    Brian, who took this as a chance to recover, took a potion, switched his gauntlets, and readied himself while wondering if he should punch the boy who appeared out of nowhere for talking to him like that.


    "You see how easy it is, Brian. Don''t think I don''t know what you tried to do," the boy said before going back into the shadows. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As for the demons, they were sucked up after being defeated, leaving the group looking around in shock.


    "Do you know who that is, Chris?" Brian said as he stomped on the floor.


    "Oh, that guy? He''s probably Victor, another loner like Logan, except that guy is too engrossed being an Otaku to care about others." Chris shrugged his shoulders while wondering why he hadn''t visited Ruben''s shop.


    "Well, at least we are safe¡­ for now. We should try going back and calling the rest to tell them what happened," Mia said while petting Orus, who seemed tired.


    "I hate to admit it, but I have lost too many weapons to keep going for now. We should go with the rest; maybe the damn soldiers brought me something useful," Brian told the group as he led them back to the previous floor''s steps.


    The group was still wary, but after ten minutes of nothing happening, they were able to breathe and act normally again.

 Chapter 105 Picnic in the Forest

    Krexa hates going outside. She hates walking, working, and especially going into dark dungeons, which remind her of the goblin dungeon.Once she followed her master Logan and stayed in the red-haired girl''s house, she found that life was much more than just finding food, mating, and fighting to see who would be the strongest.


    Krexa hated that about the goblin tribe.


    She was luckily too small to do any of that and was forced to go with the hero of darkness, who had introduced her to the pleasures of the human world.


    Krexa loves dressing up in human clothes that make her look pretty.


    Her most favorite thing in this world is eating the food human servants make her and let her have when she makes a commotion.


    She even loves the way they treat her as she is one of their kids.


    This last privilege lets her eat sweets that old human ladies give her, making her want to cry when remembering the old meat and nasty insects she had to eat when living with her poor tribe.


    Krexa is always happy to sleep in a soft bed and not on the floor.


    Krexa also loves bathing; Krexa is a good-smelling goblin.


    Read exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire


    Today, Krexa is mad because she needs to go train with Master Logan, who is forcing her now that the snow is melting.


    Krexa only knows how to hunt and make traps to kill small creatures.


    Krexa does not want to eat small creatures; she only wants human food now.


    Master Logan makes Krexa work with Big Sister Silis, who is also forced to go out and train.


    Big Sister Silis got fat like Krexa and is now slow when fighting, but Krexa knows she will be rewarded for fighting today, so she tries hard.


    Silis is fighting a large bear today.


    Krexa made traps to stop the bear and give time for Sis Silis to bite and poison.


    Today, Krexa will eat bear meat; she will make the cook servant make soup.


    Silis is strong, Krexa has time to sit.


    Krexa has candy to recover.


    She takes out sweet honey and nuts; they make Krexa want to sing.


    Silis killed the bear; it was no match for big sis who makes earth spikes.


    But Master Logan is mad¡ªthe bear''s fur is ruined.


    Krexa does not want bear fur; she likes human dresses.


    Bear fur is itchy and not good for Krexa''s new soft skin.


    More bears come, and Big Sis Silis needs help.


    She blames Krexa for the honey candy¡ªthe bear wants Krexa''s candy.


    Krexa is sorry, but she needs food. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Krexa is tired.


    ?¨T©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤¨T?


    "Krexa, get up and help, you need to get your evolution today!" Logan yelled as he was watching from a distance.


    Today, he came alone with Krexa, Silis, and Scorch; his other beasts had all gone their own way into the forest.


    As for Scorch, he was already at level 40 and could no longer level up.


    This was new to Logan, who thought there would not be any level caps like in games.


    As soon as one of his classmates got to level 40 and a message appeared to congratulate him, Logan knew what was happening after linking it to games.


    He was at level 37, so it was still some time before he got to that point, but based on the information given, the class needed to do a quest to bypass the level cap.


    Today, he just wanted to have both Krexa and Silis evolve, as they were still weak.


    He only planned to train those he would bring into hunts, so he was not going to train his farm animals or those beasts he considered too weak to enter a fight.


    The only problem he was facing today was that Krexa kept fumbling through training.


    She was taking things too lightly and did not listen to him as his other tamed beasts would.


    He did not force too much of her though; he knew that with Silis around, Krexa would be slowly getting experience as well.


    As soon as four bears were killed, he began seeing a change with his snake.


    She suddenly curled herself as amber particles enveloped her.


    The process was just like the ones before and quickly finished as she let out a roar in her new form.


    Her overall size doubled, and a fearsome beast emerged.


    Silis was now a fifty-foot serpent, her scales now gold and with larger horns behind her head.


    Logan looked at the beast with excitement as he now had yet another mount to use.


    As for Krexa, she seemed to share his joy as it meant she no longer had to walk.


    "Well then, Krexa, you''re the only one left. Let''s hurry before lunchtime," Logan said out loud, knowing that would get the goblin''s attention.


    [Silis, go test your new strength with Krexa, make sure you keep her safe,] Logan told his creature, who nodded as she used magic to make the ground below Krexa toss her into the air with ease.


    She caught the goblin on her large back and slithered away with astounding speed.


    "Well, Scorch, it''s just you and me, buddy. Let''s start making food before they finish." Logan smiled as he readied ingredients and started making food.


    Pulling his hair up so it wouldn''t get dirty from the greasy meat, Logan did the task with practiced steps.


    The meat he took out belonged to a boar, which was the tastiest of the monsters found in the forests around his estate.


    Using magic, Logan was able to control the fire correctly and even did a neat trick to sear a few strips, adding a nice smoky flavor.


    After finishing, he cut a few vegetables and began roasting them on skewers he had brought.


    He then sliced a piece of meat into small cubes and began dividing each skewer to have meat and vegetables in an orderly, colorful manner.


    "It looks nice, huh? I think I am getting better at this." Logan smiled as he saw Scorch''s face of disgust.


    "I know, I know, I made the meat beforehand to separate your portion. Here, eat up." Logan laughed as he tossed two large steaks to one of his beast friends.


    As soon as he was about to take a bite of his own, he noticed a tug from behind.


    "Oh, you''re also back, Serana... you know I need to eat before feeding you..." he told the vampire, who was in her bat-like form.


    [Fine, I will wait...] The voice of a girl he had known for a few weeks said as she reverted back to her human form.


    "You know¡­ you can join me in eating this delicious meal¡­" Logan offered, while knowing her answer beforehand.


    "If it''s not raw, I can''t take the taste¡­" she said in disgust.


    "Fine, then just wait for me to finish¡­" Logan replied while beginning to eat.


    He stared at the extremely attractive girl before him as he started to recall the first time he saw her human form.


    After returning the day they had fought with Serana, Logan did not know what to do about her.


    The only good part was that she only needed blood to eat, so he kept her in his room until she got strong enough to create her body.


    Or what looked like one¡ªit turned out she still kept her feral traits, which was bad to show others.


    Logan took the others'' suggestions, as well as Valeria''s, who would probably know more, and decided to train her like all his other beasts and hope she somehow had an evolution of sorts.


    This was both correct and wrong at the same time.


    While gaining levels, she actually just got really strong.


    Unlike the beasts who evolved, she seemed to have gotten a correction to her feral form letting her look human again.


    After seeing this form, there was only one name that Logan could use.


    Even the events were a little similar to a certain game¡ªa vampire girl who was saved, with red eyes and black hair.


    He had no choice, especially when the girl did not remember her name.


    As for her other transformations, they also improved and included other forms.


    She could turn into a dog-like beast called a Garmr, a semi-feral form, and finally, her small bat form.


    Her bat form is not exactly a bat but a shade animal, or so she tried to explain.


    In this form, she could divide her body and create what looked like a fog of bats or a singular creature.


    Logan''s mind returned to where he was and noticed he had finished eating.


    The boy made a long sigh before signaling the girl to come closer.


    "As always, you only get to drink from my finger," Logan told the girl who looked a little older than him.


    He did not know her actual age nor asked, as she had not spoken about her past to him yet.


    Serana took his finger and bit into it, creating a small cut from which she began to drink.


    Logan was aware of her abilities and did not dare let her drink from any other part, as it could potentially backfire and turn him into a vampire.


    For this to happen, Serana had to perform a few rituals, which Logan dared not do as he needed to remain human.


    As for his tamed beast, she wasn''t vulnerable to healing magic and could be in the sun in her human form, although she was weakened.


    Vampires had a special type of magic not from this world.


    It was what she called shade.


    It wasn''t darkness magic but more about shadows, which made her weaker in the sun.

 Chapter 106 Ferras Reward

    "Alright, alright, you had your fill," Logan told the vampire girl as he tried to reel his finger back, attempting not to think too hard about what had happened, especially the warm sticky situation his finger was in.He found it incredibly hard to resist the vampire who had skills that enticed humans, especially when they were drinking their blood.


    Looking at his still-wet finger, Logan wiped it on his pants before getting up.


    "So tell me, how is Regal doing? It should be closing in on the golem''s cave about now, right?" Logan asked, trying to understand how his spider was faring.


    "Yes, she and Valeria are exploring the outside of the cave that we think belongs to the crystal golem. Luckily, now that the snow has melted, they are able to explore without worry," Serana replied, looking sad that she did not get more blood.


    "Do you need to go back, or are you going to return to the estate with me?" Logan asked.


    "I will be heading back with Zephyr to help Valeria. It''s a good chance to practice using my Garmr form without others noticing the mess. I tend to forget myself when I become that beast, but I feel with a little more work I will be able to keep more of my sanity," Serana said while licking a small drop of blood that had fallen on her hand.


    [Damn it why does she look¡­] Logan screamed internally before he forgot others could hear and tried to gloss things over.


    "Alright, sounds like a plan. Tell Zephyr to fly home if something happens. As for Valeria, give her this; it''s food and the supplies she wanted to set up camp."


    Read latest stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    Right after finishing, he heard Zephyr come close. Serana turned into a bat and clung to its back, and they both quickly left, leaving Logan with Scorch.


    "I hope Silis doesn''t take too long," Logan told his fiery beast, who had settled himself comfortably.


    Logan was about to sit when he noticed ice forming around his feet.


    Scorch, who was nearby, tried to resist the cold surrounding him but stopped struggling and ran off, as if knowing he wouldn''t be able to fight it.


    Logan observed the events unfolding just like before: the forest became quiet, a thick fog formed, and his breath became visible.


    [Champion of darkness, we meet again¡­]


    He heard a feminine voice call to him within his mind.


    Soon, her figure appeared after a whirl of snow passed through the area.


    "It is nice to see you again, Ferra," Logan said while casting Storm Shield around his body, using Zephyr''s barrier skill to create a current of wind that shielded him from the cold.


    "It''s good to see that you are getting stronger. I recall you couldn''t hold yourself up last time. As for my child, I just spoke to her and noticed her rapid growth. She is stronger than I was at her age. I thank you for accepting and raising her well," Ferra said in a good mood.


    "Today, I have come to tell you that you have passed my first trial. You have finished your part, and as the owner of this territory, it is fair that I do mine," Ferra explained.


    "Wait, what? I was not able to do much about those blue mutations. Sorry, but how did I pass your trial when I could not do my job correctly?" Logan tried to clear the misunderstanding.


    "Whether it was by your hands or those of another, you did your part in clearing the forest of the mutations, hero. Sometimes a task is too grand for one to do alone. This time, your role was to make the kingdom aware of the problem and have them correct it. The result is now a forest free of the blue-skinned ones'' influence and the return of balance with the monsters from the poaching the kingdom did, as they wanted to use them to train the heroes," Ferra said in a manner that seemed like she wanted to hurry the conversation


    "Alright, if that''s the case, then good. I am glad everything worked out¡­ so, what can I do to help you now?" Logan asked, trying to understand the guardian''s next move.


    "For now, you just need strength. What you are trying to do will help with that. Just avoid killing more than you should, and everything will be fine, Logan. Remember, balance is the most important thing. Your next trial will be when I find you fit to commence it."


    "The reason I came today is to give you your reward for completing the first trial. This should suffice. Now then, until I find you worthy, we will meet again, young hero," Ferra said as another gust of wind passed in front of Logan, clearing the area with snow before everything went back to normal as if nothing had occurred.


    "That was¡­" Logan did not dare finish the sentence, unsure of the extent of Ferra''s power or if she could hear him.


    He looked at the object she had left on the floor.


    It was a shape Logan knew well, something he would need to work on during the next few days.


    "Well, I am a tamer. Let''s see what we have this time," Logan said as he got close to the ovular object before him.


    Even with all the wind and snow, the egg was strangely warm.


    It was not because it was a fire beast; this time he had gotten something he was looking for.


    A few electrical jolts began encasing the egg as he got closer, making him doubt if he could hold it.


    Luckily, he had collected elemental stones of various types in case something like this occurred. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He had asked Rubina to ask her dad for them and was thrilled that he would finally put them to good use.


    The boy adjusted a few of them around the egg, trying not to get too close as a few volts circled around it, creating a faint, glowing aura as it moved.

 Chapter 107 Voltaris Mantis

    As the egg shook a little more, a small clank could be heard.Logan did not hear this at first, but soon he stared at the ovular object, which shook a little more.


    He noticed the stones were beginning to become just normal crystals as their energy had been drained.


    Before Logan could place more, he saw how the egg split in half.


    What looked like a scythe cut through the egg, causing Logan to jump back from the violent action.


    Unlike before, when eggs would normally open up slowly, this one seemed way too lively.


    The creature inside sliced through its shell again, and Logan finally saw what it was.


    He counted four legs and two scythes, along with an electrical current being produced by its wings.


    "Uhoh, Rubina won''t like this," Logan said to himself, wondering how he was going to tell the girl who hated bugs.


    The small creature looked at him strangely, its small red eyes fixed on him, making Logan remember he had yet to tame it. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He quickly readied himself, not having readied a blade, and nipped at one of his fingers.


    "Oh no you don''t!" Logan rushed forth as the small creature stumbled, trying to fly away.


    It was the first time he had so much difficulty taming a beast. Insects and spiders like Regal were already half-grown from birth, making them ready to move as soon as they got out of their eggs.


    The little creature''s small wings buzzed with electricity, making it harder to get near it.


    [Scorch, don''t let it get away!] he communicated as the little bug escaped his grasp. It had already flown a few meters away, causing Logan to hold on to Scorch to keep up with the critter.


    "Don''t hurt it, we just need to catch up to it!" Logan ordered as he readied his blood to use as soon as he got close to the mantis.


    [Almost there, Scorch. I will have to use your back to jump, forgive me, bud.] Logan raised himself and got ready to hop to catch the mantis. He dodged a few low branches and readied himself, using Zephyr''s wind skill to direct his body as he found a chance.


    "This is going to hurt¡­" Logan mumbled as his hand grazed the small creature''s back before he had to use wind magic to stop his fall.


    Luckily, he stopped himself with Storm Shield as he shook his hand, which was numb from the electrical field that surrounded the small insect.


    The creature, as soon as it felt Logan''s blood trying to create a link, stopped as if mentally struggling with the decision of remaining free or accepting the pact.


    Logan, being near level 40, helped the process become smoother. It only took a few seconds for the creature to accept the soul bind and begin looking at its new master as if waiting for an order.


    Unlike the friendly Regal, who instantly bombarded Logan with questions, this new monster kept to himself, as if he was a soldier waiting for an order.


    "A ruthless killer, huh? How about we train you while Krexa gets strong? Too bad there is no one that can boost you with a crystal," Logan told himself as he thought about the problem. It was rare to find someone who could natively handle electrical magic, or at least Logan hadn''t seen anyone.


    "It''s going to be the old-fashioned way, huh? Well, good thing spring brings more prey for you."


    Logan then hurried back to the camp and placed everything he could in storage in a hurry. He had grown to like training new monsters and watching their quick leveling pace as well as the evolution that followed.


    The young ten-centimeter mantis was sure to be a menace. Since it was specially brought by Ferra, it could not have been just a regular creature¡ªor so Logan guessed.


    This was proved correct as the young beast took on various animals, from horned rabbits to small hogs, without much difficulty. It mainly relied on the electrical field created by its fast-beating wings.


    As soon as it got close, it would use the electrical field to stun or disorient its prey, making it easy to slice with its sharp scythes.


    It wasn''t long before it evolved. Like his other creatures born from eggs, it would change into its adult form at around level 5.


    The small creature had grown just a little bigger than Regal, who was 60 centimeters. This one seemed to be nearing 70 centimeters; it was above Logan''s knee. Explore stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Voltar / Species: Voltaris Mantis / Level: 5 / Blood Mark: Thoracic / Loyalty: 7/100]


    Str: 11 / Agi: 12 / Dex: 9 / Con: 3 / Int: 4 / Char: 3


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Electro Field: Voltar can emit a powerful electric charge from its wings, stunning nearby enemies and causing paralysis for a short duration.


    Lightning Reflexes: This skill allows Voltar to temporarily increase its speed and reflexes by channeling electrical energy through its body. This boost can be used to evade attacks or quickly close the distance to its prey.


    Static Cloak: Voltar can generate a field of static electricity around its body, creating a protective barrier that reduces incoming damage. This field can also make Voltar harder to detect by cloaking its presence from sensors and certain magical detection methods.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    With his new green friend who could fly to keep up with them, Logan went to find Silis, who would no doubt be finished training Krexa.


    It wouldn''t be hard to find them now that his Empathic Link skill range had increased. After reaching level thirty, this skill''s range was no longer 2 meters per level, but 10, showing how much potential it would have in the future.


    Logan could now try communicating with his creatures from more than 100 meters away.


    Unlike before, when he had to individually talk to each creature, the skill now worked for all his nearby creatures, making it easy to coordinate them in battle without revealing their tactics.


    [We are here, master Logan!] Krexa returned his call as Logan felt the direction of where they were. Silis returned within seconds, carrying the goblin who looked completely different from the short, almost one-meter female goblin.


    Her cute charm had disappeared as she now looked like a ten to twelve-year-old girl.


    Logan quickly checked her stats and noticed she was now a Hobgoblin and had interesting abilities, yet he had to leave thinking about this for later.


    [My¡­ cute clothes, they have torn, Master!] Logan saw her weep as her arms tried to cover her chest and bottom while she sobbed.


    Logan quickly took out what he thought would fit her, but this made Krexa cry out even louder.


    [I hate bear fur!] she mentally screamed as she placed the coat over herself to cover her important parts.

 Chapter 108 Zaryx the Unyielding

    Standing at two and a half meters with an imposing presence, Zaryx stretched his muscular, well-built body.His human-like form allowed him to sit on a large rock with ease for countless hours while half-naked.


    Blue skin covered in numerous scars and a broken left horn proved his experience on the battlefield.


    The large demon stared at a particular area with his piercing icy blue pupils.


    The one responsible for assessing the heroes, Zaryx had divided his group into three parts as the newly summoned heroes scattered to various areas within the small Elris Kingdom.


    "Zaryx, we have finished gauging the strength of the heroes. We lost a total of 83 of our own during the process, but with every death, we got an approximate reading on who is the strongest and weakest within the group," said a blue demon, relaying his findings to one of the 9 main commanders of the army.


    Out of those, the heroes he needed to keep an eye on were a boy in the northern part of the Elris Kingdom and the group that traveled into the Labyrinth in Dracone Ridge.


    The boy in the empire would have been the most ideal for their current project, but he was quickly taken away before they even had a chance to kidnap him.


    "It''s within a permissible number, Gomer. What will be your next step?" Zaryx said while looking down at a group of rangers who had crossed the northern mountains, following breadcrumbs he had placed to lure them into his trap.


    "We will keep trying to work with the boy and have him as a spy. We have slowly lured him in with a succubus, so it shouldn''t be hard to break him later and have him give us information about the others. Until then, we will start putting pressure on the heroes so that they lose hope and face, and hopefully give us enough time to take over the southern isles," Gomir replied while watching his commander laugh with joy as screams and cries echoed in the mountain ridge below them.


    "Good, very good. Leave the north to me, then. I need to send back word a month from now, so make sure you take at least half of the isles by then," Zaryx commanded.


    He tossed a small l rock with precision, killing off the last ranger who had used his companions to escape.


    The rest were being devoured by two hungry apelike creatures, who tore the bodies apart as if they were twigs.


    "Yes, Commander Zaryx, I will return before the month with good news. My own son will be handling the operation this time," Gomir said, taking one last glance at his superior who looked bored and sighed.


    He knew it was only a matter of time before Zaryx would play his part and begin taking over the weak Elris Kingdom using the same tactics he had used on the rangers.


    Zaryx took a look back at the old demon who still showed signs of greed for his title.


    The man had been one of his teachers, so surpassing him made the petty weakling covet his position even more.


    Gomir knew his strength was fading, so he was pushing his son to take the leading role while the old fox would be the one giving the orders.


    Zaryx planned ahead, though.


    He already had two strategies to deal with the geezer: either bring his son to his side and have him betray his father, or give both of them victories, letting them reach the peak only to kick the duo off.


    He imagined both scenarios and, of course, chose the second one.


    After all, having to kill two is better than one.


    Now the real question was how long he would have to wait for the taming hero to get strong enough to be a worthy opponent.


    He had his spies check on him from time to time.


    The taming hero was one of the interesting ones within the bunch of kids¡ªnot only because of his rapidly growing strength with each new creature but also because of his connection with Ferra, who had thwarted their plan.


    "Regar!" Zaryx called out.


    Within seconds, a second demon appeared behind him. Find your next adventure on My Virtual Library Empire


    "Good, you were not far. How about this time you take two hundred kids with you, have them break a few of the tamer hero''s new walls. I want to spook him a little, maybe then he will get serious in training," Zaryx finished, taking out a few blue mutation stones from his storage.


    "I just filled these to the brim. Have the five most powerful ones use them right away; I am tired of losing them," he ordered, throwing them to the one behind him.


    "As you wish, Commander. We hope to appease you with this."


    As soon as the other warped away, Zaryx shivered a little.


    Regar was probably the only one in his army of thousands who creeped him out. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It had no soul, created to follow orders without question, with a power to rival the spirits but at the cost of its life, mind, and soul.


    It was a husk with astounding power and a ticking bomb.


    "Now then, how will the hero respond? But more importantly, what do I do now¡­" Zaryx began to pick up his new toys.


    As he got closer, the two apelike creatures stood at attention, and the rangers were collected based on how many body parts they had left.


    "Let''s see, 23¡­ plus the one that ran away, 24. Good," Zaryx began picking up limbs and creating a monster with each one, before putting a core in each newly created body.


    "What a mess, to only have 13 completed bodies. I hope they scare our new friend," he said, casting his own unique magic that began giving a semblance of life to each mutation.


    Each limb began to connect with its main body, and each body writhed in pain.


    As soon as it finished, the newly created monsters began to look for something to eat to sustain themselves.


    The apes tossed bodies of creatures they had been ordered to keep stored, and the mutations ate with hunger.


    The gruesome scene only made Zaryx laugh as he readied himself to go to a certain fort in the north.


    As he called out, countless grotesque bodies emerged from all around him.


    The only three normal ones around him were Zaryx and his two apes.

 Chapter 109 Small Towns Turning Point

    Logan finally saw the large walls of his growing town as he exited the forest.Guards were stationed every ten meters, and long towers were built to spot monsters from a distance.


    He noticed one of the beacons light up.


    The soldiers had not yet seen Silis''s new form and were probably alerting the others of an incoming enemy.


    Logan took out his own beacon to send a signal that everything was fine, and the soldiers who had begun to form a line near the wall returned to their normal positions.


    "Silis, you almost caused an uproar," Logan chuckled as he led his beasts inside.


    As he got closer to the gate, he waved at the soldiers who welcomed him back.


    They were well-disciplined but kind and did their best to maintain order in the new town.


    As Logan entered, he saw how the small shacks that were previously scattered throughout the land had been transformed into functional buildings with a concrete base and wooden first floor.


    Each one looked like an exact replica of one another, as they were made in a hurry.


    A straight wide street ran through the middle of town, guiding anyone who entered directly to his estate.


    His new mansion was created with magic, and in less than a week he moved from the small building he had initially arrived at into the large three-story building.


    It had a luxurious look to anyone who spotted it from a distance.


    Logan, of course, was not the one who ordered such a thing to be built, but was told it was better for a lord to show his wealth to improve public opinion.


    His previous house was now meant for the servants, and each of his monsters was given a large enough barn for them to enjoy while resting.


    As he passed by various houses, he saw how the population of his town had grown from a small village with no more than 30 people into a medium-sized town of more than 300.


    Many immigrants from nearby villages and families of both merchants and soldiers now called it home.


    Adventurers also came after the winter snow melted to hunt the various large beasts around the town and start exploring the nearby areas for zones to mine, local treasures, and hopefully a nearby labyrinth that could appear near mana-rich areas.


    Logan did not know how it got to this state. He had Chloe and Kai helping him with these matters.


    Of course, he did his best to check through everything that was happening after training, something he would no doubt have to do after arriving at the mansion.


    For Logan, the most important task was to enter the supposed crystal cave and see if he could use the crystals to improve not only his town but also to enhance his beasts that needed the mana to grow stronger.


    Explore more adventures at My Virtual Library Empire


    Luckily, he was only days away from making the great expedition towards the cave and wanted all his beasts ready for when they needed to go into the crystal mine.


    All they really needed now was Valeria''s signal to form a group and enter. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    For this, Logan would also need his worm and mole, which had also been improved to a certain extent.


    Logan made the townsfolk create a bigger fuss as his giant serpent slithered through the center of town.


    Yet, no one was scared, as they obviously knew who owned such a beast.


    He passed the merchant district, an intersection that created a cross between the gate and the mansion.


    To the left of this large street, a bustling market stretched for a kilometer on one side.


    On the right side, the government and emergency response buildings, a new magic tower, a large adventurers guild, and finally a large church were built.


    Some inns and taverns were spaced between each large building to provide food and a resting spot for all those who came to visit or needed a good drink.


    As for the barracks and new training grounds, they were to the left of his mansion, the only large land that could be given.


    This was also to keep that area safe, as it was near the lands that contained Logan''s weakest animals that, if hurt, could also damage Logan.


    Now that spring had arrived, everyone used normal clothing, storing the heavy winter coats and pelts to be used next winter.


    Logan did not want to see people in poverty, at least not in his little town, so he had clothing readied for most of the townspeople.


    He did not want discrimination.


    So far, everything was going great.


    His people enjoyed the growing economy his town was experiencing, especially when almost 100% of the residents had a job.


    Logan knew this would not last if he did not find another way to bring in the money he needed to sustain the town.


    Logan was almost reaching his mansion when he saw someone he did not expect to meet standing near the entrance.


    It was a stout, muscular boy, one he had only known by looks, as it was one of his classmates.


    He tried to remember the boys name until he recalled it being Ruben, other than that Logan did not know the boy.


    "Hello¡­Ruben?" Logan said as the boy kept looking at his raptor with awe before turning serious.


    "Logan, right? I remember you would always cover your face, so I am not sure¡­ but I need a favor. My master has been taken¡­" Ruben said, with sadness and pain in his voice.


    "Master? Don''t tell me you got enslaved¡­" Logan said while confused.


    "What? No my master, my mentor, teacher whatever you want to call it, he would tell me to call him master, but enough about that I need to find him, I received word he was here!" Ruben cried out in desperation.


    "I wouldn''t know, I haven''t had time to check the new blacksmith shops¡­" Logan replied.


    "I checked he is not one of them, I need your help to find him though, I will do anything man!" Rub¨¦n began to cry making Logan have to jump down from Scorch to try calming the boy.


    "Alright let''s go inside to see what''s happening here¡­"

 Chapter 110 Lost Master

    As they entered the mansion, Logan was greeted by a few maids and butlers who were drawn by the commotion the boy behind him was making.Logan did not like the way everyone was giving him a look as if he was the one responsible, so he waved them away.


    "You know you can stop now, let''s just relax for a little bit and see what we can do¡­to help you," Logan tried to calm the boy as he entered the guest room. It was just him and the Ruben, as the others were busy that day.


    "Well then, tell me who told you that your master was here and what does your master look like¡­" Logan said, as he stared at the boy who was seated on a sofa while wiping his eyes.


    "Sorry, man, it''s just that the old man treated me like a son during my time here. He reminds me of my late grandfather," the boy said while wiping his face with his sleeve.


    "Okay, just tell me what I need to know. Let''s get to it, the faster, the better¡­" Logan added, a little annoyed that it was going so slow.


    Suddenly, the door opened, and he saw Rubina enter, which made Logan instantly smile.


    "What happened, Logan? A maid called me to help," Rubina said as she spotted the other boy in the room.


    "Thanks for coming, Rubina. This is Ruben, a fellow hero. He needs help finding his master¡­" Logan began to explain the rest of the story.


    "Well, I can have a few soldiers start checking the area," Rubina said while taking out her communication device.


    "Thank you, miss. To think Logan had such a beautiful wife already, no wonder you decided to come here alone," Ruben said while trying to hold himself from hugging either Logan or Rubina.


    "As for who told me he was here, it was one of his assistants. He said I should come to the tamer hero''s place to find out more about my master. It''s strange, the old man was with me forging the day before. It''s been a week since then, so I came here in a rush¡­" Ruben said, wondering why his master would leave like that.


    "Indeed, that is strange. For now, let''s just try looking for him. We should find him in a few hours if he came here on a visit or something like that." Rubina petted the boy''s back as he was about to cry again.


    "Well then, you should stay here for today. Look around, try to find something to do while they look for him," Logan said before asking the maids to help the worried boy.


    "About that, I will go back to a certain inn to get my girlfriend. If possible, I will come back with her, and by then I hope you may have news. Anyways, I appreciate the help. See you later, Logan." Ruben walked out after waving and bowing toward both Logan and Rubina.


    Logan watched as the door closed before sitting on his sofa. He leaned back and closed his eyes for a little bit to relieve his body from all the movement this day had brought.


    He felt his slime, Kryst, fast at work helping him feel better using cure.


    "Well, I did not expect your friend to show up. If I had known, I would have called earlier," Logan heard Rubina say as she sat on the cushion of the armrest.


    He wondered why her voice was so close at first until he felt her head on his shoulder.


    "Uhm, Rubina?" Logan mumbled as he slowly lifted his eyelids.


    "Did you hear? I am your wife. How do you feel today, my husband? Did you finish training the kids?" he heard her say as she nudged his shoulder lightly.


    "Yes¡­ two evolutions today. It was a great day. We just need to wait a little more to know when we should raid the cave we found. It shouldn''t take more than a few days by Valeria''s words," Logan replied as he closed his eyes, trying to keep himself from breathing fast and maintain his heart under control.


    "You know¡­ it is getting hard finding time to be alone with you these days. At least give me this as a reward whenever possible. Who knows, I might even work harder to finish the paperwork you still have left to do," Rubina whispered into his ear.


    "I know you''re teasing me, right Rubina? In other words, I should start on that paperwork¡­" Logan sighed as he remained still for some seconds.


    Read latest stories on My Virtual Library Empire Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Say, Rubina, you know I tried changing a little after you told me that I should not hide my face anymore¡­ while at first I thought it was hard, I wonder if it''s really alright¡­" Logan said while pulling a few strands back just to feel their protection again.


    "Oh no you don''t, you look fine without them, trust me," Rubina said while moving those strands back and tucking them behind his ear.


    "If you say so¡­" Logan wanted to jump up now; he was getting past the point of controlling himself.


    "I know, I know, I will stop teasing you," Rubina whispered one last time next to his ear, making the boy shudder.


    "Now let''s go. I have to explain a few of the new roads that need to be built. Kai is working hard, so we should raise his pay. As for Chloe, she has gone out to settle a fight in a bar between merchants and adventurers. We need to work on setting a wage for protection from the teleport array to the city gates," Rubina said, guiding Logan while explaining more of what he needed to do his new town.


    It was two hours before Ruben returned, and by then a few soldiers came back with news that no one had spotted the person they were looking for.


    "Well, you should stay the night here. We will continue the effort to find your master if he really is here¡­" Logan replied as he invited his two new guests for dinner.


    "Thank you, Logan. I hope we find him soon¡­" Ruben said, feeling down but accepting the invitation to dinner.

 Chapter 111 Hero of Illusion

    Logan woke up early the next day, he felt tired for some reason.It wasn''t long before he noticed why.


    Within his bed, one of his creatures did not properly fit anymore.


    "I forgot you like to nightcrawl¡­" Logan said just loud enough so the sleeping kid who was hugging Luna. Read chapters at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Yes, you¡­ I even placed your bed in my room, Krexa¡­" Logan said, a little angry as he had no more time to sleep.


    [Tired¡­ more sleep] she said as she cuddled with Luna even more.


    "Well¡­ maybe you can but I can''t," Logan yawned while letting his creatures sleep a little more, especially since Krexa did not correctly use her nightwear.


    Luckily, everything was covered, just a little overexposed.


    As he got up, he went to his personal bathroom within his room, readied and dressed himself.


    Looking at his face in the mirror, he noticed that a small beard was growing¡ªone he had to shave every day, as everything grew fast in this world.


    His hair, for example, had to be cut once a week.


    At first, he hoped it wasn''t something bad, but Rubina took it as a normal occurrence in this world, meaning he shouldn''t worry.


    Soon, he was with the others in the dining room.


    Breakfast was being prepared, and as he ordered, even the servants ate at the large table he had made.


    His biggest rule for his territory was against discrimination.


    It was the one rule no one dared to disobey, besides the normal ones everyone should logically follow.


    "Well then, what is everyone going to do today?" Logan asked his usual morning question to see if he would be needed that day in the estate.


    "I finished my work yesterday. I was hoping to take a day off today if nothing urgent is needed. There are a few new taverns I wanted to visit. They are bringing in stuff from Gargos. If handled right, we can even make a good buck getting a stable supply line from them and reselling to the capital." Kai was the first one to say his part.


    "That might work, but it would also put us at odds with our neighbors who have done that for years. We can, however, try adding our own flavor to each drink and resell that," a chef who made Logan''s favorite food pitched in.


    "That should be interesting. As for my day¡­ I will be going with the new lieutenant and adding possible checkpoints to reduce the number of problems we are having with the new residents," Chloe added before taking a spoonful of cake.


    "We luckily finished most of the paperwork. I will just have it sent out before tending to the farm animals. A quick check should suffice. I will be free after that." Rubina added while sitting and waiting for the others to finish.


    "If you don''t mind us, we will be taking a walk in hopes of spotting my master around your town, Logan¡­" Ruben said, and Logan consented to his decision with a nod.


    As soon as Logan was about to add his input, a butler walked in with a girl behind him.


    Within the room, only Ruben stood up as if he knew the girl.


    "Marie! What are you doing here?"


    Logan''s brain then went into overdrive.


    Marie, a short girl who looked of Hispanic descent, thin and unassuming, was nowhere near as close as the girl before him.


    Tall, thin, beautiful, with long silky black hair, she looked like a model, far from what he remembered.


    Logan looked at the girl with apprehension, causing Ruben, who had gauged Logan''s character in the few hours he had gotten to know the boy to say something to the girl.


    "Marie, we are all classmates here. You shouldn''t use your magic. You should know it only works on those who have not seen you before," Ruben said as the girl nodded.


    Her form shrank; her features went from beautiful to more cute and petite.


    Her long hair was the only thing that stayed the same.


    "Sorry about that, Logan. I thought you did not care enough to remember me¡­" Marie apologized.


    "It''s fine¡­ why don''t you sit down? Order something if you wish," Logan said while nodding, remembering that within the class, someone had the class of Illusionist.


    "Thanks, I just ate¡­ but I won''t refuse a good dessert," the girl said as she asked for a sweet.


    "Well, how about you tell us why you''re here¡­" Logan asked while still busy with his own sweet, wondering why they had another within the class in his land.


    "About that, I was told I could find¡­ what I needed here to finish a certain spell.


    I just wanted to ask you directly, Logan, since my sources tell me you are able to get pure mana crystals."


    "Yes¡­ I did have a few, but I wonder who told you that¡­?" Logan asked, trying to hide his surprise.


    He recalled those who should have known and knew that they would not easily expose what he sold, especially when it was something so important.


    "About that, well, he told me he was someone who worked for the merchant''s guild leader Harold in Midar," Marie said while cleaning cream from her spoon.


    Logan looked at both Ruben and then Marie, alternating his gaze a few times as he recalled that Ruben''s master''s assistant was the one who said he would be here.


    As for Marie, an assistant of the very professional Harold, he didn''t think would release such important information. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He felt something off but decided to leave it for later.


    "About the crystal, I don''t have one at this moment¡­ but may I ask why you need it and what you would give for it?" Logan questioned while cleaning his mouth with a napkin.


    His habits were becoming more like Earl Rosengard, as he secretly admired the elegant gestures Rubina''s father showed when he stayed in their mansion.


    "About that¡­ I wanted to see if I could work for you while I try to finish my project. As for the rest¡­being a fellow hero, I also amassed money while staying in the kingdom. Actually, with my magic, I only had to display a few videos, movies, and such from our world. That made me a good amount of money," Marie finished without really wanting to expose her reason.


    "Work for me?" Logan repeated, wondering how she would be able to help him.


    "Sure, I am not in a rush while I work on my project. As for the rest of your money, if you do decide to sell me one of the crystals, you can receive it in payments. While I do make a lot, it''s a monthly payment, or so I asked to squeeze more from every person who wants to use what I created."


    Marie then took out a small crystal, which displayed a movie that only two people besides the girl using magic in the room knew.


    It was about a ship that had sunk in the sea after it hit a large iceberg.


    "Wow, and here I thought I was rolling in money, creating luxury weapons and armor for nobles¡­" Ruben added, knowing that while stealing copyright material, Marie could gain passive income for years to come.


    "Well¡­ entertainment is hard to come by, and with it, we can improve this town by having something that others will be forced to come to see," Logan thought about a few possibilities, maybe even creating this world''s Hollywood in his small town.


    "About the crystal, we might be getting a few soon. I will have to ask you to wait if you do want to make the deal. Like Ruben, you are welcome to stay here¡­ we at least have more than enough rooms for guests." Logan smiled while thinking about the money he would get in the future; he could almost imagine the dragon he would receive and riding it into the sky.


    "Good, I will accept your offer, Logan. Also¡­ you seem very different; it suits you," Marie said while making a crystal show an image of a boy who sat in the back of the room looking out the window.

 Chapter 112 Hurried Expedition

    "Wow, that looks so real¡­ do you have one of me?" Ruben asked."No¡­" Marie replied hesitantly.


    "Surely you have one of Brian?" Ruben asked again, wondering why there wasn''t a clip about himself.


    "Ugh¡­ No, I never liked him," Marie tried to explain.


    "Wait, why did you have¡­ Uhm, well let''s start with our day. I should be going, right Irma?" Ruben cleared his throat, trying to get everything back on track, as if he had figured out why the girl would only have Logan''s clip within her repertoire of videos.


    The others in the room tried to ignore the reason. Enjoy exclusive chapters from My Virtual Library Empire


    As for the boy in question, he was lost as to why such a thing mattered and wanted to ask if Marie had one of Lisa he could buy.


    "Well, I will be working on finishing a few of these movie crystals. It''s hard since I have to remember a full movie''s content, trying not to change things with parts my mind may add. It helps in adding more realistic scenes at times. Another good part is that I was sold an artifact that helps with remembering things more precisely," Marie added, while trying to show how good and helpful her new magic would be for Logan''s town.


    "Master Logan, your mentor Valeria sends news." A butler suddenly entered, causing those around who knew what might happen to look at Logan as he was handed a parchment.


    Not wanting to waste time, Logan opened the note and began reading through it. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan,


    Something serious is happening in the north. Monsters are acting strangely, and some are being displaced from their territory. I believe something significant is about to occur. We must hurry with our plan before this happens.


    I suggest you bring your knights, Miss Rubina, and your strongest beasts to begin our expedition into the cave.


    Hurry¡ªthe faster we finish this, the better.


    Valeria


    Logan read through the note''s content before looking at his two knights and Rubina.


    "You will have to postpone what you were going to do today. We will set out immediately. Ruben, Marie, you will have to excuse us. We have something we need to do today. If you need anything, don''t hesitate to ask my servants."


    "Wait, if you''re going to fight¡­ how about I sell you these? I''m sure they will fit you, as they have auto-adjust magic. As for your weapon, I gave it some thought and came up with a whip for you. I don''t know if you actually use that." Ruben said as he got a few items out from his personal storage.


    "Wow, these look like high-quality material!" Kai, who knew his stuff when it came to armors and weapons, wanted to cry at not being given something so precious.


    "Well, you should have known by now that when reaching level 40, we get a quest to advance. Mine is to personally make armors for a number of heroes, so I hope this one works for you so I can start finishing this tiresome thing," Ruben complained while handing Logan the items.


    "They do look nice, man. They''re going to be useful, especially where I''m going now. As for the whip... it is something I use. Actually, I can use a fire spell that engulfs my weapon in flames, so I hope it''s fire-resistant," Logan explained, sharing his way of using the weapon and its challenges.


    "It''s perfect then. This particular weapon will sustain a good amount of heat, as it''s made using various mana stones and alloys. It even has an auto-repair function. As for the price, let''s talk about it after you use it. My quest requires that the items I give are ideal for each hero," Ruben added.


    "Perfect, we will speak later then," Logan replied as he began exiting the dining room. Everyone who knew what would happen followed him closely.


    "So, is it the day?" Chloe asked from behind.


    "Yes, ready yourselves. We are actually on a timer here. Valeria said she saw monsters acting weird. Something big is going to happen, so we need to hurry with the mining operation."


    "Got it. We will meet at the gates in 20 minutes. I will bring two assistants I have been training for the past few weeks. They are young, discreet, and ready for a good fight," Chloe added while looking at Kai.


    "Well¡­ I also have a few soldiers who I brought under me. I will only bring one, though; he is the only one I trust so far," Kai said, scratching his head.


    "Good, just keep them under contract. Rubina, how about you? Do you need more time to get ready?" Logan asked.


    "No, my bird and mount are the only ones I need to collect. I will follow you," Rubina said, rushing to her room to pick up a few items.


    "Alright, let''s hurry then. We are already halfway through the morning." Logan, who needed to collect his tamed beasts, quickly called those in the mansion with his mental link and began heading to the barns to get the others.


    He soon reached Scorch, who was ready to head out. His new handler was busy cleaning him, which pleased the beast.


    "Thanks for always being so thorough with his cleaning, Javi. You''re the best." Logan praised the young boy who was tasked with taking care of Scorch''s needs.


    He had other teenagers tasked with this, and each one worked with a beast they could be around.


    After seeing that Scorch was ready, he went to Silis, whose barn was next.


    Being able to control earth, she had already created a larger barn for her new body.


    The floor was a little deeper underground, making it hard for Logan to go in.


    He had to instruct her to create a staircase.


    As for her handler, she was a young teenage girl who could also use basic earth magic and was able to raise or lower small pedestals to walk on with ease.


    "How are you doing, big girl?" Logan petted Silis, who was having her face scrubbed.


    "You think you will be able to finish in ten minutes, Sofi?" he asked the ambered girl of fourteen years of age.


    She was joyfully taking care of Silis while being careful now that she was larger than before.


    "Master Logan, it''s good to see you. It''s going to be hard giving her a full clean, but if it''s only the face, it should be fine. I am amazed at how large she grew in just a day. I feel safe around her, so don''t worry," Sofie smiled while petting her scales.


    "Also, her scales might be coveted, so if she loses some in the wild, try collecting them," Sofie said while inspecting the hard gold scales.


    "If you find any here, just sell them for yourself, Sofie. Take it as a bonus for taking care of such a large creature," Logan added while informing Silis through their mind link about today''s plans.

 Chapter 113 Creature Rollcall

    It took more time than he planned to gather all his creatures.It was enough to cause a stir around town as Logan had Scorch, Silis, Luna, Krexa, and Zephyr, who had arrived early to guide them into the mountain.


    Dust, one of his work horses who Kai got friendly with and began using as a mount, also joined them.


    Digger, who had evolved to his next form, was a large fierce mole with thirty-centimeter claws and now stood at two meters tall. He could use his powerful legs to walk like a bipedal beast normally.


    As for his new beasts, Voltar the mantis joined in.


    Noctur, a ferret-like creature, also joined.


    It was a rare dual-type creature that excelled in both darkness and earth magic.


    Using this, he was like a ninja on the battlefield, moving swiftly while undercover and forming the terrain to help hide himself.


    Given that there were many bears in the wild, Logan took in an orphaned of one of these creatures and had it trained.


    Its water typing made it difficult to find a proper caretaker, but now the small creature was able to stand three meters high.


    Riptide was shedding his winter coat, making his new fur grow in a dark brownish-blue hue. The transition from light brown winter fur to his new coloring, caused by the melting snow, made him look imposing.


    Riptide was one of the beasts Logan did not need to take care of personally, as he was powerful enough to fend for himself.


    War was also one of these new beasts.


    He was a hog who stumbled, hurt, into Logan''s camp.


    Logan healed him and gained his loyalty.


    Now he comes and goes, being smart enough to look for his own food in the forest, as well as having a mate who was not part of Logan''s tamed creatures.


    Finally, Logan had his own cat beast.


    It was just like Saber; it was very difficult to find.


    Only during a dangerous journey in the mountain was Logan able to come across the elusive beast, who did not like to be near humans.


    The best part is that it used an element that his species did not usually use, like humans, animals would also favor a certain element.


    Just as there weren''t many humans who could harness the power of electricity, there were animals who could or did not use certain elements that many of their species commonly did.


    As for his maned leopard, he was a dark-skinned panther, a rare variant who mainly used dark magic.


    Saber, for example, used earth magic, the most common for creatures to use in this world.


    The last of his new animals was a stag, another which Logan could not let pass without taming.


    It had rare light magic, which was extremely useful.


    It was able to heal, recover quickly after a fight, and had inexhaustible stamina. He would also be a perfect candidate for use as a mount.


    Its three-meter body, which was previously a normal-sized deer, was now a moose-like creature that resembled something from Earth''s ice age animals.


    Each horn was the size of Logan''s body, with sharp edges that made it a menace to any predators that tried to hunt it.


    "Well then, we are all ready," Logan said to the group who was waiting near the door.


    Rubina''s own bird had grown to three times its original size and became a Grand Aurolious Fowl.


    Its large size made a flap of its wing radiate heatwaves that helped with the crops during the cold days. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "We need to hurry. Have all those that are slow ride on Silis. As for the rest, get on various large creatures as mounts. We need to be there within two hours. Move out!" Logan called out while getting on top of Scorch, who roared loudly as if announcing his master''s order.


    The ground shook outside the walls as the Great Eartheater hopped out as if it was a dolphin jumping through the sea.


    It was Logan''s largest beast and one that not only grew twice as big, but also changed drastically.


    Its squishy, worm-like body gained snake-like scales, and its various rows of teeth grew sharp enough to be like a blender.


    Logan did not think he could have done what he had previously did to tame the beast with the way his Eartheater was now.


    It had created various passages underground that made even Logan want to visit later.


    The large beast took half of those who were on Silis''s back, helping with the load.


    The group was finally ready.


    Using Zephyr to guide them through the fastest route and its ability to reduce wind pressure, the group was able to speed through the longest part of the journey.


    Within an hour and a half, they reached the third mountain.


    The hardest part would be the climb, but this proved to be an easy task with the Eartheater, who dug a zigzag trail to make it easier for those behind it to climb.


    As they reached halfway up the mountain, Valeria came into sight.


    She was next to Saber, who had also grown in size, looking more like a cross between a sabretooth tiger and a lion.


    Logan waved to his mentor, who he had not seen for a few days.


    She had dedicated most of her time to finding the entrance of the cave and exploring possible entry and exit points.


    "Took you long enough. I thought it would be night before you got all the creatures here. Now then, let''s hurry. I fear an invasion soon. That''s the only thing that would make all the creatures become as displaced as they are now," Valeria began while waiting for the group of humans to close in to start speaking.


    "Alright, now then, I have found three exits and various tunnels that connect them. This is not your normal cave system, but something carefully planned out. Given that we found our fanged friend not too far from here, I believe it''s the work of one of its kind. However, I did not find any within the cave," Valeria said, trying to be discreet about talking about vampires.


    "So is it like an abandoned mine?" Kai asked while looking at the entrance of a nearby cave.


    Its opening looked handmade.


    "No, it''s more like an abandoned laboratory¡­" a voice said from behind them.

 Chapter 114 Abandoned Laboratory

    Serana, who had quickly transformed into her human form, added, "It may be related to the vampires," while trying to hide her identity now that others who were not within the usual group were present.She had been out hunting while waiting for Logan to arrive.


    "If that is the case, we should proceed with even more caution. Today, my Solstag will be in the lead, radiating the cave from the front. Is the cave large enough for us to enter comfortably, or should I have Digger expand the path?" Logan asked while trying to see who would be able to fit within the large entrance.


    "Normal beasts within four meters of height would be fine, but have Digger go ahead and make the southern exit larger so we won''t clog the entrance with so many beasts." Valeria then started giving orders to create groups.


    Logan, who needed to be in the center of the operation, had Scorch, Luna, Serana, and Valeria within his small team.


    Rubina was to stand guard outside with Silis and a few other creatures.


    Kai and Chloe each needed to guard and enter one of the other two entrances.


    As soon as Logan entered with his group, he saw metallic construction throughout the cave¡ªbeams and rusted plates held together the cavern.


    When it really got dark, his stag began to use its large antlers to produce light as strong as the sun.


    It had to be careful, as it wasn''t an animal meant to walk through small, enclosed areas littered with stones.


    "This is as far as we got," Valeria said, as she told the group to slow down to check more thoroughly.


    As they got further in, the group began to see what looked like gates that were half-opened.


    They seemed to be torn, as if something had escaped.


    "This shows signs of claws. How about it, Serana? Do you see anything interesting?" Logan asked while watching the girl who traced the markings with her finger.


    "No¡­but maybe¡­" The girl ran in deeper without waiting for the others.


    "Hey, that''s dangerous!" Valeria called out.


    She chased behind her while Logan followed.


    "Damn, it must be something related to her. We should have left her back," Valeria said while still following.


    They passed a long corridor with more metallic doors¡ªsome were opened, others closed.


    "I have yet to check each part. There may be traps, so watch out!"


    As they closed in on the girl, she had stopped in front of three cages.


    Inside, there were old human remains along with other demon-like skulls with horns.


    "This¡­ at least twenty or more years have passed without anyone coming here. Those look half buried in dust," Valeria informed as she used her foot to slightly move some of the dirt.


    "How about it, Serana? Do you remember anything now?" Logan asked as he got closer, holding her shoulder which seemed to tremble.


    "No¡­I can''t¡­ I thought maybe there would be answers, but nothing makes sense." The vampire girl held her head with both hands, trying to force a memory from her time as a feral beast. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She vaguely remembered the two who were with her being her parents; only a handful of memories of her life let her know this.


    One of two individuals who ran and ran, another when they would bring her food, another where they protected her from a group of human-like figures, and another of a woman who looked like her current self except she was slowly turning feral to the point of not being able to revert to her human self any longer.


    And finally, the last one: she was so weak she found herself chasing, with two others, a boy and a woman who smelled delicious.


    She tried looking for other memories, but nothing else came to mind.


    "I need to go in further, I need to find¡­" Serana said while shaking the fear that paralyzed her away.


    She tried going further in, but Logan held on to her arm.


    "Wait. I know what you want to do, but let''s do this together. You may be strong, but we don''t know what''s further inside."


    Serana tried to pull herself away, but then she felt Logan''s emotions through their link, calming her own.


    "Fine, but I want to find something here. You may need to leave me while you search for the crystals," Serana accepted and went deeper into the laboratory.


    More rooms were empty, with various tools or old weapons laying around.


    The deeper they went, the more bodies they found.


    Skeleton remains sent Logan shivering as they discovered more than twenty in one room.


    "These did not die normally; they were attacked. There are many with fractures and broken bones," Valeria said, while looking through some of the bones.


    "You know¡­ I just came here for the crystals. I really don''t want to know about the way they died¡­ or want to stay here much longer¡­" Logan said, trying to ignore the stuff scattered on the floor.


    "Well, as we head there, we need to know what we might be dealing with. By the sight around here, it might have been built as a lab over the mine to provide them with energy for whatever they were doing here," Valeria added, while trying to check through papers that quickly disintegrated with her touch.


    [Serana, stay here if you want. I will keep going deeper,] Logan sent a message as he continued, not wanting to see any more dead bodies that meant nothing to him.


    Scorch and Solar kept going forth with him, while Valeria, who could not find more than what she had seen previously, went with Logan along with Noire and Saber.


    It wasn''t long before they found a door that radiated mana particles.


    It had the same feeling as the underground cavern, making Logan tremble with joy this time.


    "I know it''s behind this gate, but how do we break it open? Digger went with Chloe." Logan tapped the large door, which had a small slit in the middle.


    "How else? By blowing it away. Let''s go to any door''s weak point¡ªthe hinges."

 Chapter 115 Mana Cavern Guardians

    Logan went back to hide after Valeria finished setting various bombs around the door''s edges. As soon as she was ready, she went and hid next to Logan, making sure that all their beasts were in safety before pulling the magic string.A loud explosion rang throughout the tunnel, enough to make a few rocks and dirt fall from the ceiling. As for the door, only one part had been damaged enough to fall.


    The other door was no better off than the first in terms of looks.


    It took Logan a few kicks to make it fall off, revealing a room where crystals shone.


    Based on their energy, Logan knew it was not as pure as the previous cave; its crystals were smaller, but there were plenty. At least the entrance showed a good find.


    "Before you proceed, let''s gather Kai and Chloe. Have them stop what they are doing and come," Valeria called out. Logan took out his communication device and began talking to Chloe and Kai, who immediately answered.


    [Leave what you''re doing and come to the first entrance. I will have Regal bring you here,] Logan communicated, as he then began to call most his creatures to gather to his location.


    All except the largest, who were to stand outside until needed.


    While they waited, they began to enter the crystal cavern, carefully looking around for traps or whatever the Eartheater worm feared in the cavern.


    The walls were all decorated with shiny, pointed crystals, each one of a light blue or pink hue.


    Kryst, who had been tucked inside Logan''s shirt, suddenly exited, excited to be home, or what she thought was her home.


    She looked around, feeling each crystal.


    The slime extended its tendrils to taste a mana-filled gem near her.


    She then swallowed one whole, pulling it from the wall with great force. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Both Logan and Valeria were stunned, seeing the action and how the crystal within the gelatinous form was being devoured.


    "Well, that is new¡­" Logan said, observing what was happening within the transparent body of the slime.


    "I guess it approves. Let''s keep going and leave her here to do whatever she is doing for now," Valeria said as they headed inside, following stairs made out of concrete that at times were pierced by the crystals.


    The cave seemed to be alive as the crystals grew like weeds, slowly reclaiming what the previous invaders had done to the cave.


    "We will need to pull out some crystals to go further inside."


    Logan took out a few bags from his space to show his mentor, who nodded and began trying to pull some crystals that intersected around each other, as if making a gate that kept them from advancing.


    While working on that, he heard the voice of his tamed asking for orders outside. Scorch stood in wait, as he was too big to enter without them properly taking out the crystals next to the entrance.


    "Good to see you here. I will need help to start removing the crystals so we can advance," Logan told both Chloe and Kai, who were going to be useful with their earth magic.


    "No problem, Digger seems ready as well. Just hand us the storage devices," Chloe replied. Logan did as asked and continued with the work.


    Soon, most of the crystals in the entrance were removed, and they guided them to a spiral staircase that led them down deeper into the cave.


    Being crystal-infested, they could not walk much without first clearing them.


    After half an hour of struggling to remove most of the mana-filled gems, they reached the bottom where the cave opened. It was no longer a two-meter opening like the entrance but a large, endless expanse that made Logan''s mouth water.


    The only problem was four golems that stood still, or at least those were the ones that Logan could see.


    "We need to be careful. They don''t seem to be moving, but something tells me that if we go further, they will start attacking¡­" Valeria said while hiding with the others behind crystals.


    "Do you think I could tame them¡­?" Logan asked while looking at the three-meter-high golems with bodies made of both rock and crystal. They stood on two feet and had large, club-like arms.


    "I don''t think we can check that out without first fighting them, and with four of them here we will need to think of a good plan. But I don''t think those are the ones we need to fear. I don''t think your worm would hide from a golem of that size¡­" Valeria whispered while trying to see if there was something else here that might have spooked the large Eartheater.


    "Well, I think this is the perfect place to have Noctur show his prowess. Have the ferret go in to see their reaction to movement within the cave; maybe we will see who Grav is," Valeria suggested.


    [You heard her, Noctur, it''s your turn to shine. Try to gauge their abilities; we need to see what we are working with.]


    As soon as Logan commanded, his stealthy creature entered swiftly, mixing digging through the ground and hiding behind crystals. As soon as it got to the first golem, this one moved a little as if waking up.


    Noctur then used magic to produce rocks to toss and create a small diversion. The golem moved after that to find the cause of the noise.


    Its movements made the other three golems turn to face their companion.


    "Well, they aren''t too fast¡­" Logan said to those who were observing around him.


    "I don''t see another golem though. I wonder who your creature was talking about," Chloe added while using earth magic to create barriers in case they needed them to hide.


    Noctur, who had made commotions away from the group, began to route the golems further inside the cave.


    This allowed the team to enter further in and adjust their formation to begin fighting. The more they walked, the wider the cave became. The four golems that followed Noctur did not seem to hear them so far and continued inside.


    The large cave seemed to continue until they spotted a glowing red area. This area seemed different in size, but just by looking at it, they knew it was magma.


    "Damn it, this isn''t a normal mountain but a volcano. We need to be even more careful."


    As soon as Noctur got to a certain distance, they finally saw what looked like a fifth golem in the distance, half its body within the magma channel that passed through the volcano, as if taking a bath in it.


    "Do you see that?" Logan pointed, so the rest could understand what he was talking about.


    "Wow, that is probably Gav. It''s no ordinary golem. I fear it might even have a fire blessing, which will make it even harder to fight¡­"

 Chapter 116 Perfect Teamwork

    "So Logan, what do you want to do¡­ not to pressure you, but I will be leaving in a few days. I think it would be best to try testing our luck today," Valeria said while walking slowly towards the golems to get a better look.Logan followed a few steps behind as they got closer behind a large crystal to inspect the large golem closer.


    They could only see the top half of the large monster as it was deep within the river of magma about fifty meters in front of them, but that was enough to make Logan think twice.


    Looking at the great beast whose body radiated flames, the crystals glowing in their infernal colors made him waver, but he also found it exciting.


    It wasn''t an emotion that he felt often, but when it happened, he felt like doing the impossible.


    Logan knew Luna would be the perfect counter.


    Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire


    He started going through various strategies, the main one being keeping the golem within the lava pit to limit its movement.


    As for the smaller golems, they needed to be dealt with first.


    [Noctur, bring them back before the large golem awakens.]


    "Alright, let''s get ready. Noctur will be luring them back. We need to set traps and be prepared before they get close," Logan said, glancing toward the large golem, who was more than fifty meters away, while the other smaller four were less than ten meters away.


    They only had a few seconds, so he put Regal to work, starting to place webs.


    Valeria busied herself with her own preparations, while Chloe, Digger, and Kai, who had finished his task, began creating large pits to slow the large golems.


    "I will try taming them, but I doubt it will work on the parts with rocks and crystals," Logan said softly as the golems were closing in.


    He was busy covering the floor with ice using Luna''s power to make it even harder for the golems to walk.


    "Everyone, get back! We need to retreat!" Valeria, who felt the quakes getting closer, pulled Logan by the arm.


    As the rumbling sound of four large, heavy golems got closer, the group began to ready their magic.


    They needed to end this fast before the large golem started to move.


    Noctur was suddenly in sight, showing himself to lure the golems into the traps before digging through the ground to hide.


    The first of the golems could not stop its body from moving forward and slid across the floor into a pit.


    Its large body slammed into the wall, breaking off a few crystals with a loud thud.


    The other three behind him did not fare any better.


    Their mindless pursuit of Noctur blinded their judgment as they also slid across the floor. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Only the last one used magic to connect one of his arms to the floor to keep himself standing.


    "Now!" Logan yelled as both beasts and his companions went forward to stop one golem each in groups.


    Logan went for the first one that fell hard, making it both confused and paralyzed by the hit.


    He did not think twice and used his blood on rocks, tossing them into the large golem''s mouth.


    Logan considered trying the eyes but then scrapped the idea, fearing his own eyes would show some strange tattoo.


    The golem fought the link with all it had; it seemed to be a tougher opponent than Logan had thought.


    "Fine, you want to do this the hard way!" Logan tossed a few more blood-soaked crystals into its mouth and ordered Scorch, Luna, and Digger to use all their strength to hit the golem.


    By logic, if they did not want to accept it normally, then maybe he would do as in games and weaken him to the point he will accept.


    Digger, with strong claws that could cut through crystals with ease, almost tore an arm off.


    As for Scorch and Luna, they kept it still with magic, both hitting it at intervals to damage it with the use of temperature.


    "Logan, over here, try on this one!" Logan, who was busy with the first, did not see that Chloe and Kai had one all covered in stone spikes while Riptide the water bear used its large size to keep it down.


    Logan rushed and dripped blood on stones and crystals, which he placed on the golem''s mouth. This one struggled a little less, probably having a weaker mind than the first.


    Logan did not have time to check if the link was established as he ran towards a third one that was fighting with War the hog, Noctur, Voltar, and Krexa. This one was down due to Krexa, who was smiling as her trap had worked.


    The goblin not only grew taller with her evolution but also smarter.


    She had yet to speak coherently, but Logan had no doubts that within a few years she would be able to speak human language normally.


    As for the trap, it was simple: use War to keep the golem busy while Noctur made two large holes where Krexa would make the beast fall.


    War had finally gotten the order, with Krexa on top of the hog, to push it into the holes, making it tumble. Krexa, who specialized in darkness and earth, used dark tendrils from shadows¡ªa new power¡ªto hold it down.


    As for Voltar, he used his electrical magic, feeling the pulses of electricity surge from his wings.


    He focused the energy into pulses towards the earth golem.


    The golem, embedded with metallic minerals, began to shudder and react to the magnetic influence.


    Logan thought it was a good idea to restrain the other three golems.


    The golem being tased and magnetically pulled to the ground created the link even faster, and soon Logan felt three new tamed bonds.


    "Any time now, Logan! We need to hurry¡ªthe big boy has caught on after the third golem and is starting to move," Valeria called, as she felt Gav the golem within the magma react to its companions being hurt.


    [Voltar, let''s go do the same to the next golem,] Logan commanded as they rushed to the last golem Valeria had trapped within webs, which Regal helped create.


    Using the same method to magnetize the golem, Logan quickly had it tamed. Now the problem was the large creature that had already exited the magma, causing the room to turn hot.

 Chapter 117 Battle with Goliath

    "So it has come to this¡­" Logan sighed as he watched the five-meter-tall giant before him, who was slow but showed powerful might with each step it took.The whole cavern rumbled with its movements.


    "Any ideas¡­" Logan asked while calling his large Eartheater and Silis to follow and help with the fight.


    "Stop it at all costs, then bombard it with magic and hope for the best," Valeria said while taking out bombs and tossing them onto the large beast to hopefully stop its movement.


    Feeling the explosion near its foot, it roared out in anger, dripping magma from its mouth.


    "That did not seem to work. Kai, Chloe, start making barriers; we will need to hold him down. Scorch, since you can resist fire, keep him busy. It''s slow, so hit and run," Logan commanded, not wasting time now that the large golem was approaching.


    Logan began using Ice Spikes to hit the creature from afar, while Luna did the same while being careful to avoid Scorch, who was fighting at close quarters.


    The terrain was quickly being molded into a maze to make it difficult for the golem to get near.


    Valeria, unable to do much, stood back to keep an eye on the battlefield.


    Her own beasts were not going to be good in this fight, so she kept them back.


    Only those with hard scales and fire or water attributes would be able to get close enough to hurt the golem.


    Scorch got close and slashed at the parts of the golem he thought would be soft.


    The union between the limbs was the best spot, making the golem roar even louder in pain.


    As for Luna and Logan''s efforts, they did not amount to much.


    The magma was so intense that the ice would melt as soon as it touched its skin.


    He then checked through the list of skills he could use.


    They weren''t many, suitable for the situation; the skills he had were mainly for one-on-one with monsters of equal size.


    It was then that everyone felt the rumbling, not from the golem, but from someone drilling under them.


    "Incoming!" Logan yelled as everyone fell back. Within seconds, a mouth appeared from the floor, eating up any dirt, rock, and crystal that was within its path before diving back in.


    Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire


    Behind it, another large creature emerged¡ªSilis, whose golden scales radiated a red hue, reflecting the magma in front of her.


    [Good, we are set, let''s go! Silis, use your best earth spikes to keep the golem busy. Terra, we need a large hole for a trap,] Logan began, ordering his two new helpers that would change the fight against the Goliath.


    Silis, who could create spikes half his size, only with the weight and strength of a cannonball. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They could not go far, but at close range, they were as deadly as a large rocket.


    The golem was blasted back near the magma chamber, giving the group space to move as well as relieving them from the intense flames its large body radiated.


    Logan did not let this small victory get to him.


    His Eartheater Terra was slowly eating the dirt in front of them, ready for the next trap.


    The golem, filled with fury, went forth trying to hit Silis, who had stopped her barrage, but it stepped into the large trap and fell into a three-meter pit.


    Unable to balance itself to get out, it tried using its own earth magic to raise the floor below it.


    This was met with both the Eartheater and Silis doing a tug of war with the golem to control the ground with magic.


    Logan took this time to try something new. It was a particular magic that only one of his tamed beings used, one he did not want to use as it hurt him while using it.


    "Valeria, protect me. I will need to concentrate," Logan called out before casting. He then concentrated on his finger and the blood that was coming out.


    It seemed to have a will of its own, moving like a snake.


    He tried getting as close as he could to the golem, having Luna use Glacial Barrier to keep most of the heat away.


    The blood he sent forth shot toward the golem, trying to find a part within its body that it could enter. Some of it sizzled and evaporated, making Logan have to use more to replace it.


    "You should stop, we only tested that once and it did not turn out so well," Valeria whispered as she watched the boy shed a bucket of sweat.


    "No, I need this to work; there will be no other way," Logan said, putting all his willpower into keeping himself up.


    The golem, using all his strength to fight the earth magic being used on him by two great beasts, did not have the time to care for what the human boy was doing.


    Logan''s blood tendril expanded, searching for another area where a large crystal was embedded within the golem.


    The crystal had shifted enough to create an opening for it to enter the golem''s body.


    "There, it''s in. I just need to concentrate and hopefully overpower him with my taming bond¡­" Logan said, breathing roughly as he was on all fours.


    As Silis and Terra used their magic to make the earth around it press on the creature, Logan did his best to create the bond.


    This required him to focus on feelings, on trying to convey his emotions.


    He had never had to try so hard to communicate with a beast to work with him as he did with the golem.


    [Grav needs no master!] he kept hearing from the beast, who was struggling and putting up a strong mental defense.


    [No, not master¡­ I will be a friend,] Logan said. Yet this did not seem to get through, as he had never really worked with this particular emotion.


    [Lie, you want servants, not friends, like previous master!] The golem cried out, blasting magma around him.


    A small drop was about to fall on Logan, who was nearby, but Scorch shielded him from it.


    [I need your strength, not some false loyalty. We will work together, just like all my other tamed beings. With your strength, you will grow stronger and find friends with those you are fighting with now! Let''s stop this and shake hands. We will both grow strong together¡­]


    Logan tried to communicate as he could not even hold himself up anymore.


    [Congratulations! You have reached Level 40! As a reward for reaching this milestone, you have been gifted seven primordial beads...]

 Chapter 118 Primordial Evolution

    Logan could not believe it.Right in the middle of one of the most difficult battles, he got a level up out of nowhere, and the screen was appearing right in front of him.


    It almost made him lose the mental battle against the golem.


    He tried to focus, but it was a little too late.


    The beast was overwhelming his mind with its refusal to join, which made it even angrier.


    Logan had no choice but to back down and return with Valeria.


    He needed to try defeating the beast that did not want to be tamed; it was a first, but there was no other way.


    Feeling the pain from overusing his blood ability that drained him, he tried to understand why he had leveled up as he told Valeria to pull him out of the battle.


    "Retreat for now, we need to retreat!" Valeria called out.


    Hearing the order, Silis used the barrage of earth spikes again to keep the golem down as it was still struggling to get up.


    Terra, on the other hand, made the pit deeper to have it stay in place while the others retreated.


    As soon as most of them were back up to the stair area, his four new tamed golems created a large thick wall that would keep the large magma golem trapped for a while.


    "Well then, what do we do now? Are we going to quit?" Valeria asked, as both Chloe and Kai were trying to gather their bearings.


    "No, it''s just that it did not want to be tamed. It seemed to have been tamed before and does not want to form another bond. All we can do is leave this place or defeat it. I don''t think it would be wise to leave such a monster close by, gathering more power by the day," Logan said.


    Experience exclusive tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    Logan tried to communicate with the golems to find out if there would be another option, but they were like his slime, unable to speak due to low intelligence.


    "I wonder though, who leveled up? Did someone kill something powerful, or did something happen with one of my tames?" Logan wanted to check his stats before making a decision.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Logan


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Class: Soul Bound Tamer


    Level: 40 / Health: 261 / Mana: 159


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Attributes:


    Strength: 32 Agility: 30 Dexterity: 29 Constitution: 41 Intelligence: 39 Charisma: 39


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Experience Points (XP): 21/8000]


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Logan skipped the list of skills and abilities, which were basically the same, as well as the list of creatures, and went straight to the next part of his status where a small window displayed a quest as he had no time.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Quest: Primordial Soul Bound Tamer Unlocked


    Gain the ability to choose seven monsters within your tamed beings who have reached level 40 and will evolve to the next stage further allowing them to gain strength. Capability to surpass Level 40. Taming (Rank: Advanced).


    Mission: Create a total of seven primordial beasts at level 40 and have them evolve by ingesting the primordial beads.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    As for the beads, the notice kept mentioning the quest window, which kept blinking as if asking him to press the screen in front of him.


    Using his weak, trembling hand, he lifted it and pressed the screen only he could see.


    The others around him suddenly saw that, out of nowhere, seven gems of different colors dropped.


    "What is that?" Kai asked, wondering what Logan was doing.


    "Where is Scorch¡­" Logan asked, as he had the prime candidate for the first Primordial Evolution.


    Scorch, hearing his name, rushed towards Logan while being careful of the others.


    Soon, he reached his weakened master''s side, wondering why he was called.


    Logan put all the small beads away except for one that shone like a ruby with a flame inside of it.


    "Eat this¡­" Logan said while placing the gem near the raptor''s mouth.


    Without questioning his master, the raptor took the gem and swallowed it, bringing his head up to ease the bead as it passed through its esophagus.


    "You might want to move¡­ last time he grew almost four times its size¡­" Logan said, having Valeria carry him a little away from where Scorch was.


    As for the raptor in the middle of the room, it began to radiate a powerful red light, causing particles to form around him.


    Scorch roared, which echoed through the cave with a bone-chilling shrill that sounded as if he was fighting to the death.


    His body grew bigger. If before he was two meters tall, now he was almost three meters tall with a length nearing nine meters.


    He roared fiercely, but it was completely different than before.


    The call he made now sounded like a deep, rumbling growl that resonated in everyone''s core.


    "Do you think we stand a chance now?" Logan asked while weakly smiling.


    Soon, another companion joined them.


    It was a strange humanoid-shaped gelatinous form, but this one began to create refined features of a woman.


    "So it was you who had leveled up!" Logan tried to yell while suppressing a cough.


    [Forgive, I was¡­ hungry,] he heard Kryst communicate in a strange tone as if it was trying to adjust itself with each word.


    Before he even asked, he was hugged by the slime as it began to use its improved healing abilities.


    Logan was awestruck.


    The slime was no longer as squishy as before; her touch seemed almost like normal skin.


    He felt pulses of healing magic radiating toward him, healing his previous wounds. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Drink¡­ mana water,] he heard Kryst say in a feminine tone.


    Logan did as asked and began drinking from his ring, now that he could move his hand a little easier.


    He then felt the pulses Kryst was sending reacting with the water he had ingested.


    He began to feel a deeper level of healing that included his lost blood, as if Kryst was guiding the mana-filled water to heal the loss of blood.


    "Thank you, Kryst," Logan said, hugging his slime, who was always with him, before getting up as if he was never hurt.

 Chapter 119 Beyond Taming

    Feeling like they had a chance now, Logan called the golems to take down the wall and began walking with Scorch and his tamed beings who could put up a fight.Terra and Silis had hidden themselves underground again to avoid the large golem, who had gotten up and was angry from being attacked.


    The large golem clapped his powerful hands together as if ready for a serious fight.


    Scorch did not like the display of insolence towards his master and roared loud enough to overshadow the loud clanks.


    While taller, the golem was still slower, unable to keep up with Scorch who charged forward and used his weight to strengthen his claws, which glowed red.


    As they tore into the golem, parts of its body began to melt. Even its heat-resistant body wasn''t enough to keep it safe.


    Scorch then jumped back to avoid one of the golem''s arms.


    [Silis, Terra, restrain its movement. We can''t have Scorch be hurt,] Logan communicated, realizing he had forgotten to give orders during the battle of the titans.


    The golem, trying to move forward, found its legs covered in stone, preventing it from moving.


    Meanwhile, Scorch, who had dodged another swing, used his tail as a blade to slice the golem''s hand off.


    With three large creatures, the battle became one-sided.


    The large magma golem tried to create another arm with earth as Scorch cut one of its legs.


    The golem stumbled forward as magma dropped from one of its legs, hardening fast enough to keep it from falling.


    Scorch used the little time it was given to reheat its tail to sear off the other leg.


    Silis, knowing the battle needed to end fast as Scorch''s mana was quickly depleting with each blow, surfaced and also joined in, bashing the golem with its hard scales.


    Both reptilians hit the golem in turns to keep it from regenerating, waiting for the right moment to use their final strike.


    Logan looked at those fighting, his anxiety rising. Enjoy new chapters from My Virtual Library Empire


    He still had a bit of hope in taming the golem, who would be a great asset, but he felt a nudge beside him.


    "It''s better that you give up, Logan. Not all beasts are meant to be tamed. This one in particular can be dangerous if we leave it alone. I am sure this lava shouldn''t have been exposed, meaning the golem was digging out the volcano, which could provoke an eruption," Valeria said, patting his back as she saw the desperation on the boy''s face.


    "...It''s just that it seemed lonely, as if it felt abandoned by its master. I sensed a kind of sorrow in its voice, a longing..." Logan replied, seeing how his two beasts were readying for one final strike.


    Logan could only watch as Silis finally made the golem fall, causing Scorch to slice off its head.


    The golem, who could no longer remain together, began to separate into parts.


    The light in its eyes, which glowed red, faded, leaving a silence in the room.


    "I guess¡­ that is that¡­" Kai said, interrupting everyone, including Logan, who felt bad for the lonely golem''s end.


    "Yes¡­ that is all," Logan said, turning to the other golems who stood still, emotionless as if nothing had happened to one of their kind.


    Logan sighed, deciding to ignore the feelings that were tormenting him for now.


    He was busy thinking about the quest he was given so that he could continue leveling.


    The boy needed to decide which of the six would advance to their primordial evolution.


    With fire used, he needed one for each of the other elements.


    They also needed to be creatures that would accept the change¡ªhe doubted someone like Lisa or Serana would want to.


    For now, everyone was told to gather crystals.


    He needed just enough to replenish his stock.


    It took less time than expected after disassembling the giant golem, who not only had crystals but also precious metals that Logan thought Ruben, the smith, would need to craft better items for him and his men.


    "Well then, I guess we are done here¡­ everyone, let''s go back. As for the golems, you guys stay here and watch over the mine," Logan commanded the group.


    He wanted to take the golems, but they were far too slow and heavy to take outside the mine and get back before nightfall.


    Everyone readied themselves to go back as Logan had Terra the Eater make a new tunnel wide enough for everyone to go outside.


    As for Logan and Valeria, they went back into the abandoned laboratory to find Serana, who had yet to appear.


    [Serana, are you still here?] Logan called out using his skill.


    [I am¡­ I am busy reading in one of the rooms. I might need to stay here, Logan. I found a few books that I need to decipher¡­ it might give me answers¡­] he heard her say.


    [Alright, join us when you''re done then. We will be going back for today,] Logan said, relaying the information to Valeria, who wondered why Logan had paused.


    "Well then, let''s just meet up with Rubina and the rest of the beasts before we go back," Valeria said, nodding with understanding.


    The team of two and various monsters continued on, passing the skeleton-filled rooms until they were back at the entrance.


    Rubina was petting Zephyr and Uriel while standing near a campfire.


    "Good news, Rubina. We won''t have to camp out tonight," Logan said with a smile.


    Rubina returned the smile to the boy who had come out and noticed a strange gelatinous figure behind him.


    "Is that Kryst?" Rubina asked, pointing to the slime.


    "Well, yes. It seems to have gotten its fill of crystals and leveled up enough to sustain this new form." Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hi Ru..bin..a," everyone heard the slime say as it waved its hand.


    "Well, that is new. Hey there, Kryst. Sorry for not recognizing you¡­" Rubina said, staring at the slime in amazement who had said her name.

 Chapter 120 Tempest Kite

    Without anything more to do in the cave, the team readied themselves to go back.Logan, meanwhile, had to adjust himself to Scorch, who was now too big to fit into his previous saddle.


    Scorch''s large and wide back was enough for him, Krexa, and Kryst in her new human form to get on without worrying about falling or making Scorch tired, so everything was fine.


    Scorch showed a never-before-seen joy.


    He was now a little slower but more powerful. With Kryst healing him during the journey, his stamina was almost endless.


    As for the others, they trailed behind at times.


    Kryst, full of vitality, healed those that needed to recover stamina while Logan provided her with small crystals to keep her in top shape.


    During the silent journey back, the sun had already set, and a cool breeze surrounded the team.


    Solar was in front, using its large antlers as headlights to light the way.


    Logan used this time to think about his future plans. He had acquired not only the crystals he wanted but also a mine that produced them endlessly if not drained.


    He knew Kryst would play a vital role in this and wanted to have her evolve into her next stage.


    Logan was wondering if she would accept the light elemental bead.


    As for the emerald green one, it already had an owner¡ªZephyr, who kept looking at Scorch with obvious feelings of jealousy.


    Zephyr was already at level 40, so it met the requirement.


    [Zephyr, do you want to evolve?] Logan sent out a communication towards the large Eagle, who flew a few meters above them.


    [Want, be stronger, Scorch] The bird shrilled as if challenging.


    Scorch grunted at its companion in a friendly manner, as if accepting the fight.


    "Everyone stop! I have something I want to try¡­" Logan called out before handing Zephyr the green gem.


    Continue your adventure at My Virtual Library Empire


    It did not take a second call to summon the beast.


    It swooped down and gently took the bead, which radiated a green light, into its mouth.


    Then, it flew up as high as it could, as if wanting to hide within the clouds before revealing its new form.


    Everyone, including Logan, waited to see what would happen with anticipation. They heard the call of a powerful beast as it pushed all the clouds away with a few flaps of its wings.


    Logan saw how the majestic bird stayed in place with little effort as it called out a few times, demanding all the attention from those around him.


    [Alright, show-off, get over here so we can see you,] Logan tried to communicate, wondering if the large bird could hear him.


    The large bird dove down, raising dust all around them and causing a mini hurricane as it descended.


    Its length seemed to be like that of Scorch, around three meters, but its wingspan seemed to be almost nine meters, making it the largest bird Logan had ever seen.


    While it looked almost as it did before, it seemed more muscular, more powerful, as if it could stay in the sky for days without having to land.


    The large bird twirled around in the air a few times before landing next to Scorch.


    Logan knew what it wanted as the bird used one of its talons, beckoning him.


    Unable to hide his excitement, Logan patted Scorch, who would no doubt feel bad.


    He struggled a little to get down before getting on Zephyr''s back.


    The large bird adjusted itself a little to help Logan on, then flapped its large wings to fly into the sky.


    Logan, who wasn''t used to flying, just gripped onto its neck, trying to calm his beating heart while avoiding looking at the floor.


    Sensing his master''s discomfort, Zephyr commanded the wind around them with precision, letting Logan breathe out in relief as he felt the change in air pressure.


    It felt just as if he was riding on Scorch''s back.


    The only thing he now had to worry about was the sight of the ground below them.


    [This is perfect, Zephyr. You have finally made one of my wishes come true¡ªto ride on a flying beast¡­] Logan patted the bird, who replied with a shrill.


    Logan checked the large bird''s stats to understand his new tamed companion.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Zephyr / Species: Tempest Kite / Level: 40 / Blood Mark: Vertex / Loyalty: 67/100]


    Str: 43 / Agi: 51 / Dex: 19 / Con: 36 / Int: 41 / Char: 38


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Wind Blades: Zephyr can create sharp gusts of wind to slice through enemies.


    Gale Force: Unleashes a powerful windstorm, disorienting and pushing back foes.


    Sharp Vision (Passive): Possesses incredibly keen eyesight and can spot targets from great distances and in low light conditions. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Twin Tornados: Zephyr creates two vortexes of wind around his wings, allowing him to move swiftly and strike multiple enemies within the area. This whirlwind not only deals damage but also disorients and knocks back foes.


    Storm Shield: Zephyr can generate a protective barrier of wind around himself or an ally, reducing incoming damage and deflecting projectiles. This shield can also temporarily increase the speed and agility of the protected individual.


    Hurricane Call: Zephyr unleashes a deafening sound that generates a powerful shockwave, damaging and stunning all enemies within its radius. The roar also amplifies the effects of other wind-based abilities for a short period, making them even more potent.


    Cyclone Vortex: Zephyr creates a massive swirling vortex of wind that traps enemies within its grasp, lifting them off the ground and dealing continuous damage over time. Enemies caught in the vortex are also slowed, making it harder for them to escape.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Logan checked through Zephyr''s stats and saw that its speed was probably the highest stat he had ever seen in his tamed beasts.


    He had yet to check on Scorch, so he wasn''t sure, but he decided to wait until later to check on the rest of his beasts and enjoy the ride.


    Zephyr adjusted its speed to keep pace with the caravan below.


    It was also during this time that Logan could check all his land for the first time¡ªthe river that crossed through the middle and the large forests that stopped at the edges of the great mountains.


    He also noticed his fortified town, its large, imposing walls, and the lights in the towers where soldiers were stationed on lookout.


    Logan thought about the next creature he needed to evolve¡ªRegal for darkness and Voltar for electrical. They would probably be the next two.


    Silis as his powerful earth primordial, and Kryst if she accepted as his Light primordial.


    He wondered if Luna would accept the blue bead. She would be the water elemental candidate, and she was at level 40, so he needed to ask her next.

 Chapter 121 Shadow Widow Spider

    It was a long night.The group finally arrived around midnight.


    Everyone quickly separated after arriving.


    The only ones who were not able to rest properly were Scorch and Zephyr, who had no home after their new form, and Logan, who had to suffer trying to sleep next to Kryst in her feminine human form.


    The next day, everyone was up and about near noon.


    The previous day''s events took a toll on everyone, so Logan asked them to take a day off.


    He himself was still exhausted and wanted to quickly go over which of his beasts would be the best candidates to evolve.


    [Luna¡­ do you want the bead like Scorch and Zephyr?] Logan asked the fox who always followed him when in his estate. She would only leave him to eat or when he politely asked her.


    Like Logan and a few of his other creatures, Luna was stuck at level 40, so he tried offering the gem that might allow her to change forms and become stronger.


    [No, don''t need, master,] Luna looked up at him while rejecting the blue sapphire-like gem with a blue light glowing in its middle within Logan''s hand.


    [Still need mother''s approval,] Luna replied while arching her back and stretching like a cat with a yawn.


    Logan looked at the jewel in his hand before closing his fist and putting it back in his ring.


    He did not expect her to reject it but wasn''t surprised since she was still a part of Ferra in a way and wouldn''t easily accept such power.


    He thought about his other aquatic animals, with only the bear being in his mind, and yet he felt that maybe he should keep the gem for now.


    Regal was the next one he would offer the bead to; she had been out with Serana and Valeria, training in the mountains for the past few weeks and had quickly gained levels fighting the monsters in that area.


    Regal had already progressed to the next evolution and was a large meter-long spider, its long legs always kept near her body to give her a boxy look.


    Her own barn wasn''t far so he got there quickly.


    [Regal, do you want to evolve like Scorch?] Logan asked while kneeling to get within eye level.


    As she always did, she turned her head to one side, then switched to the other side, while rocking her limbs.


    [You know, master¡­ you ask silly questions. Why wouldn''t I want to be strong? I need better food, and pats. I felt lonely without you in the forest,] Regal spoke rapidly, making Logan wonder how she understood so much.


    Even though Logan was still sometimes creeped out by his many-legged companion, he loved being around her joyful voice.


    She was like a curious child, which made Logan give in to her pleas to be patted, even if he still hesitated a little.


    Leaning forward to be petted on her head, she giggled before Logan passed her the black onyx-like gem.


    Regal quickly devoured it and began swaying from side to side.


    She was currently in her own room, so Logan could only hope she would not suddenly grow into a three-meter-wide spider that might squish him within her home.


    Black particles suddenly enveloped the small room, making it look like they were being swallowed by shadows.


    Stay updated through My Virtual Library Empire


    Suddenly, two large shiny legs emerged from the shadows.


    They were a little clumsy, but after getting a firm grip with her new body, Regal exposed the rest of her form.


    [How is it! No more hair, I chose no hair since you hate it. I hope you like it!] Regal came out, sounding almost the same.


    Her cute voice did not fit her large two-meter body.


    Each leg could be at least three meters if stretched to their limit, but being bent, they only lifted her half a meter from the floor.


    What changed drastically was her body form.


    Her abdomen had grown larger than her head, and her hair had disappeared, now making her look like she was wrapped in latex.


    Logan could only nod while touching her smooth legs before petting her head, which was just about at the height of his stomach.


    [Yes, you look very pretty now. How about it, do you feel any stronger?] Logan asked, wondering what skill she could have acquired.


    [I can hide within darkness, like this, master!] Regal produced a shadow and then entered it, making her large body disappear.


    She then made the shadow move behind Logan and tapped his back gently while giggling.


    [How about it?] Regal said with excitement.


    [Perfect, I think it''s good, Regal. I will be excited to see you in battle.] Logan smiled and nodded, clearly impressed.


    Logan finally left the large spider alone.


    She was tasked with creating new webs, which would now be stronger and harder but also produce various effects, such as stunning or poisoning, with a bit of mana manipulation.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Regal / New* Species: Shadow Widow Spider / Level: 40 / Blood Mark: Thoracic / Loyalty: 52/100]


    Str: 37 / Agi: 40 / Dex: 42 / Con: 39 / Int: 41 / Char: 43 Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Shadow Bolt: Regal can shoot a bolt of condensed dark energy that disorients and damages enemies. The bolt can also leave a lingering shadow effect, reducing the enemy''s visibility and accuracy.


    Venomous Bite: Regal delivers a bite infused with powerful dark magic venom, causing ongoing poison damage to the target. This venom weakens the enemy''s defenses and mobility.


    Midnight Web: Regal can spin a web made of thin silk that becomes strong when infused with mana, entangling enemies and slowing their movements. The web has an aura of darkness, making it harder for enemies to escape or cut through.


    New* Dark Pulse: Regal releases a powerful pulse of dark energy that emanates from its body in a wave, damaging and pushing back all nearby enemies. The pulse also briefly stuns enemies caught in its radius.


    New* Eclipse Cloak: Regal shrouds itself in a cloak of darkness, becoming nearly invisible to enemies. This skill also grants increased movement speed and reduced detection by foes for a limited time.


    New* Shadow Minions: Regal summons a swarm of small, shadowy spiders that attack and distract enemies. These minions can deal poison damage over time and create confusion on the battlefield.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤

 Chapter 122 Prime Voltaris Mantis

    Happy with Regal''s evolution, Logan went to find his mantis.


    While on the way, he wanted to test one skill he found interesting.


    As he was considered the Dark Spirites hero, he used Shadow Minions.


    It took quite a bit of mana, but since he was currently at peak form, it was just a minor thing for now.


    Within seconds of casting the spell, he saw little spiders; at least in this world, they were as big as tarantulas.


    They seemed to be waiting for his order.


    He was about to say something but noticed someone approaching.


    As soon as she saw the spiders, she almost jumped at him.


    "What the hell, Logan? Why do you have to have more of those?" Rubina exclaimed while cowering into his chest.


    "Rubina? It''s just a skill, let me cancel it!" Logan replied, feeling the girl''s body pressed against him.


    "At least warn people before you use it. There is nothing good about having ten spiders looking at you fiercely while you are trying to walk," Rubina yelled as Logan felt her shudder.


    "Yes, yes, they are gone now¡­ Sorry about that. Now, where were you going?" Logan asked, trying to show Rubina there were no more spiders around them.


    "Well, there is more paperwork to do, so hurry with your project so we can finish all the future trading partnerships we need to accept by the end of the day¡­" Rubina said in a stern secretary tone.


    "Yes, ma''am, give me an hour or so." Logan replied with a playful salute.


    "Damn it, Logan¡­ when will you learn how people feel¡­" Rubina said while looking at the boy''s smile with some affection.


    "What do you mean? I said I am sorry about the spiders¡­" Logan replied in confusion.


    "Ugh¡­ well let''s forget that for now. Just remember to tell me when you finish," Rubina said.


    Logan stood still, wondering what he had done before heading to where Voltar, his mantis, usually trained.


    He seemed to enjoy doing a sword dance while following the soldiers who practiced their swordplay.


    At times, the soldiers would use wooden sticks to practice with the mantis, whose scythes acted like blades.


    After his first evolution, where he grew to his adult form, he gained another evolution that changed him into a larger primal beast of his kind.


    This new form was a little over a meter in size and was able to handle two soldiers with ease.


    Now that Voltar had grown to level 40, he was the perfect candidate for the Electric Primordial evolution. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan stood outside the training grounds, hearing the soldiers inside crying out in numbers as they counted each set of exercises they were meant to do.


    At times, Logan would join the soldiers, knowing that he needed to work on his physical condition.


    With every level up, he gained more strength, speed, and dexterity, traits that improved his way of moving every day.


    The strength he now possessed allowed him to lift 250 kg without having much muscle.


    It was just a little above what a professional weightlifter could do, or so he imagined.


    Based on this, his speed could probably beat the fastest human by two or three seconds in a 100 meter sprint, also without much effort.


    This meant that he was just a little above a normal human''s capability, but it also meant that if he trained, this would double or improve.


    "But I hate working out¡­ I was never good," Logan mumbled as he looked towards a specific part of the field where he spotted a group of soldiers in a mock battle.


    "Perfect, not only will he evolve, but I can also see how much he improves right away," Logan thought. Enjoy new stories from My Virtual Library Empire


    Logan, who was used to talking to himself, tried to erase his smile before going to meet his beast.


    As he got closer, everyone around him saluted as he passed.


    Although the action made Logan feel a little uncomfortable, he nodded to show his appreciation and stopped the mock battle by raising his hand.


    "Sir!" The two soldiers who were about to lunge to strike again stopped and bowed towards Logan.


    "Alright, I want to see how well you do after he evolves, so hold on for a minute," Logan said as he got close to his mantis.


    "I know you like improving yourself, so how about it? Do you want to evolve to your next stage?" Logan asked as he opened his fist to reveal what looked like a topaz.


    Its yellow shine glinted in the sun, and it seemed to have bolts of electricity within the gem.


    Voltar stared down at Logan''s hand for a few moments before nodding in understanding.


    As its hands consisted of scythes, Logan helped by placing the gem near its mouth.


    As it bit into the gem, Voltar began to meditate, like a seasoned warrior in a kung fu movie.


    Logan liked Voltar''s particular style of acting like a monk and his mild, gentle demeanor, which earned the trust of those around him.


    Breathing three times, Logan noticed the electrical field behind Voltar''s wings grow powerful.


    The soldiers took three steps back in sync, reminding Logan to do the same to prevent being stunned.


    Soon, particles of yellow filled the air around Voltar, who stayed still, holding back any pain as if it meant nothing to him.


    His short, one-meter body soon grew to two meters in height and two and a half meters in length.


    Voltar''s large legs now had spikes to protect him.


    His smooth green body bore black stripes in the shape of volts, and his fierce face remained the same triangle shape with two long antennae.


    To discharge the energy that had built up, Voltar used his four legs to jump high into the sky and beat his wings at supersonic speeds, causing those around him to cover their ears.


    After a few seconds, he used his scythes to release the energy with two slashes that seemed to contain electricity.


    The energy hit a wall, causing part of it to crumble.


    The soldiers, who tried to maintain a stoic look, turned to Logan, who began to clap.


    After a few seconds, everyone joined in as Voltar jumped down to test his new speed.


    This time, however, he signaled for four others to help the two soldiers who were currently fighting him.


    Logan took a few steps back before the match began.


    He was already happy with the show of power his new monster had demonstrated.


    However, before he could accept this and move on, he saw how the blades of all four soldiers were cut instantly before they had a chance to move.


    "Voltar¡­ please test your power with dummies before you fight with soldiers," Logan commented, feeling that one false move could cause his tamed beast to commit murder.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Voltar / Species: New* Prime Voltaris Mantis / Level: 40 / Blood Mark: Lower Thoracic / Loyalty: 43/100]


    Str: 51 / Agi: 52 / Dex: 48 / Con: 30 / Int: 33 / Char: 31


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Electro Field: Voltar can emit a powerful electric charge from its wings, stunning nearby enemies and causing paralysis for a short duration.


    Lightning Reflexes: This skill allows Voltar to temporarily increase its speed and reflexes by channeling electrical energy through its body. This boost can be used to evade attacks or quickly close the distance to its prey.


    Static Cloak: Voltar can generate a field of static electricity around its body, creating a protective barrier that reduces incoming damage. This field can also make Voltar harder to detect by cloaking its presence from sensors and certain magical detection methods.


    New* Thunder Strike: Voltar can channel electrical energy into his scythes to create a single powerful strike that delivers a concentrated burst of electricity upon impact. This strike can cause severe damage to a target and has a chance to disrupt movement.


    New* Electromagnetic Pulse: Voltar can emit an electromagnetic pulse that disrupts movement, affects certain artifacts, and fluctuates mana around him. This skill can also interfere with magical enchantments or constructs, providing an advantage in both technological and magical battles.


    New* Electro Web: Voltar can generate a web of electric threads using his wings that can be used to ensnare enemies. These threads deliver continuous electrical shocks to immobilize and weaken opponents trapped within the web. The Electro Web can also create a barrier to protect allies or control the battlefield.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤

 Chapter 123 Crown Spiked Basilisk

    Logan looked at his hand that held three of the remaining crystals. He had already used four: wind, fire, electric, and darkness.


    He needed to find candidates for water and light.


    As for earth, he was heading towards Silis'' large barn.


    She was currently sleeping while enjoying the sun''s rays hitting her.


    She was the only monster within the ranch that was able to manipulate her barn''s construction.


    So when it was hot and sunny, Silis would remove the roof and sleep curled up.


    The problem was waking her up.


    Logan knew the danger of trying to wake a two-thousand-plus-pound snake, who could involuntarily move a section of her body and crush him into oblivion.


    This was because he had almost made the mistake once before.


    Since then, a notice was placed outside the large house to prevent any unnecessary deaths.


    Logan at least had one way to wake his large serpent. He took a deep breath and readied his vocal cords.


    "Lunch is ready!" He called out as hard as he could.


    As soon as those words were spoke his large friend began to uncoil it self like a garden hose under extreme water pressure.


    [Food!] Logan''s long rocky friend cried out as soon as she heard those magical words.


    "Yes, now eat. I also want to ask you if you want to evolve like Scorch!" Logan yelled while placing a large boar corpse he had in his storage.


    The boar''s hide was ruined by Scorch''s fire, making it useless.


    [Yes, do want, but want food first,] Silis communicated, not even taking a second to gobble up the boar as if it were a rodent.


    It disappeared in the blink of an eye.


    "Take your time¡­ well, never mind, it''s halfway through you by now, huh¡­" Logan sighed while showing Silis the dark amber-colored gem with a light in its center.


    [Hope it''s tasty!] Silis communicated as she opened her mouth. Logan threw the gem inside and then ran back, knowing that if his large serpent began to rampage because of the pain, he would die instantly.


    [Why¡­ ru¡­n¡­!]


    Before Silis got a chance to finish, she began to shudder slightly, causing a tremor throughout all the neighboring buildings.


    Noticing the danger she posed to her master, she curled up into a ball while clenching her fangs, trying to hold on to her sanity.


    As with all those before her, particles of amber began to glow around her.


    Due to her size, they were more numerous than before, but as soon as enough had built up around her, she began to glow.


    Soon, her new appearance began to manifest.


    She was just a little larger than before, but this time, she was not covered in normal scales.


    Instead, her body was adorned with amber crystal scales that shone brightly in the sun.


    Logan remembered that at first, she looked like a cobra, but now the hood had disappeared, replaced with various amber spikes.


    In conclusion, she looked far sharper, more fierce, and especially deadly. Logan would really not want to fight a monster of her size or power.


    [You look very beautiful, Silis. Congratulations,] Logan said as he approached his large serpent for a hug.


    Silis lowered her face just enough to give Logan a lick, but in reality, she slid her forked tongue from his chest to his hair, giving him half of an unneeded bath. Explore stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    "Thanks... I guess..." Logan patted her while checking on her stats before leaving.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Silis / Species: New* Crown Spiked Basilisk / Level: 40 / Blood Mark ¨C Right Upper Rib / Loyalty: 68/100


    Str: 42 / Agi: 38 / Dex: 32 / Con: 68 / Int: 38 / Char: 36


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Earth Spikes: Silis can summon sharp spikes from the ground, targeting enemies and inflicting severe damage upon impact.


    Petrify Gaze: Silis can emit a powerful gaze that gradually turns her target into amber, immobilizing them and making them vulnerable to further attacks.


    Earthquake Stomp: Silis can stomp the ground, creating a localized earthquake that destabilizes and damages enemies within a certain range.


    Earth Spike Barrage: Silis can now enhance the use of earth spikes making them harder and shaper and by creating multiple arrays she can now produce a barrage of earth spikes.


    Earth Burst: Silis can release an explosive burst of earth energy, creating a powerful wave around her damaging and pushing back all enemies within a certain radius.


    Amber Shield: Silis can generate a protective barrier of amber crystals around herself, reflecting physical and magical attacks for a short duration.


    Amber Regeneration: Silis can rapidly heal herself by absorbing ambient earth energy, covering her stone-hard scales with amber crystals that enhance her defense while they heal.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Logan nodded in satisfaction even if he felt dirty and just as he was about to go back to take a shower, his slime appeared next to him in her human figure.


    She nodded a few times before staring at her hand and transforming it into a large ball.


    Silis then suddenly encased the upper part of Logan, who was startled but held his breath and closed his eyes.


    Within a few seconds, she finished and removed the large bubble. As for Logan, he began gasping a little for air but felt refreshed. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "A little strange to be given a shower in that way¡­ but thanks, Kryst, you helped me avoid wasting time I don''t have. But now that you are here, how about it? Do you want the primordial gem of light?" Logan asked while feeling completely dry, even though he was surrounded by water just a few seconds ago.


    "No... want," Kryst said while shaking her head slowly from side to side.


    "Can you tell me why?" Logan asked with curiosity.


    [May change¡­ to something I don''t want¡­] Kryst replied, as if knowing what her next form would be if she took the gem.


    "Alright, don''t worry about it, Kryst. I appreciate your input," Logan said, then walked to help Rubina. He only had two gems left: water and holy.


    As soon as he reached his office, which could easily be mistaken for Rubina''s as she spent much more time there than Logan, he looked at the girl who was sleeping behind a stack of papers.


    Next to her was the Aurolious Fowl, which tilted its head to the side, curious about what Logan was doing in the room.


    [Shhhh, hey there, Uriel, I just came to get some work done.] Logan placed a finger over his mouth as he got closer to inspect Rubina, whose head lay over a large stack of papers.


    Seeing the portion which had yet to be finished, he noticed that a bit more than half had been taken care of.


    Being as quiet as he could, he took off his cloak, which he usually wore nowadays, and carefully placed it over her shoulders.


    He then took a pen and a chair and began doing the rest of the work, going over orders, routes, and many other necessary tasks he needed to handle in his new territory.


    As he read through most of the problems, he began thinking about hiring an administrator as fast as possible to lighten Rubina''s workload.


    She really did not have to do this, and he knew he was overstepping his boundaries by letting her handle all the work.


    Just as he was about to finish, Rubina woke up, her hair a bit messy but just as lovable as always.


    Logan knew she would be embarrassed, so he did not raise his face and continued to write as if his life depended on it.


    "Logan?" he heard his name being called after a light cough.


    "Hi there, I hope you are well rested. I have almost finished with the rest of the work. Give me a few minutes to talk a little about it all." Logan did not need much time to finish before looking at Rubina, who had her hands over her face.


    "Now then... how about we get through this so we can eat," Logan said, trying to hold back a chuckle.


    "Ah yes, well there is so much to go over¡­ right." Rubina said, quickly lifting her face to look at the boy, who seemed ready to laugh.


    The girl stared daggers at him before coughing.


    "Why did you not just wake me up!" She yelled just loud enough for Logan to get the message.


    "Sorry, it''s just you seemed tired. You know I am really grateful that you help me so much¡­ so to return the favor, why don''t you ask for something in return? Go ahead, anything..." Logan said, almost bowing.


    "Well¡­ there is one thing. How about this: you take me out to eat something in a caf¨¦. You need to check which one you will take me to, make sure it''s good enough. I don''t mind when." She clenched her hands under the table as she said this, feeling jittery about what the boy would say in response.


    "If it''s that much, then it''s fine. I will try to hurry though, please look forward to it," the boy in front of her said with that damn smile that made her want to get up and...

 Chapter 124 Twilight Siege

    It was in the middle of the night when Logan was awakened by the sound of horns.


    At first, he did not know the reason, but soon he was up and in action.


    The sound wasn''t one he thought he would ever hear, and it was not a welcomed one either.


    It was the alarm of an attack, a sound only heard a few times when Valeria told them they should practice.


    Logan quickly got up, waking up all his nearby beasts.


    He also informed Uriel, who should be with Rubina, as well as Saber, who should be with Valeria. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Rubina is up,] he heard from the former.


    [Master Valeria is aware,] he heard from the latter.


    As for the other tames, all but Serana and the four golems answered, being too far to reach his mental link.


    [Zephyr, what do you see?] Logan asked, knowing his bird would already be in the air checking on the situation.


    [Many demons, they are attacking a wall, soldiers are fighting back!] he heard from Zephyr.


    [Silis, Scorch, go help, I will be out soon. Regal, Voltar, wait for me to enter the fight. We need to know if they are only attacking one section of the wall.]


    [Zephyr, keep me updated. If there are more, tell me so I can send help!]


    Logan quickly put on his armor and a helmet he had never used before.


    The others entered his room, trying to find out what the problem was.


    "Chloe, Kai, get your armor! We are being attacked by demons! Ruri, go tell Valeria to suit up so she doesn''t waste any time and get the staff and servants to hide in the basement. Rubina, keep Uriel with you, and go into town with a few nearby soldiers. Make sure the townspeople are aware of the situation and away from the walls!" Logan finally put on the last piece of his suit, one that Ruben had crafted for him¡ªa light chainmail that would hopefully keep him safe this day.


    "Ruben, Marie, I won''t order you, but please follow Rubina. If possible, help her with the townspeople. They will probably be in the safest place. I will have a few of my beasts join you to keep you safe." Logan then called up War, Noctur, and Solar, who would be useful to carry, inspect, and light the way for Rubina and the two heroes.


    "No problem, Logan, we will do as you say. I feel we will be safe," Ruben said, while asking his girlfriend to go with Ruri.


    She didn''t want to at first, but after a kiss, she accepted with hesitation.


    "Alright, let''s go. We don''t have time. My bird has informed me there is more than we might be able to handle."


    Logan finished all his preparations and headed out into the fields.


    This time, Riptide would be his mount, as he needed his strongest monsters fighting.


    "Riptide, I am sorry for not asking you earlier, but we are in need of power. How about you take this gem and grow strong enough to help us in this time of need?" Logan held out one of the two remaining gems to the large bear.


    He did not plan to give him the small crystal, as he hoped Luna would change her mind.


    But this was no time to wait¡ªthey needed all the strength they could gather, and a bear was not an opponent anyone would take lightly.


    Riptide opened his mouth without a word and growled so strongly that everyone around them looked in their direction.


    Within a few minutes, his new appearance finished forming.


    He went from being a large, almost three-meter bear to a three-meter bear on all fours, and when he stood on two legs, he rose to about five meters.


    Within his chest, there was a gem like in all his other beasts.


    Silis had it in her head, Scorch on his back, Regal in her abdomen, Voltar on the backside of its thorax connecting to his upper two wings.


    As for Zephyr, it was in the back of his neck.


    With another roar, he let Logan know he was ready and used a paw to help him climb its back and taking a quick glance at his monsters new stats.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Riptide / Species: New* Glacial Titan Bear / Level: 40 / Blood Mark: Left Heel / Loyalty: 43/100]


    Str: 44 / Agi: 41 / Dex: 38 / Con: 45 / Int: 39 / Char: 34


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Tidal Surge: Riptide summons a powerful wave that sweeps through the battlefield, knocking enemies off their feet and dealing water damage. The wave can also extinguish fires and clear away obstacles.


    Aqua Burst: Riptide creates concentrated water orbs that it can launch at enemies. These orbs explode on impact, drenching enemies and causing water damage. The soaked enemies become more vulnerable to ice attacks.


    Aqua Shield: Riptide produces orbs of water that float around him and shield him as soon as they sense a nearby attack.


    Tundra Roar: By channeling its icy power, Riptide releases a mighty roar that causes the ground to frost over, creating patches of slippery ice. Enemies caught in the area may lose balance and fall, giving Riptide and its allies an advantage in battle.


    New* Glacial Armor: Riptide can fortify its body with an extra layer of ice armor, increasing its defense and resistance to physical attacks. The armor can also absorb a portion of incoming damage and reflect it back at attackers.


    New* Hydro Cannon: Riptide channels its water energy into a concentrated blast, firing a high-pressure jet of water at enemies. The force of the blast can knock enemies back and deal significant water damage.


    New* Frostfall: Riptide unleashes a flurry of sharp ice shards that rain down on enemies in a targeted area, causing severe ice damage and potentially freezing them in place.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Everyone else, get ready to fight! We may not need your help now, but soon things may change!] Logan communicated as he readied himself to charge into battle.


    [Master, more demons, south. I will guide you!] Zephyr called from above, letting those who could fight gather at the southern wall.


    Soldiers and adventurers who took up arms to fight and protect the city began to mobilize.


    Riptide, who was faster than before, rushed to the wall.


    Logan thought he was going to break it down, but then the large beast caused a jet of water to form under him and raise him into the air.


    "You should have warned me!" Logan quickly gripped tight to its neck as Kryst created tendrils to tie both of them around the bear.


    As soon as they were about to land, Riptide created more water but this time made it turn into ice.


    Luna copied the bear''s actions as she was right behind them.


    Within sight, they spotted at least a group of forty caped individuals.


    They were taken by surprise as Zephyr used Hurricane Call, creating a shockwave that overpowered the group.


    Some tried resisting with barriers, while others quickly recovered.


    They were swiftly met with Cyclone Vortex, which created a few tornados, lifting a few off the ground.


    Riptide on the other hand was busy channeling water around them to start using his skills.


    It was not hard, as they were near the river that passed through a section of the wall.


    Logan had assessed that the demons wanted to use this waterway to enter the town.


    As soon as enough water was near them, he created a few orbs that circled around him.


    They were part of his Aqua Shield skill that would activate when the bear sensed danger.


    As for the water before him, he let it become a thin but powerful wave with practiced precision¡ªa skill called Tidal Smash that he learned before his current evolution.


    Logan knew that it was a good time to use a certain skill now that there was water all around him, and he recalled Voltar''s best skills.


    He jumped off the beast with the help of Luna, who was quickly adjusting to create pillars of ice to help him land safely.


    He began using Electro Web while taking two daggers out of his storage device.


    For his next move, he needed to charge them and also began casting Thunder Strike, a skill that needed a little bit of time but would be deadly in this battle.


    The demons, who were being pushed back before they even attempted to enter the town through the river''s passageway, began to cast various magics.


    They targeted the large bear, the great eagle who kept blowing them away while cutting some in half with ease, and the boy who had used a skill that kept them in place while causing them electrical damage over time.


    Some of the demons were able to escape the invisible but deadly electrical webs by teleporting, but others who were inexperienced weren''t so lucky.


    Logan finished casting the skill into his daggers and slashed them forth in the shape of an X.


    The demons in the path were both severely burnt and stunned, some of them losing their lives as the water caused the electrical arcs to go around any magical barriers and defensive equipment they had.


    Logan did not have time to cast another spell as he was met with a few deadly counterattacks, luckily evaded with the help of Luna who focused on defense.


    The few that did manage to hit were instantly healed by Kryst, who had been given small crystals to keep her in top shape.


    Logan returned fire with ice spikes, using the water around him to try to pierce those that were made into statues with Riptide''s new magic, Frostfall, which made the water from his wave attack freeze and disrupt those who were trying to cast.


    It was then that the demons decided the battle was not in their favor.


    They took out the mutation stones they had and began using its chaotic power to empower themselves.


    Logan, who knew what they were trying to do, gulped in fear.


    Explore more stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    He remembered how strong they would become and tried to end the battle before it happened.


    Luckily, the group of demons was reduced by half, so he would at least not have to struggle as much.

 Chapter 125 Underground Shelter

    As Logan was fighting his own battle, Rubina quickly reached the center of town.


    She had ridden her father''s mount, Ruben, on War using a pre-made self-adjusting saddle, one of two he had since he wanted to gift the other to his girlfriend.


    This time, though, Marie used the saddle on Solar, who was leading the team as they entered the town.


    Nocturn followed close behind, looking for any signs of infiltration. It had yet to need to fight but kept itself busy nonetheless.


    Explosions and fighting could be heard outside the town, making them have to hurry as the population was slowly entering a state of chaos.


    Rubina took out a communication device and a megaphone.


    She needed to start giving everyone orders and directions as most did not know what to do.


    People were going crazy as yells and screams were heard throughout the place.


    Although no notable damage was happening, they knew that the unrest from the alarm would cause such things within the population.


    It did not take long for a few soldiers to start calming those who were too loud and began preparing to guide people to the barracks for protection.


    Rubina knew that Logan needed help, so she had to hurry to gather and guide the people. She also needed to send Logan''s tamed beasts back to help him in the fight.


    For instance, Terra, the large worm, was still on standby and would be useful if any real danger came to the town.


    She had dug tunnels that would be useful for guiding people safely.


    "Everyone, calm down! Lord Logan has created tunnels for this situation. Follow me; we will guide you to safety!" Rubina yelled. Seeing as it was dark, she commanded Uriel to create flames that would light the way.


    "People, calm down! We need order!" they heard a soldier nearby call out in exasperation. Seeing that they needed help, Marie knew she needed to use her magic.


    As the townspeople panicked in the face of the loud alarms, Marie made a radiant figure appear in the sky.


    The image she wanted to use was of an angelic being that descended from the sky.


    Taking out a large mana crystal, she began concentrating on her particular illusion magic to create a big show over them.


    She groaned a little as she overloaded the crystal with the image she tried to picture in her mind.


    Marie slowly created a bright figure, with various white wings that overshadowed the dark night and moons.


    As the wings spread, they released feathers that glowed like miniature stars.


    It had a majestic halo hovering over her head that had a beautiful, sculpted face whose features were hard to see as a strong light like sun shone over it, calming all who saw the vision almost instantly.


    Her divine presence helped Rubina, who kept yelling out orders to calm down and begin guiding the townspeople into an underground tunnel that led everyone near the mansion and into the barracks. Stay tuned to My Virtual Library Empire


    As they waited for everyone to finish entering the tunnel, the group of three kept hearing various explosions on three sides of the large walls in town.


    Out of the three, they could see Silis''s large form in the distance.


    Scorch''s flames, which created an inferno was also visible on another side of the great wall.


    As for the third side where Logan had run off to fight, they saw tornados blowing small figures around and an ice storm that caused snow to its surroundings. Even at their distance, they could see small flakes of ice falling near the town.


    Rubina wanted to join Logan just to know that he was safe but kept giving orders to the townspeople who kept an orderly line thanks to the figure in the sky.


    "Say, Rubina, I think we are almost done. Do you think we should stay here, or should we join them in hiding?" Ruben asked. He might not have been a fighting-type hero, but his stats made him no less strong than Logan''s powerful Hog. He had even created a large Warhammer in case things like this happened.


    "Let''s go with the townsfolk. There are enough soldiers here to help those who stayed behind. As for the tunnel, it will be closed after we enter," Rubina said while also telling Nocturn to keep an eye on the town just in case.


    The group of three entered the long tunnel that used mana crystals to light the path, something Logan planned as he saw the live crystals absorb surrounding mana to keep growing.


    As his creatures got stronger, Logan noticed that the mana around his town had been enriched somehow.


    This helped the small crystals, no larger than his fist, to grow abnormally fast.


    They were currently as big as an American football, each glowing in a different color, which was also something they needed to research with time.


    It was not long before they reached a large dome under the soldiers'' barracks. It was carefully crafted by Silis, Terra, and Digger.


    While Digger was the smallest out of the three, he was also a hardworking artist.


    As his intelligence rose, he loved creating magnificent structures.


    Throughout the underground dome, he had made columns like those in Rome, with perfect shapes and edges that made the townspeople who entered look around in awe.


    Sadly, everything was still brown in color, making only the shapes the main attraction.


    "Wow, what a magnificent interior! I wonder if Logan took part in this," Ruben asked while looking around.


    "If it''s about that¡­ I might have shown his beasts a few images of imposing structures from our world¡­ and sort of told them Logan would be happy if they made them¡­" Marie said, feeling a little responsible.


    She did not know whether to be happy that her suggestion created this grand place or if she made those poor creatures create something unnecessary.


    "It''s fine, we are at least safe here and Digger seems happy with the praise. Now then¡­ I told Terra to create a tunnel to the mansion, so the servants should be here soon, as well as your girlfriend, Ruben," Rubina said, knowing that Ruri, one of Logan''s closest friends, would also need protection.


    "Thank you, Rubina. I was just about to ask that," Ruben said, wiping his brow, relieved that he did not have to go back outside to face danger.


    "I just hope everyone is doing fine..." Rubina said, having Uriel warm and light up the place to quell the townspeople''s unrest.


    "I think I can help with that. I set a few stones that could help show what''s happening..." Marie said meekly.


    "Wow, to think you can also create a surveillance system¡­ you know, you keep doing better things by the minute. Are you sure you aren''t trying to show off to you-know-who? Too bad he isn''t here." Ruben said with a smirk while nudging the girl with his elbow playfully.


    Rubina just stared at the two, having a mild headache. She already knew Logan had a thing for the Saintess hero, but to think there was also this girl who seemed to have hidden feelings for the utterly oblivious boy, while Rubina herself had yet to have him know her real feelings.


    "There, I have linked all the crystals I have placed throughout the towers. Now, I just need to place this crystal¡­ here." Marie took out a large crystal Logan had given her to create what she had needed before and began feeding it her own mana.


    Soon, above them, a hologram displayed a cylindrical array of various images showing what was happening around the towers.


    The images revealed that the fights in all three areas were becoming increasingly intense.


    The demons were being forced to use their mutation stones, driving them into a berserk state on all three fronts.


    Ruben could only think about his girlfriend though, they soon felt a new tunnel forming within the dome as Terra entered partially and people ran from behind her to join the group.


    Ruben spotted Irma and ran to hug her, Ruri looked around for a few seconds hoping to see Logan safe but knew it was too good to be true, he image was displayed on the strange magic that let them see what was happening outside the dome.


    "Glad to see you all are safe," Ruri said to Logan''s friends as she stood near Rubina, who also looked at the screen above them with distress.


    "Don''t worry, Master Logan should be able to handle them with ease," Ruri said to the red-haired girl, who quickly regained her bearings with those words.


    In the fight where Silis''s group seemed to be doing the worst, Rubina could now think a bit more clearly. She went up to Terra. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hey Terra, can you help Silis? They seem to need help. Take War, Uriel, and Solar with you."


    Rubina also wanted to join, but they needed her here now that their force was slowly being spread out throughout the fight.

 Chapter 126 Scorchs Duty

    Scorch at first followed the fast Silis, who had Valeria on her back, heading directly towards the wall that Master Logan had told them to defend. However, Zephyr, seeing everything from the sky, suddenly told him to go to the southern wall.


    [Scorch, I will help Master Logan. Go south. Many enemies,] Zephyr, who was just above them, called out to him before he suddenly took a U-turn and went in the opposite direction to where their master was.


    [Silis, I will go south, please be careful,] Scorch said to the large serpent, one of his many friends within his master''s tamed beasts. She was always nice, often helping him make a bigger home.


    [Will you be going alone?] The large serpent responded, as most of the group was behind her, preparing to face the most numerous of the demons.


    [Yes, no problem, I will kill them all,] Scorch mentally chuckled.


    Scorch did not fear the blue skins. He wanted to finally fight a worthy opponent and become his master''s number one tamed beast.


    Knowing that Zephyr could fly and secure faster kills, Scorch needed more enemies¡ªand stronger ones at that. He ran to the wall where he was told there were many enemies and bashed it open. He had no time to slowly jump to the other side.


    Scorch prepared himself and tried to remember his new skills. For a monster, the knowledge came naturally; they only had to understand what skills they could use and their abilities.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Scorch / New* Species: Primordial Tarbosaurus / Level: 48 / Blood Mark: Neck / Loyalty: 82/100


    Str: 71 / Agi: 46 / Dex: 41 / Con: 59 / Int: 52 / Char: 41


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Flame Breath: Unleashes a powerful stream of fire capable of incinerating foes.


    Molten Scales: Scales radiate intense heat, burning anything that comes into contact with them.


    Searing Whip: Whips its tail releasing a blazing slash on its path.


    Inferno Burst: Unleashes a powerful burst of flames, dealing massive fire damage to enemies in a wide area.


    Flame Aura: Surrounds itself with an aura of fire, reducing damage taken and burning any enemies that come close.]


    New* Blazing Stomp: Scorch stomps the ground with immense force, causing fiery cracks to spread outwards. These cracks release bursts of flames that incinerate enemies in their path and create a heated area that damages any foe who steps on it.


    New* Burst Charge: Scorch engulfs himself in searing temperatures close to that of molten lava and charges at high speed towards his enemies. This fiery charge can break through enemy lines, leaving a trail of burning ground behind, and causing significant fire damage to anyone caught in his path.


    New* Blazing Roar: Scorch lets out a powerful roar imbued with fiery energy. This roar creates a shockwave of heat that disorients and burns enemies within its radius, making them more vulnerable to subsequent attacks.


    New* Infernal Wrath: Scorch channels his inner rage, increasing his strength and fire-based abilities for a short duration. During this time, all of his attacks deal extra fire damage, and any enemies that come into contact with him are set ablaze.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    As soon as debris flew all over the place, Scorch used Infernal Wrath, followed by Blazing Roar to strengthen the effect. He saw how those who were near the wall were turned to ash before even realizing they were under attack. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Those who had defended themselves with magical barriers were met with stones that flew far and strong as he used a good portion of his newfound strength to bash the stone wall.


    Not giving those who still stood time to react, Scorch readied another Burst Charge to rush into in the middle of all the demons who wanted to enter the wall, hitting them like a bowling ball.


    He crushed, burnt, and even melted those who were in his path while sending others flying with a headbutt.


    Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire


    If Scorch could laugh like his master, he would be doing that. Watching the demons run and try to hide was the best sight, especially since they had tried to hurt Master and his town.


    Reaching the center of the battlefield was especially useful for his next attack, which he wanted to execute before Infernal Wrath, which powered up his fire attacks, wore off. He readied his right foot and gathered as much mana into it as possible. Blazing Stomp was probably going to be the attack that killed most of his enemies.


    His large, strong leg was ready as he injected the last bit of mana into it. He then placed all his weight into it as he tore through the ground, causing a massive earthquake that turned earth to molten lava. Even the more heat-resistant rocks melted with the temperature his new skill released.


    Scorch felt the joy of leveling up with each kill. The demons could not withstand his attacks. He heard the sound of a small bell, which meant he had leveled up. His body pulsed as particles of red mana were constantly being delivered to his core.


    He heard many of those around him cry out, but there were more coming from a nearby forest along with beasts they had enslaved and mutated.


    Some seemed strong, but perfect for Scorch to test his new powers. He did not want any other tamed beast to catch up with him. He knew Silis would best him if he let his guard down. Especially today when she would be facing the most numerous of the demons.


    Scorch roared again, this time so loud that even the mutated beasts that were brought showed fear. Too bad for them, they were so close to him in their crazy attempt to kill him to realize that he was the best when it came to close-quarters combat.


    Not everything was favoring him, though. The demons, having noticed that Scorch used fire, began trying to freeze the ground around him and employed various water spells to turn the temperatures to their advantage.


    Soon, various water spells were thrown at him, including some from a pack of water bears the demons had mutated. These were troublesome creatures¡ªnot only did they have tough hides, but they were also nearly as large as Scorch. A pack of them was even deadlier.


    Scorch did not show signs of backing down or faltering, though. He knew he would get hurt while fighting, so instead of retreating, he forced another loud roar infused with infernal heat that made the place be covered in steam.


    Fire clashed with water and ice; both were never good together, but Scorch had enough energy left to fight more. The jewel that had formed on his back after his last evolution seemed to return a portion of the mana he spent, absorbing and converting other types of mana into fire energy.


    Suddenly, a group of ten demons began to chant a strong spell. Scorch needed to deal with them and ignore the rest. He had yet to use one of his most deadly skills, so he began infusing his long tail with fire. He extended the end of Searing Whip and lashed out to hit those in his path.


    Those that were slashed were cut in half by the red whip of molten energy. His tail looked to be eight meters long now that it had energy surrounding it.


    Using it, he not only disrupted the demons who wanted to cast the large-scale magic but also killed some, while others fled with a teleport.


    The battle was deadly. Many of his opponents died, but over time, Scorch was also ridden with wounds. Some ice spikes produced by the artic bears even managed to penetrate his tough scales; they melted after a while, leaving three large holes on his left leg.


    Scorch was breathing roughly. While the monsters were dealt with easily, the mutated demons were still numerous and powerful. Some seemed to have waited for this moment to enter their berserk mode.


    Scorch had no one beside him. He was slowly wondering if this would be his last fight. If so, he would go out taking all of those who were trying to kill his master with him.


    Rage burned intensely through his weakening spirit. He still had mana, he still had a way to fight. He could not stomp or move anymore, but he could blow a deadly jet of flames until those who wanted to kill him burned, together with the forest and everything else, to the ground.


    And so he sent wave after wave of powerful streams of fire. He did not care if he died; if he did, he would be remembered as Logans tamed beast who had killed many demons and monsters by himself.


    [Scorch, stop so I can help!] he suddenly heard from above. He was glad¡ªhe was very glad it was not Zephyr.


    He did not want to show his weak side to that bird who would always try to catch up to his level, but this tamed beast who spoke to him¡ªshe was nice to Scorch.

 Chapter 127 Bloodline Revelations

    Serana felt something was wrong as she hunted through the night. The animals stirred, their blood was disgusting, packed with a massive amount of adrenaline, making it taste bitter.


    She loved fresh blood but never from a frightened beast. That''s why she perfected her stealth technique and was able to even hypnotize her meals before draining them clean.


    The only way to avoid tasting this was in her feral mode, but she did not like the looks of using such a state that left her vulnerable to strategic attacks.


    Thus, she was mad. Something had caused the beasts to taste bad to the point where she wanted to retch.


    She held herself back and used her bat form. She needed to know why most of the beasts were this way.


    It was not long before she saw what was causing all this mess. She was able to spot a blue-skinned figure that was using a blue stone to turn beasts into mutated monsters.


    She knew them well after all Valeria had explained to her what was happening around the world now that she had regained her sanity. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Serana was initially shocked by that revelation. Of course, she accepted Logan''s offer and what he gave her¡ªhe saved her from a life of being a feral beast. But she also knew the boy had killed her parents.


    She did not know what to think. Serana knew they were beyond being saved. She had enough memories to at least know they cared about her before they became feral, so she knew they were in a better place. Enjoy new stories from My Virtual Library Empire


    But that did not mean she forgave the boy at the start. Then she discovered the laboratory¡ªit contained at least a way for her to know why she and her parents were in that state in the first place.


    As she looked around, she noticed traces of vampires. The most obvious signs were the skulls with fangs and markings on the walls that only ferals could make. She saw many such examples littering the place, knowing that she and her parents were not the only ones.


    Serana tried to find more, spending most of the time clearing debris, gently looking through old books, and inspecting every tool and machine until she found what she needed to form a theory.


    The vampires in this place were not originals; they were fabricated. They injected what she found into all those they were testing on, and what they were using was an old heart that was still pumping after many years of the old laboratory being abandoned.


    It was placed carefully inside a certain crystal that pumped mana in liquid form. The area where crystals grew fed off the mana and, in return, gathered more mana into the old lab.


    The crystals were part of a mine, but the mana was being gathered by the pumping heart. It was a perfect way to produce crystals and gather the mana surrounding the volcano¡ªan impressive cycle created by a great mind of the past.


    From nearby documents, she could only gather that it was the heart of an original but powerful vampire¡ªone that had the ability to create others, a progenitor.


    Serana knew that with Logan''s power, she had turned from a half-vampire into a pure one, not as strong as a progenitor but close enough.


    This meant that she did not need the heart, but she did benefit from the crystals within the room where the heart was stored. They were blood red and gave her enough power to reach the peak. She was at level 40 and even turned into a special class.


    She was fast, strong, and could use darkness, shade, and blood magic.


    Serana could easily manipulate shadows and other beings with hypnosis. Her feral form was fierce, her human form more attractive than before, her bat form able to produce even more bats, and finally, her Garmr form was even larger and deadlier.


    She could finally and truly forgive Logan now. The true culprit had finally been revealed. The one who caused her parents'' deaths was the boy, but he was also their liberator. The ones who caused their deaths in the true sense were the blue-skinned demons causing mutations to beasts around the forest.


    They had tried to make vampires out of humans in this cave long ago. They were the ones who made her into what she was and her parents into the mindless beasts they turned out to be in the end.


    Serana did not wait to attack. She sent a familiar to deal with the pest. One of her abilities allowed her to have one familiar¡ªa beast contracted to become an agent of darkness. She chose something practical: the corpse of another vampire. They did not need a soul, just a will, so a corpse was a good servant.


    They only needed a drop of blood to revive. It was a young girl at first, a test subject like her. She had become something like a mix between a vampire and a wight with Serana''s new abilities.


    The more blood this familiar drank, the stronger it became. She was slowly regaining her consciousness, although she remained emotionless.


    This was fine for Serana. What she needed now was an executioner, and her new minion was perfect for this role. She crept into the shadows and then used the shadow of a nearby tree to warp behind the demon and slice his head off.


    It was fast, precise, and best of all, silent. She then ate the demon. Serana tried teaching it to drink the blood, but her minion would just turn into a large human-like beast made of shadows and devour its prey using its large mouth.


    She did not know how that was possible in the end, but it was at least clean when eating, leaving no trace behind.


    "Well, this doesn''t look good. We will have to go back and inform Master Logan. There is something strange happening here," Serana said to her minion, who did not intend to reply.

 Chapter 128 Timely Intervention

    Serana arrived right on time. She saw how Scorch was struggling while she was in her bat form as an intense heat created light all around a section of the wall.


    She knew she had to help, but the strong flames dispersed the shadows in their wake, making it impossible for her to stealthily enter.


    "Scorch, stop so I can help!" she called out to Logan''s strongest beast, the red dinosaur who took on more than a hundred enemies by himself.


    He looked battered and injured, and seemed to be making a last stand. Luckily, Serana was full of energy, and she and her minion were ready to enter battle as soon as Scorch finished using his streams of fire.


    Read new chapters at My Virtual Library Empire


    Knowing that she needed to be fast to catch the demons off guard, she used her wolf-like Garmr form, which was dark and able to melt into shadows. She appeared behind the strongest of the demons she could sense. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Using this form, she could somewhat change her size and made her jaw large enough to take a bite out of the demon''s torso, splitting the top from the bottom before it knew what had happened. His companions did not even see how he had turned into this state, as they were quickly taken care of by Serana''s minion.


    Her assistant created a large two-meter human-like creature with shadows, giving it long blade-like nails that tore through all those in its path. It then made the stomach of its form open a mouth and pull in those it killed with tentacles.


    Serana did not know how her ferocious minion knew how to fight so well, but she thanked the heavens that it was on her side.


    Without wasting more time looking at what her assistant was doing, Serana kept lunging at all the demons that still needed to be dealt with. Now that they knew they were being ambushed, they directed their attention to both Serana and her follower. But what they did not know was that with each kill, both of them got even stronger. Demon blood was particularly concentrated with mana, especially when they harnessed the power of the blue mutation stones.


    What the demons thought would help them was actually making both Serana and her minion stronger. Each of their kills not only let them recover the mana they used but also brought in so much more. Serana had to control herself from losing her sanity. As for her minion, she had no sanity or mind, so it did not affect her in the slightest. Well, at least her primal instincts told her to keep eating.


    Within minutes, the last group of forty that were attacking Scorch were dealt with easily. Most were already too weakened by Scorch''s assault to continue fighting, which made everything much easier.


    "Scorch, how are you doing?" Serana said, feeling invigorated after taking care of the last one who tried to attack the injured beast.


    [Need¡­ to recover, I used too much mana¡­] Scorch said while limping, trying to keep itself up and ready to fight if needed.


    "Don''t worry, we have killed all the ones found here. Stay with my minion while she cleans up the place¡­ I will go help the others." Serana patted the large dinosaur, who roared in response as his dim flames began to slowly recover.


    Without wasting any more time, Serana turned back into her bat form and took to the sky. She sent three forms in different directions, each one able to turn into her main form.


    One of her forms noticed an empty town with demons fighting with Noctur, so she decided to act. The large weasel was a sly one that loved to play with his enemies. It used earth magic splendidly, creating traps sinisterly and guiding its prey into them. The thought of being its opponent made Serana shudder.


    She knew the creature would not like her butting into its game of tag, so she took care of those the weasel did not have time to fight with.


    Being in the dark but still, town made things easier as she used the shadows and the quiet streets to find her prey. Demons were busy looking for survivors. Within one of the buildings, Serana heard a battle taking place. It was with soldiers and adventurers trying to save a few who did not have the time to enter the shelter.


    "Don''t run, fight me!" said a burly middle-aged man who tried to keep a demon''s attention on him.


    Around him were various soldiers who were hurt. One of them even died trying to shield the four women behind them.


    The demons did not speak; they were busy casting magic spells that tore through the defensive spells the soldiers tried to maintain. There were three demons in total, all clad in armor, with two horns protruding from their foreheads and an aura of blue radiating from their bodies.


    They were not like those Serana fought before; these seemed much more trained and capable. One of her bats, who was closing in on Silis and Valeria''s fight, saw many of these types of demons who were giving Logan''s monsters a hard fight in this war.


    Serana did not waver, though. She did the same as before and tried stealthily entering the shadow of one of these demons in her garmr form, but as soon as she was about to chomp on its torso, the demon teleported away.


    "Damn it, they are well trained," Serana thought as she now knew why Noctur was taking so long to kill her prey within the walls.


    Those humans who saw her form did not know why, but felt joy seeing help arrive.


    Serana, on the other hand, had to switch to her bat form to avoid two spells that sent both fire and blades of wind in her direction.


    She swiftly dodged and leaped into a shadow near her before appearing behind the one she found weakest within the demon group.

 Chapter 129 Overload of the Night

    Knowing that her Garmr form had a flaw of not having a weapon, she instead used her human form to manifest one of her arms into a dark, hazy, but deadly scythe. She went for the area where defense was not a priority and sliced the demon''s legs off before he could teleport away. It only managed to teleport the top portion of its body before slumping to the ground in another area of the building with a cry.


    Experience new tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    "Don''t just stand there! Keep them busy so I can attack!" Serana said to all those who were just spectating. She knew the soldiers had more than defensive spells in their arsenal and needed them to keep the demons distracted so she could enter at the perfect moment.


    "Right, let''s go!" a soldier said as he began casting spikes of ice.


    Now that they were being pushed back, the two remaining demons needed to focus on running. They had both used teleport once, so they needed to wait at least a few seconds to redo a long jump through space.


    This gave Serana the time she needed to keep them on edge. She knew that they needed time to recover their mana and kept attacking. As for the demon who had his legs sliced off, he was being cornered by two experienced adventurers who used melee attacks to keep him busy and close to death''s door.


    Serana finished off one demon, the companion of the leader, with a quick slice and quickly made his blood fly towards her.


    The leader of the demons looked at her in surprise. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Vampire wench! Why are you helping the humans?" she heard him say, his first words throughout the fight.


    "What are you saying? You filthy beasts turned me into this! Now I will hunt you all down for creating me!" Serana jumped at him, turning into her Garmr form as large as it could be, sending him flying with a powerful sweep of her hand.


    "What are you saying! We need to work together to go¡­"


    Before he finished speaking, Serana used the blood of the third demon who had been slain and turned it into a spear. She jumped up to catch it and threw it with all her might into the abdomen of the leader.


    Being out of mana, he could only take the attack head-on. He used all he had to create a barrier, but instead of the blood crashing into the defense spell, it absorbed it and went through the demon like butter. The blood then joined the spear, which was manipulated to return to Serana.


    The girl breathed in as the spear disappeared into her shadow-like hand, making her stronger than ever. The demon was on his last straw, but Serana did not want him to go just like that.


    "You¡­ you have a lot to say before you go." Serana had just enough energy to either level up in bulk after Logan cleared his new quest or to create a new minion.


    She liked the sound of the latter, it would provide her with a bit of information at least.


    She placed her hand on the demon''s face and chanted a few words to create a pact. She used most of the blood energy she had accumulated in this fight and sent it back to the demon, who convulsed at the unfamiliar power he was given.


    Those who looked at the horror in front of them screamed. The demon''s blue body was slowly turning red as blood, and his horns and small wings extended. His body became more muscular, his eyes glowed red, and fangs grew from his mouth, extending out like small tusks.


    Serana, on the other hand, began to recount what the demon knew. She saw just small glimpses of what he could remember before his mind was wiped clean.


    "It''s not much¡­ but at least I know there is a demon general who wants to fight us¡­"


    "Zaryx the Unyielding¡­" she murmured while picturing the large demon who would soon invade them with an army larger than what they were fighting now.


    She did not have much time to ponder, though. She needed to go to the next battlefield.


    With a new minion, Serana quickly gave it directions to head to where Logan was fighting. As for her, she needed to help Silis, who was quickly being overrun by the greatest number of demons attacking the town.


    Quickly switching to the body of one of her bats, she appeared above the large snake whose scales were battered and broken. Around her, various dead bodies of demons littered the floor.


    Knowing Scorch would be safe, she called forth her other minion, the young girl, to quickly enter this fight. She would have a feast as the demons here were also pushed enough to start using their berserk form with the mutation crystals.


    Serana, on the other hand, took some time to kill those around Silis, who needed to rest.


    On another part of the battlefield, Valeria was busy commanding the soldiers she had gathered, trying to keep most of them alive as Regal and Voltar took on the greatest of the demon force they could muster.


    The pair of insects seemed to have inexhaustible stamina as they took almost half of the kills on this side of the fort.


    Valeria called out to Saber, who was working together with Noire to push back the demons closing in on the mages, and told him to help her set a trap. They only had a few seconds, as Valeria felt a powerful earthquake around them.


    She knew this tremor and who was causing it. All they had to do now was make the demons stand in a certain spot.


    Using bombs and gas to create a diversion, she had the demons right where she needed them as a toothy mouth appeared from below them.


    Terra had joined in the fight. She jumped into the air, making all the ground around her rise as an explosion happened within the ground.


    Bodies flew all around as the large worm returned to gobble more demons while blending them in her deadly maw.


    Valeria was finally given time to breathe as she looked around the destroyed wall they had tried to defend. Only a few managed to enter but at the cost of some lives. As for the demons, they were kept busy, their numbers dwindling with each passing minute. The beasts they brought in the middle of the fight were all dealt with, leaving only the frenzied demons to fight.


    She saw Silis and Serana in a part of the field, along with a shadowy figure that was slowly growing in size with each kill. It devoured bodies around it with tentacles that made even the demons run away in panic.


    Valeria reloaded her ammo and went back into formation. If there was something to protect in this battle, it was the soldiers who lacked experience. They were supposed to be the ones that protected the city, and yet they were the ones being protected.


    Valeria could not say she was faring any better. She looked at each of Logan''s tamed beasts and saw the destructive power each one dealt on the battlefield. She could only imagine what the boy would do when he had thousands of these creatures and smiled; he was slowly becoming something his world was not prepared for.


    "Night, what do you see?" Valeria called out as she saw her crow in the sky making circles.


    She then felt anxious, thinking there were more enemies coming.


    Luckily, that was not the case. What did arrive made her smile, the end of the battle was coming close.

 Chapter 130 Fading Conflict

    Four large figures appeared, each one in different colors. The first to arrive came in like a comet, flames streaking behind him as he flew in the sky.


    The point of impact was precise, using the flames to alter the direction. The large stone crashed into a section where many demons had gathered before transforming from its circular shape into a large four-meter golem, lava dripping from its body as it absorbed the parts that flew away in its explosive entrance.


    The second one entered like shrapnel that landed from the sky, using wind to help speed up and add rotations into its five parts that flew at supersonic speeds. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It impaled those that were causing the most damage.


    The third one rolled into the fight using its body in the form of a large cylinder perfectly created with spikes throughout its body. As soon as it stopped, it raised the ground to create a slope and continued its rolling throughout the demon-infested plane.


    The last one stayed far, but sent a volley of ice shards throughout the battlefield.


    Valeria knew who they were, but called out to all the soldiers who remained in the field to retreat.


    The battle had been won as the four golems, enriched with crystals and overflowing with power, entered the fray. Each one, now specialized in a different element, caused the demon''s defeat.


    The soldiers cheered loudly as they saw that their part in this battle had ended.


    As for those inside the shelter, they also cheered as two of the battles concluded. Marie''s magic amplified the image so that everyone present could see the battle, making the townspeople cry out in joy as they saw how the demons were being trampled.


    Rubina was still worried as Logan''s fight was still ongoing. The boy did not look worried, at least¡ªhe even smiled when a new helper came to join him.


    Logan was busy casting Dark Arrow during the fight. The black projectiles worked perfectly in the night and were even deadlier when enhanced with wind magic, which made them so fast that it only took a split second to hit their mark.


    Riptide, on the other hand, was being healed by Kryst, who had reverted back into her slime form. As for Luna, she kept them behind her defensive spell, trying to prevent most of the spells from hitting the large bear who needed to recover.


    It was then that Logan saw a red-skinned demon that jumped from the wall. He did not know how, but he felt a link with the new ally that had come to join them.


    Find exclusive stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    The red demon cast magic strong enough to suck the mana near Logan, making his Dark Arrows disappear, a phenomenon that occurred when magic was used too much within a certain distance.


    The spell the red demon cast was dark-based and created countless spears of dark elemental magic that made Logan want to cry in frustration.


    His own magic paled in comparison to what the demon was using. What was even stranger was that the blood from the kills around them began to cover the dark spears, turning them red and surrounding them with an aura of darkness. Logan quickly walked a few steps away and recast Zephyr''s wind magic to imbue the spears with their speed buff before the red demon launched them.


    Zephyr, who felt the odd combination of magic, quickly took to the sky to avoid being hit and saw how each lance did an arc into the air before dropping with force throughout the battlefield.


    The empowered demons, in their frenzied state, did not respond in time, and over half of them were killed during this volley.


    As for the red demon, it disappeared into the shadows and reappeared next to its old comrades. This time, it used its blood magic to drain the blood from each fallen body as it roared in ecstasy.


    By now, Logan guessed who created the monstrosity before him and let himself fall onto the floor to catch a few minutes of rest.


    His muscles burned, his mana crystal seemed like it was on fire, and his mind buzzed as he felt the adrenaline rush from all the mana being absorbed with each kill made by one of his tamed beings.


    He was slowly going crazy and knew that if he did not give the last of the gems to a light elemental monster so he could finally level up, he would no doubt go mad.


    Within a few seconds, Serana''s powerful minion dealt with all the demons on the battlefield. Most of them were shocked to see one of their own being killed, which made the fight quicker as they did not know whether to kill the demon who was killing them or beg for forgiveness upon seeing his strength.


    "That Serana¡­ what has she created," Logan murmured to himself as he finally had the strength to get up.


    Behind him, Silis and Ferra had come out of a tunnel to help him. He petted both of his creatures and used healing magic to cure their wounds.


    [It''s over, we have won¡­ Thank you everyone¡­] Logan sent out the feeling of gratitude through his mental link and felt the responses from his monsters. The only one capable of talking correctly was Serana, who quickly gave a report.


    [Good thing I arrived on time. I also had the four golems come as soon as they could. We have finished clearing this side as well. As for Scorch, I sent Uriel to help heal him.]


    [Nice job, Serana. You did a great job today. I will owe you a good portion of blood later,] he said while looking at his beat-up body, which needed to recover first.


    [About that¡­ let''s wait for a while¡­ I ate too much today¡­ugh.] Serana''s voice was pained but not from being hurt.


    Logan chuckled to himself as he called Zephyr over. He got on its back to inspect his town from the sky after all that had happened.


    Three of the five walls that surrounded the town were destroyed. As for the buildings, some were burning while others were destroyed as fights settled within them.


    [Let''s go check on Scorch, bud,] he said as he petted Zephyr, who quickly swooped down to where the large red dinosaur stood, its leg now recovered.

 Chapter 131 Momentary Peace

    Everything had settled as Logan was finally able to take a long rest. He was only able to sleep after Nocturn had informed him that there was no danger within the town. Explore new worlds at My Virtual Library Empire


    Even the demons who specialized in stealth were found thanks to his ninja ferret who snuffed them out from the shadows. Regal, who was still strong after the battle, also helped¡ªher small minions were spread out to find even a rat within the walls.


    Logan took a long nap within his mansion. The people were being guided by Rubina, who had told him to sleep as she took care of the rest.


    She had brought them back from the dome and had the buildings and homes that were destroyed repaired with the help of Terra.


    The soldiers and builders who specialized in earth magic quickly repaired the streets and cleansed the river, which had lots of debris. The town quickly returned to its previous state.


    Rubina finally finished and returned to the mansion to look for Logan, who would no doubt be up soon.


    As he got up a few hours later, he felt a pulse in his head. He knew what it meant and needed to quickly give the remaining gem to another of his beasts who wielded the power of light.


    Knowing this, he quickly needed to send Zephyr on a long journey as he was the fastest flyer in his team. He had quickly called the girl who had informed him that she had finished exploring the dungeon and now needed to start clearing her quest to be able to level up like all the heroes at level 40.


    [You will have to find Lisa¡­ please give her this gem and tell her to feed it to Orus. I need him as strong as possible to keep her safe. Do you understand, Zephyr?] Logan wrapped a bracelet around Zephyr''s leg, which contained a small ring that served as a storage device holding the gem and all the light elemental crystals he had harvested.


    [No problem! Will try to meet her today!] Zephyr called out with joy, knowing that he was needed.


    [Good, now go. Tell her to feed you after you arrive. I have placed food and wind crystals in the ring.] Logan hugged his large bird before sending him off.


    "Are you sure she will accept? Wouldn''t it be better to have Kryst take the gem?" Rubina asked as she stood next to him on one of the walls being repaired and strengthened.


    "I will never force one of my creatures, Rubina¡­ if Kryst did not want to take the gem, I will not ask her again." Logan kept looking at the sky, seeing Zephyr vanish from sight within seconds.


    "Now let''s get this place fixed. Serana''s bad news worries me. Even more demons will be attacking soon. We need to get this place fixed, have those who want to leave before the attack out of here, and I need to look for more creatures to join my cause. I have to find them before the end of the day.


    "Now then, I also need you to help me with something," Logan said, taking seeds out of a special bracelet around his wrist. He had not known how to use her powers, but seeing how Marie used crystals to show what happened around the towers, Logan got an idea.


    "What are they?" Rubina asked as she was given a bag with hundreds of seeds.


    "I have not given Scarlet the attention she needed, but she would be the one I need to inform me of future problems that occur within my town. Have the seeds planted around the walls. They will create a dome around my city, the perfect added defense which will tell me if someone or something tries to enter my city." Logan patted his bracelet which reacted to his touch by wrapping itself lightly like a live vine.


    "As for Riptide, have him make a moat around the walls along with Luna. We will need the water to infuse with water crystals to strengthen the vines.


    "We have a lot to do then¡­ good thing Ruben and Marie decided to help us. The boy is busy making improved armors for all the soldiers, and the girl is setting up crystals to keep intruders from entering, as well as setting some traps she thinks will help."


    "Perfect¡­ then I will leave, I will take Scorch¡­" Logan said no more as he got on top of Scorch''s back, which was easily accessible from on top of the wall. He only needed to jump and guide his landing with wind magic.


    As for Serana, she was sent with Kryst into the cave. They needed to gather more crystals for the incoming fight as well as close the mountain''s entrance to keep invaders from finding the mana-rich volcano.


    The four golems stayed near the town, using their earth abilities to strengthen the walls along with Silis.


    Terra was expanding and fortifying the underground tunnels to have various exits and entrances for quick retreats, as well as strengthening the ground under the large walls that needed to withstand the ten-meter walls they were constructing. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan and Scorch quickly headed into the forest to find a particular tribe of monsters they needed to recruit. Logan hoped Zephyr would reach Lisa in time so that his level could grow enough to be able to tame more beings.


    His limit was getting close, but he had just enough to tame four new creatures.


    Logan headed south, to a barren wasteland the group had not visited before. Within these lands, there was a particular group Logan needed to meet, one that Zephyr had scouted some time before. Now that time was of the essence, Logan could not delay visiting the monsters who lived here.


    As he got closer to their settlement, he began to see large walls made out of wood and mud¡ªa settlement belonging to a species Logan had faced before near the city capital in the Beastclaw Forest.

 Chapter 132 Wark Village

    The stench in the plains made Logan want to give up, but he knew that the beasts were going to be necessary for the battle ahead.


    The ones he was looking for were Wargs, a beast that, just like the goblins, created a tribe to be able to live.


    Logan wondered what would happen if he was able to tame their chief and have the tribe join in the war.


    As soon as he got close enough to the wall that was only a meter high, he saw the tent-like housing the Wargs used to live in.


    They were primitive but learned to make housing by copying human settlements.


    Sadly, the two could never live near each other. The Wargs were just too dirty to be near humans, while humans never liked sharing their lands.


    Other than that, it wasn''t unheard of for a human to be eaten by the Wargs, who were carnivores.


    Find adventures at My Virtual Library Empire


    Soon, Logan heard a few squeals from inside the tents as a group of Wargs joined together to defend their home from the large red lizard who roared loudly outside their settlement.


    Logan saw how the Wargs got closer to the wall and tried throwing stones to make them leave.


    Logan jumped off Scorch''s back using a mix of wind and earth magic to make a pillar.


    He then raised his hands up as if giving up, but he did not do so unprotected. He cast Riptide''s Aqua Shield to produce various small orbs around him that protected him from all forms of attack.


    Within the walls of the settlement, a grunt caused all those who were throwing things to stop.


    Logan saw a large Warg who seemed to be the chief walk towards the gates of the walls that protected the settlement, along with four others who seemed to be his guards.


    "Finally, you come out¡­" Logan whispered while smiling at the large bipedal pig-like animal.


    Logan did not move as the group got closer. The pig stopped a few meters from Logan.


    The boy then made his pedestal lower just enough to make a seat.


    To make himself look harmless, Logan sat down and created another pedestal in front of him, gesturing for the Warg leader to sit.


    Scorch did not move during the whole process as Logan had asked him to remain standing, hoping to create enough pressure for the Wargs to accept.


    The large Warg stared at Logan, then at Scorch, before returning his gaze to the boy.


    He then squealed hard enough for everyone to hear before sitting in front of Logan.


    Logan took out an earth elemental crystal from his dimension ring and threw it in front of the Warg chief, who looked at it before having one of his guards pick it up.


    Logan saw how the Warg guard''s hand trembled as it felt the strength of the crystal that would make them stronger before passing it to the Warg chief.


    The Warg chief, on the other hand, looked at the crystal in disdain. He knew what Logan was trying to do by giving him the crystal but did not know why.


    Logan knew the Warg would not understand and took out another crystal to make sure the Warg chief knew he had more.


    He then pointed to Scorch and then to himself.


    Logan made sure to emphasize that there was a link as he pointed to a clearly visible tattoo on his neck.


    Scorch also had the same mark as he turned his face so the Warg chief could see it.


    Logan could see the intelligence in the Warg chief''s eyes as he looked at both marks a few times before doing another squeal.


    The Warg Chief was calling for one of his daughters. A girl was being dragged towards Logan by two of his guards. She cried out a little before being presented to them.


    Logan wondered why his daughter. Did monsters have something about giving away their daughters to him, or did he have a power to call forth this action?


    Logan sighed as he wanted a strong warrior, not a young girl.


    The Warg chief squealed again. This time, the girl stood still in front of Logan, who felt a little bad about scaring her. He cut his finger with a dagger and placed a drop of blood on the Warg girl''s bare knee, lowering himself to make himself look harmless.


    As soon as the girl was branded, she began to squeal.


    [What happened to my knee? Look at this mark! My beautiful skin!] Logan heard her cry within his mind.


    The Warg guards thought she was attacked and wanted to retaliate, but the Warg chief stopped them as he knew his daughter well.


    [Hey, hey, relax, it''s just a small mark¡­ Here, have this!] Logan, who thought the relationship would turn sour, quickly passed the girl a few earth crystals.


    The Warg chief''s daughter looked at the presented items and knew how valuable they were. She could not stop herself from crushing them in her hands without permission from her father. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan smiled as he passed a few more, knowing that with enough of them she would evolve.


    The girl did as expected and continued to devour each stone greedily.


    [Yum! So much energy! Thank you!] Her inner words sounded like those of a fifteen-year-old girl.


    Soon, Logan heard a few pings indicating the young Warg''s level-up. He needed to have her evolve so that the others could truly appreciate his power.


    As soon as she reached her first limit before evolution, she stopped and dropped all the stones she was given. Her body began to glow as everyone observed, including Logan, who wanted to see what her next stage would be.


    Soon, the amber-colored particles stopped appearing. A girl who previously looked like a bipedal pig now looked more human-like. Still muscular, she still had her pig tail and hooves, but her skin was less hairy and more smooth.


    As for her face, she had a snout and pig ears, but her hair grew long and brown, and her skin was tan.

 Chapter 133 Hired Allies

    Logan and those around him were stunned at the difference. The Wargs in particular squealed, wanting the girl before them to do the same to indicate she was alright.


    The girl responded with a squeal, but unlike before, it was more human in tone. She even coughed a few times afterward but knew the correct way to make it so that the others understood.


    [So have you calmed down?] Logan asked, trying to gauge the girl''s intelligence. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Yes, forgive, I was scared¡­ master,] she responded after looking at her father. Before she turned to Logan, she looked at her hands, then at her body. She was fat before, but now she had thinned out a little to look more like the human before her.


    [Good to see you have adjusted¡­ how about you tell your father if he also wants to turn into what you are¡­ I really need his help,] Logan asked the girl who now stared at him in awe.


    [That¡­ you have changed me, I feel better¡­ I will tell my father!] The girl suddenly turned around and ran to her father, shaking him by the shoulders before giving him a hug.


    Logan looked at the scene, feeling warmed. Even if they were not human, they still loved and respected each other. This gave him hope that they could become one of his strongest forces.


    [Yes, he said yes!] The girl rushed towards him and placed her hands on Logan''s knees, looking at his face from up close with a determined expression.


    [Alright¡­ well let''s start. I need to speak before going back to my settlement.] Logan got up this time to go near the chief, who looked at him anxiously.


    Logan thought about where he would leave the mark this time and chose the Warg''s left shoulder, making sure it was in a good spot.


    As before, he began handing him crystals to speed his growth.


    The Warg chief did not waste time and began using the crystals before getting up to evolve like his daughter.


    The bipedal pig, who stood at almost two meters, began to squeal loudly, causing all those in the village to stir. This time, his guards did not try to attack Logan as they were busy looking at the changes the Warg chief was experiencing.


    Soon enough, the large Warg turned like his daughter, more human-like. He grew just a little but also gained much more muscle.


    [Feel powerful, feel strong, more wise¡­ Master¡­ thank you!] The Warg Chief showed he was grateful for the change that made him better.


    Logan, happy with the change, sat back down and began trying to think of a simple way to tell the Warg his problem.


    [First off.. what are both of your names¡­] Logan asked, knowing that unlike his previous beasts, these human-like creatures could have their own names.


    [I am¡­ Wohan,] the large Warg responded to Logan''s inquiry.


    [I am, Wayana,] Logan heard the girl answer, her voice sounding oddly similar to her father''s.


    [Well then, Wohan, I have a huge problem that might affect your tribe. Demons have attacked my town and want to destroy my territory. Soon these demons will come to destroy your village and force you to be their soldiers.]


    [We need to fight together to kill the demons. I need your power. I hope to also make your village stronger, and if you want, you can all come with me. I will make you houses and a better place to live. We will work together, and I will help your village thrive,] Logan began to tell the Warg his idea.


    While he did not think much of the others in the village, he knew that with the Warg chief and his daughters'' help, they could at least face the incoming invasion.


    [We will help¡­ I will get stronger?] he asked Logan, who nodded in response.


    [Yes, my power lets you become stronger. You will be like him,] Logan said, pointing to Scorch, who made a large stream of fire above them to show his might.


    [Understood. I want more power,] the Warg chief nodded before squealing hard enough for all those behind him to hear.


    [We will follow, but first, I will hold a meeting,] the Warg chief said.


    Logan sighed but nodded in approval.


    The boy wanted to leave but knew that he had to give the chief enough time to go back and convince his people. Find more to read on My Virtual Library Empire


    On the other hand, his daughter stood beside Logan with interest showing in her eyes.


    Logan wanted to at least make a good impression on his new companion and made a pedestal for her to sit on before taking out a few skewers he had stashed for these situations.


    [Here, have some,] Logan communicated before beginning to show her how she should eat to avoid the thin wooden pike holding the meat and vegetables together.


    [Yumm!] The girl squealed in pleasure as she finished and asked for another.


    [Oh, so you like it! Good to know that at least you''re not like Serana,] Logan said, passing a few more skewers as well as more mana crystals he still had to see if she would hit another evolutionary limit.


    It was about twenty minutes before the Warg chief returned with his guardians, this time wanting Logan to change them.


    [I am sorry, but I can''t do it right now. I need to get stronger to change more of you all, but soon I hope I will be able to!] Logan said.


    The chief nodded and told him that they accepted the deal.


    Before they left, Logan had given the Warg chief and his daughter a few dimensional bags that would help speed up the moving process. In no time, the village was packed, and those living in it were ready to move.


    Logan got on top of Scorch and began guiding his new people near his town. He would not have them live in the town but in an area around it, where they would make a separate wall structure where the Wargs could live nearby.

 Chapter 134 Splintered Radiance

    It only took a few hours of flying for Zephyr to reach the labyrinth city. The city was so large, but the labyrinth was not hard to find within the center where a tall structure stood.


    Zephyr was seen as a dangerous creature at first, but Logan made sure to place a flag on one of his feet so that others could tell he was a tamed beast. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    No one dared attack him after seeing the flag and even signaled for Zephyr to stop near a certain structure meant for flying mounts.


    Zephyr mentally called out to Lisa, who should be the one to receive him, and within minutes he saw the girl run towards him and give him a hug. Her own pet, Orus, was behind her and stared at Zephyr with envy as the griffin felt the power the large bird radiated.


    [Now, now, let''s all be friends here. Zephyr, how about you give me the item Logan wanted me to have,] Lisa called out to the bird, who lifted one of its large feet to show a small ring that was held by a thin string.


    [Thanks, Zephyr,] Lisa said as she put on the ring to activate the storage function.


    Within it, a note asked her to feed and give Zephyr wind stones so he could recover.


    "Alright Zephyr, here, enjoy." She passed a large corpse of a beast, some crystals, and water towards the large predatory bird. She felt a little disgusted at the corpse but was not too bothered as she had to feed her own Orus, who stared at the eagle with even more envy.


    "Here, Logan did not forget one for you either. Take some of these stones also." Lisa smiled, feeling happy that Logan did not forget his other creatures. She knew the kindness the boy held for his own.


    [Now then¡­ what is this all about a light gem¡­] Lisa began to think about what to do with the gem before she would offer it to Orus. He would no doubt benefit greatly and possibly become as strong as Zephyr, as Orus was already at level 40 like herself.


    [Mission: Empower the Light Primordial Crystal with light energy while praying.


    Reward: Instant overwrite of the previous Class Change Quest.]


    Lisa, who was used to the screen appearing out of nowhere, gave it some thought and wondered why it would suggest empowering the strange gem.


    She then guided both of the beasts, who had finished eating, to a barn that was meant for Orus and began thinking about the mission she was given.


    "Well, I guess I can only do what it tells me¡­" Lisa muttered to herself while kneeling and clasping onto the jewel.


    Suddenly, the clear crystal that radiated a bright white light in its center began to glow. Lisa did not stop channeling more energy as she felt the crystal keep sucking in her mana.


    Within a minute of doing this, she felt the crystal crack in two. Stay updated through My Virtual Library Empire


    Lisa looked at her hands in surprise, hoping she did not make the mistake of injecting too much mana and causing the stone irreparable damage but soon a message appeared that alleviated her worry.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Quest: Seraphic Healer


    Unlocks


    Given a portion of a celestial power, you will be able to heal even the most grievous wounds, dispel magic, and give various buffs and shields to those you bless, you will also be given radiant magic which burns all those who oppose you with celestial energy. Capability to surpass Level 40. Obtain skill, Celestial Wings.


    Mission: Ingest a portion of the Primordial Light Gem.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Lisa stared at the screen before her, happy that the previous quest was overwritten. She didn''t want to look for the various items needed to make the altar it asked for, nor did she want to do the numerous things required for the ritual, one of them even required a life sacrifice of a certain creature.


    This was cut down, and all she had to do was swallow the gem.


    It did not quite feel safe, so she thought about it. If Zephyr was fine, then she should be alright as well.


    Good thing Orus would also be able to take the gem, so she quickly placed the shining object in front of her beast, who looked at it with curiosity.


    It looked at Zephyr one more time before deciding to pick up the stone and swallow it.


    Within a few seconds, Lisa noticed that the bird was shining with radiant, powerful light elemental energy, and its form began to change.


    Orus''s form went from looking like a gentle beast to one of great power. His four limbs were now more muscular and broad, he now stood at two meters, and his wings rivaled Zephyr''s, who was huge for an eagle. He had grown almost twice in size and was large enough for Lisa to ride him comfortably.


    Orus let out a powerful hoot that was louder than anything he had ever produced before.


    Lisa liked the new look of her tamed beast. It now had the power she wanted from him to help in the coming battles.


    She looked at the other half of the gem that shone just as brightly as the one Orus took, but still felt doubts.


    Lisa did not want to change forms like Orus or Zephyr, as she did not know what she would turn into¡­ She stared at it a few more times, knowing this was the only way she would be able to level up after 40.


    "I doubt I will grow any larger or something, right¡­?" she asked the two beasts that were before her.


    Both birds screeched at her question, as if not knowing what to say.


    "Don''t know either, huh¡­" Lisa sighed as she hoped for a clear answer from the two who had already gone through the process.


    "Well then, there is no better time than now¡­ let''s see what this will do to me," Lisa said as she breathed in a bit more before placing the gem in her mouth.

 Chapter 135 Seraphic Healer

    As soon as the gem entered her mouth, she began to feel its power course through her body. Lisa did not know what to do as her body began to ache from the overwhelming amount of power that entered it. Her bones creaked, her muscles broke apart, and her mind was just short of exploding¡ªor at least it felt like it was about to.


    "Uuhhaaa!" she screamed out, falling to her knees and trying to hold on to something.


    The intense pain came in waves as it pulsed throughout her body, making her shudder with each one. The particles of light surrounded her and at times alleviated the pain.


    It wasn''t long before she began to feel the change in her body. She was stronger, faster, and harder to damage.


    She only grew a few centimeters, to her joy, she was still shorter than Logan.


    The girl''s clothes had ripped in some parts due to the process, especially her bosom, which had grown decently, at least a size or two. She did not have time to check as she quickly placed one of her cloaks over herself in case someone rushed in to check up on her.


    Her shoes were at least auto-adjusting, so they grew a little to accommodate her new size.


    Lisa''s hair, which was a little longer and reached a bit under her shoulder, now reached her thighs. It was a blond almost platinum, and her skin had become a lighter tone.


    Her nails grew a few millimeters, and some of the marks Lisa remembered having on her arms disappeared as if she were reborn.


    What changed the most was the amount of mana she could use, which was now twice as much as before.


    [Congratulations! You are the first hero to pass the Class Change Quest! As a reward for your incredible effort, you have been gifted 4 Liquid Light Elixirs...]


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Lisa Stella


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Class: Seraphic Healer (Blessing: Light) (Soul-Tamed Status: Link Logan Aiden)


    Level: 41 / Health: 682 / Mana: 846


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Attributes:


    Strength: 38 Agility: 42 Dexterity: 43 Constitution: 64 Intelligence: 82 Charisma: 77


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Skills:]


    Healing Light: Channels divine energy to heal allies'' wounds and ailments.


    Barrier of Light: Creates a protective barrier that shields allies from physical and magical attacks.


    Divine Purification: Cleanses negative status effects and curses from allies.


    Sacred Sanctuary: Creates a safe zone where allies receive enhanced healing and protection.


    New* Celestial Blessing: Temporarily enhances allies'' attributes such as strength, intelligence, and constitution. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    New* Seraphic Resurrection: Revives fallen ally with a portion of their health restored, must be done within seconds of death. (Limit 0/1)


    New* Radiant Aura: Emits a soothing aura that gradually heals allies over time.


    New* Holy Nova: Releases a burst of holy energy that damages enemies and heals allies within its radius.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Abilities:]


    Divine Presence: Lisa''s mere presence passively radiates a holy energy that gradually heals her allies over time and reduces the effectiveness of dark magic within a certain radius.


    New* Angelic Wings: Lisa has the passive ability to manifest ethereal wings that grant her the power of flight and enhanced agility at the cost of mana. These wings also emit a calming aura, soothing nearby allies and boosting their morale.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Experience Points (XP): 8453/10000]


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Lisa looked at the stats she now had and noticed they were strong enough to surpass most of the heroes in the class, especially her intelligence state that was so high up it left even Silvia who specialized in magic behind.


    She also noticed the new ability she now had: her angelic wings would let her fly in the sky like her bird. However, unlike the two creatures in front of her, the wings would not be able to be used for long periods of time, as they would cost her mana to use.


    "Well then¡­ I will have to get used to flying, won''t I?" Lisa said before thinking about a concern she had.


    [Zephyr¡­ how is Logan doing? Is he doing well in his new town?] Lisa asked, wondering how her friend was doing as he did not speak much to her these days. She did not ask why though; she just knew he was busy.


    [Fighting demons. They attacked home, more are coming. Logan wants to be stronger,] Zephyr replied.


    "Wait, what! Demons attacked his town? How many, Zephyr? Did anyone die?" Lisa was caught off guard, hoping for good news but not expecting the large eagle''s response.


    [Many¡­ like ants, they attacked. They were defeated¡­ but more coming next time.] She heard Zephyr''s reply and also knew the bird did not know how to count, something she expected. But if they were attacking like ants, that meant there were many, and if so, when they attacked again, there would be even more.


    Lisa''s heart thumped at the news. She was really not needed here, right?


    She paced back and forth a few times.


    The news had gotten her even more worried.


    "What if he faces thousands¡­ even the few that attacked us before were enough to cause us problems¡­ but thousands¡­" Lisa muttered.


    "I need to go¡­ I need to help Logan, I have a way to do so¡­" she finally said out loud. Both creatures in front of her nodded at her answer and called out as if cheering.


    [Will help master, he is worried about next battle,] Zephyr said.


    [I will help also. Master will need my help, I am powerful now!] Orus said with excitement about meeting Logan once again. Discover exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Alright, I will be back soon. Let me tell the others¡­" Lisa said as she headed back to the inn where most of the class was.


    She went to Ms. Claire, who was still shocked at finding that someone within the class had completed the quest.


    "Hey Lisa, did you hear the news? Someone finished the class change quest," Ms. Claire said, smiling while wondering who it was.


    "Yes¡­ well that was me, I had it easy," Lisa said while trying to think of how she was going to explain the next part to their ever-worrying teacher.

 Chapter 136 Turning Point

    "What good news! How does it feel to be over the limit?" Ms. Claire said, showing joy on her face, but that quickly changed as she saw Lisa''s demeanor.


    "It''s good¡­ I really do feel the difference¡­ but enough about that, Ms. Claire. I need to go help Logan. I came to tell you I will be leaving for a while."


    Ms. Claire instantly changed from smiles to worry. Lisa felt bad for doing that when she only wished her happiness for her quest completion, but she had to change the subject and go help Logan as soon as possible.


    "I can only tell you that demons will be attacking Logan''s town and he needs help. With my beast Orus, I hope to arrive on time to help him¡­" Lisa explained, trying to keep it as short as possible.


    "Okay¡­ go. I will try to gather a group who can help¡­ But I doubt we will make it on time. Many in the class have already left to find what they need for their own quests. Please just tell me if something happens, I will try to see what I can do." Ms. Claire began racking her brains, trying to think of various plans or ways she could help.


    Her own beast could run fast but could not fly; it would take far too long to reach Logan''s town.


    "Lisa¡­ Go. This isn''t something I will stop you from. Go help Logan. I will try doing my own part and get those from the kingdom to help¡­ I just hope it won''t be too late."


    With Ms. Claire''s approval, Lisa went to the next person she needed to speak to: Alma, her best friend. She had finished her own group''s dungeon run yesterday and was currently having her much-needed rest.


    Lisa''s own group finished half a week ago and was already up and running through town enjoying life under the sun, which was probably what everyone who entered the labyrinth missed the most, that and fresh air.


    Alma''s room was next to her own, so she knocked once before entering.


    "Hey Alma?" Lisa called out, hearing the girl snoring¡ªsomething she usually never heard from her.


    "Alma¡­!" Lisa shook her slightly, trying to get her up.


    Alma woke up groggily, but as soon as she saw Lisa, she rubbed her eyes a few times to try getting up.


    "What is it, Liz¡­" Alma said while yawning.


    "Sorry, but I need to tell you something¡­" Lisa began to say.


    "What, what happened to you? You look so different, girl¡­ Look at your pretty hair, it changed color, and your skin, it''s so¡­ so new and¡­ and you''re taller now?" Alma opened her eyes wide, wondering if she was still asleep.


    "Yes, I evolved somehow. It happened after I finished my quest, but that isn''t important. I need to go with Logan, his town is in trouble!" Lisa tried to change the subject back to the important news she had to tell her best friend.


    "Logan? What happened to him?" Alma said while fixing herself to listen to her friend.


    Lisa went over the most important parts of the news before telling Alma about her way to head there.


    "So, your large four-legged bird also evolved? And you''re telling me that you will be going with it¡­ Liz, you know I need to go too, right? I can''t let you go alone!" Alma said with a worried tone. She missed the attack that almost killed Lisa''s group in the labyrinth, and this time, she did not want to leave her friend alone.


    "It will be hard enough with me alone. Do you really think you will be able to come?" Lisa tried to convince her but knew that once Alma put her mind into something, she would do it no matter what.


    "It''s fine, Lisa. You and I have powers now. I have a special buff that will help our speed and give the bird strength while you can heal and recover its stamina. What is there to fear when we both work together? We might even arrive faster. You should know there is no better person with team buffs than me, right? I might even help with Logan''s problem. He has many beasts, right? I am sure I can also influence them as well as the demons with my songs¡­" Alma kept trying to convince her friend to let her join.


    She also had other plans to help Lisa. She knew the girl loved Logan and was tired of their snail-paced relationship. She knew Lisa also worried about Logan being with so many other girls in this world, something she mentioned a few times during their stay here in the labyrinth city.


    "Fine, maybe what you are saying will work¡­ I did even get wings¡­ I have yet to test them though¡­" Lisa added while trying to manifest her wings.


    "You got what! Just what does that quest do to us?" Alma exclaimed as she saw Lisa manifest golden wings behind her back that radiated a light like that of the sun. It made her feelings change from nervous to being at peace, as if the problems of the present did not matter much.


    "Okay, okay, put them away. They are making me feel weird, and it''s not time to find peace yet." Alma said, trying to get her mind back on track.


    "So, we need to pack, and make it fast. Go back to your room and hurry, and tell no one! I don''t want Brian making a fuss about you leaving and all that." Alma yelled towards Lisa, who at times was a bit of an airhead.


    Enjoy more content from My Virtual Library Empire


    As soon as the girl went back to her room, Alma began taking out certain risky clothes she had bought for a good occasion.


    She had also bought some for Lisa. Good thing they were self-adjusting, so even if she grew a little, they would fit the shy girl. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You will have to learn the hard way, Lisa¡­"

 Chapter 137 Welcome to Highcrest

    Lisa and Alma were soon nearing Logan''s town. Lisa was on Zephyr''s back while Alma had ridden on Orus. Discover exclusive tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    They had taken turns and used various buffs to keep the two birds in the air and make them have inexhaustible energy throughout the flight.


    As they inspected the town from the air, they noticed the place was impressive by this world''s standards, with walls ten meters high and thick, large columns, and well-placed vantage points for attacking from inside the walls.


    Surrounding the walls were green vines with red flowers, a strange sight but they covered most of the walls.


    Seven towers stood imposingly around the walls. Two of these smaller towers were placed next to the large wooden gates, which were used as a bridge over a moat that seemed like a lake.


    Both girls were impressed with the town within the walls. It was lively and full of hope in a town that was said to be soon attacked by demons.


    Carriages were coming and going through the gates. A large market spanned the length of the main street that crossed the center of the town, with many people buying and selling.


    As they descended, they saw how the houses looked like exact replicas of each other, making the streets look orderly but a little monotonous.


    Each was made with a mix of earth and wood, with each roof a different color to add flavor to the town.


    In the distance, they spotted large buildings that would no doubt be governmental or guild structures, and a large clock that was the centerpiece of the town.


    It wasn''t long before Zephyr and Orus landed near a large mansion, the biggest house in the town.


    Standing outside, Alma saw Logan, a large red dinosaur, a large snake, and many other creatures around.


    "Welcome¡­ welcome to Highcrest," she heard Logan say, while looking at them as they tried to slowly adjust back to standing on solid ground.


    Lisa quickly cast a spell that cured Alma''s dizziness and let her return to her normal state. She could now look around with even greater detail.


    What she concentrated on first was Logan, the boy who had changed so drastically.


    His long hair no longer covered his face. It was to the side but most of it was placed back. It was now black with white tips, and it seemed to radiate like Lisa''s platinum hair.


    The boy looked more robust, strong but still thin, and tall as always.


    His expression, unlike before, showed more confidence, as if he had led countless troops to battle.


    It was a look Alma knew well, only that it belonged to Logan of the past.


    Alma then looked towards Lisa, who would no doubt want to talk to the boy, but noticed that they just stared at each other.


    She had her suspicion, but did not act on it. Alma did not want to interrupt the couple''s interaction and looked at them with a warm smile.


    The girl knew her best friend''s feelings for the boy. It was obvious and mutual from both sides. She then looked around the mansion and those who came with the boy.


    She noticed another in the group she knew. Marie looked at Lisa with a little bit of hostility, a look shared by a few more, including a red-haired girl, a maid, and a beautiful dark-haired girl with small fangs.


    "Damn, just how many girls did you trick into liking you, Logan?"


    Lisa, on the other hand, did not have time to look at the rest of Logan''s companions. As soon as he introduced his town, Lisa heard a voice within her mind.


    "Hey there, Lisa. I hope you''re doing well. You look stunning¡­ You must have been the first one to finish their quest. I wonder how it was faster than me?"


    Lisa felt her heart flutter now that she was near the boy again. This time was even worse since he had changed so much that she felt it wasn''t just his doing.


    "Yes¡­ well, I had a certain event that helped me skip my quest. As for the change in my appearance, it was unexpected. But now, looking at you, I think it will happen to all those who change class and get their next boost of power."


    Lisa said as she also tried to see who was responsible for Logan''s great change. She looked towards a particular girl who she knew had interacted with Logan from the start of their stay in this world¡ªthe red-haired girl, Rubina, daughter of Earl Rosengard.


    Rubina looked away as soon as Lisa turned to her, meaning that nothing serious had happened between the two, which made Lisa feel better and calm.


    "It''s a beautiful town, Logan. What I like best are the weird vines with flowers growing outside the wall. It makes me wonder when it will stop growing," Lisa commented on a strange thing that she had noticed as they passed through the stone structures.


    "Oh, if it''s about that, it''s one of my beasts doing it. She will soon make a dome over the walls and keep us safe from aerial attacks," Logan began telling them about his various beasts.


    He introduced both newcomers to all of them, including Serana, who did not like being around Lisa and the light elemental aura that radiated powerfully around her.


    "Well then¡­ let''s enter. I hope you both are hungry; we were just about to have lunch."


    "Sure, it was a long trip here, you know¡­ a full night, so I might have to take a nap after eating," Lisa said, while covering her mouth to yawn.


    Logan chuckled and nodded, feeling grateful that Lisa would do so much for him in his time of need.


    "No problem. We have more than enough rooms for you two. Take your pick after lunch. I will make sure the food is something light so you can sleep easily."


    As soon as the group got near the tables, they were joined by another hero, Ruben, who was already seated with his girlfriend, and Wayana, who he had strangely gotten close to.


    "A Wark...?"


    Logan heard Lisa ask.


    "An evolved Wark..." S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He answered while food was being brought in so they could eat.

 Chapter 138 Primordial Soul Bound Tamer

    After dinner, Lisa and Alma had gone to sleep. Ruri had shown both girls to their respective rooms within the large mansion.


    Logan, on the other hand, wanted to take a nice long hot shower. He had spent most of the morning working on the Wark''s town with Silis, Digger, and Terra, who had perfected their building skills and even had the luxury to improve the buildings to look like a modern earth home.


    He entered the luxurious bath that was made specially for him. Although he did not know why it was so large, he did remember how the workers who made it kept blinking at him for some reason.


    Logan took off his clothes and placed them on a rack before dipping his toes in the mana-filled water¡ªa luxury only he probably had the privilege of enjoying.


    The bath had two stones that Kryst had nurtured. It was one of her skills she had gained after consuming so many crystals that her body could now produce seeds of them.


    Like seeds from plants, she had planted them in strategic positions within the city so they could grow with all the mana Logan''s monsters attracted into the town.


    Logan soon entered the bath alone.


    All his creatures and servants were working hard with various tasks giving him time to think.


    He settled himself before letting his mind wander. He thought back to the warks and how they had made their home near his town and found a nice place to live.


    Logan remembered one particular part of his trip and how the pig-like creatures had strangely all evolved, just as they were about to leave the Wark settlement after the long talk with the Wark chief.


    Before that event happened, Logan began to feel the mana he had accumulated during the battles before explode in his chest. It was probably when Lisa gave Orus the light gem, letting Logan finish the class change quest.


    He yelled out to the sky as he felt an intense pain. His body was reforming at a fast pace, making him almost faint, but he held on.


    Soon enough, he felt his body reforged, tempered, and strengthened to another degree. He was taller, more muscular, and felt like he had been reborn.


    His skin was flawless, and his hair had turned black, with tips that were white, as if it was struggling between the two elements he was blessed with.


    As soon as he got up, he noticed it was to his waist, meaning it would have to be trimmed later.


    His shirt had also ripped with the growth of his body, making it useless. He had to get another one to change into as all the Warks looked at his strange evolution before some began to convulse. They, like the chief and his daughter, began to also evolve.


    Logan did not know why until he checked his own stats.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Logan Aiden


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Class: New* Primordial Soul Bound Tamer


    Level: 52 / Health: 641 / Mana: 621


    Strength:49 Agility: 47 Dexterity: 51 Constitution: 62 Intelligence: 59 Charisma: 56


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Skills:]


    Taming (Rank: Advanced): Forms a permanent bond with a marked beast or being using the masters blood; the being must be willing to form a pact and can now be of higher rank or level than the master. (Max Beings: 39/76 / +3 Per Level)


    Empathic Link (Rank: Advanced): Establishes a mental connection with a tamed creature, allowing for silent communication and understanding of their emotions and thoughts within a certain distance. (Max distance: 200 meters / +10 per Level)


    Beast Synergy: Logan achieves a synergy based on the loyalty of his tamed creatures, allowing him to harness their abilities as extensions of his own power. (Max abilities: 26 / 1 Per every 2 Level)


    Primordial Command (Rank: Advanced): Grants the hero the ability to issue commands infused with power to his tamed creatures, enhancing their strength and coordination while following the command.


    Primordial Aura (Rank: Advanced): Surrounds the hero and tamed creatures with an aura that boosts their defense and resistance to elemental damage. This aura also grants minor healing over time.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Abilities:]


    Tamer''s Bond (Rank: Advanced): Allows the hero to form a soul bond with creatures, making them permanent allies.


    New* Beast Monarch (Rank: Legendary): Grants Logan the power to designate one of his tamed creatures as the King of its kind. The chosen creature, now a monarch, can create and command minions under its authority. These minions will follow the monarch''s commands and be able to gain some of the tamer''s blessings, including evolutions.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Experience Points (XP): 12942/18539] Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Logan read the second ability he had gained and attributed the change to this. He smiled while trying to keep himself from laughing hard out loud, seeing how this world kept giving him what he needed.


    As soon as he returned his attention to the Warks, they were no longer bipedal pigs, but more like a cross between a human and a pig. They had hands but also hooves, snouts but mostly human features on their faces, pig ears but no human ears.


    They were strange creatures, but he also felt the power they now had. Particles of mana of different elements radiated through most of them, meaning that they had also been blessed by the spirits.


    Continue reading on My Virtual Library Empire


    Logan returned his mind back to the present, in the bath, soaking his long hair in the mana-filled water while breathing in and out slowly to enjoy the herbs that were mixed in the water.


    He closed his eyes to enjoy the small break he needed before having to go out to check on his monsters. He would have to visit the merchants'' guild and have them bring in various creatures so that his monsters could have minions.


    He had already sent a letter to Rosengard about their situation and the need to get more beasts. He just hoped they would arrive on time.


    But for now, he just needed to rest. He had been so busy these past few days.


    Suddenly, he felt someone enter the bath. He quickly stood up to check on who it was.


    "Alma?"

 Chapter 139 Love Guidance

    "Alma?" Logan hurried to cover his important parts upon seeing the girl in front of him. Luckily, she wore a swimsuit.


    And yet, it was not covering much, leaving Logan with a vivid young man''s imagination to run wild.


    "Oh? What is this innocent reaction? I thought that by having such a large bath, you would have some experience already?"


    Alma smiled deviously while trying to keep her eyes on Logan''s face.


    "I never had time! Now tell me, what are you doing here?" Logan tried to keep his voice down but it was still loud.


    "Calm down, Logan. Let''s talk¡­" Alma settled herself in a corner, cleaning her skin with the mana filled herbal water.


    "Are you used to this?" Logan tried to calm himself as his eyes kept sliding towards the girl''s direction. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Continue your adventure at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Oh, are you interested? And stop staring so much¡­ As for your question, no, I have never done or planned to do this. I had to, though. You and Lisa are going way too slow, you know?" Alma took a glance at the boy, who looked confused.


    "Slow? What do you mean?" Logan questioned.


    "Logan, do you know you have at least five girls who like you? ''Like'' might even be a weak word¡ªmore like love or are obsessed with you. Now tell me, what have you done for them?" Alma said, her voice soft and lovely but filled with anger to get her point across.


    "Five girls?" Logan asked in surprise.


    "Only those I saw with my eyes. I don''t know if there are more throughout your new town¡­ Don''t tell me you haven''t seen how Lisa, that redhead Rubina, your maid, the black-haired vampire chick, and poor Marie¡ªwho I don''t even know how she got here, she was supposed to be with our team in the labyrinth¡­"


    Alma did not play around with her words. She needed to set Logan straight before Lisa would be forced into Brian by peer pressure or even worse, through politics.


    She hated that boy. She dated Brian during her first year of high school, and it was the worst. She was just a trophy for him.


    She felt used after that. Luckily, they didn''t even kiss as he got too crazy on their first date while inside a theater and started touching her, earning a good slap in the process.


    "They like me?" Alma heard the boy mumble as she took another glance to see his face in disbelief.


    Alma sighed, knowing the boy was too pure for this world.


    "Yes, Logan, they like you¡­ I want to know if you have chosen already. I know it will be hard with so many beautiful girls, but you need to think about what you''re going to do with so many girls around you. Will you pick one, or did you have plans for an otherworld harem?" Alma snickered while saying the last part of her sentence.


    "Otherworldly what?" Logan kept repeating her words, not knowing what to say.


    "Oh, please, don''t tell me you haven''t read a webnovel or watched some anime before. I only know because Lisa enjoys that stuff," Alma explained.


    "Well, yeah, I know that much, but why would you mention it?"


    "Because you need to get your future plans in check before you hurt someone, you need to choose, Logan. I know for a fact there is something more with Lisa than meets the eye¡­ Let me say something¡ªI won''t judge you¡ªbut I have seen a weird ring mark she keeps hidden. Seeing your naked body now, I know what it is¡­ So now I know for a fact that Lisa can''t just go back to Earth without you or that she will even be able to marry or get close to another if it''s not you," Alma began to say.


    "That vampire chick is probably the same with her. I don''t know about Marie or Rubina, but I have no doubt they will ask for the same sooner or later. So Logan, as I see it, it will probably have to be the harem route. Mr. Soul Tamer¡­ Sorry, but Lisa has the power to see everyone''s class and stats, and I, of course, asked her about you until she spilled the beans, hehe."


    Logan thought about everything he was told. He sort of had the idea of all this but kept it deep within him. Why would he act if he could have made a mistake in his own judgment, especially when he was previously just a loner with no human relationships in the past.


    Alma knew the boy was struggling and, of course, also knew Logan in the past.


    "Say¡­ Logan¡­ do you happen to remember a fat girl called Pamela in elementary school?" Alma asked while sitting up, covering her torso with her legs as she hugged her knees and placed her chin over them.


    "Pa¡­mela, third grade?"


    Alma smiled, happy to know he remembered while recalling a past she tried to forget.


    One where she was constantly made fun of for being overweight and ugly. She only remembered two people who helped her during those tough times¡ªLisa and Logan, who she thought had forgotten her.


    Alma''s true name was indeed Pamela, but she had her middle and first names switched so she could continue in school after a great change.


    Her mother was a professional stylist who had always worked with artists. One of these artists was her father, who was just a one-night stand for her mother. The accident led to Alma''s birth and the problems for her single mother.


    As she grew older, her weight, which was constantly a problem, was resolved by one of her mother''s friends, who had her train in her gym¡ªa gym that many artists used to train before a show or movie.


    The only thing she needed after that to enter middle school as a new person was to have her teeth fixed, something that she underwent during the summer before entering middle school.


    Sadly, Logan, who had always been with Lisa, was no longer with her. In his place, Alma stuck close to the girl who kept getting more beautiful as she grew.


    Alma wanted to keep up with her, so she tried hard to keep improving her looks.


    After entering middle school, she was no longer who she was in elementary school. She still needed to fix more of herself, but with time, her mother taught her about makeup, hairstyles, and colors that would help her.


    Before high school, she begged her mom to fix her nose, which her mom also hated, and thankfully, her mom consented.


    After that, she felt good enough to stand next to Lisa without worrying about people comparing the two. She even had her name changed so those who knew her before would forget who she was.

 Chapter 140 Unexpected Tames

    After entering high school, she finally saw the boy who was Lisa''s crush. In a way, the boy was also her own childhood crush as well. It was just hard to fight her friend for such a petty reason, so now she just wanted to help Lisa finally get with Logan.


    "So, have you made up your mind, Logan? I really need you to decide. You know Lisa is crazy about you¡­" Alma asked while looking at Logan, who had an expression as if he was thinking hard.


    "Fine¡­ fine, I will say this, I have always liked Lisa¡­" Logan finally admitted.


    "But¡­ coming here, I did get to know quite a few people¡­ I might have feelings for Rubina¡­ as for the rest¡­ I don''t know yet, I just don''t know."


    "Well, it''s simple then. We need to have Lisa accept your harem. It will be hard, and we will need to work hard on it¡­ It might take months, years, but maybe by the end of our journey here, she might come to accept it. Although we also have to think that we are constantly in danger, Logan. You might lose one of the girls in the process, so take care of them, show them your appreciation, and love them..." Alma let a few seconds pass so Logan could take in her words.


    "You only survived because the demons weren''t serious for some reason. If they had the numbers that are coming with them, that means they would have killed you already if they were serious. Luckily, they gave you time to gain levels and power," Alma added before sighing from all the serious talk.


    "There is one favor I want to ask you, Logan¡­ I saw how powerful Lisa got¡­ I really want to help you and understand both of your relationships¡­ So tame me!" Alma said as she got up and close to the boy.


    "Oh, come on, Logan, focus. It''s not like I haven''t seen one before¡­ even if it was on TV once¡­ If you can''t get close to me, then how do you expect to get close to Lisa? Now tame me, do whatever it is you do." Alma sat next to him while trying to focus on his face.


    "You are crazy, you know¡­ Whatever, here." Logan stopped trying to cover himself and cut his finger. He then thought a little before placing it near Alma''s shoulder blade. Experience exclusive tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    "Look on my back, your mark will be in the same place." Logan showed her his shoulder.


    Alma only quickly glanced down for a second before nodding, feeling a strange power enter her body.


    A link of some sort before being surprised by Logan speaking to her through the link.


    "Now¡­ I hope you can go back to your corner, it''s kind of hard keeping myself under control here!" Logan said while shooing her away.


    Oops! Alma rushed back, accidentally sending her words through their link.


    "Say¡­ try to keep the mental link between us. If you don''t control who you''re talking to, you might send it out to all my beasts as well as Lisa¡­ I don''t think the plan includes having her know yet, right?" Logan reminded the girl.


    "Yes, it will be a problem if she knows before we talk about it. I don''t plan to say something until I come up with a good plan though, so don''t say anything either," Alma reminded the boy.


    "Well then¡­ how about I leave for today¡­ try not to think too much about my body," Alma smirked as she tried getting up.


    "Master Logan, are you there? Is everything alright?"


    Both youths in the bath heard Ruri, who was outside waiting for him to get out so she could give him his new clothing for the day.


    "Everything is fine, Ruri. I will be out in a little while. Leave the clothes near the door!"


    Logan said as he heard the girl do as told and leave.


    Damn it¡­ do you think she heard us? Logan asked nervously.


    I doubt it, we weren''t too loud¡­ does she have any powers? Alma questioned.


    No, I don''t think she does¡­ Logan answered while looking at the door, which remained shut.


    "I think that is our cue to get out of here then¡­ also, Logan¡­ if you want to keep that girl safe¡­ tame her as well, she will need powers." Alma said before getting up to leave. She knew Logan would not get up being fully naked, so she carefully went out instead.


    Logan finally had time to himself again, although it was not as long as he would have liked since he now had things to do. He wanted to give Alma''s crazy idea more thought but left it for later that day.


    Within five minutes, Logan got out of the bath and asked for Ruri to come to his room.


    He knew the girl was helpless so far and needed to give her some sort of power or risk having her die during the next demon wave.


    Logan now had various spots he could fill with monsters, and this was for his and Ruri''s own good.


    Soon, the girl entered his room a little meek from being called up for the first time in a while directly by Logan.


    "Say, Ruri¡­ how are you doing today?" Logan asked while looking at the girl in front of him more intently than usual.


    He was made aware of her feelings and could no longer play dumb like before. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I am perfect, Master Logan. Is there something you want to talk about?"


    Logan saw the anxiety in Ruri''s eyes, so he sat down and asked her to do the same.


    "Don''t worry, it''s just something we need to discuss together. First off, thank you, Ruri, for staying with me even in these dangerous times. Now, about what I want to talk to you about¡ªit''s about having you as part of my tamed beings. I am only offering this knowing that it''s illegal because I want you to gain power, Ruri. So that you can be stronger and have a way to protect yourself and my other servants if the time comes¡­ so how about it?"


    Logan thought he would have to wait a few seconds, but he instantly heard an answer.


    "Yes, no problem, Master Logan. I want power, especially if it''s to help you!" he heard her say excitedly.


    "Come here then¡­ and tell me where you want the mark¡­" Logan asked while opening the recent wound he had made.


    Ruri lifted her sleeve and pointed near her underarm.


    "I know it will be bad if they find out the mark, so¡­ here," she said while blushing.


    "Oh, Ruri, how innocent you are¡­"


    As soon as Logan touched the spot, he saw how Ruri began to accept dark energy while groaning from pain, unlike Alma the young maid went through a painful evolution.


    Her hair slowly turned black with a few shades of light, just like Logan''s.


    "Ah, damn it¡­ I wasn''t prepared for this to happen¡­" Logan facepalmed, wondering how he was going to hide this.


    "Master, I think I can use¡­ dark and light magic?" Ruri said happily. She was even happier that her hair matched her master''s.

 Chapter 141 A Kingdom for Freedom

    "So let me get this straight¡­ you used your ability on Ruri and made her turn into what she looks like now?" Rubina asked the two as she looked at Ruri, who had grown a little and whose hair had changed to resemble Logan''s, black with white streaks.


    "Yes¡­" Logan answered while looking down. He knew Rubina was angry. She had entered the room to give him today''s news when she spotted Ruri''s new look and had them standing next to each other while looking at her. Discover hidden tales at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Logan¡­ you know what? I won''t even get mad at this all being illegal. I just want to know why you didn''t consult with others first. I am sure that together we could have even planned this better."


    "Well, sorry about that¡­ So, what can we do now that it happened?" Logan asked, hoping there was a magic that could help Ruri hide at least her hair.


    "Nothing, Logan. We do nothing. You know why?" Rubina asked, giving it more thought.


    "Why?" the boy asked with hope.


    "Because there is only one thing you will need to do. You need to win the next fight and then take this land as your own. Start your own kingdom, Logan. You will have the power soon, and with it, you won''t need to be shackled by the laws of the other countries." Rubina sighed at the amount of work that would come in the future.


    "You will need to also absorb the land to the north and south, the empire''s woodlands to the east¡­ buy them off with the crystals. Kryst can keep making so many you will be able to sustain yourself. As for the rest, I am sure if Marie and Ruben stay, you can make this a great place for business." Rubina began to imagine just how strong Logan''s territory would be in the future, especially now that he could designate monarchs for different races.


    "Would I need to fight to get more land?" Logan questioned, fearing the need to start useless wars for land.


    "The power of money, Logan. You don''t think I would suggest such a barbaric method against my kingdom¡­ right?" Rubina emphasized her prior meaning.


    "No, you wouldn''t¡­ it''s just I thought it would have to be something like that. Fights always start for land in my world¡­" Logan informed the girl.


    "Everyone will need the crystals your slime creates, so you won''t have to resort to force¡­ Now¡­ tell me, who else did you change? You wouldn''t just do this to Ruri for no reason¡­ you were told to by someone¡­ but who and why?" Rubina looked at Logan, who slightly fidgeted as if she were a wife who had known her husband for years and sensed that he had bought a car in secret.


    "Uhmm, well, two others¡­ actually my second tamed being in this world was Lisa¡­" Logan decided to tell Rubina the truth, partly because he was tired of hiding so much from those who helped him.


    "No¡­ another hero? Are you crazy, Logan? A maid is fine, no one will care, but a hero!" Rubina had to sit to gather her thoughts. They really needed to create a small, new kingdom with its own rules, and quickly. Logan needed to not only hurry to defeat the demons but also become a powerhouse in this world.


    "Well, if Lisa is one, then you know you will have to do the same with me, you know. Ruri, could you leave us alone for a while, please?"


    Ruri did not know why, but she felt relieved she could leave and did not waste a moment to get out of that room.


    Logan was still standing, looking at the ground and thinking about all his mistakes, when he heard Rubina''s suggestion, which caught him off guard.


    "What?" Logan looked at Rubina, who stood up and got in front of him, staring into his eyes while holding his shoulders.


    "Right?" she said, almost placing her forehead on his.


    "Right¡­ where do you want the mark?" Logan asked as he looked at her face up close.


    "Where is Lisa''s mark?"


    Logan looked down at his finger where the blood that dripped that first day had made a ring-shaped mark as Rubina''s eyes followed his.


    "Don''t tell me it was intentional." Rubina felt Logan shake his head.


    "Well, you have one choice then. It will have to be on the same finger, just a little above that one." Logan looked at his finger and sighed.


    I will have to wear gloves from now on, huh...


    "Alright¡­" he began to pinch his finger to carefully mark Rubina. It was the hardest mark to date as he had to take into account Lisa''s mark. He did not know what would happen if they overlapped, and he did not want to find out.


    As soon as Rubina saw the mark on her finger, she smiled before feeling the pain that everyone experienced when evolving. She did not know what would happen as she dropped to her knees, which gave out.


    Unlike the others, she began to revert back to her demon form. Her wings extended wide, her horns grew and curled a little, and her body slightly grew. But her hair was probably the one thing that grew the most.


    At least she kept her voice down to prevent the others from rushing here.


    As soon as everything calmed down, she got up. Her skin now glistened with a light shade of red, and she looked hesitantly at Logan.


    The boy did not like the fear in her eyes. He helped her stand and then kissed the back of her hand.


    "As lovely as always, don''t worry," Logan smiled towards Rubina, who softened her look of fear and smiled.


    "Idiot¡­ how am I supposed to respond to that?" Rubina blushed as she slowly changed her look back to her human figure, trying to revert what she could except for the slight change in height that could not be hidden. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 142 Power and Unity

    After talking to Rubina for a while, Logan mentally called Lisa and Alma over. He wanted to talk to them before the next stage of his plan.


    "Hey Logan?" Lisa asked as she and Alma approached together after resting throughout the morning.


    "Hey Lisa, I wanted to talk to you about something important." Logan looked at her while sitting on a long couch next to Rubina.


    Lisa did not like the way the girl sat so close to Logan and took a seat on the other side of the couch.


    "So, what did you want to talk about?" Lisa asked while leaning closer to him.


    "About that, I have tamed¡­ a few people. I just wanted to inform you, and also tell you that I told them about our situation. Rubina and my maid Ruri are those I tamed. I am also planning to tell¡­ my knights who I think will need their power." Logan began, looking at Lisa straight in the eye, hoping she wouldn''t get mad.


    Lisa looked at him, then turned towards Rubina before looking at her hand, especially the finger that had a mark. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Where did you mark your maid?" Lisa asked, trying to contain her feelings.


    "Near her underarm," Logan said rapidly.


    "To hide it, I suppose¡­ Well, what was the reaction in her case?"


    "Her hair became like mine. Ruri had a small evolution before gaining her power. She was not able to use magic before that. I think now she will be able to handle herself in a fight if it comes to that in the future," Logan explained.


    "That is good, Logan. I am glad since it is going to be trouble in the future." Lisa sighed as she knew Logan was right to give those he cared for power.


    She also knew that what she spoke with Alma just before coming here needed to be considered.


    Alma had told her that she needed to start talking to Logan seriously or he would be taken.


    Lisa now knew what she meant, seeing Rubina who smiled slightly after noticing Lisa had seen the mark on her finger.


    "Well Logan, I will be testing my wings for a while. I hope you can make time for me after you do what you plan," Lisa said with determination, as she needed to push forward at least while she stayed here.


    "Sure, give me an hour, I guess," Logan said, feeling his heart thump loudly as he saw both Lisa and Alma, who winked at him before leaving.


    "Ruri¡­ please gather¡­ Kai, Chloe, and Marie¡­ have them come to my office."


    Logan quickly communicated some instructions to his maid before getting up.


    "Are you going to join me?" Logan asked Rubina, who seemed comfortable and happy for some reason.


    "Sure!" Rubina got up and lifted her elbow, as if wanting him to guide her.


    Soon, the two left the tea room and headed to his office.


    After a while, Logan walked towards a table where he had summoned all those he thought would be fine to accept his power. Now that two more of those close to him were tamed, he needed to know if anyone else wanted to tap into his power that could evolve them.


    He left out Ruben since he was busy and did not want to change too many heroes. He already had problems with Lisa and Alma; he did not know what would happen if he changed half the class.


    "Chloe¡­ Kai, Marie¡­ I wanted to ask before I start looking for other monsters to fill my tamed slots. I have tamed Rubina, Ruri, and Lisa¡­ I am only telling you this because I trust the three of you enough, and since we will be facing a rough fight ahead, I wondered if you wanted to gain enough strength before then." Logan informed them before asking Ruri and Rubina to enter the room.


    "Ruri, as you can see, received two blessings close to mine. She can use some of my skills, so I will task her with helping the servants and protecting those in my mansion.


    As for Rubina, she has stayed the same, but her fire abilities have further improved." Logan continued as the two who entered demonstrated a bit of their powers. Experience tales with My Virtual Library Empire


    Rubina made a fire snake twirl around her with precise control, while Ruri produced an orb of white light that she sent forward to Kai, who had a small bruise from training.


    "Logan¡­ you do know what you did, right?" Chloe got up as she asked the boy.


    "Yes, but tell me, what are rules to the demons who are infesting our lands and mutating the innocent? Now tell me, what have I done to my own? Have you seen any of my beasts mistreated? I see no need for that law that will only make those around me weak while I see them die for not using my power." Logan responded, trying to get her to listen to reason.


    "You know, you''re right, Logan. I am tired of seeing myself unable to join in these fights. I know that as I am, I will only be collateral damage. I need to get stronger!" Kai said, fully convinced of Logan''s idea, and even wished he would have said it earlier.


    "If Lisa¡­ is one of them, then I don''t see why not¡­" Marie said, using her adult form to look more mature.


    "Well¡­ fine, I think I will need that power as well. I can''t fight demons as I am now." Chloe sighed, knowing she had to set aside her nature of always following the rules.


    "Good. I will say this¡ªit will hurt. My power invokes evolution. Your body will adjust to the new power I will give you, but in the end, you will feel stronger and faster." Logan warned.


    "Whatever man, as long as my looks improve like what happened to you, I don''t mind," Kai said while winking at Logan.


    Logan knew he wanted to impress Chloe and wondered if his wish would come true in terms of looks.


    Logan then placed a drop of blood on all three. For Marie, he had to be especially picky so it would be hard to see; he chose her underarm like Ruri but on the other side.


    Soon, the three began to feel the pain of evolution.

 Chapter 143 New Heights

    "Logan! Thanks, brother!" Kai exclaimed as he had grown by four inches and was even more muscular; his face remained handsome as the last of its childish traits vanished.


    "No problem!" Logan said, trying to keep his back from breaking under Kai''s new strong grip.


    Logan turned towards Chloe, who had it hard. Luckily, Rubina brought extra clothes for the girls and used darkness magic to shield them so they could change.


    As soon as they got out of the shadows, Logan saw the two girls who had improved in looks. Chloe grew just a little but now seemed able to manipulate two elements¡ªearth and wind by the look of things. Her hair was battling between the two, amber with green tips.


    Marie, on the other hand, was supposed to be darkness-oriented but also got a new water blessing, as she now had blue highlights in her hair. As for her looks, Logan did not know if she was using her Illusion magic or if it was the real girl.


    "Did everything go well?" he asked, while waiting for everyone to settle.


    "That hurt¡­ but yes, everything was¡­ fine. Good thing I finished my class change quest before this so I had experienced that kind of pain before¡­" Marie said while holding onto her aching neck.


    "Was it hard? What level are you now?" Logan asked with curiosity.


    "Uhm¡­ level 41. I didn''t have much experience points stored, but being in your town helped me level up very fast. You see, I have a particular way of leveling, so being near so many crystals just boosted my experience like crazy¡­" Marie then took out a crystal and handed it to Logan.


    "There, it''s another movie¡­ the one about dinosaurs. I will be finishing the next parts soon. It should help get Scorch more recognition," Marie said, looking at Logan expectantly.


    "Perfect as always. Thank you, Marie, you know how I love your work," Logan said while looking at the crystal''s stored content as Kai and Chloe huddled closer to look at the video showing.


    After a few seconds of looking at the boy in delight from his praise, Marie took out another two crystals.


    "Well, I hope you can check this out then. This is what my new powers after finishing my job change could create¡­" Marie passed Logan the two new crystals as he gave back the one with the movie about dinosaurs.


    "What is it¡­? Wait, is it what I think it is!" Logan saw a screen in one crystal displaying the image of a game he had spoken to Marie about once. She had questioned him about his favorite movies and games before, so he was sure she had done this in response. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan then told the curious Kai to hold on to the crystal that acted like a screen, while the second crystal acted like a controller.


    He was busy driving through a street in a modified car while racing a few other cars. Soon, cops were chasing them, making him have to dodge their assault.


    "A video game! You have outdone yourself, Marie. You don''t know how much I love you right now¡­" Logan kept playing for a few minutes before handing the controller to Kai after losing the race.


    "Wow, are those the box things that move on roads from the movies?" Kai asked, as he and most in town had seen cars in the large cinema the town created so people could enjoy the movies Marie produced.


    "Hope you enjoy it, Logan. I have a few more games if you want to see them later¡­" Marie asked with a hopeful gaze.


    "Sure, I hope to make room tonight then." Logan watched as Kai was enjoying himself, while Chloe could not hold back her curiosity and stood next to him to look.


    "Now then¡­ I have to get going. Adjust yourselves to your new powers, it will be important for the future," Logan told everyone in the room, and they all nodded. As he was leaving, he heard Kai ask Marie if he could keep the device.


    Logan did not waste any time and asked Lisa for her current location.


    "We are near the barns practicing skills. I wanted to try improving my flying." Experience exclusive tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    The boy then went towards the barns. He saw a figure with wings flying around about five meters in the air.


    Logan recognized it even from afar as Lisa, who radiated along with the wings she had on her back.


    He had an idea as he tried manifesting his own wings. They were not as bright as Lisa''s, but they were able to lift him off the ground a little.


    To speed up his pace, he also mixed in Zephyr''s wing magic, which sped up his pace greatly.


    Within seconds, he was next to Lisa, who did not notice him at first.


    It wasn''t until he gently sent a gust of wind that pushed her higher that she looked down in a hurry.


    "Logan, you idiot! I am not ready to be up so high!"


    Logan waved as if nothing was wrong, which made Lisa sigh, feeling defeated. She had tried flying ever since she got her new ability, and seeing Logan do it effortlessly made her feel like she had failed at something.


    "Why don''t I help you then?" Logan said, seeing that she was struggling to move as she only ascended and descended, not daring to move to the sides.


    He used Zephyr''s blessing on her while trying to show her how to move properly.


    Within seconds of feeling the added boost, Lisa understood why Logan didn''t struggle as much. She had failed to take wind currents into consideration, now feeling the wind magic help lift and guide her to where she wanted to go.


    "Logan¡­ have fun. I will be returning for now. Make sure you do your part, alright?"


    Before they got too far, Logan heard Alma say something. He looked down and saw her waving goodbye to them.


    Lisa was too engrossed in trying to get better at flying, so Logan directed his attention back to her.


    "Say, why don''t we race to the top of that wall? There''s another settlement I want to show you that can be seen from up there."


    Logan saw how Lisa, whose competitive spirit was awakened, rushed forward, leaving him thinking about what was happening for a few seconds.


    "At least wait for a signal¡­"


    He tried saying before hearing her voice.


    "You snooze, you lose. Everyone knows this, Logan."


    Logan did not hold back after that. He used wind magic to push himself forward while keeping an eye on his mana to not exceed its use and get into serious trouble. Luckily, it was hovering around 400, still letting him fly for half an hour before it would be used up.


    Trying not to let Lisa know he cheated, he stopped just behind her and flew normally, twirling and enjoying the wind on his face. He saw some soldiers watching them from the ground, looking at them with amazement.


    "I win!" Lisa yelled as she tapped the wall before going over it to rest.


    "Cheater¡­" Logan said as he reached the wall and let his wings disappear while acting as if he was mad.


    "You will now owe me something¡­" Lisa said while looking out from the wall into the distance, where mountains and a long forest extended, and a small shelter where the warks now lived.

 Chapter 144 Journey Through Town

    "So, how does it feel to own so much land?" Lisa asked as Logan had shown her almost all of his territory and pointed out the most important areas.


    "I don''t really know what to say; it just happened, so I still feel it''s all a dream."


    Logan dangled his feet on the corner of the large bricks, sitting next to Lisa while eating some sweets he had brought to enjoy with her, and looked at his town from the high walls.


    "Do you think I should ask for one too? The church keeps asking me to settle and be an archbishop after the war¡­" Lisa said, wondering what they would do after the war and if they won.


    "No, it''s too much work. I myself am getting assistants soon since I won''t have time to do everything here and then train¡­ but¡­ have you thought about going back home to Earth?" Logan asked, knowing that for him, there wouldn''t be a choice now that he had so much here waiting for him.


    "Me? I wanted to at first¡­ I wanted to see my parents again, but after a few months here¡­ I don''t think I should anymore. I am not who I was¡­ let me tell you something Alma has informed me about¡­ She spoke with most of the class about this topic and you know what¡­ it seems we were specially chosen. Most of us don''t have lingering feelings, the others having problems that were solved here¡­ some stayed for money, others for glory or for other reasons. I doubt you want to go back, right?" Lisa looked at the boy while eating what seemed like fried chips.


    "No, you should know my situation by now. A mother who is dating again, wanting to start a new life, a father who doesn''t want me near¡ªI don''t want to return to that."


    "Sad, but you have a lot here at least¡­"


    "Like me¡­"


    Lisa turned a light shade of red, thinking about what she had said through her mental link, but then heard someone choking beside her.


    "Oh, come on, way to ruin the mood!" Lisa tried to get mad but began laughing, seeing Logan trying to clear his throat.


    "Ahm, yes, well, sorry about that. But sure, you''re right, I do have things to look forward to here¡­ So, Lisa, what are your plans, I mean, during your stay here?" Logan tried to get his mind together, knowing he failed in responding right.


    "Well, just to help and see what I can improve on. This evolution has brought a lot, so I also need to start training," Lisa replied.


    "If it''s about that, here, take a few of these." Logan handed her some light elemental crystals.


    "I was wondering about that. Why does this place have so many?" Lisa pointed to the town where crystals grew like trees in some parts.


    "It has to do with my power and one of my monsters as well. She is currently taking care of a few crystals in a mine, so I haven''t been able to introduce you," Logan explained.


    Logan thought about Kryst, who got a new evolution after he reached level 40. She wasn''t as strong as his primordial group of tamed, but she did improve in appearance. Her body became more crystalline and took the shape of a human to ease her movements.


    She was handling and nurturing the crystals in the cave, which needed to be replenished after Logan brought many to his town.


    "No wonder. So, is that why they have different elements? I was told only pure mana crystals get this big; most elemental stones stay small, so it''s weird," Lisa said, holding on to one of the four crystals she was handed. She drained most of its energy rapidly, and the crystal, whose power had been drained, began to turn into particles, disappearing with the wind.


    "Yes, so what level did you get to? Those four were particularly concentrated," Logan asked, seeing how she finished with the fourth one before speaking.


    "About one per level, which is really good¡­" Lisa remembered struggling in the labyrinth to level up and loved how with four crystals she got what would have taken half a day.


    "Good, I don''t have a lot right now, but soon I hope to get more. We will have to hunt to get you to my level," Logan said, finishing the last chip before placing everything including the trash inside his storage.


    "Now then¡­ I have to go talk to a merchant. Do you want to come with?" Logan asked as he pointed to one of the large guild buildings in the center of town.


    "Sure, I don''t mind. I am a little interested in your town, so let''s explore a little." Lisa, whose mana had recovered a good amount with the mana crystals, made her wings appear again and saw that Logan did the same.


    This time she felt the wind help her right away as Logan cast the magic onto her. Within seconds, the two were in the air. This time she followed Logan, who led them to the long road covered in red bricks, which added a nice sight to the town. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As soon as they got close to the center, they stopped above the crossroads with a fountain where a large blue water crystal shone.


    Everyone in town greeted the two while looking at them in amazement. By now, everyone knew who Logan was.


    "Wow, you''re well-known. Are you sure you''re the Logan I know?" Lisa asked while looking at Logan waving to all those who greeted him from afar. Read new chapters at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Well, I did save them and this town which is now their home, but enough about that. Let''s hurry, I hope my shipment has come." Logan looked at Lisa, who kept looking around and at his hand. He then just decided to go with it and held her hand to pull her to the merchant guild.


    Lisa looked at Logan before smiling and began enjoying the walk. The merchant district was close, but Logan took a few detours to extend the trip. Now that he had the chance to be near Lisa as he was, he did not want to let this moment pass quickly.


    "And here we are¡­ the merchants guild. My friend Nolan is the guild leader. He''s a good guy, helped me more than he should have." Logan went upstairs to greet the handsome man with neat blond hair.


    "Hey there, Logan, nice to see you. Oh? And who is this? Hey, my name is Nolan. You must be... miss Lisa the Saintess. We heard the news of your arrival on a griffin; you are the talk of the town." Nolan said while shaking both of their hands before speaking again.


    "Logan, good thing you came. We have someone outside that you might want to meet¡­"

 Chapter 145 Earl of Too Many Surprises

    Wondering who it was, Logan went with Lisa and Nolan, who led them to the back of the guild. Workers were busy clearing merchandise throughout the building while others calculated the items and other merchants came to take or leave produce.


    As they got close to two large doors, they saw various cages outside with a particular man with chestnut hair standing in front, checking each creature within. His white lab coat and gold spectacles were something Logan would never forget.


    "Mr. Rosengard? What are you doing here? It''s good to see you." Logan got close and readied his hand for a handshake, but instead of returning it, the earl hugged him.


    "My boy, how you have changed! I heard from Rubina what happened. She seems happy here, so I decided to come. You know we have never been apart for more than a few days, so being away so long was depressing." The earl smiled as he looked at the boy before him. If it wasn''t for the boy''s face, he would have never guessed he was the same person.


    Victor then greeted the Saintess, whom he had seen a few times before in the capital. She also seemed to have changed.


    "It''s good to see you''re here. I have brought most of the monsters you asked for. The scorchwyrms were particularly hard to get, but with help from other nations, we were able to gather a few from volcanoes south of here. As for the everwind falcons, we brought them in eggs; two have hatched already."


    "That is good to hear. I thought they were going to be impossible to get on time." Logan looked through the cages and stopped his gaze as he saw a few Tri-horn Basilisks.


    "Those came from the Rubyheart family. They asked me to tell you to keep your knight, Kai, safe if possible. They are worried about him, as well as the Amberstones, who gave me some money to pass on to you as a way to help in the coming endeavor." The earl then ordered a few of his assistants, while helpers from the guild began to place everything that needed to be taken to Logan''s mansion in various carriages. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "As for the kingdom, they could only send supplies to help. You might not know this, but another invasion happened to the south near the lower island kingdom. Most of the available soldiers were sent to reinforce them, as well as some of the heroes who wanted to help," the earl said with a serious tone.


    "It''s fine. I did not really care if they joined here. I wanted to test my creatures'' new power, and as you should have seen, we have various crystals here to help us in the coming war and to raise the new creatures fast." Logan then began to explain his plans, as the earl Victor was curious about the crystals.


    Within a few minutes of talking, Nolan, who was rushing his team, returned.


    "Everything is ready. We should get all these animals back to your place. If you need anything else, please do tell me. I have begun to gather supplies for military use." Nolan gave Logan a list of items and prices while waiting for payment.


    "No problem, Nolan. Will crystals be fine as payment?" Logan took out pure mana crystals he had saved, as they were the most sought after.


    "Sure, no problem. I will have them resold by tomorrow, so if you want to exchange any more, please pass them to me by then." Nolan then went back inside after a bow, looking like he needed to do more today. Read latest stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    "Well then, I really want to visit your mansion and finally see my daughter. How about we also hurry?" The earl began to signal for all his workers to get on their respective rides and entered his own, one packed with many items, which made Logan wonder if he would fit.


    "We will fly there, earl. See you in a while." Logan spread out his wings to show how he was going to follow the caravan, which made those around them give different replies, especially since the wings produced a gentle aura that helped everyone, including the monsters'' mood. Especially when Lisa made her own powerful wings, which radiated twice the amount of calming aura.


    "Do you think we will be able to make demons become our friends with a flap of both our wings?" Logan joked as he used Zephyr''s wind buff on Lisa and began flying towards the mansion.


    "I really hope so¡­ I had it rough last time dealing with them¡­" Lisa added, trying to forget the past.


    The group eventually got close to the large mansion and went through its large gates and into the barn area, which had been expanded to fit more creatures days before.


    Logan had readied all his creatures for the coming plan and was excited to see how his skill would work as he created monarchs out of his strongest creatures who had been with him from the start.


    "Rubina, we will need you near the barns, please come quickly!" Logan communicated as he got close to the mansion, wanting to see the smile on her face as she reunited with her father.


    Finding a wide enough field, Logan began to descend as Lisa followed. He then called up Scorch, Silis, and Zephyr first, knowing more creatures were brought, but he wanted to see how these three would react with species of their own race first.


    "I am excited to see what will happen¡­" Lisa said anxiously, as she had never really seen how Logan''s abilities worked.


    "As am I¡­" Logan smiled as he saw the caravan that followed behind park in a circle around him.


    "I have arrived¡­ so, why did you call me¡­!" Logan saw from the corner of his eye Rubina, who had used Silis to rush to his location. Within a few seconds of seeing who had arrived with the caravan, the girl jumped down and rushed over to her father to hug him.


    He then saw that beside him, Lisa had clenched her fists with a melancholic expression.


    The boy knew that, unlike him, she was probably hurting from not seeing her own family.


    Logan touched her shoulder gently while using his hand to wipe a small tear that formed on her cheek.


    "How about we check on those monsters now?"


    "Sure¡­"

 Chapter 146 Three New Monarchs

    Logan and Lisa felt the earth tremble as Scorch ran towards them. He seemed excited, feeling Logan''s emotions through their bond, and was eager to see what those feelings meant.


    "I guess you three are ready, huh? Let''s start with you, buddy." Logan began to get close to a cage specially made for fire creatures. Two assistants of the earl were nearby, ready to see what would happen next while pushing the cage towards the large dinosaur, whose tail wagged excitedly like a joyful dog.


    Logan picked up the first of the small beasts and placed it close to Scorch before checking his own stats.


    [Two compatible creatures have been introduced. Do you wish to make Scorch a Monarch of its race?]


    Logan looked at the screen before him and agreed with the choice given.


    As soon as the option was selected, the small Scorchwyrm placed near Scorch began to change. Its growth spiked to its adult form before transforming once again into a creature Logan knew well¡ªit was the raptor form Scorch had taken before his current appearance.


    Logan then introduced the next two scorchwyrms to Scorch, and just like the one before them, they began to transform into infernal raptors.


    Everyone around Logan cheered, knowing just how deadly that form was and noticing that Scorch seemed to radiate even more power than just a few seconds ago. Within his head, a burst of flames produced by mana formed a small crown that radiated during the transformation of its kind before disappearing.


    "So¡­ how do you feel, Scorch? I always wondered how lonely you must have felt being the only one of your kind¡­" Logan got close to his red dinosaur while petting his head along with the neck of a raptor who quickly got friendly with him.


    "Good, feel happy, thank you, master!" Scorch roared out in excitement, making all the people nearby step back a few steps.


    "Well then, go help them train, and don''t start killing like crazy. Remember, we need to keep the balance around this place," Logan called out to Scorch, who began to lead his new pack away into a special gate created for his beasts.


    Your next read awaits at My Virtual Library Empire


    Logan quickly realized he needed to do something about the monsters around his lands. He might have to not only use the crystals within his town but also place crystals around the forests, mountains, and lakes surrounding his lands. This needed to be planned out carefully to attract and maintain beasts around his lands, ensuring his own creatures would not have to starve or overkill the native creatures of this land.


    Leaving that thought for later, he called up Silis, who he needed to introduce to her own group. Like Scorch, Silis was introduced to three members of her kind. Logan followed the same steps as before, starting with one of the three, which quickly evolved to Silis''s adult form and then to her pre-evolution form.


    Unlike Scorch, whose members were small, Silis''s group was so large they needed to quickly go underground to avoid disrupting the carriages and other animals caged nearby. Logan did not have to tell her what to do, as they quickly left through the tunnels Silis usually used to move about within the city.


    "Me next, me!" Zephyr quickly jumped to meet those of his kind as he called out to Logan to hurry.


    Logan waited a little longer for Zephyr, as there was one egg that had yet to hatch. He would have to watch over this one while the other two joined Zephyr.


    The ones they placed next to Zephyr were small fledglings who jumped up and down while asking for food before quickly turning into two adult falcons while accepting Zephyr as their king. The scene was surreal as they rapidly shifted from one form to another. They finally stopped their evolution as Windstorm Eagles, their strong wings producing a mini hurricane that Zephyr had to quickly stop with his great control over the wind.


    Logan thought about placing the egg near Zephyr but decided not to risk the poor infant''s life and only introduce him when he was born and ready for this world. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As soon as Zephyr took flight with his two companions to teach them the ropes of this world, Logan returned his attention to the people around him, who were still in awe of what had happened.


    "Well¡­ what do you think? Did everything go well?" Logan looked towards Victor Rosengard, who nodded in response.


    "The process was very effective. The smooth transition between species always amazes me. I wonder why you are given this much power, though. It''s as if the spirits know what will happen and are preparing you for that event¡­" Rosengard couldn''t go easy with his assessment, even if what he said scared the boy.


    "Well, I will be ready then. I doubt I am the only one being given this much power, though," Logan answered, knowing that Lisa was also provided with as much help. While his monsters were strong, he knew that any of the heroes, including Lisa, could handle them easily one on one.


    "Since we have finished the first part of the plan, I guess it''s time to introduce you to the rest of the new creatures I have brought. Also, I have a few Lumos Northern Owls and Aurolious Fowls for your other two beasts you can evolve later," the earl said before guiding Logan to a few cages with strange creatures.


    "First of the three I thought you would need is this kid. I had him for a while, but now that I see how much you can change a monster, I hope it can be useful for you," the earl said while presenting Logan with a scorpion. It had two large pincers and a stinger and was about fifteen centimeters long.


    "It''s a rare, fire and darkness-based creature. It can stream fire from its stinger and uses darkness to hide. Very deadly, so try to tame it from afar," Victor warned.

 Chapter 147 New Tames Pt. 1

    Logan could only attempt to tame the scorpion by letting a drop drip towards the creature. He tried with one drop first, yet the feisty creature ignored his call. He tried again, and once more, the scorpion did not respond to his plea to be his creature.


    "Well, this one has some spunk to it¡­" Logan called out while wondering what he should try next. The normal approach would be to toss some fire stones to settle the creature down before taming, but he felt with this particular scorpion, it wouldn''t work.


    Logan could only think of using ice or water magic just enough to spook the scorpion. He used Riptide''s Tundra Roar, a skill that would likely scare it without harming the creature. To minimize the damage, he essentially just said "roar" with power imbued into the word.


    He saw how the scorpion shivered from the cold and looked for cover. Taking advantage of the moment, he used a little more of his blood. This time, with the creature being so scared, it just accepted it.


    "Very cold¡­ need warmth..." Hearing its voice, Logan tossed in a few small fire gems. The scorpion settled and began feeding on them. Logan knew it would not instantly evolve like the others, so he just added more firestones while waiting for Earl Victor to introduce the next monster.


    "Well, with that done¡­ how about I show you this next creature? It''s a particular one I wanted to see how it would react to your power. As with the others, I only brought the most rare creatures¡­" Earl Victor presented Logan with a monkey. It looked like one of those small monkeys that would be in hot springs in Japan, only that it had a bald head and grey fur except for its face.


    "A monkey?" Logan asked, wondering why it was special.


    "Well¡­ about that, I think not even its species has this kind of power. It uses light magic in a strange way. It''s more like a mental power instead of magic¡ªit can levitate items¡­" Earl Victor said while rubbing his chin as if pondering.


    "A type of psychic power?" Logan mumbled as the others looked at him.


    "What does that mean?" the earl asked, wondering if it was a magic from Logan''s world.


    "It''s a power we know of in our world but aren''t sure if it''s real. As you say, it moves things by thought," Logan tried to explain.


    "Well¡­ I think that might work. We mainly base magic on the seven elements, but I''ve heard there are a few more out there¡­ just not really studied yet." The earl pondered about those elements that were not part of the original seven, such as shade and blood magic, both of which are used by vampires before speaking again. "Well, how about we start the process? I want to see how this will turn out."


    Logan saw that the beast seemed to be in deep meditation. It did not react to their presence until he got closer to it. After being just a few steps away, the monkey looked deep into Logan''s eyes and nodded.


    Logan then felt the blood he was going to use leave his finger. The few drops were pulled in by the monkey, who used his powers to attract it onto himself.


    "Fascinating¡­" Earl Victor said as he watched the process.


    As soon as he felt the connection, Logan jolted at the way the monkey called him.


    "Greetings, new master¡­ it''s finally great to be liberated. I hope we will make a great team," the monkey said, raising a hand towards Logan as if wanting to shake hands.


    Logan was about to shake its hand when the monkey shook his head.


    "Where are my crystals? I saw how that scorpion got his. I should also be getting mine, right?" the monkey said pleadingly.


    "Right¡­" Logan felt a bit foolish for expecting a monster to want to shake hands. He took a few lower grade light stones since he had given the best to Lisa earlier.


    The ape used his magic again to pull in the magic stones as he was released from his cage. He did not try to get out, as he was busy absorbing the mana from each stone.


    "That feels good. I hope you can give me more¡­" the monkey said expectantly while extending his hand.


    "Not right now. I will have more soon, so be patient," Logan replied. Your next read awaits at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Very well, I will go find something interesting to do meanwhile¡­" The monkey finally got up from its position of meditation, got out of the cage, climbed on top of a tree, and sat back down as it was. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan felt the way things turned out with the creature was strange. Even those around him who saw the interaction felt it was weird as they just stared at the small monkey basking in the sun while meditating, its bald head reflecting the sun without worries.


    "Well, I guess¡­ we can go on with the last one. It''s a small tortoise. I thought hard about what you might need, and so this little one will probably be your best defensive tank. It''s just a child of its kind, so I think we should all try backing off a little in case it grows fast," Earl Victor said, presenting the twenty-centimeter-long beast who looked up at Logan slowly.


    Logan admired the gem filled shell with various colors and its polished onyx underbelly. Its skin was a dark shade of brown, and except for these unique features, it looked like a normal tortoise one might buy from a pet store.


    "Well, here goes¡­" Logan placed a drop of blood on the back of its neck, probably the safest part the tortoise body and the one it would keep protected.


    "About its element, it''s sort of strange. It''s earth elemental, but it concentrates its power on minerals and metals rather than just plain earth."


    Logan took out most of the earth crystals he had and began giving them to the creature he thought would be necessary for the battle ahead. The tortoise began to drain the mana as if it hadn''t eaten in days. The twenty stones Logan gave it were quickly drained before it began to glow.

 Chapter 148 New Tames Pt. 2

    Logan looked at the two-meter large tortoise beside him. It slowly drained more mana stones as it kept growing. Its body appeared like polished steel, making it slow but highly resistant to any attacks. He admired the shell with small gems embedded into it, each one glowing with a different color.


    "Do you see those jewels? You should know what they do by the look of it, right? They can absorb any elemental damage dealt to its shell directly or around it. It''s a very impressive defense mechanism that makes it one of the best creatures to have as a tank." Earl Victor asked Rubina to use fire magic around it. Everyone watched as the magic was turned into particles before being sucked into the shell.


    "Very impressive¡­ perfect for the coming battle. Thanks, Earl Victor, you have brought me only good news." Logan felt how even Rubina''s magic was helping the tortoise get stronger, as if each crystal fed it regardless of the element used.


    "How about we go a few steps above that¡­" Logan took out even more crystals and placed them around the tortoise. It was already around level 17, so it wouldn''t be hard to have it climb to its next evolution within half an hour.


    Everyone who had been with Logan from the start began to go back to their own tasks.


    Most of Earl Victor''s assistants were also given the rest of the day off and were told to enjoy their stay at the mansion.


    Ruri was called up to give them a room and guide them around, as they still needed to put the carts with monster food away.


    As for the Lumos Northern Owl and Aurolious Fowls, Lisa and Rubina presented them to their new monarchs, who handled them and led them through the air.


    Logan did not think the owls would look like Orus, but upon evolving, each one turned into a griffon.


    Earl Rosengard and Logan, on the other hand, were busy trying to evolve the tortoise.


    It could not get enough of the crystals it was given, its body slowly growing with each one drained, mainly the shell which kept absorbing each element without stopping.


    "Well, I think we have done it¡­ it''s finally getting its third evolution," Logan smiled while looking at the tortoise with anticipation.


    Its figure grew in size to about three meters, its shell being an imposing sight that kept trying to absorb mana from the surroundings until each of the crystals shone as if filled.


    "I think it won''t absorb anymore. That is good, I feared it would never get full¡­" Logan said, while placing the crystals the tortoise did not absorb back into his storage.


    "Very good¡­ to think your abilities have grown this much. How about you let me rest now¡­ I really want to take a good nap; the journey here was rough¡­" Earl Victor said as he called up Rubina to guide him to his place within the mansion.


    "Sure thing. Enjoy your stay, Earl Victor. If you need anything, just ask."


    Logan saw the earl off. He also saw his closest maid, Ms. Hestia, who greeted Rubina and walked with the two back into the mansion.


    Seeing that his tortoise also needed to sleep, he checked its stats before going to Lisa.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Septa / Species: Septa Jeweled Tortoise / Level: 40 / Blood Mark: Splenius Capitis / Loyalty: 48/100]


    Str: 31 / Agi: 28 / Dex: 32 / Con: 67 / Int: 49 / Char: 36


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥ S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Elemental Control: Each jewel grants the tortoise control over its respective element, allowing it to manipulate fire, water, earth, air, light, shadow, and spirit energies.


    Elemental Fusion: The tortoise can combine two or more elements to create powerful effects, such as combining fire and earth to create lava or air and water to create a storm.


    Protective Shell: The jeweled shell provides strong defense against physical and magical attacks.


    Elemental Surge: The tortoise can temporarily boost the power of any one elemental jewel, enhancing its abilities and effects for a short period. This surge can be used to intensify attacks, strengthen defenses, or amplify utility effects.


    Elemental Rejuvenation: Septa can absorb elemental energy from its surroundings to restore its own energy and heal minor injuries. This ability allows the tortoise to remain active and resilient during prolonged battles or challenging environments.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Leaving the large tortoise behind, Logan returned to where Lisa was as she watched the sky.


    Orus was flying about with five of its kind flying around him. Discover stories with My Virtual Library Empire


    "He looks happy now¡­ I wonder what I will do about him¡­" Lisa thought about the implications taking him back with the heroes would bring.


    "Well, flying mounts will be necessary, right? I think having six griffins will change a lot in the future," Logan added, while thinking about having a flying cavalry unit.


    "You know¡­ you might have to start thinking about getting a group together. Being with heroes will hinder you in the long run. Brian and the others will get strong enough to not need a healer soon, and your power will work better for those who will need your healing," Logan said, giving his honest opinion.


    "Actually that''s a good idea. I hate working with him. About the unit, it might be one of healers to use the griffins to get into a fight from above and heal¡­ I have a few friends in the church who might work," Lisa said, looking towards Logan before smiling warmly.


    "Then again, it could be just a group of two, right?"


    Logan looked at Lisa, wondering about what she was talking about for a few seconds before nodding.


    "Well, I don''t mind being just the two... but I do know you will be busy in the future, so how about while you''re here then? So¡­ now that we are left alone again, we go look for that place in town I have been told about that should have some good ramen. You know how much Marie''s movies changed this town''s culture," Logan said, manifesting his wings again as Lisa followed suit.


    "Ramen, huh? I wonder if it will taste the same. Let''s go," Lisa replied.

 Chapter 149 War on Pearl Isles

    After Logan''s battle with the demons, another group of blue-skinned demons had settled themselves in the Pearl Isles to the south of the kingdom of Elris. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Lady Elara quickly called the kingdoms around their territory as the demons flew, teleported, and began causing devastation to the harbors and towns in their surroundings. They worked in groups of around fifty but caused great massacres throughout each place they passed.


    Her own navy could not do much on land, so she was forced to blow up the towns to kill off the demons while fighting others within her ships.


    They needed the heroes here badly, so she sent a distress signal to the kingdom of Elris and received a response that it would take a few days before help could arrive.


    Lady Elara, the queen of the Isles, did not like the fact that it would take so long. She was never one for sitting around at a desk and was more about action. She readied all those she could muster and called forth the adventurers in towns to coordinate a medium-sized army to wait for the heroes and set up a large counteroffensive.


    She knew that some of the Isles were beyond saving, but if they could keep the largest one, its capital, from being destroyed, they would have a winning chance and a way to recover.


    The Isles thrived on trade routes, fishing, foods, and selling underwater crystals, making them important to the countries around them. Each Isle had its own small government but was held together by Lady Elara.


    Her leadership had united the once-war-mongering Isles, known to contain pirates that would wreak havoc on the mainlands of other countries. Lady Elara took it upon herself to defeat each bandit in her youth and have them join together to create the nation she now governed. At this moment, it was being devastated by a large demon wave.


    On the third day after the attack, Lady Elara was forced into a siege within her own town. Most of her ships were destroyed, and half of her islands were conquered. She was going crazy with sadness and anger, as she had family members on each island. One of her sons was even brought before her and hung for all to see within the harbor''s largest ship.


    Suddenly, everyone saw a blue demon within their walls. A man, about twenty with blue skin, had teleported to the center of town, right in front of Lady Elara who was standing before her troops.


    "It''s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Elara... was it? Did you like the present we left over your harbor?" The demon smiled, causing all those around him to cower back, while some raised their weapons in defiance.


    "Don''t speak my name, you foul creature. You may have taken our lands, but your end will soon come!" Lady Elara said with tears pouring down her face. The pain of her loss was great, and her anger towards the one in front of her even greater. Yet, she could not hurt him. She, along with everyone else, felt the power he radiated. The air around him crackled as his blue aura flowed with mana-filled particles.


    Some soldiers even let out a volley of arrows to free themselves from the fear they were feeling from watching the blue skin demon who only wore pants while his muscular torso was on display as if daring for anyone to try cutting him down while he wore no armor.


    To prove his strength, he stopped all the arrows before they hit him and ordered a few pebbles below him to levitate and shot them at those who dared defy him around Lady Elara with precision. Each fell to the ground a few seconds later, with a hole in their face.


    Stay updated through My Virtual Library Empire


    "Kill me! If that''s what you came for, then kill me!" Lady Elara had already broken from the assault on her family, and yet the blue-haired man laughed.


    "No, we need you alive. We need you to witness our power as someone at the top, to keep calling for help and bring all those who will put up a good fight. So tell them to hurry, call them up before your people grow hungry and begin eating each other," the man said before leaving, tossing blue stones around the townspeople.


    "Everyone, get away from those stones!" Lady Elara called out, but those who were near had already succumbed to mutation. Even being near the stones caused their limbs to grow abnormally, their faces to swell, and some to simply explode.


    Soldiers had to use magic and long-range weapons on their own population as the mutated began to rampage. Chaos slowly overtook one of the last populated Isles.


    "Cerrus, I told you to wait for the heroes to show before using the damn crystals. How will we enjoy their distress if the place is a ghost town?" Gomir rubbed his chin, looking at the massacre that was taking place in the large capital. He clicked his tongue, watching the people kill themselves, wondering if help would ever come. The Pearl Isles were weakened by the lack of soldiers who would no doubt have been sent to the empire to assist with the war.


    Gomir was irritated because this win was nothing to feel happy about. He had killed no hero or had a worthy battle to raise his status. He would never be a general like the bastard kid Zaryx who had overtaken his place in the ranks.


    As they were about to leave, seeing the towns on its last straw as even soldiers began to mutate, Gomir smelled the scent of blood.


    It was not human blood but that of one of his own. He looked around, wanting to know where it came from.


    He then spotted a close aide next to him fall, an arrow lodged in the side of his face.


    Gomir grinned and licked the blood that splattered next to his lip.


    "Seems fate has spared you, my son. Someone strong has arrived to play with."

 Chapter 150 Heroes Reckoning Pt. 1

    "George, you know I consider you a very smart man¡­ so tell me, why the hell did half the girls in our class go to that loser Logan instead of helping us fight off the demons destroying a country in the south?" Brian asked, anger in his voice.


    "You tell me. I asked that girl Alma out before she left. Now look where we are, halfway across the ocean in an old ship going to fight demons. At least I''ll have something to kill to get this anger off my mind," George said while checking the chipped edge of his used spear.


    "I told you that you should have kept your eyes on her. She seemed ready to leave the moment you asked her out. Haha¡­" Jonathan was twirling both his swords around like a practiced sword dancer, occasionally throwing both of them up to show off his skills.


    "Yeah, yeah, the one who loves shortcake, Silvia. You just got told off as soon as you asked her," George retorted as Brian joined him in laughing at Jonathan for liking who they previously knew as the flatboard in their class.


    "Hey, if that girl Freya got good, then you have to admit even the shortcake improved, right? At least she isn''t a flat board anymore..." Jonathan tried to defend himself while pointing to one of the girls who had joined them in fighting against the demons.


    "Whatever, man. I will never see her as something else until she actually grows enough for me to think she isn''t a child. I ain''t no ped," Brian added while looking around towards Owen, who was standing on the ship''s crow''s nest.


    "Looks like it''s time for action. Look, that fool Owen sent out a few arrows, meaning we''re onto something," Brian said.


    Soon, the ship''s alarms rang out¡ªa magical device that made a particular noise only those on the ship would be able to hear.


    "Get ready, we are about to make an emergency landing. A few demons have been spotted flying towards us. Remember, they can teleport, so don''t underestimate them!" Commander Theron began calling out orders, still in a bad mood that Ms. Claire, the class leader, went off to help the tamer boy. She even took Silvia, who could have created a few wards to prevent teleportation arrays from connecting to the ship.


    "Don''t let it get to you, Sir Theron. We are going to need even more than this to get some good levels. I myself need to collect demon blood to finish my quest," Kiel the Gladiator said to the general who would lead them in the coming battle.


    "Well then, let''s start. Everyone, get ready! We should all be geared up by now, so get into groups. Vanguards, rearguards, form up. Center, start taking your positions!" Theron yelled as he saw the students get into their respective roles.


    After months of training, they were no longer kids but battle-ready warriors, each one capable of taking on even the kingdom''s royal guards.


    Owen, from above, kept sending out arrows that pierced demon after demon, making Brian mad as every kill was one less he would have.


    "Owen, leave some for the rest of us!" the boy called out in anger.


    "Carla, can''t you freeze the water or something? I want to start fighting already!" George called out, also angry at having his prey stolen. He wanted the old demon who looked to be the leader, one he could spot even when they were a few miles away from the targets.


    "And what, you want to swim with the sharks when the ice melts? I can probably control up to thirty meters, but after that, you''re on your own. Let''s just wait for the first wave to come, alright?" Carla, the Hydromancer who controlled water around her by mere thought, replied. She wanted to see just how many demons she could kill now that they were in the ocean, meaning she did not have to conjure water from the air.


    Everyone readied their spells, weapons, and projectiles. Those who were confident in their power sent forward volleys at the incoming demons. In no time, bodies clashed against weapons or magic, and for the first time, the demons were on the losing end.


    "Carla, Mai, make this ship go faster!" Brian yelled, seeing his prey being reduced by the second.


    "Calm down, Brian. There are at least a thousand; you aren''t missing anything," Mai retorted while pushing the ship forward with her magic. She was getting tired by the minute, but she only had to hasten it at the start and let it flow with the speed acquired by that push.


    Meanwhile, the demons stopped trying to raid the heroes'' ship and went back to land to ready themselves. Gomir was no fool; he was not going to commit the same error as Regar, who underestimated the taming hero.


    As soon as the ship landed, the heroes faced a volley of magic from the demons. The demons had much more experience in battle warfare and tactics and employed that knowledge to try to kill the heroes. Discover stories with My Virtual Library Empire


    The heroes did not let one spell pass. The mages within the group used each element to deter any magic and returned fire.


    The situation seemed balanced at the start, but Brian did not like it. He needed to kill 1,000 enemies to advance his class and still needed at least 300 more to reach the mark. Determined, he ran forward, leaving his position while George and Jonathan followed close behind.


    The demons smiled at the foolish action of the three heroes, but soon realized they were no ordinary heroes¡ªthey were probably the three strongest among them.


    Brian used the skill his class knew him by, the one that turned his fist into a rocket, just like that superhero in the metal suit. He rushed forward, plowing through a good number of demons to death. His body could now withstand being inside a volcano, so he had no problem turning up the temperature around his body to sear all those he touched.


    Gomir was shocked at the sight of his troops being decimated. His previous desire to fight Brian quickly turned into a need to confront the boy. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 151 Heroes Reckoning Pt. 2

    Brian began assessing the situation. He knew from news given out by Ms. Claire that Logan had protected his town from 200 demons. He wasn''t going to be shown up by such a small number.


    He flew forth towards the most populated section of the demon camp and began causing devastation. Each of his punches carried the force of a missile, sending demons flying left and right, crashing onto their own.


    Catching a glimpse of the others, he saw Jonathan''s blades slicing through enemies and George''s infinite javelin throw, allowing him to keep using the same weapon when thrown.


    Brian''s greed rose to the top. He did not stop his hands from moving, his fists protected by flames that turned all his hits into energy.


    His knuckles had yet to touch flesh, which meant he still had a lot of power. Fifty or so demons were dealt with in minutes, their corpses littering the floor. Brian laughed towards Gomir, who began to set up magic arrays.


    "When will you enter, old man? Is this all your pests amount to?" Brian called out, making sure the demon leader could hear.


    "What a brat, to think kids were summoned to fight us. Well then, how about this!" Gomir unleashed a volley of powerful offensive spells, each of a different element. He concentrated his power on ice to weaken the energy in Brian''s fists.


    Brian tried punching most of the magic with his fists but found it difficult to dodge or deflect it all. He had to turn the flames up and cover most of his body in them. He hated doing this because it would burn off most of his clothing, leaving him only with metal pants and a metal chainmail that clung to his skin.


    "Damn it, do you know how much I spent on that silk shirt? Come here, I am tired of your games." Brian rushed forward. Behind him, the demons had already mutated to fight against Jonathan and George, who kept their assault. They now had to worry about where they aimed their weapons, as the magic around them was quickly absorbed by the demons, making their skin as hard as steel. Only by slicing their heads off would they die.


    "What a disgusting way to die, man. If I didn''t think of you as a beast, I probably would have hesitated to kill you like this," George said as he wiped the blood off his spear, which had lost its sharpness.


    "If only I had better weapons, man. My swords are breaking, damn it," Jonathan cried out, tossing a bladeless handle away while summoning another from his space.


    "Hey, watch out! Some monsters are coming from the water. We will have to help the others who are being dragged...ugh...what weaklings." George began sending his spear towards a squid-like creature that was pulling on one of the mages in his class, who could not escape the many tentacles grabbing his body.


    "You go, I will keep fighting here. I only want strong enemies. I still need 140 more before finishing my quest," Jonathan said, looking towards Brian, who was boxing one-on-one with a demon general. Jonathan then caught a glimpse of someone jumping towards him from above.


    Cerrus, Gomir''s son, jumped down after teleporting in the air, using gravity to strengthen his blow. Luckily, Jonathan saw the enemy in time and jumped back just in time.


    "Damn it, you almost snapped my neck!" Jonathan began charging his swords for his next attack. They began to glow as he jumped up to return fire.


    Cerrus used one of his elbows to hit one blade away while his free hand punched Jonathan in the stomach, sending him back a few meters.


    "Whoa there, man. You aren''t doing that to my bud without consequences." George struck Cerrus on the leg to keep him from moving before rotating his spear towards his head. Read latest stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    The first hit caused Cerrus to groan, but he was able to repel the second with a backhand fist.


    "Nice, good to see that not everyone can be one-shot. It was getting boring." George let the spear bend enough to break and retrieved a new one from his storage.


    "Guess it''s time to use this..." George got out a trident he had created for large creatures and began using a new skill that let him channel energy on the tip of the weapon. It was especially good since it had three horn-like edges that could split the rays of magic.


    Cerrus, skilled in physical combat, wasn''t in the best position. His ability to resist even the sharpest blade did not work against magic, as proven by the three rays that caused third-degree burns on his skin.


    He did not falter and moved forward to prevent George''s long-range attacks. It was better to be right in front of his enemy than to wait from afar.


    Brian, on the other hand, kept moving. He was a little tired now, but that did not mean he was ready to give up. His opponent could not budge, allowing Brian to get a few jabs in. He just hoped it was made like humans, as he kept targeting the spleen and tendons to cause the most damage.


    He even laughed a little as the scent of the demon general became more like barbeque.


    "When are you going to get serious, old man? Use that garbage mutation stone right and turn into a monster so I can have some fun for once," Brian taunted, pushing forward without waiting for his opponent''s answer.


    "You dare...," Gomir began, but he couldn''t talk while being hit. Instead, he just did as told and took out his crystal, beginning to absorb all the mana around him. He waited just long enough for Brian to waste most of his mana so that when he turned into his frenzy mode, he would be in a far better position.


    Brian soon felt his energy being drained and tried jumping back, but his hand was being held by Gomir, who was draining his fire energy.


    "George, throw one of your spears here, man! I need help!" Brian tried to move from his spot as he felt his flames simmer.


    "Do it yourself, dude, I have my own problems, and¡ª" Just as he was about to stab forth, Jonathan jumped from above with blood dripping from his mouth.


    "You dare make me bleed!" Jonathan exclaimed as he began slicing through Cerrus''s skin, forcing the demon to use his hands to hold the blade back. Just as Jonathan and George were about to finish him, a third figure entered and swallowed Cerrus within his shadow.


    "Sorry boys, I need this body¡­" Victor called out from behind them. They only saw him for a split second before he appeared before Brian, who, during his struggle, did not notice three arrows heading for Gomir''s face. Just as the first one hit, Victor used his shadow magic to create another hole for the giant demon to fall in and be finished within his shadows.


    "Sorry Brian, I needed him also¡­" Victor said before warping away back to safety.


    "What the¡ª!" Brian exclaimed, looking at the boy who was hiding behind Theron, clutching his chest and appearing to be in pain.


    "What was that about, man? He just stole my kill!" Brian wanted to lash out but was too weak to move as he tried to recover some of his energy.


    "Damn it, I need to hurry. I will worry about that guy later." George, needing to complete his own quest, hurried back into action. Three hundred or so demons were still fighting with the class, while mutated beasts lurked behind them.


    After the fall of their leaders, the class was able to finish off the remaining demons within half an hour. The struggle was especially hard at the end when some in the class began to evolve, leaving their bodies exposed to danger. Luckily, the army from three countries had moved out by then, keeping all the heroes safe.


    As soon as Brian finished evolving, he felt foolish for taking so long with such a weak demon. His new power was a far cry from what he had before.


    Now as an Asura, he could control ten orbs around him that radiated like miniature suns. They would encircle him, both protecting and aiding him in battle.


    The best part is that the orbs could also heal him to a certain extent, making it possible for Brian to now solo without needing a team like before.


    George, on the other hand, could now strengthen his weapons, making the problems of breaking them a thing of the past.


    Jonathan was the worst off of the three. He took far too long to recover after the punch and still needed more enemies to level up. He groaned after watching his two friends evolve and look so much better than him now.


    Owen, watching everything from above, breathed a sigh of relief. He saw how Brian''s group disregarded the others in the class, especially when they needed help with the monsters that came from behind. Owen was forced to help those in need, which kept him from evolving. His anger at Brian''s actions made him sneer at being with such people. If they had shared and worked with the class, two or four other heroes could have leveled up to 40 or even evolved.


    Only six out of the eighteen people had evolved that day. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 152 Love Guidance 2

    The night after Logan had made his three monarchs, the boy was setting his bed to sleep, humming happily as the date with Lisa had gone better than he expected.


    They ate ramen, which she loved, walked around town, and had fun looking through various shops. They even went to the cinema to watch one of Marie''s movies about a trash disposal robot in outer space. The movie had a short introduction by Marie, explaining what a robot was and what space had, which impressed the audience.


    Logan had just arrived home and was grading himself, especially since he did not try hard to kiss Lisa, which was his ultimate plan to end the night. Thinking about this, he scratched his hair in exasperation.


    Stay connected with My Virtual Library Empire


    He was just too green and couldn''t go through with it. He could easily hold her hand, but her face had become too lovely, and he got way too nervous to get close enough to plant a kiss.


    He knew that when she went back to her room, she was expecting something. Just thinking about this made him sit down and cover his face with his hands to avoid feeling the embarrassment.


    As he was doing this, he felt someone tap his shoulder. Looking up, he saw a girl in a negligee standing in front of him.


    "Alma?" Logan tried to call out, but the girl covered his mouth with her hand.


    "Are you crazy? You''re going to make someone come here to check on you¡­"


    Logan could not understand the girl''s actions and sat helplessly, unable to look away from her body without blushing.


    "What are you doing here and why are you dressed like that¡­ you almost gave me a heart attack¡­" Logan tried his best to keep his eyes on her face.


    "Well, I wanted the juicy details, of course. I saw how you two entered together and I want to know why you didn''t take the next step, idiot. Did you not see her face of disappointment at the end?" Alma said with a bit of anger in her voice.


    "Well, I wanted to but¡­" Logan tried to explain his reason but came up short.


    "But you couldn''t. Is it because you''re wavering or because..." Alma tugged her sleeve to the side just enough to make Logan look away.


    "Yeah, that''s it, huh? Well, Logan, we need to get you used to women. I wonder why you haven''t already, though, being around so many... then again, they are as shy as you are. No way you will progress like that, right?" Alma then sat next to him.


    Logan didn''t know how to answer, but the sweet smell of flowers was driving him crazy. He feared looking at Alma, whose negligee barely covered a few centimeters below where it should.


    "Well, first things first, you will need to spend more time with each one, get used to it but now on purpose... Tomorrow you''re going to the mine, right?" Alma nestled herself a little closer.


    "Right, the mine, I need to go get Kryst and check on Serana¡­" Logan gulped as he felt Alma''s shoulder get closer to his.


    "That''s good, you need to work on your skills, and I''m not talking about taming. For your first test, you need to get her to admit her feelings. Get your vampire to talk about herself and don''t make small talk. You keep doing that, which is a put-off. Get deep and understand who she is, what she likes, and tomorrow you''ll have to tell me how it goes. Now I know it''s been a long day, so let''s leave it at that." Before getting up, Alma poked Logan''s cheek.


    "And quit blushing over stuff like this, Logan. You''re not a kid anymore¡­" Alma smiled before whispering in his ear.


    "You know¡­ it''s hard to understand why you''re doing this, but I will do what you say. I do feel dumb for not having kissed Lisa, so I will improve." Logan slapped his cheeks and suddenly got up and held Alma by the waist.


    "Here, let me guide you out. Also¡­ take this crystal¡­ we don''t want anyone to see you." Logan used Marie''s magic to create a crystal that would cause light to help its wielder turn invisible. It was one of the simplest of Marie''s spells, but he would need to embed the magic array into the crystal again after its use, making it a one-time use.


    "Whoa, you improved right away, huh? Anyways, thanks. I will be back tomorrow. Don''t forget," Alma said as she exited his room. Logan sighed once again before going to sleep.


    Early the next day, he received news that Valeria wanted to speak to him. She was already sitting in the dining room, eating.


    "Logan, I received news that I will need to return to my territory today," Valeria said, eating quickly to hurry up and pack.


    "Why? Did something happen?" Logan asked, worried.


    "No, nothing yet, but like here, the demons are launching small-scale attacks on villages. I can''t be too far from my territory with all this happening, so I will need to go," Valeria said, making Logan think about what he could do for her. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Do you need anything? Crystals? Take as many as you need¡­ How about one of my beasts to help you?" Logan tried offering.


    "No need, my Saber has gotten a pride, so I will be strong enough with them. Thankfully, your power extended to the four he has brought up to his level. Just make sure you don''t get reckless, Logan. I''ve shown you as much as I could; I hope you can improve on that." Valeria got up after finishing her meal and patted his back.


    "Now then, I will gather my creatures. You keep doing what you need to do. I know you''re busy, and we don''t know when the next attack will happen. Just make sure you''re ready. Hurry and gather all those you can to help you. The demons are not holding back anymore; this is the real start. And those we have faced¡ªthey aren''t half as strong as the main army."

 Chapter 153 Hearts in Conflict

    "Well, I guess this is goodbye, mentor. You have given me the tools to keep going forward. Thanks for everything, and if you ever need help, just ask and I will be there."


    Unable to do more for Valeria, Logan gave her a hug before she left.


    Her journey back would be long, but he gave her all the supplies she would need.


    "You turned out better than I had expected, Logan. Good thing you changed to who you are now and did not keep your loner personality. I hope the next time we meet will be during the end of the war. Keep gathering strength; I am sure we will meet on the battlefield as comrades soon."


    Valeria returned the hug while wiping a tear from her cheek.


    Your adventure continues at My Virtual Library Empire


    She felt as if the boy was a younger brother she needed to take care of. His growth was astounding, and the change he made to others was amazing.


    Sadly, she had her own things to take care of.


    Her monsters back home needed their master or risked going wild from being apart for so long. As for her territory, it needed her guidance and protection.


    She did not waver much, though. Saber was now her strongest beast, and the way he had strengthened Noire and the three other females he gathered as a pride was impressive.


    "Sounds like a plan. After I protect my town and clear the demons off this land, I will come to help you then." Logan had long lost the fear of fighting; he now knew it was necessary.


    It wasn''t long before they saw her off. Everyone, including the soldiers, were present to send Logan''s teacher off in style.


    Feeling a little bitter from the unprompted goodbye, Logan stood near his mansion. Only Rubina, Lisa, and Alma stood next to him by then.


    "Well now¡­ what will you all be doing today?" Logan asked, trying to change the feeling of loss he felt.


    "With there being such a huge theater here, I was hoping to make a small concert of sorts. I still need to finish my level 40 quest," Alma said while Lisa nodded. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I will go help her. We need to get her ready for when the fight starts," Lisa added before the two excused themselves and went into town.


    Rubina, who stayed standing beside him, waited for her own turn to speak.


    "I¡­ will go to the training field. I need to test out my fire magic more and work on a few problems that having new powers has caused. I need to know my new limits. Before, I had to keep just enough mana to maintain my figure, but now I need to know how much I need in reserve to avoid an accidental change. Later, I will probably go with my father. He seems keen on visiting each monster we have here and checking how their growth was affected by your power. He is particularly interested in checking on Scorch, who grew so strong," Rubina said while waiting next to Logan.


    "Sounds good, Rubina. I will head out to check on Serana and Kryst. Hopefully, she has made enough improvements with her new crystal magic," Logan said before looking at Rubina for a few seconds.


    "Say, Rubina¡­ has your father ever thought about remarrying?" Logan asked, trying to see how Rubina would react to a few questions he had.


    "No¡­ he still thinks my mother might return. Before you think Hestia is¡­ well, something more, no. She was just my mother''s most trusted maid. She is more like an aunt to me than a maid though," Rubina tried to explain a little more about herself.


    "So¡­ she is not, huh? How about you, Rubina? How would you feel about Hestia one day deciding to be with your father? And sorry if I am overstepping my place here." Logan tried to be careful with his next question. This would probably answer if she was a little more open-minded.


    "I¡­ just want him happy, Logan. He loves his job, and up until now, I haven''t seen him need others. He''s a bit like you in a way¡ªjust focused on his own work and goals to care for others. That is probably why¡­ well, that is why you resemble my dad," Rubina tried to fix her wording at the end while stuttering a little.


    Logan looked at Rubina for a few more seconds before smiling.


    "Probably why you feel like I do¡­ sorry Rubina but give me more time." Logan held her hand before kissing it.


    "What do you mean?" Rubina asked before sighing. She knew if she pushed Logan now, it would probably not end well and stopped.


    "Take your time¡­ at least end this coming fight before then." Rubina saw how the boy left after she said that.


    Rubina did not expect Logan to know how she felt, so she was caught off guard during the previous interaction.


    She was on edge these days, mainly because of Lisa''s presence and the fact that Logan was very conscious of the girl, especially with the many changes to her new physical appearance after her new evolution


    Rubina still felt anxious since her own appearance was created by her illusion.


    The girl couldn''t keep waiting for Logan to understand her and the way she felt. She needed to hurry and act now that Lisa was here.


    She had to try to at least win Logan over enough to not date the girl while they were here.


    She did not like thinking as she did; she even wished the invasion would happen faster so that Lisa could leave.


    "Stop¡­ I can''t think like that¡­" Rubina sighed. She facepalmed before thinking about what she needed to do.


    She began to go out to the fields, having already changed. She needed to be strong enough for the coming fight. She did not want to hide like she did previously and wanted to be next to Logan.


    Before, her best magic was Fire Arrow, a skill her mother had taught her.


    But now she has improved so much. She could condense fireballs to throw like cannons, causing a wider range of damage on impact.


    As for her previous fire arrows, they could now be sent out in volleys to hit various enemies.


    But her best ability was when she mixed both her darkness and fire abilities.


    She could now contain the fire into shapes using the darkness, creating intricate figures like dragons and snakes with ease.


    She loved this, as it combined the deadly power of fire with the artistic nature she wielded with darkness.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Rubina Rosengard


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Class: Pyromancer (Blessing: Darkness / Fire) (Soul-Tamed Status: Link Logan Aiden)


    Level: 41 / Health: 482 / Mana: 468


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Attributes:


    Strength: 21 Agility: 28 Dexterity: 34 Constitution: 42 Intelligence: 48 Charisma: 41


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Skills:]


    Fire Arrow: A basic but powerful spell that hurls an arrow of fire at the target, dealing significant damage.


    Flamestrike: A spell that calls down a pillar of fire to burn all enemies within its area of effect.


    Combustion: A powerful buff that increases the Pyromancer''s critical strike chance, making their fire spells even more deadly.


    New* Shadowflame Bolt: Launches a bolt of fire and shadow energy at the target, dealing both fire and shadow damage..


    New* Eclipse Pyre: Creates an explosion of fire and darkness around the caster, dealing massive damage to nearby enemies and leaving them weakened.


    New* Cursed Blaze: Conjures flames cursed with dark energy, causing them to stick to enemies and drain their life force.


    New* Ember Cannon: Conjures a concentrated ball of flames infused with dark energy that can be hurled at enemies, causing both burning and shadow wounds over time.


    New* Blazing Summons: Created a figure made of shadowfire to aid the caster in battle, dealing both fire and shadow damage to enemies.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Abilities:]


    Shadow Veil: Using the power of darkness, the caster can envelop themselves in a cloak of shadows, concealing their true demon form from the eyes of others. The shadows bend and weave around the caster, creating an illusion of their desired appearance. This ability allows the caster to blend in with humans or any other beings, effectively hiding their demonic features.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Experience Points (XP): 230/10800]


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Recalling her stats, she remembered her new skills and tried each one on the dummies before her.


    Soldiers training around her cheered, seeing one of those they knew as Logan''s wife within the camp.

 Chapter 154 A Taste of Truth

    Logan was on top of Zephyr, gliding towards the mine. Now that he had various flying beasts, he had them monitor from the air to avoid being caught off guard like last time.


    So far, none of them seemed to spot anything strange as they moved about hunting. Logan, finding the wind in his hair, set his worries aside for later and enjoyed the view of his land.


    He grew to love each part of his territory each time he took to the air and found new areas and sights.


    As soon as they reached the mine, he asked Zephyr to leave him and go hunt. He jumped off the large eagle''s back with a backflip and created his own wings as he was falling through the sky.


    He was slowly getting better at flying each day. He doubted Lisa would be able to do the same.


    As he got close to the mine, he saw a red-caped figure standing near the exit.


    "Serana, why are you waiting so close to the exit?" He questioned the girl with his mind link as he readied his foot to land, sending some small debris scattering.


    "My minions detected your presence. I have them monitor the lands to avoid what occurred before during the attack that caught me off guard." The girl smiled before gulping as Logan came closer.


    "I know, I know, you want to feed. It''s fine, come." Logan beckoned Serana near him as he held out his hand. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "While I do appreciate the gesture, Logan¡­ could we try it in another area today? I doubt I will be able to absorb what I need through your finger."


    Logan was taken aback by Serana''s change in demeanor; she was usually a little more reserved when it came to feeding.


    "I guess since you''ve evolved again you can probably control yourself¡­ well, alright, come." Logan shrugged, trying not to seem distant, and caused a pedestal of earth to rise from the floor.


    "So where is it going to be?" Logan asked, sitting and wondering what Serana had in mind.


    "Well, you know, like normal vampires, I guess blood directly from your neck would taste¡­ delicious," Serana asked, hoping Logan would comply with her wish.


    "Well¡­ I do think it''s a bit weird, but alright, come." Logan pulled his collar aside, leaving a part of his shoulder exposed while Serana sat on his lap.


    Read new adventures at My Virtual Library Empire


    Logan could feel his heart racing. He thought she would not be so bold and guessed she would have done it standing behind him.


    She hugged him while gently licking the side of his collar before taking a small bite out of it.


    Being used to cuts from having to mark his creatures, Logan only slightly winced before feeling Serana''s breath on his shoulder.


    He was trying to count or do math problems to forget the sensation of a beautiful girl sitting on his lap while feeling her hot, steamy breath over him.


    She at least tried to be as quiet as possible while feeding, but it did not stop him from hearing her enjoying herself.


    As the seconds passed, he felt her legs wrap around his back and her arms'' strength increase.


    "Are you¡­ almost done?" Logan gulped, trying to stop himself from thinking about the sensation of two supple orbs pressed against his chest.


    He felt a slow lick running through his collar, making him shudder as he felt Serana place her weight on his shoulder, enjoying the close contact.


    "You good, Serana?" Logan asked as he patted her back slowly.


    "Yes¡­ just let me sit for a few more¡­" Serana could not stop her mind from going blank. She now understood why vampires would take blood from the neck; it was so close to the heart and mana core that it was like drinking pure, raw energy.


    She had to settle her body, which felt like it was about to explode, and did not want to move in case she would hurt Logan, who seemed like a twig she could snap by accident.


    She then felt Logan hug her back, his pats bringing her confused mind back to normal.


    "Logan¡­ why are you being so nice today?" Serana was a little confused. The boy was not one for showing feelings before.


    She still saw him as her savior, and after sorting her feelings, she could only say the boy meant the world to her.


    "Am I? I guess I just want to understand what I am feeling myself¡­ Being close to you put something in perspective at least." Logan placed his chin over her head, which was looking to the side.


    "I guess I will start explaining what I discovered and how I have been these past few days¡­ but first, have you seen Valeria? I wanted to ask her a few things," Serana asked, enjoying the boy''s caress.


    "Guess you didn''t know¡­ she left." Logan began to explain what happened in the morning.


    "That is¡­ sad. She is like the big sister who helped me sort out many of my problems. I enjoyed her company here," Serana said in a sad tone.


    "If you need, I can give you one of my communication stones. I only have to place the corresponding energy frequency so you can speak to her." Logan made a small communication crystal come out of one of his storage rings.


    "That is good. I always wanted one of these. You should have given one to me earlier, you know. How was I supposed to speak with you¡­" Serana drummed on his shoulder as if she was angry.


    "Yeah¡­ well, I forgot, but at least you have a way to talk to us now, right?" Logan chuckled.


    "So, about what we found, you will be happy with Kryst¡­ but I will leave that as a surprise. I also found a few bats I think you should tame. They are of two varieties: one being fruit-based and the other a type of vampire like me. I thought they would be good scouts for the night. What else¡­ about my minions, I have three now. The girl, a demon, and another girl I found in this place¡­ the last one did not turn into a wight like the first one, though," Serana said in a happy voice as if she were a regular teenage girl.


    "What is it and how is it different from the demon?" Logan asked, wondering while still holding on to Serana.


    "Oh¡­ well, that guy is a half-vampire, kind of how I was at first, except that his demon blood made the other half not as weak as what I was. It''s actually stronger than the wight in a fight, but in terms of melee combat, my first minion is stronger.


    As for the last of my minions, she is a Shadow Revenant. She seemed to reject her vampiric blood, which caused her to turn into that. It''s like a living shadow, and instead of blood, she needs life force, meaning she needs to intake mana directly." Serana kept explaining in her jolly mood.


    "Sounds dangerous¡­ but great for our cause. Just keep them under control," Logan warned before pulling Serana slowly up by the shoulders and looking into her eyes.


    "Say, Serana¡­ you should know how many girls I have around me, right? I wanted to talk to you first¡­ how do you really feel about me?" Logan asked with hesitation in his voice.

 Chapter 155 Crystal Bloom

    "Probably not the most fair question to ask me, Logan¡­ you could say I am still a child of sorts¡­ mentally I only awakened recently¡­ I have not interacted with many, and Valeria has been my source and role model while I stayed here¡­


    But I do feel attracted to you, if that is what you mean. As far as society and all that goes¡­ as long as you have time for me, that is all I ask.


    Maybe this will change as I understand how my feelings work and how society works, but for now, just being here like this is fine¡­"


    Serana looked straight at Logan before giving him an awkward quick kiss on the lips.


    Logan''s eyes widened; he did not expect the action and tried to speak, but Serana covered his mouth with her index finger.


    "That¡­ at least I know that much should be done right?" Serana giggled before using her power of shadow teleportation to get off Logan.


    "Well, I enjoyed our brief time together, Logan. I am fed and ready to move, so let''s go check on Kryst." Serana radiated a new expression that Logan could not keep himself from looking away.


    "Sure¡­ let''s go find Kryst then." Logan fixed his clothes and waited a few seconds to adjust himself.


    "Alright, lead the way." Logan got up and walked next to Serana while holding her hand.


    "That kiss wasn''t fair, by the way." Logan smirked as he was led down the dark tunnel leading directly to the crystals that Digger had dug to avoid going through the gruesome section of the abandoned laboratory.


    It wasn''t long before Logan saw how crystals filled the small tunnel they had to enter to get to the center of the volcano.


    "Wow, these weren''t here yesterday," Serana said as she pulled a few large crystals with her super vampiric strength.


    "Looks like whatever she is doing is working." Logan did as Serana did and started storing crystals in his rings.


    "Soon we won''t even need to hunt monsters," Logan smiled as he saw the purity of the crystals rise by leaps and bounds from the last time he had visited.


    "Yes, well, her new helpers are indeed great at refining mana." Serana handed the crystals she had removed to Logan before exiting the last section of the tunnel.


    Logan, who followed her, saw how the inside of the volcano looked completely different. The crystals made it seem like a hall of mirrors, as he could see his reflection in many of the stones.


    The area where the large golem had fought before was filled with steaming water, and Logan saw Kryst bathing in its center.


    "Kryst?" Logan called out to the blob, which was happily floating around the water.


    "Ma¡­ster!" The small gelatinous figure used its light body to fly up at great speed, bounced twice, and finally landed on Logan in her human girl form.


    "Been¡­ so long!" Kryst hugged Logan tightly.


    "Yes, it has been a while, Kryst. I missed you too." Logan hugged the slime who would always be with him.


    After a few minutes of letting Kryst enjoy the reunion, Logan walked towards the water, inspecting its shining mana-filled properties.


    "So tell me, Kryst, how did you make this?" Logan asked, happy to be able to use this type of elixir-like water once again.


    "New friends!" Kryst said, pulling Logan by the hand.


    As soon as they reached the interior of the cave, away from the lava-filled area, he noticed a type of glowing zone.


    "What is¡­ that?" Logan got closer until he saw various colorful caps. As he walked a few steps, he saw mushrooms growing lively around a certain area of the cave.


    "Your friends?" Logan tried to clarify what he was seeing. He noticed a small stream of water that went through the mushrooms before flowing towards the center of the tunnel where the water gathered.


    "Yes, they make water tasty! I help clean." Kryst added while nodding happily.


    "They seem to drain the crystals and add that mana to the water that comes from that small hole. I think it comes from the ice covering the volcano, so it should be clean," Serana supplemented, providing the remaining information.


    "So they are the ones helping make the mana-filled water, huh¡­" Logan got closer and checked each of the mushrooms that tilted away his presence.


    "They fear you a little, master," Kryst said, tugging Logan back a little.


    "Oh, sorry about that, I didn''t know they could¡­ see me?" Logan looked at the weird shrooms from above and counted them; there were at least forty bunched together.


    "How about you tame the three largest ones? I think that will help us in the long run," Serana suggested, pointing towards the three.


    "I was thinking the same." Logan cut his finger while looking at Kryst to see if it was alright. She nodded, so this time he moved slowly towards each mushroom, placing a drop of blood over their cap.


    After a few seconds of waiting for a reaction, he saw how the three mushrooms jiggled a little before growing abnormally. Each one was, thankfully, in a separate area, so the growth did not disturb each other. Over the course of a few seconds, they grew a few centimeters, before growing again by a meter within two or three minutes. Your journey continues with My Virtual Library Empire


    The process was entertaining enough for the three observers to keep looking at them.


    "Well, I did not expect them to grow that big¡­" Logan said as they waited for the three to finish growing.


    "I don''t think they are done yet¡­" Serana added, looking at the strange happening before her.


    "Grow! Grow!" Kryst said happily, watching her three friends grow bigger by the minute.


    As soon as the three grew to a meter and a half, they stopped.


    "Well¡­ I think it is done," Logan said, but suddenly he heard a few more pings.


    "What? What''s happening?" Logan picked his ear to make sure he wasn''t hearing things.


    The three mushrooms were actually eating the smaller ones, which in turn gave them more levels as well as rapidly absorbing the mana around them. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Wow, that is just weird¡­" Serana said as she noticed that the mushrooms began to glow again as if evolving.


    Within seconds of glowing, the three mushrooms began to grow limbs.

 Chapter 156 Guardians of the Mana Cave

    Logan looked at the three creatures before him. They were like golems protecting his territory, each standing three meters tall with two arms and two legs that allowed them to move about.


    "Well¡­ it''s weird, but I don''t see eyes¡­ and yet they can see. They haven''t crashed into the wall," Serana said, amazed.


    "I think they may work like my rose, who is able to sense around her somehow¡­" Logan nodded with a hand on his chin in a pondering posture.


    "Friends say hi!" Kryst said while pulling on Logan''s sleeve.


    "Hey there?" Logan used his link to try communicating back.


    Explore more stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    He waited a few seconds but received no response.


    "Are you sure, Kryst?" Logan asked the one who said the mushroom giants spoke.


    "Yes! They speak with¡­ mana?" Kryst tried to explain, and yet Logan could not understand.


    "Well, tell them I said hello then." Logan sighed and got close to one of the giants before checking its stats.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: - / New* Species: Mana Mycelium Sentinel / Level: 42 / Blood Mark: Lower Crown / Loyalty: 21/100


    Str: 31 / Agi: 22 / Dex: 29 / Con: 88 / Int: 83 / Char: 24


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Mana Filtration: Filters and purifies ambient mana, enhancing the user''s own magical abilities and replenishing mana reserves.


    Root Bind: Uses its roots to immobilize enemies, making it difficult for them to escape or attack.


    Spore Cloud: Releases a cloud of spores that can disorient, paralyze, and weaken enemies, making them more vulnerable to attacks.


    Rejuvenating Growth: Absorbs mana from the environment to heal itself, regenerating health and mana steadily.


    Mana Infusion: The Mana Mycelium Sentinel can channel its mana into allies, boosting their magical abilities and restoring their mana reserves.


    Arcane Burst: Unleashes a powerful burst of purified mana, dealing heavy damage to enemies in the vicinity and disrupting their magical abilities.


    Mana Surge: Absorbs ambient mana to temporarily increase the Sentinel''s power, enhancing all its abilities and making them more potent.


    Mystic Shield: Creates a protective barrier of mana-infused spores around an ally or itself, absorbing a portion of incoming damage.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Logan checked the three, and they had the same stats and skills, almost like exact copies. He was happy about their power, as the cave needed guardians to protect it now that the golems had left.


    "Well then, you three will be tasked with protecting this place," Logan said as he patted the closest mushroom giant before him. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It turned its huge head towards Logan before walking off to find a spot to stand in. The creature gently gathered mana from around them and infused it into a crystal, which it tore off the wall and handed to Logan.


    Logan inspected the crystal, which radiated more power than those he had collected before. It almost felt like the crystals found in the underground lake that was under the goblins'' nest.


    "Wow, you actually are more than a guardian, huh?" Logan patted the mushroom, which seemed to nod towards his question before picking up another crystal and doing the same.


    "Well, that will help me so much more." Logan returned to Serana and Kryst, who were watching another of the mushrooms get near the water and start infusing more mana into it.


    "Kryst loves new friends'' form!" The slime figure returned to its round circular form before diving back into the water.


    Soon, Logan heard a few more pings within his mind, seeing how Kryst''s body was growing by the second.


    "I think¡­ this place is far too effective for these four. I don''t seem to level up like them though¡­ I wonder why?" Logan asked, looking at how Kryst and the giant mushrooms kept getting stronger.


    "I guess it''s the type of creatures they are¡­ being more simple I think helps them absorb raw mana like what this cave produces. I, for example, benefit from the blood crystals which I am storing for later," Serana added, watching how the slime drained a good portion of the water from the hole.


    As soon as Kryst had enough, she got out of the water-filled hole and jiggled in her round form before glowing to evolve.


    "Her third evolution already?" Logan asked, wondering what Kryst would turn into.


    As soon as the light stopped and Kryst finished her evolution, Logan saw a more defined version of a girl, her skin smooth and wrapped around a dress-like layer that covered most of her.


    "How do you feel now, Kryst¡­" Logan tried asking, wondering just how much she had changed.


    "Great! I can think¡­ better." Kryst yelled out in excitement.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Kryst / New* Species: Multicellular Mana Crystal Slime Level: 42 Blood Mark: Right Sheen Loyalty: 82/100


    Str: 22 / Agi: 34 / Dex: 24 / Con: 76 / Int: 92 / Char: 42


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Healing Touch: Heals allies by transferring mana through physical contact. The amount of healing depends on Kryst''s own mana reserves.


    Mana Absorption: Absorbs mana from the environment or fallen enemies to replenish its own mana reserves.


    Purifying Light: Emits a bright light that purifies toxins and curses from allies within range.


    Mana Regeneration: Passively regenerates a medium amount of mana over time, allowing for sustained spellcasting.


    Crystal Cultivation: Kryst can cultivate and grow crystals by infusing them with mana. These cultivated crystals can be used for various purposes such as enhancing magical creatures or abilities, creating barriers, or providing mana reserves.


    New* Adaptive Form: Temporarily changes form to mimic the abilities of nearby creatures or objects when exposed to their mana, gaining their strengths and weaknesses.


    New* Symbiotic Bond: Forms a temporary bond with an ally, sharing a portion of each other''s stats and abilities for a limited time.


    New* Split Form: Allows Kryst to temporarily split into multiple smaller slimes, each retaining a portion of her abilities and mana reserves. After a short duration, the slimes merge back into Kryst, combining their collected mana and experiences.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Looking through her stats, Logan was glad with the changes Kryst displayed. She was not fit for physical combat but would be able to if she gained enough mana to clone into them. He wondered how his own clone would be and asked Kryst to try doing it.


    Kryst suddenly held his hand for a few seconds before another Logan appeared in front of him. At times, a little watery on the edges, but an exact replica of himself.


    "Can you use one of my skills?" Logan asked.


    "Yes¡­ simple ones for now." Logan heard his own voice in response.

 Chapter 157 Monarchs Blessing

    Logan and Serana watched as Kryst used Darkness Arrow, then added a bit of fire magic with Scorch''s ability.


    She shot it out towards the lava-filled section of the cave, causing a slight tremor in the lava before changing back to her original form. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Well, you just need some practice, but you now at least have offensive abilities, Kryst." Logan got closer to the slime in girl form and placed his hand on her shoulder.


    "Yes, I can fight now!" The girl showed an innocent expression, but Logan knew she would be far deadlier in the future.


    "What will you do now, Logan?" Serana asked, wondering what she needed to do based on the boy''s answer. She pondered whether to go with the boy now that her business was done in the cave or stay with Logan.


    "Well, you did say there were bats around here we can try working with. Let''s go with that for now. Kryst, how about you? Will you stay here?" Logan questioned his slime.


    "No, I want to go back with Master. Job done here, my mushroom friends will do the rest!" Kryst said. Logan looked at the giants who kept infusing and absorbing power throughout the cave and decided to make one of them a Monarch, in case it was able to find or make more of its kind.


    Logan then left after collecting only the largest of the crystals and those that disrupted the growth of new seeds.


    At the end, it was enough to fill two rings, along with some of the water that would help his plants that needed its magical properties.


    Logan soon got out of the cave and was guided to a group of vampire bats. Serana used her shadow skills to capture them; they had been hanging from the top of a particular section of the cave about four meters from the ground.


    "Here, this one seems to be the largest. I think you only need one, right?" Serana asked Logan while handing him a large male of its species.


    "Sure, I think this one will work." Logan reopened his wound and placed a drop on the dazed animal Serana had tranquilized with her power.


    Within seconds, the bats became tame and a monarch with Logan''s power. Seeing it was a creature of darkness, Logan got out a few crystals and began feeding it power. Just like with any other before it, the bat grew in size and evolved.


    "I think its first evolution will be enough for it. Being in this cave will allow it to find mana nearby to slowly gain more levels," Logan explained his reason for not going further with the bat. Logan also wanted to save as many crystals as possible for his seven powerful primordial creatures that needed all the power they could get.


    As soon as he was done with the bat, he released it back to its colony and saw, as he was leaving, that others like it began to change, growing and gaining newfound strength.


    Discover hidden content at My Virtual Library Empire


    Logan smiled as he felt his power increasing with each new creature he added. The best part about monarchs is that they would have a mana tax on all its followers, while Logan would get a portion of mana from all his monarchs, meaning the more followers a monarch had, the more mana Logan accumulated.


    Another reason for having monarchs was so their followers would protect their leaders. Logan was still linked strongly to each of his beasts, and if one of them died, he would feel the repercussions towards his soul.


    He recalled the battle Scorch had to endure before and wondered what would have happened to his own soul if Scorch had died in that battle because he did not have help.


    As soon as the three exited the cave, Logan was given another bat by one of Serana''s minions, a girl who was a Shadow Revenant. Different from the bat before, this one was large and made to feed off vegetation. It looked far less deadly than the previous Vampire bat and even reminded Logan of Luna as it shared the face of his tamed ice fox, who was busy training with Riptide.


    Logan did the same and saw how the bat grew in size before evolving it to its first form. He added the monarch''s blessing before releasing it back into the wild, with his only order for both bats being to get stronger.


    "Well¡­ I called our Uber, hope you can wait a bit for them to arrive." Logan sat down on a large rock, laughing towards Serana, who did not get the joke.


    "Who is Uber?" Serana questioned, sitting next to Logan.


    "I meant I have told Lisa to send Orus so that we could return. I don''t think we could fly for so long without getting tired. Uber is a taxi system in our world, like asking a carriage to pick you up personally." Logan smiled while thinking about having Marie make more movies that he could show his close ones about normal day happenings in his world. He did not want to forget his past on Earth, so he felt like watching just a normal day in school would be interesting to show Serana and Rubina.


    "Will you be leaving your minions here?" Logan asked while looking at the girl who stood under the shadow of a tree, staring at him expressionless.


    "Yeah, they would be far too dangerous to bring into a human settlement. They constantly need life force and blood, so being near this cave is the best for them." Serana asked the girl to come closer and patted her head.


    The young girl looked like a doll, her age resembling someone around twelve years old. She wore a black gothic dress created by dark shadows. Her face was beautiful but eerie, as she rarely blinked, and her stare was like watching a doll that held no emotion or needs. Even as Serana patted her head, the doll stood still as if she did not feel what Serana was doing.


    "Can it talk?" Logan asked while waving his hand slowly to see what the girl would do.


    "Yes, simple words. She has yet to regain that part of her," Serana said while pulling the braids she had done to the girl up to make her look funny.


    "Do you think the Monarch blessing would help you keep control of them?" Logan wondered, trying to keep himself from laughing.


    "Maybe¡­ Let''s try it? You haven''t used it on a person before, right?" Serana asked.

 Chapter 158 Return of Another Mentor

    Logan got close to Serana and placed his hand over her head. To bless her, he needed to concentrate¡ªit wasn''t just another of his tames. He needed to focus harder for a person.


    He felt that his blessing was more challenging for a person than an animal. He had to force it in a way into Serana instead of having it simply accepted.


    Serana winced a little as the blessing entered her body. She felt the power over those like her¡ªin her case, it would be vampires and all those of her kind, such as the undead.


    She looked towards her minion, who had yet to receive a name, and called it forward.


    "I can feel my connection strengthen with this girl¡­ almost as if my word creates a type of law for her¡­ It''s weird. I will have to test it¡­ probably with the demon. I think it will strengthen him, since he is a half-vampire. This girl, on the other hand, I think if I use this power on her, she will turn back into a vampire¡ªsomething she previously hated," Serana said, trying to explain what she could do.


    "Sounds difficult. How about you give it a go while I return? I will leave the other griffin here so you can come back when you finish," Logan suggested as he began to see two figures closing in towards them from the sky.


    Soon he saw Orus coming closer with one of his kind¡ªa thinner, more feminine griffin who followed him.


    "Hey there, Orus. Thanks for coming for me." Logan explained what he wanted from the other griffin and waved towards Serana as he climbed onto Orus''s back, which already had a saddle ready for him.


    "I will see you later then, Serana. Tell me what happens later." Logan smiled and gave his tamed vampire one last wave, who nodded and waved back.


    Kryst had already settled herself behind Logan after providing mana to the other griffin so it could recover. After getting on Orus, she began sharing her grand mana pool with Orus so he could return fully recovered.


    About thirty minutes later, they returned to the town. Logan did not go as wild as with Zephyr and waited for Orus to land so that Kryst could get off safely.


    As soon as he got back, he noticed Lisa and Alma had returned. They, along with Marie, were waiting next to the area where Orus landed.


    "What, did something happen?" Logan questioned the girls. It was strange since it only consisted of girls in his class.


    "Yes, well, we are waiting for ¡­ Ms. Claire¡­ They are to arrive soon," Lisa said while looking at the field before them.


    Three mages started casting a spell near Logan that he did not know about.


    "Ms. Claire? Why would she come here?" Logan asked, wondering why this was happening.


    "Well, she did tell me she would find a way to come here¡­ As for why, I think it has to do with Silvia. Anyways, they told us some steps to follow. Marie brought in these three mages, and well, we will see why soon¡­" Lisa said, just as perplexed as Logan.


    Soon, two figures and a large bird exited from a warp portal created by the three mages.


    Logan did not know how to react, seeing his teacher in front of him along with Silvia, who previously had platinum hair. Now it strangely changed color every few seconds, as if fighting to decide which element she was supposed to wield.


    She looked a little taller and more grown-up, but still short compared to the rest. Silvia''s expression was still as stoic as before, studying every part of the town, especially the crystals that were like trees growing around the town.


    "Master, will go feed crystals!" Kryst interrupted his thinking as she wandered off towards the nearest one.


    "Well, let''s go say hi¡­" Logan went forward and waved towards his teacher and fellow student from their old world. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Welcome to Highcrest, I guess. This is my little town. Now can you explain who and why you''re here, teacher? I am happy of course and welcome you to my mansion." Logan said politely with a slight smile showing on his face, as for Lisa and Alma they hugged the teacher, Marie on the other hand stood behind Logan as if she knew she would be yelled at soon.


    "Wait, let me get this straight¡­ you''re Logan?" Ms. Claire, whose hair was now blonde with green stripes, began to ask.


    "You don''t recognize me? I think only my hair color changed¡­" Logan asked, looking at his wear, wondering if he possibly didn''t wear the correct thing today.


    "No, it''s just¡­ you don''t look the same. You are more¡­ open? Or should I say you look more like a leader of a town now, and don''t think I don''t see you there Marie!" Ms. Claire explained while staring at the boy who previously hid behind his bangs. He looked grown up, strong, and like any leader in this world¡ªsomeone who held authority now, far more confident than he ever was before.


    His strength was still lacking, though. Brian and a few in the class had a power that Logan did not radiate yet. This was probably the best reason Ms. Claire could find that she was in the correct place.


    She knew the others could handle the demons, but Logan, being only one, really needed the help.


    Explore stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    She could not bring the others, though. She knew that most would not have even volunteered, so she came with Silvia, who was also interested in coming.


    Her reason had yet to be revealed to the teacher, but at least she found a way to come help the boy.


    As for the Sage in the class, she looked around the town with curiosity. Having come into this world, she began to hear voices from what others called mana. She needed to study this in the beginning, to understand why she heard these voices.


    Silvia, after a while, discovered something interesting that had to do with mana. She had yet to understand this fully, but it had to do with the so-called spirits, and the voices that taught her various arcana spells that came from them.

 Chapter 159 Fried Chicken

    Silvia looked towards the crystal and the slime that seemed to have a great connection with each one and wandered off, leaving the rest of those around them wondering about her actions.


    "Well, I am glad you''re here at least, teacher. Should we head inside? I think I am ready for a good lunch," Logan asked the others, as he was quite hungry after having his blood drained.


    "Sure, I would appreciate the invitation. As for Silvia¡­" Ms. Claire began looking towards the girl who might get lost without anyone guiding her.


    "Oh, if it''s her, I don''t mind staying behind," said Marie, trying to get out of her teacher''s sight.


    "You might escape now¡­ but we will talk later, Marie," Ms. Claire said in a stern tone before heading with the rest towards the mansion.


    Logan saw that Marie looked a bit scared but tried guiding his teacher inside his home.


    "So, how are things here, Logan? I don''t think you were given such a great town, so it must mean you built it up," Ms. Claire began to wonder as she saw the large mansion with tasteful decor.


    "Well, yeah. When we arrived, there were less than 40 people here. Now it''s a great bustling town." Logan smiled, feeling happy his efforts were easy to see by someone he knew.


    Soon they entered the dining room and sat down while a light lunch was brought.


    "So, how are the others doing? I am sorry I had to leave like that, Ms. Claire," Lisa asked while waiting for food to be served.


    "The last news I got was that they successfully repelled the demon attack. I left a day before they set out to sea. As for the demons, they were dealt with easily, no problems there. I guess most of the students will continue through the labyrinth to finish leveling, or others will finish the prerequisites for their quests," Ms. Claire said as she looked at the portion of food she was served and loved the smell that reminded her of fried chicken from Earth.


    "First time I saw this dish in this world, at least seasoned like this¡­" She hastily bit into the chicken with fervor. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Well, we have Marie to thank for that. She seemed to be someone who loved watching movies, TV shows, and games, and within her memories, she had a few recipes she shared with the cooks in my town. If you want, you can try visiting the cinema or various shops later. You could say that Marie influenced a great part of this town with her magic," Logan informed while biting into his own piece of crispy chicken.


    "I will, and it''s good to see she found something to do in this world. I had her with me for a good part since she just didn''t fit in, and having a power that did not go well in battle¡­ well, you can guess how the others viewed her as someone who started like her¡­ weak to say it plainly." Ms. Claire paused for a second before taking another bite of the meat, feeling a little sad that only a bone remained on her plate.


    "She did suffer at the start. I wonder why she came here, though. I think it must have been around the time we should have arrived in the labyrinth, meaning she probably escaped our group and had someone bring her here after separating from Logan." Lisa added.


    "Ruben is also here. He''s a local smith. We are still trying to find where his master is. We believe the demons know. We will at least try to capture one of them in the coming battle to know what happened," Logan explained while cleaning his greasy hands with his napkin.


    "Ruben? I did hear about his master being looked for in the labyrinth city. I hope they find him¡­" Ms. Claire said while wiping her mouth.


    "So, are you doing, Alma? You seem to have changed." Ms. Claire turned the conversation towards Alma, who now looked stronger, her hair was blond with pink, and her face was lightly coated with makeup.


    "Great, I had help from Marie to create a magic tool that would alter my appearance on stage. As far as my class change went, it was easy. I did not know I would get such a big audience. Marie suggested I do it in the middle of town instead of a theater, so I fulfilled the need for having a large audience and having my song change the heart of at least two hundred people at once.


    It did drain my mana, so I am thankful for your town and the ability to have a crystal nearby to regain my mana reserve." Alma went over the way she finished her quest in detail.


    Having so much to talk about, the group took an hour to get everyone up to speed on the other heroes and the position Logan''s town was in.


    He explained his need to separate his town and create his own small kingdom, and the fact he had tamed the others to help raise their power. Read latest stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    By now, Lisa knew Alma had gotten her power from Logan, and while she still doubted why her best friend did not tell her before, she accepted that it was necessary.


    "Well then, I will be off for the rest of the day. I need to coordinate my monsters and have them work with the soldiers. How about it, Ms. Claire? I think your ability will help them and guide them in the coming battle. I want there to be a greater synergy between both. Maybe then they will have a better chance at surviving," Logan asked, hoping that his teacher''s class, Orator, would help the monsters gain more trust from the soldiers.


    "Sure, I don''t mind. Isn''t that why I came?" Ms. Claire followed.


    When they arrived at the field nearby, Logan called up Scorch, Silis, and Riptide, his main force. Regal would be a ninja in the war, and as for Voltar, he was solo. He had yet to find others of his species, as the egg given to Logan was brought by Ferra; only she would know where more of his kind were found.

 Chapter 160 The Headless Horde

    Stay updated through My Virtual Library Empire


    The next day, everyone was ready to do their part in training. Logan stood beside Ms. Claire, who was now used to ordering the troops around. Three of the soldiers were training to stay on top of the Inferno Raptors as they moved.


    Others were mounted on either Basilisks or Bears, depending on their element. For fire monsters, a wind user was the most effective to increase their power.


    For water creatures, they were paired up with an earth user to provide more mobility for the heavy bears and complement their defense.


    For those mages on top of the basilisks, they had to be able to use either fire or water magic. This combination was great for increasing their range of abilities.


    Smaller, light mages were paired with Eagles. In this case, water was perfect for creating ice spears to throw from above. Fire was thought to be good at first, but it was hard to control without harming an eagle.


    Since Rocs were easy to find in the wild, many had been bought or captured to increase the cavalry unit. The large birds were under the care of two monarchs. One of them was Chloe''s bird, which was powered up and made the queen of the two-legged large birds.


    The second monarch roc bird was under the care of Valor, a man who rose in ranks to be one of Logan''s generals. His strength was unmatched by the other soldiers, falling short only of Chloe and Kai, who were empowered by being Logan''s tamed.


    Kai was particularly jealous of the man who spent a lot of time with Chloe. Valor seemed to harbor some feelings for the girl, creating a challenging love triangle that Logan had to keep an eye on in the future.


    As far as training went, the troops had adjusted to the tamed monsters and would protect them with their lives if needed, knowing the beasts would do the same for them.


    Many friendships were forged between monsters and soldiers, making Logan''s force not only powerful but also holding many advantages on the battlefield.


    Having someone to watch out for your back in a fight increased both motivation and a greater will to fight.


    Everything was going great, and everyone was even ready to have lunch when Logan heard a voice from above.


    "Master, monsters are acting strange¡­" Zephyr flew near from above. Logan looked towards the bird in the sky with a serious expression. He made his wings manifest and flew up to see where Zephyr was calling from.


    "Kai, start the alarm. We may have some problems brewing," Logan called out to his knight, who knew what to do.


    As soon as Logan reached a certain point, Zephyr swooped down to bring him higher and faster than Logan could have managed alone.


    Logan was flown near where Zephyr spotted something weird. It was a few kilometers from where the town stood.


    There, he began seeing headless monsters walking like zombies towards Highcrest. There were thousands of them.


    Logan asked Zephyr to use his strongest magic to create a strong vortex forward. He began using Infernal Wrath to empower the great wind with fire magic as it went through the plain filled by undead.


    Each one burst after being hit by the first tornado, causing it to only kill a few hundred before it could no longer hold itself with each explosion of mana produced by the undead bodies.


    "This will be hard¡­ if we get too close they will explode, causing harm, while if we let them advance to bring our troops it will be hard to fight near the walls," Logan thought to himself.


    Being undead, he thought of another possibility and began to charge up Holy Nova. An orb of radiant light manifested before Zephyr as Logan poured all of his mana into it. He wanted to see just how deadly this new magic would be. It was probably going to be Lisa''s strongest skill for a while.


    Before releasing it, he cast Celestial Blessing, Mana Surge, and any other buffs he could gain before using the powerful spell.


    Soon he released it like an atomic bomb towards the undead below, who kept advancing without fear.


    Within a few seconds of the orb falling towards its target, a large light shone, rivaling even the sunlight in radiance.


    Logan stood waiting to see what the outcome would be as the light faded after a minute. The boy didn''t think it was normal but more like a chain reaction, similar to before, where the monsters'' bodies blew up when in contact with magic.


    After the dust settled, he saw that a few hundred, possibly even a thousand, were taken care of this time since the monsters did not try to defend themselves or fight back.


    Still, the numbers that kept coming were more than enough to cause problems for his town.


    "Lisa? I will need all those who can get on flying mounts to come. We have a few thousand headless mutations coming. I think this is only the first wave. Bring in Chloe to start making plans!" Logan called with his communication device.


    "No problem, Logan. We have already begun to assemble," Lisa said from her device. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He then called Rubina, who would be more knowledgeable about the happenings within the town.


    "Rubina, we need the town to be on alert. The demons'' attack has begun. If possible, inform the surrounding towns. They have sent mutations. By the look of things, they are mindless beasts made to cause chaos. We can''t face this first wave head-on."


    After Logan finished contacting Rubina, he began drinking mana water to refuel his dwindled mana, trying to see a possible leader within the group.


    "Alright, we have begun bringing in all those who were outside the walls. I will get in contact with Commander Biron from the nearby fort," Rubina said, hastily hanging up to make calls.


    Logan got ready to recast the spell he had done, trying his best not to overload his core before the battle started.


    It was a good thing that after reaching level 40, their cores had become stronger and larger. He felt the difference just now that he had used the large-scale magic.

 Chapter 161 War Against the Undead

    Waiting for the others to arrive before creating another Holy Nova, Logan recovered with Kryst''s skill, Mana Regeneration. Meanwhile, Zephyr created a few small tornados with his wings to keep the headless monsters at bay.


    Soon, Orus joined them along with five of his kind and three of Zephyr''s kind. Rubina surprisingly came riding her Aurolious Fowl, which was now as large as Zephyr, along with her muster of five birds. They, though, were too thin to carry anyone, unlike the eagles.


    "Well, we have gathered all those who can take flight¡­" Lisa called out, using her link with Logan while looking at the monsters in the field. There were thousands of them, and two craters indicated that Logan had already tried fighting some. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yes, well, you can see we will be up against a big crowd¡­ also, I think I feel someone watching us¡­ so be careful," Logan replied.


    He began charging his next spell to unleash, making all those around him witness the new power. As soon as it left his hand and glided down, it caused grand devastation to all the monsters.


    "I think you should try the next one," Logan said, breathlessly. He then felt Kryst fly towards him, using the form of one of the eagles before turning into her slime form to envelop him, healing and recovering his mana faster.


    "Thanks, Kryst. I was hoping you would come." Logan began feeling the energy quickly recovering his battered core.


    He watched as Lisa performed the same spell and asked Zephyr to get close enough to help her cast it with various buffs.


    As soon as Lisa released her spell, it made Logan''s pale in comparison. If Logan''s spell enveloped seventy meters, Lisa''s spell did double the damage, affecting twice the area while using only half the mana.


    "That¡­ well, it took care of a few more, but I don''t think I can do too many," Lisa said, breathing roughly.


    "Don''t worry, the rest should now be able to handle a few thousand before we need to recast," Logan began to say before he noticed that the headless beings were now beginning to act strange.


    Unlike before, they crashed into each other, joining their bodies as eerie abominations. Their skins melded into nearby corpses as they absorbed the bodies of their fallen, creating giant golem-like creatures. Discover more stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    "I don''t think they will let us cast again!" Lisa shouted as the rest began using magic to bombard the creatures.


    This time, the monsters did not simply let themselves be killed. They began absorbing the magic thrown at them before shooting back orbs of raw mana.


    Logan moved towards the orbs that could be deflected and used Serana''s shadow magic to consume them.


    Being a magic he was not accustomed to, or being one of the seven original elementals of this world, he struggled to maintain his mana reserves.


    "Kryst, here, absorb some crystals¡­" Logan spoke to Kryst, hoping she would heal him within a few seconds as he felt like he would fall off Zephyr from using so much mana.


    Serana wanted to enter but stopped herself as soon as she saw the grotesque golems.


    Everyone stood by as they waited for Logan''s order. So far, only his magic and Lisa''s magic worked against the golems. Any other magic would bring retaliation in the form of mana orbs.


    "Kai, ask Silis, Digger, Terra, and Voltar to come and keep the Golems on standby in case something happens near our town," Logan directed his most powerful melee classes. Earth magic was probably the best since it used its surroundings to cause damage. If magic was going to be repelled, he would need to attack with melee strikes.


    "Everyone, get back! We are sitting ducks here," Ms. Claire yelled from afar. She used the power in her voice to instantly make everyone retreat as if choreographed.


    Alma, on the other hand, began to sing to empower everyone before the coming fight. Her sweet voice made Logan''s body feel like it was in the softest of beds, recovering not only his body but also his mind.


    Lisa, who felt reinvigorated, used her skill once again to stop the golems who kept moving forward without stopping. It was easier now, as the thousands of beasts had become hundreds of golems.


    Logan, on the other hand, did not want to spend the remainder of his power to try another spell and kept his reserves. He knew the mindless beasts needed a leader, and that leader was probably planning to attack once everyone had exhausted themselves.


    There was no other explanation for not attacking when many of his monsters were wiped out.


    Logan took his time to think for a few minutes, waiting for his beast to arrive.


    Soon, Terra and Silis emerged from two large holes. Logan did not need to see Digger because he knew the smart mole was already nearby, creating traps for the golems along with many within his group.


    He guessed the colony of moles was probably larger than the new Wark village in numbers. Logan did not have an exact count, but he estimated Digger had a colony of at least fifty or so moles under his command.


    "Silis, Terra, begin a volley. Try using earth spikes, but release your control on mana when you release them!" Logan communicated, hoping his two monsters understood the task.


    Having improved in sending emotions and feelings instead of words towards his monsters, Logan saw how the two creatures did exactly what he asked. They sent great pillars of stones to the golems.


    This was only the beginning, as others of their kind began doing the same. Instead of large pillars, they threw spikes, lances, and all they could conjure up. Logan noticed that each monster often had its own unique skills. While they shared common ones, sometimes one or another had a skill that only they possessed.


    As the projectiles descended to the golems, they hit with explosive impact. This time, with no magic to carry them, the golems could not retaliate. They exploded when each hit was too much for their bodies to bear.

 Chapter 162 Great Revelation

    After the explosions settled, the remaining golems that stood began to mutate and absorb the destroyed ones. With each death, the monsters became uglier and more grotesque.


    Everyone present wanted to turn away from the new abomination that appeared in front of them. It began using its new limbs to walk forward.


    Its stride was, like before, slow and steady as it headed towards the town.


    And then it stopped.


    Everyone flew back and waited as it stood there, headless, as if waiting for an order.


    Within seconds, it began creating orbs of pure mana, just as it had done previously, making Logan shiver.


    "Get back, everyone!" Logan called out as he mentally ordered his beast within the ground to hide underground.


    As for the mutation, it released hundreds of orbs throughout the battlefield.


    Those who were flying went high to avoid most of them, using barriers and spells to knock back the incoming fire.


    Luckily, no one was harmed as the orbs were sent out without proper aim. One of the eagles did lose control during the bombardment, but Zephyr used his wind control to stabilize its flight.


    "Chloe, what do you suggest we do?" Logan asked, wondering how they would fight the six to seven meter monstrosity made out of countless bodies. It had thousands of paws, fingers, claws, mouths, and just about any limb or appendage it had gobbled up.


    Just as Chloe was about to suggest something, the monster that began to crawl forth again fell into a large, round pit.


    "Well¡­ I guess cartoon magic does exist?" Lisa said, laughing at the sudden disappearance of the golem.


    "Too bad that is just one of many¡­" Logan said, flying next to her. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As soon as the first fell, the others around it continued their mindless march forward.


    "Well, as I was going to suggest¡­ we have Terra and Silis make large boulders to roll into them. I''m sure with air and fire magic, we can propel them forward at a deadly speed," Chloe pointed out, observing the terrain that gradually sloped towards the mutations.


    "Might as well try it." Logan jumped off Zephyr and glided towards the ground, casting his wings to help him land properly.


    "Silis, Terra, help me!" Logan called out, instructing them to make large rolling pin-like structures from the ground below. This not only helped make large trenches to slow the enemies later but also created deadly weapons to kill off the incoming beasts.


    Within minutes, five of them were made. Logan used wind magic while the Eagles and mages helped to make each stone roll forward.


    As the large cylindrical rocks rolled and squashed the mutations, the explosions this time made them even deadlier.


    Everyone cheered, seeing the end of the fight coming. The hundreds of bodies were beginning to dwindle with each created cylinder, until only thirty or so remained standing.


    By then, Terra, Silis, and their companions were low on mana.


    "That will be enough. Go rest; we will need you soon," Logan told them, feeling tired himself.


    "Master Logan, leave the rest to us!" Serana said through her link as Logan spotted four figures running forth to meet the leftover monsters.


    Serana led her group, all hooded to protect them from the sun. She hated the heat and bright light that weakened her shadow powers, but being as strong as they were, they could now create shadows using magic to hide behind.


    As soon as the four reached the first mutation, they spread out to the four corners of the monster. Each one used shade and blood magic to deplete the monster''s mana. Within seconds, it looked like a hollow husk of an empty shell that turned into dust, unable to hold on to its form.


    Stay connected via My Virtual Library Empire


    It only took a few minutes for the first one to be dealt with. The next three were even faster, as Serana and her team of vampires gained more mana with each kill. Being mana-feeding monsters, they gained instead of spent mana with each kill.


    Before they were upon the last of the mutations, everyone cheered at the sight of the last enemy being drained of its mana. Logan, on the other hand, was weary. He knew that with the mutants gone and no leader nearby, there was a chance for a trap or for his own town to be the target.


    It wasn''t long before a presence was spotted far away. A sole demon teleported a few meters before Logan within seconds.


    Logan began casting every shield he could think of from all his creatures. The shields exploded before him, sending him back, but he used his wings to stop his fall and regain his footing.


    Luckily, all the spells stopped the demon, who stared at his charred hand.


    "Nice, you did not disappoint me, hero of taming," a deep voice containing power called from in front of Logan.


    "I am Zaryx¡­ Zaryx the Unyielding, they call me. As far as I know, you''re Logan, the chosen of darkness and leader of this tiny town. I had a few of my own check your town, you know. I myself wanted to check it out, but sadly my force in the south has been wiped out. It was good, at least we now know what we are dealing with."


    The blue muscular demon with a broken horn and countless scars throughout his body laughed.


    "If you have lost so much, why do you keep fighting?" Logan asked, trying to gauge the demon''s intentions.


    "Well, well, I like a nice even fight, you see. I had to train you, get you up to speed, kid. We demons aren''t just waiting around for you heroes to get strong. We have done our part in these last hundred years. We are opening demon gates soon. You may think you are winning with twenty-something heroes, but what if I tell you that after each gate opens, millions of demons will join our cause."


    Zaryx loved the expression everyone made after telling them the news, including the one boy of taming had. He was particularly enjoying the look of defeat on the soldiers'' faces.

 Chapter 163 Test for the Taming Hero

    "Now then, let''s see, hero of taming. I have brought my strongest soldier. If you beat him, I will leave for today. If not, I don''t see a point in leaving you alive or allowing your little town to grow further. I have a few spies there already, ready to cause chaos. So try hard, hero. You have one chance. I will give you time though. Bring your three strongest monsters. I know that, as a hero of taming, you are not strong without them."


    The demon Zaryx then stomped on the floor, making a mass of flesh form into something he could sit on while taking a piece out of it to chew.


    Logan could not stand watching the disgusting scene as blood and innards were being eaten as if they were pastries. He quickly called up Scorch, Serana, and Voltar, knowing that if power was necessary, the three would be the best for now.


    Scorch had to be called by Zephyr, as the other two were already present on the battlefield.


    Serana got closer, wanting an explanation of the upcoming tactics.


    "We will just go all out. As far as tactics go, you will be in charge of helping Voltar, while I will create openings with Scorch. We don''t know what we will be facing yet, so keep an eye on ambushes," Logan communicated while watching the demon before him show a bloodied smile.


    The others who were in the air landed, while the Eagles and Aurolious Fowls were told to be on standby.


    Logan got out crystals to heal himself and recover his mana, along with Kryst, who stood next to him casting recovery magic.


    Lisa landed next to him, wondering why she wasn''t asked to join.


    "We don''t know what will happen, Lisa. If possible, go back to town and help them in case they decide to attack. I will handle things here now that we have a decent force," Logan suggested. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Fine, but don''t be reckless. I know Kryst can heal you, but if you die¡­" Lisa trailed off, trying not to think of the worst possible outcome.


    "Don''t worry, I have my own ways to keep myself safe," Logan said, smiling and patting the back of the girl who hesitated to go back.


    "Now then, everyone get ready. Scorch is almost here," Logan announced, seeing his red dinosaur approaching from afar, running with his pack.


    As soon as everyone was ready, the demon got up, dusted himself off, and spoke.


    "I guess you are ready. If not, too bad. I am getting bored. Now then, you will be fighting¡­ Regar! Where are you?" Zaryx yelled out in an annoyed tone.


    As soon as he said those words, a large figure appeared behind him.


    "Did I not tell you to warp in front of me? How will I know if you came if you''re behind me! Now you will fight that kid. Go all out. You kill or die, understand?" Zaryx said with a cold tone towards his follower.


    "Understood," said a three-meter-tall demon, his eyes devoid of emotion. His flat, monotone voice and stoic expression revealed no hint of feelings.


    Logan felt a shiver as the being took a step forward.


    "Well, don''t just stand there, start," Zaryx commanded, annoyed as if he was the one orchestrating everything.


    Seeing that he could not get out of this, Logan began casting his strongest shield spells. Serana stayed near as Voltar readied his stance.


    Scorch stood behind them, ready to jump in but ultimately waited for the demon to get close.


    Seeing the large demon warp to them in a matter of seconds, the group could only take cover as he swung his large hammer-like hands down towards Logan.


    Voltar used his speed to intercept, while Scorch followed up with a headbash.


    Each attack was blocked by an arm, which gave Serana enough time to use her claws to scratch the giant''s leg. The wound was light, as the demon tensed its muscles to prevent damage.


    Logan, on the other hand, used Silis''s Earth Burst to strengthen his knuckles covered in stone as he blasted forth towards the enemy''s torso.


    It felt like hitting a concrete wall as Logan''s fist met the large demon. He could only use Amber Regeneration to recover the part of his fist that was covered, and Lisa''s healing light for his own skin that had begun bleeding.


    The others seemed fine, especially Voltar, who could not be touched as his speed was as quick as his element. He charged electricity through his strikes, making even the demon''s hand give out for a few seconds as it became stunned.


    Scorch, on the other hand, was repelled with a punch. His large body only shuddered slightly, but he quickly recovered and infused fire into his tail for the next strike.


    "Everyone, get back!" Logan ordered using his mind link. He knew Scorch was getting ready to use his tail as a whip, as lava began to drip onto the floor.


    Voltar took the chance to use an Electromagnetic Pulse to keep the demon in place while Logan cast Electro Web and Regal''s Midnight Web to surround the demon.


    Regar the demon, on the other hand, just looked at the webs and electrical pulse that kept his body from moving and stomped the ground hard. Logan did not know what it was doing until he felt a pulse of mana that disrupted all the magic around him.


    The large demon then rushed forward toward Scorch, using his large knee to hit the red dinosaur on its chest, causing the buildup of energy in its tail to flail wildly. Explore more stories with My Virtual Library Empire


    Everyone had to move to avoid friendly fire. Logan tried checking if he could use magic, only to see that the mana-disrupting pulses kept coming with each stomp the giant took.


    "Alright, two can play this game." Logan used his new mushroom giant''s Mana Surge to absorb the disruptive mana into his body and Mystic Shield to turn the excessive mana into shields for his comrades. Each blow the giant demon landed was repelled by his own mana, giving Scorch the time to retaliate now that his anger was at its peak.

 Chapter 164 Losing Battle

    Using Infernal Wrath with the anger Scorch had gathered from being hit so much, he raised it with his two buffs, Flame Aura and Molten Scales, to both empower the mana around him to produce intense flames before using Burst Charge to deliver a definitive hit with his head.


    As Scorch rushed forth, everyone jumped back. The intense heat could be felt even a few meters away. It was like being inside a volcano, making everyone retreat as fast as possible.


    The opponent did not sit idle either. He tried moving, but Logan and Voltar had a little surprise in the form of webs around him. This time, they were hidden through Marie''s magic, which concealed the trap with an illusion.


    Serana did not stay idle either. Her Shadow Bind spell created tendrils to keep the demon in place as Scorch rushed forward. His speed was enhanced by flame energy as he hit the demon, sending him flying, half his figure seared. Experience more content on My Virtual Library Empire


    Logan was not going to let this chance escape; he did not want the demon to heal, so he used Cyclone Vortex to keep him in the air with a large vortex of wind that had wind blades continuously cutting through the demon''s skin.


    No one could get close, so they cast magic to enhance the wind. Scorch''s Flame Breath, Voltar''s Electrical Field, and finally, Serana helped by using Blades of Blood.


    Everyone was tired after half a minute of continuously using their skills. Logan, by then, stopped his control over the wind and took a look while breathing roughly. He took out some mana water to replenish his mana while watching the body of the demon fall to the ground.


    The demon looked battered, cut, and burned, but it slowly stood up as if it did not feel the pain it should have been experiencing with all the damage dealt to it.


    "Kid, you better hurry if you''re going to do something. You only have a few¡­ oh wait, never mind haha."


    Everyone heard the voice of Zaryx acting as if he was going to give useful advice, but they saw how the demon Ragnar, who they were fighting, began to heal. His wounds were clearing fast as his body shrunk, as if he was using his own mass to recover himself. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Shrinking to two meters tall, he was still large for a person as most of the bulk from before vanished.


    "Get ready!" Logan yelled as the demon rushed forward. This time, his speed had increased, and he went for Logan again. Everyone moved to defend the boy as they had before.


    Logan used water and ice attacks this time, casting Aqua Burst before him and Glacial Armor to protect himself. This halved the damage as the demon''s fist struck forward, hitting Logan on the shoulder. The boy tumbled back a few meters, his armor torn.


    Voltar struck the demon''s back in retaliation, sending four Thunder Strikes with each clash of his two scythes. Serana, a little frenzied by the smell of blood, turned to her Garmr form to bite off a chunk from the demon''s arm. Her fangs tore through the skin with ease, and as blood gushed, her crazed mind went into overdrive.


    Her powerful paws slashed while she took another bite to tear a piece from the demon''s thighs.


    Scorch, on the other hand, went back to check and protect Logan, who was shaking his head in confusion and trying to heal himself. He felt blood in his mouth, meaning the hit had injured something within him beyond just the concussion.


    Kryst tried to jump in, but Zaryx warped to her and flicked her away. He was not going to let anyone besides those Logan designated enter the fight.


    Those who were staring from afar shivered, seeing the speed with which Zaryx reached Kryst. They saw Zephyr quickly fly towards Kryst to catch her slime form, which seemed to be hurt.


    Logan watched the demon who had hurt one of his monsters and breathed a few times in anger. Adrenaline pumped through his veins at a speed that helped him recover some of his thinking capabilities. He used Lisa''s Healing Light mixed with Kryst''s Healing Touch to speed up the process.


    The boy wanted to do something about Zaryx but knew that the other demon took precedence. His gaze wandered towards Regar, who stood nearly at his original size after healing himself various times to keep up with Serana, who was in her feral mode.


    "Serana, stop!" Logan tried calling Serana back, as in that mode she did not seem to think as well as she should. It was too late, though.


    The girl was punched three times in three places: her jaw, her chest, and finally her stomach, sending her back. As for Voltar, his scythes were grabbed before he could slash; they managed to cut a hand off, but at the cost of one scythe being torn off.


    "Scorch, go! I am better now. Use your Searing Whip to make room for Voltar to escape," Logan said as he rushed to help Serana, who had changed into her human form as she landed unconscious.


    Logan rushed to the girl and checked on her injuries. Her breath was labored, but luckily she was still alive.


    He knew blood would help, so he used his hand, which was dripping with blood from the injury in his shoulder. Logan could only hope this helped and even took out some mana water to pour a little into her mouth, hoping that with both she would heal a little faster.


    "Logan¡­ I can''t anymore¡­" Serana''s eyes tried to look at him as she took in the droplets, which helped her rapid healing, but she knew she was out of the battle.


    "Don''t worry, you did well¡­ the damn demon is even shorter than me now. You did your part¡­" Logan caressed her face, nodding in understanding.


    What Logan did not notice was that Scarlet, in the form of a bracelet, felt his need for strength. She had only three functions so far: protect the city, which was safe; watch the kingdom, which was boring; and be with Logan, observing but never able to help.


    She was tired of this role, especially when she was the first tamed. She should have been the strongest, and she wanted that strength now more than ever. Being near Serana''s blood, that could happen.

 Chapter 165 Battle Won, Lost War

    Scarlet took in the blood of the vampire before her, the blood spilled. Logan watched as his bracelet grew tendrils that reached out towards Serana. He did not know why, but decided to help and practically bathed Serana with mana water and more of his blood.


    He thought Scarlet was trying to heal Serana until he noticed that the bracelet glowed as if evolving.


    Logan did not know what the outcome would be but hoped it would help them in this dire situation.


    Soon, the evolution stopped. Logan tried looking at his arm, which should have had a bracelet, but instead of where Scarlet should have been, he saw that most of his body was covered in vine-like armor. Its spines and spikes extended outward without harming Logan.


    He thought this was all, but Logan failed to notice that near his foot, the vines entered the ground and quickly rushed forward towards the demon who was fighting Scorch.


    The demon was about to punch the large dinosaur in the jaw, but suddenly, various vines popped up from under him, tying him to the floor as the thorns pierced his skin. Various flowers bloomed, causing the demon, who wanted to fight off its cage made of deadly toxic spikes, to become paralyzed by the small spores the flowers filled the air with.


    Like a vampire, it began sucking the blood its thorns had drawn out before the demon was sucked dry.


    Logan looked towards the sky where Zaryx was still standing.


    He did not know if the demon was going to take this as a breach of rules, so he tried having Scarlet return its extended parts back into his body.


    Logan watched as the vines returned to him, shrinking and wrapping around him, reinforcing him like full plate armor.


    Noticing the hunger for blood his plant had and the anger that still welled up in his heart towards Zaryx, Logan produced his wings and rushed towards the smiling demon.


    "What? You want to fight me, Zaryx the Unyielding, one of the demon generals?" The large demon laughed, waiting for Logan to get close.


    Logan used Symbiotic Bond with Scarlet to share some of his stats, hoping she would gain some skills from the bond. The plant accepted the bond through Kryst''s skill and quickly used Mana Absorption, extending its vines with great speed towards Zaryx.


    Not expecting his mana to be rapidly drained by the thorn-filled tendrils that extended towards him, the blue demon with a broken horn tried grabbing onto one of the plant''s tendrils, only to be met with a burst of spores that created a cloud around him.


    Scarlet had used Logan''s mushroom''s Spore Cloud skill and mixed in Mana Surge to hasten the absorption rate of mana.


    Finding the mushroom''s skills useful, Scarlet also used Arcana Burst to cause explosions of mana around Zaryx, who could not move.


    Scarlet''s previous spores quickly entered the demon''s system, making small seeds within his lungs that rapidly grew, piercing him from the inside and causing not only pain but confusion about where it was coming from.


    Logan was also moving, charging Lisa''s strongest skill, Holy Nova, which was perfect as it would hurt those designated as enemies while healing those he considered allies.


    Stunned, Zaryx could only stare as the orb of light was pushed forward towards his body. The vines from the armor were now wrapped around him, making him bleed and draining him as the orb of light finally reached him.


    Logan, who was in close range, felt the power of the light up close. It healed him as the light came into contact with his skin. Scarlet, who was still draining mana, benefited twice from the magic released, as she was both healed and quickly draining the light elemental mana.


    Zaryx, on the other hand, coughed hard as a part of his body had been gouged out.


    What Logan and the rest did not notice was that, like the previous demon, Zaryx reduced his size to heal his lungs. The part that was gouged by Holy Nova was planned beforehand, being the part infected with Scarlet''s spores. Discover more content at My Virtual Library Empire


    Zaryx punched the floor before him to push himself back before casting teleport. All those in wait used their strongest skills as soon as Zaryx backed away to try and kill him, but a large mana shield was created, protecting the demon.


    "Well, I think you have cheated, but you did handle Regar well." Zaryx, now smaller, did not seem to care about the assault done to him. He clapped a little while smiling.


    "It was an interesting experience. You made me feel a little fear; that is good, hero. You surpassed my test. Now for rewards¡­ Since I see potential, I want you stronger. For this, go northeast. Two days'' flight using your fastest beast will take you to a new Labyrinth I found on my way here. It was supposed to be for us demons to make a new gate, but you should use it to train. Who knows, maybe you will find a new interesting creature." Zaryx felt his mana returning, causing his size to go back to his original form.


    Everyone who had hoped to have dealt damage to the demon general stared in amazement at how rapidly he healed himself. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Well then, that is all, taming hero. Next time we meet, I will not have the pleasure to enjoy myself like today. Make sure you don''t die before then¡­ Also, my fellow generals will surely want to try their luck with you soon, thinking I have failed." Zaryx was about to warp when Logan called out to him.


    "Where is Ruben''s master?" Logan demanded, trying to solve the mystery that had brought the blacksmith to his town.


    "Oh, that guy. Of course he was one of us. You killed him¡­ or one of your creatures did, who knows?" Zaryx shrugged uncaringly before teleporting away.


    Logan stared at the place where the large demon had stood just a few seconds ago, grinding his teeth. Logan thought he had prepared enough to fight against him, but in the end, he was still lacking.


    His monsters were still far from being able to harm the demons. His army was far too green to enter battle as it was.


    Logan then felt his communication device go off and picked it up.


    "Logan! We had a little fight with various demons who tried to escape our town. Most were dealt with, but three escaped with teleportation," Lisa said, while showing Logan a few dead demon bodies that were gathered around his mansion.


    "That is good, Lisa. Zaryx escaped, so they must have known they needed to retreat. We need to find a way to identify who is a demon¡­ also, tell Ruben¡­ I was told his master died." Logan clenched his fists, knowing the lie was far better than telling the boy his master was a demon.

 Chapter 166 Meeting After the Battle

    Logan gathered everyone in his mansion. Serana had joined them after being healed with Logan''s mana; she was far from being able to fight, but they didn''t need to for the time being.


    "So, we now know there is a labyrinth close by. I think I will tackle it. Who is coming, and who will stay here to protect the town?" Logan asked, trying to figure out which team would help him enter the dungeon.


    "Well, if it''s like the one we entered before, it will have to be smaller creatures. You will have to choose wisely and have the others stay back and train here or keep absorbing mana," Lisa informed, having been inside a dungeon for nearly half a month. She did not want to join, but after seeing the strength of the demon, she now understood her own power was extremely lacking.


    "True, I will take that into consideration¡­" Logan nodded while waiting for the others to start speaking.


    "I think Kai and I will have to join. We are just adjusting to ourselves in battle," Chloe''s voice was stern as if she was mad about something.


    "Yes, I hope we can join. We need to check if this isn''t just a trap," Kai added, happy that Chloe included him.


    "I feel we need to take our strongest in case it is a trap, so I will take my three minions. We need to work on our own teamwork; it will be a good chance to not only get stronger but also improve my own group," Serana tried to say with strength in her voice. Her own minions were standing like soldiers in wait behind her, straight and emotionless.


    "I doubt they will set a trap like this¡­ that guy Zaryx at least seemed like he had other plans in making me stronger¡­ but I will stay on guard," Logan answered.


    "I will¡­ stay here with my father. The new assistants should be here soon, and I want to research how we can improve the crystals with Kryst." Rubina was a little sad about not joining but knew she needed to help Logan in other ways.


    "As for me¡­ I am thinking of a way to find demons within our territory¡­" Marie said. She was actually the one who found all the demons within the town that were trying to escape, using her illusion magic to break their own, and worked with the soldiers, Ruben, and Lisa to round them up.


    Continue reading at My Virtual Library Empire


    "I will join. I see I am still lacking," Ms. Claire said while looking at Silvia, who was seated beside her.


    "I will work with Rubina, was it? I think the research on crystals is what I will need to advance in my new magic," said the girl with ever-changing colored hair, with a stoic expression. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Now that I know my master is¡­ gone, I will continue to work on my equipment. I hope the heroes who want my items will come soon; I have informed them that I will be staying in your town¡­" Ruben said. His sad figure still lingered about the loss of his master, but his girlfriend Irma had at least helped him get through most of it.


    "If Lisa is joining, so will I. With my new evolution, helping you in the labyrinth will be easy. Since it''s an enclosed space, it will further affect the monsters and my allies." Alma smiled and winked at Logan, letting him know there was more to her plans.


    "Well, I think that is about everyone here. How is the town doing, Rubina? I hope we are as good as before¡­" Logan asked, wondering if any of his citizens had taken off.


    "No problem there. Everyone was made to think you drove off the demon general while killing all of his men. You are the hero of the hour¡­" Rubina said with a smug look.


    "Ugh¡­ well, I hope they let me walk around normally. I do like visiting a few areas to clear my mind." Logan winced at the thought of having to hide from crowds in his own town.


    "They know you, Logan¡­ these days your looks make it hard for them to come near¡­ or so I heard." Ruben sighed, wishing he could evolve to look as good as Logan.


    "If I may¡­ Sir Logan¡­ we would like to train with those beasts who will not be joining you. I believe some soldiers have the potential to become more powerful and help your creatures in terms of tactics," Valor, one of Logan''s generals, said. He was in charge of monster-human relationships within the army.


    "Sounds good, Valor. I will have my monsters work with those soldiers who want to improve. Later, I hope to gather more of each species so we can have them rotate for when new creatures are brought," Logan said while wondering where they would be able to get more creatures to make more powerful mounts.


    "So, now then to the next important topic: separating ourselves from the kingdom. Rubina, you have mentioned this before, and now that a fight is not pressing on us, what do you think about putting this into action?" Logan asked. Everyone except for those who had just joined them had approved the succession of his town Highcrest from the Kingdom of Elris.


    "Well¡­ indeed, now that we don''t have the looming threat, I think it''s best to try doing it now, before you get even busier with future problems¡­ I will send out a letter of notice and wait for the news," Rubina said, having asked her own father about the problem Logan was going to face having tamed humans and about the need to separate themselves now that they could sustain themselves economically with crystals.


    "I think now that you are able to produce crystals, it would be important to look for independence. It is known that any such things belong to the royal family when discovered in a territory," Valor, who was a resident of this world, pitched in. His family had already been brought to Logan''s land, so he did not worry about the separation from the kingdom.


    "I think it would also give us heroes a sort of place for ourselves. I am sure the others in class will soon come to your town. If one of them did not plan to have a small country of their own, they would probably like this place to live in¡­" Lisa, who had grown to love Logan''s town and the theaters, arcades, and many diners and cafes that served Earth''s food, approved the plan.


    "I guess¡­ you will be a king of sorts then." Ms. Claire wondered if the boy was interested in the position of power he would hold in the near future.


    "Well¡­ it''s more of a need than a want, Ms. Claire, especially since I can''t just give away my crystals just because the kingdom orders it." Logan placed both hands on his head, suddenly feeling the headache from the idea of being a king of sorts and all the responsibilities that would follow.


    "Well¡­ you are already the king of the Warks¡­" A voice no one at the table expected spoke up. Wayana, Logan''s first tamed Wark and daughter of the Wark chief, spoke out.


    "My father wants to know why you did not call us," Wayana asked.


    "Well¡­ the fight just happened so fast, it''s not like an army could help in that situation¡­ but you are right, I hope a group of Warks can be taken to the labyrinth," Logan replied.


    "Yes, I will tell father to make a group, and I will also join. We Warks want more power and evolution," Wayana smiled as she nodded to the proposal.


    "I have armed most of the leading Warks; they will be useful," Ruben added, smiling with the Wark girl.


    Logan did not want to judge, but the boy who was sitting next to the Wark girl was spending a lot of time with her.


    "I guess we went over the important stuff. Let''s leave the rest for later as I try to figure out which of my beasts to take to the labyrinth while we go, as well as wait for the kingdom''s decision about my territory."


    Everyone relaxed after that, speaking amongst each other as the friendships within the group strengthened. Logan only spoke a little before going out to check on the monsters he would be bringing.

 Chapter 167 Recruiting Helpers Pt. 1

    Logan was mentally confirming those who would come from his human friends after the meeting. They were his two knights, Chloe and Kai. Those who wanted to join from his class were Lisa, Alma, and Ms. Claire. As for his tames, there was Scarlet, who was naturally on his wrist and now able to create armor around him.


    Serana and her three minions would also join, along with five Warks, including Wohan, the leader, Wayana, and three others.


    Logan needed smaller creatures, which was a pity; he wanted Scorch to get stronger and would have to find a place for that soon.


    He went with Voltar first, needing to check up on his best warrior. Voltar wasn''t tall but was long¡ªthree meters long to be precise. His mantis body was agile and great for the labyrinth.


    As soon as Logan arrived at the training field, he saw the mantis meditating. Its two legs were used to stand, two others were crossed, while his scythes and wings were used to find balance.


    "Hey there, Voltar. Are you doing better?" Logan said, standing a few meters away so as not to disturb the large insect.


    "Yes, feel better. Kryst and Miss Lisa healed," Voltar lifted his previous torn off scythe to show he was doing well.


    "Good to know. I will be heading out to the labyrinth. Want to come with?" Logan took a look towards the mantis'' eyes, wondering if they were somehow looking at him or at something else with their large compound eyes.


    "Will come.." Voltar nodded before going silent. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Well¡­ good to know then. I will see you later when we are ready to leave." Logan did not linger longer after seeing he was not going to get a proper conversation.


    Now that he had noticed his insect''s willingness to join, he decided to go ask Regal, who would probably feel at home in a closed space filled with prey. She was always hiding in the corners of her own barn within a small home she made out of webs.


    Instead of walking to her barn, she simply flew. Within a few minutes, he had reached the large barn, which looked like something out of a horror movie. Webs were everywhere as he opened the door to enter her home.


    "Regal?" Logan asked as he looked for her.


    "Here, master¡­" He heard a voice from above. It was the large spider who was strangely on top of her nest.


    "What are you doing up there?" Logan asked, wanting to know why she was being strange.


    "Warming¡­ my eggs," the feminine voice called out in his mind. It was a little less cheerful than usual, more like tired.


    "Eggs? Are you doing alright?" Logan asked, wondering why Regal wasn''t as excited and spunky as usual.


    "Yes, found mate¡­ thanks for making me Monarch, he can grow now," Regal said as she pointed near Logan.


    "Wow¡­ didn''t see you there¡­" Logan looked beside him where a spider stood near him, still as if wondering if Logan was food.


    "Less intelligent, will train him properly," Regal hissed, making the spider next to Logan step back.


    Read new adventures at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Thanks, Regal¡­ I know I gave you the Monarch blessing without asking¡­ but at least warn me. So tell me, how many¡­ err¡­ eggs do you have?" Logan wanted to know if he would have hundreds or thousands of spiders to fear as a future problem.


    "Only three; larger size and strength make it more difficult," Regal informed, making Logan wonder about possible future problems with himself.


    "Well alright, I just wanted to ask if you were going to join us in the labyrinth, but it''s better to stay here, I guess¡­" Logan thought about the problem bringing Regal might cause and understood she might not come with them.


    "Can''t, need to take care. Only helped with demon because he was close," Regal communicated before seemingly going to sleep.


    Not wanting to tire her anymore, Logan took out ten crystals from his ring containing darkness energy and placed them down, knowing she would need them soon.


    Exiting the barn, he recalled he had another new insect that could help in the coming fight. It was his scorpion, which was in its second stage of evolution, about three meters long and a meter high¡ªperfect for a labyrinth. He also had the monkey, who was a bit large but would fit in the labyrinths small space.


    He started with his Scorpion, whose barn was nearby. They had decided to place the three insects as neighbors, as they were the only caretaker who would bring them food and crystals without fearing their looks.


    Logan did not take long to find his new beast, Embersting Scorpion.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Sting / Species: Embersting Scorpion / Level: 21 / Blood Mark: Upper Thoracic / Loyalty: 6/100]


    Str: 28 / Agi: 22 / Dex: 25 / Con: 25 / Int: 21 / Char: 6


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Firestream: Sting''s tail produces a jet of concentrated fire, burning targets with intense flames, that leaves a searing mark that causes continuous burning damage over time.


    Dark Veil: The scorpion releases a shroud of dark mist from its stinger, obscuring visibility and lowering the accuracy of its enemies. This dark mist also provides the scorpion with temporary stealth, making it harder to detect.


    Fiery Rend: Sting uses its powerful claws, the scorpion delivers a vicious slash infused with dark fire. This attack cuts through the target''s defenses and has a chance to cause a minor explosion that damages nearby enemies.


    Infernal Shadow: Sting harnesses its inner darkness and fire energy to create a powerful shadow clone. This clone fights alongside the scorpion for a limited time, duplicating its attacks and abilities.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    It was still as feisty as ever. It would only listen to Scorch, who it saw as a role model. As for Logan, he would have to enter battle to test his strength with the creature every time they met.


    As soon as he opened the door to the Embersting Scorpion, he saw a stream of fire coming at him. Luckily, Logan had used Glacial Armor beforehand; as soon as the fire hit him, it sizzled.


    "That was weak, my boy. How about if I use the same magic back at you!"


    Logan used Firestream back at the Scorpion and saw how it struggled, as Logan had more mana than it.


    "If you want to get stronger, I have a suggestion. Come with me to train¡ªwe need you as strong as Scorch. How about it?" Logan stared down at it. The Scorpion''s small eyes stared at him for a while as it thought about the proposal.


    "Fine¡­"


    Logan heard the mechanical voice this beast used. It then turned around and huddled into a nest it had built with previous firestones its caretaker had brought it.


    "Here¡­ I know you will need these. We will be leaving tomorrow, and make sure you don''t hurt Norman¡ªhe''s the only one who will feed you." Logan got close to the scorpion''s small pit of molten lava and placed ten crystals, hoping they would be enough to strengthen the beast throughout the night.


    "Yes." The scorpion said before going to sleep.


    "Now then¡­ to the next one," Logan mumbled to himself, closing the door.

 Chapter 168 Recruiting Helpers Pt. 2

    Logan went towards the area where his Psychic Monkey would be. The large ape loved to eat and meditate, using his abilities to lazily bring food towards him with his power.


    "More food?" he heard the Darvo, as he called himself, call out.


    Logan wondered why the monkey had named himself, but it was fine.


    "No, just came to tell you we will be heading to a nearby labyrinth. Do you want to come?" Logan tried asking.


    "Rewards? I want money," the ape said while scratching his belly.


    "Well, you will get stronger. Prove yourself and I will give you what you wish or want."


    Logan stared at the monkey, who thought about the words for a while before nodding.


    "Want tribe, bring more like me," the monkey stared straight at Logan for a while, a little defiant but with determination.


    "And what have you done for me so far? Only eaten and sleep," Logan stared at the monkey for a few seconds.


    "Will work when the time comes," the monkey yawned and got a few banana-like fruits to float to him using his power.


    "Then I guess you will join us." Logan left the place a little confused by the ordeal but knew not all his creatures were willingly tamed.


    Nonetheless, they needed to be taught who is the boss. He would make sure both the monkey and the scorpion understood this in the labyrinth.


    Logan then thought a bit more. He had stopped seeing one of his main creatures after the others overtook her in strength. He knew there was more to this than that and went to find Luna.


    These days, she was training alone, having learned most of what she needed from Riptide.


    He used his wings to check where she was. Today, she would be training away from others since she caused small snowstorms that would ruin the crops.


    As soon as he saw a place filled with white snow, he descended to check on his fox. She was within the storm of ice and only stopped when he got close.


    "Master?" she asked.


    "Hey there, Luna. I see you''re still training hard." Logan created multiple shields of fire to avoid suffering from the frozen wasteland that extended a few meters from Luna''s body.


    "Dangerous. I am training," he heard her voice within his head.


    "Yes, I can see that¡­ I need to speak to you." As soon as Logan said that, the whirlwind of white flakes stopped and let him through so he could see Luna.


    She had evolved and now had five tails, each one radiating a cold power that he could feel from afar. Logan shivered as his shields were destroyed, and the tiny hairs on his arms stood up, goosebumps appearing on his skin.


    "It''s great to see you finally evolved further, Luna. You''re a bit bigger, more elegant, almost like Ferra¡­" Logan smiled as Luna puffed her chest out, feeling proud of his words.


    "Will get strong!" Luna said joyfully as she got close to Logan to be petted.


    "Well then, I guess there''s no need to ask twice. Let''s go back and eat. I think we will need to gather crystals before we go."


    With his team set, Logan needed a bit more to do before heading out. He had given Ruben his broken equipment, especially his armor that was torn by the hit in the shoulder. That needed to be repaired, and Logan wondered if it would be done before they left, so he headed towards the hero of blacksmithing to check on his equipment.


    "No problem, Logan. I should have the newest one ready for you soon. Yours will have to be scrapped and remade into something for one of your soldiers later." Ruben, whom Logan had visited in the afternoon, showed him three new armors¡ªtwo for women and one for Logan. The blacksmith hero had worked on all of them for the coming expedition, especially Logan''s armor knowing the tamed boy''s color preference by now.


    "Thanks, Ruben. If you need anything, just ask. As for the bill, send it to Rubina later." Logan looked at his armor and saw that it needed a little more work before it would be given to him.


    Luna was still with him. Although her form could fit within the building, she chose to stand outside the blacksmith shop due to the heat.


    "Now then¡­ where to," Logan said as he exited the shop. He checked around and noticed people looking at him but not getting close, so he just waved to them to show his appreciation for giving him space.


    Luna, on the other hand, received the love of the kids. She let them pet her, even if at times they would leave marks on her beautiful white fur.


    Logan laughed a little after the kids were done and went back to the mansion, promising the fox a brush to clean away the dirt and grime.


    When they arrived, they noticed a wonderful aroma. The cooks were told to make a grand meal for those that would be leaving to train and outdid themselves with the different aromas which filled even the doorway.


    Even Luna, who did not eat human food, wagged her tail from the captivating smell.


    Two hours later, with a filled stomach, Logan sat to read a book. He had not yet learned the words of this world but struggled to improve, as he had to write them for his duties as a leader of the town.


    Using autotranslate by magic did not mean he could write the words, so Rubina told him to practice until he could write like a middle schooler at least.


    Just as he was getting ready to nod off from boredom, he heard his door shut with its lock.


    Explore stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    "What¡­" Logan raised his head to see who it was.


    "Alma?" he said, noticing that the girl was at least wearing proper clothing this time. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yes¡­ I see you''re sad I didn''t come in like usual. I have to try something new or else you''ll get bored," she said, smiling.

 Chapter 169 Love Guidance 3

    Continue your journey with My Virtual Library Empire


    "So, you spoke to Serana like I asked and even learned a little of her background story. Good, Logan."


    Logan was sitting next to Alma, who was comfortably enjoying a bag of cookies he had stored for such occasions. They had juice instead of milk or tea to help soak the rough texture of the cookies. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Well yes, I think your suggestion helped in improving my relationship with her. And it''s true she does have some sort of feeling for me. But now, what about Lisa¡­ how should I progress with her?" Logan asked, a little sad that not much had happened after their first meeting.


    "Don''t worry, Logan. There is still so much to do and a lot of time. It''s not like Brian will take her from you within a few days or weeks. But let''s focus. You did good with Serana and Rubina, from what you told me. As for Marie, she can wait until we return and see how close you get with Lisa.


    The problem now will be Ms. Claire, who would no doubt get in the way here. She is still in teacher-mode 24/7. Maybe you can add her to your harem and calm her down, haha¡­ Just joking, I don''t think she cares about you more than her student for now." Alma then placed her head on Logan''s shoulder, as if testing what he would do.


    "Er yeah, no¡­ I don''t think Ms. Claire is interested, so back to Lisa¡­" Logan coughed a little awkwardly.


    "Come on, that is no fun, at least do something flirty¡ªyou should know I am only¡ª" Before Alma could pull herself back, she felt Logan place his chin over her head while hugging her shoulder to pull her close.


    "Hey¡­ how can you do that 180 so fast? It''s just not normal, Logan. You really know how to make a girl feel strange¡ªone moment you''re shy and passive, and the next you''re a bona fide player." Alma''s heart began racing. She felt the boy''s warmth and wanted to raise herself off the couch, but something else within her forced her to stay.


    "Fine, this does feel comfortable. Now then, for your next step, it''s easy: kiss Lisa. Do it during the journey, make her want you more without so many words. You''re bad at speaking, so go with actions like right now," Alma said, her own face beet red from being next to Logan.


    "Yeah¡­ well, if Serana can do it to me, why can''t I¡­ Anyway, kiss¡­ Lisa. Alright, I guess I could try, if you can help me make some time for us alone¡­" Although Logan said that, he did feel out of his element with his actions. He tried to suppress the inner screaming in his head while continuing to act like everything was fine.


    "Haha, if that''s what you''re worried about, then you must not have as much confidence as you are showing now. That will probably be the easy part, but fine, I will help you. Just make sure you do it and don''t beat around the bush like last time." Alma then pushed Logan off her.


    "Alright, alright. You''re not supposed to be wooing me. Try this on Lisa¡ªyou will probably get what you want after. Now, I need to leave before Lisa starts looking for me after her bath."


    Now that Alma had the crystal to make her semi-invisible for some time, she rushed out of the room. She did not expect what Logan did, so it was more for her than being afraid of Lisa.


    As for Logan, still seated, he sighed. Last time, the love guidance had him speaking with Serana, and he felt good about what that produced. Yet, he wasn''t the one who initiated the kiss.


    This time, he would need to get his game on and try that with Lisa. He was able to hold her hands, so it shouldn''t be too hard...


    "Right¡­it should be easy." Logan pumped himself up, trying to imagine his time with Lisa and what it could mean for him in the future.


    Just as he was about to go back to reading, he heard a knock on the door.


    "Come in?" Logan didn''t think it was Alma again, so he tried to guess who would visit him at this hour.


    "Rubina? Hey, come in." Logan was surprised by the girl who would usually take a long shower around this time.


    "Hey, Logan. I wanted to talk to you before you left. It will be a long time before we see each other again," Rubina said while sitting next to him.


    "Long time? Maybe a few weeks, but yes, we won''t see each other until then," Logan thought about how long Lisa said she took in the labyrinth to the south.


    "Well, about that, if it''s a two-day flight, it might not be in our territory. You need to be careful not to start a fight with the nation to the north or our neighbor to the east," Rubina commented while taking a small whiff around Logan.


    "It''s fine. It''s near the far mountain to our side. I doubt anyone made a town or fortress nearby," Logan reassured her while being a little doubtful of the girl''s action.


    "Logan¡­ I wonder who was so bold to speak to you so late." Rubina eyed the boy, narrowing her eyes with a reproachful gaze.


    Logan felt a bead of sweat rolling down his cheek. "Yeah, well, I had to speak to Alma about a show she wanted to do." Logan did not want to lie and mention someone else.


    "Alma? Why would she¡­ Logan, are you sure it was just that?" Rubina questioned the boy.


    "Yes, it wasn''t anything more." Logan smiled, trying to keep his face straight.


    Rubina glared at him a little before shrugging. "Fine, well then, there is more to talk about regarding the coming plans for the separation. I will speak with the merchants'' guide to start preparing for the economic move. Also, it might be something you will need to do when you come back, but you will probably have to go to the capital, Midar, to finish negotiations."


    "Yeah, I doubt they will just accept it, and I don''t want to start any problems. I will go after returning, hopefully with enough strength to back it up."


    Logan and Rubina then spoke for a while more, sorting things within the town and the new borders for his new kingdom.

 Chapter 170 Take Action

    A two-day flight meant a five-day walk, especially with supplies. Logan and his company had set out early the next morning to find the labyrinth. They took all the flying creatures to scout from the sky while a ground unit followed from below, making camp every few kilometers while the ones flying sorted out the directions.


    Stay tuned with My Virtual Library Empire


    Logan, being the fastest with Zephyr, rushed ahead to find the labyrinth. The two-day journey for him would probably be a day and some hours with Zephyr''s top speed and Logan''s use of magic to recover his stamina.


    Just as the first day was about to end, Logan went back to where the camp was made. He, along with Zephyr, were exhausted, but Logan knew that within three days, the labyrinth would be found. The problem was the caravan that followed from the ground.


    As soon as Zephyr landed, Logan took out food for the bird¡ªthree carcasses of game they found throughout the long flight. They were large birds and flying reptiles, so it only took a few shots of ice magic and wind blades to cut them down.


    "Is everyone doing alright?" Logan asked, seeing Kai and Chloe sitting around a campfire they had just made.


    "No problem here. Only a few monsters tried attacking, but nothing we couldn''t handle. Even the strongest of beasts ran away after we got organized. Just as you commanded, we let those that wanted to leave run."


    "Good," Logan said while patting Kai''s shoulder.


    "Food will be done soon. The rest of those who took to the sky will arrive any moment now," said Ruri, who had pleaded to come and was now working with a few maids to prepare the meals.


    "Thanks, Ruri. As always, the food smells good." Logan held on to his stomach to keep the grumbling from being heard.


    After a few minutes of waiting, Logan decided to serve himself, unable to stand the hunger. Everyone present joined after, and a few of those flying arrived in time to eat the hot meal. Afterward, everyone rested while watching one of Marie''s new movies, this time about a magical world where a boy with a lightning scar on his forehead fought against a large basilisk.


    The first movie was a hit within his town, and they even wanted to construct a railroad. Ruben, who had asked his friend Bobby to join him in making a train, was already making plans to create the large magical-powered vehicle, probably the first of its kind in this world.


    Lisa, who sat near Logan, was enjoying the movie, even wanting a wand, which was later discussed with the group. Some said wands helped in making a stronger spell, while others believed they limited their power output.


    "I think I will have Ruben create a staff for me. I mean, this is a game-like world for us, maybe with a crystal or something it might increase my lacking power," Lisa said, forgetting to ask the boy for a weapon since all those who cast magic in this world did not seem to need the tool.


    "Hey, Logan, you should take a look at Orus. I think he will need help recovering. Why don''t you go with Lisa? I think I saw a few of his wings plucked from the side of his neck¡­ wonder what that is about." Alma asked Logan while winking when no one was looking.


    "Sure¡­" Logan noticed what she was trying to do, especially when Alma was the one who had suggested putting on such a great movie to keep everyone else entertained.


    Lisa, who had seen the movie, started to worry about her bird and got up. Logan followed her, knowing that Orus was just far enough away so the others wouldn''t notice the duo. Logan knew for a fact that Alma had planned all this.


    "Now, where is that spot Alma was talking about¡­ I hope I did not put the harness on incorrectly," Lisa said, while checking the beast''s neck and taking off the belts that sustained the harness, using her magic to light the way.


    "I think it must have healed. Maybe it was during the morning that Alma saw it¡­" Logan said, taking out light elemental crystals for the birds to enjoy.


    Lisa, after checking on the griffin, sat next to it. Logan looked back at the camp, which was far enough away that no one would see them. The boy then sat next to Lisa and joined her as she was stargazing.


    "What a great view. It''s nice to see this, something we couldn''t back on Earth¡­ I do miss my smartphone, though," Lisa laughed while Logan enjoyed looking at her smile.


    "Yes, I also miss some games I had on my phone. Too bad I will probably never see them again," Logan said, making small talk while in his mind he was going over the mission.


    His hands trembled a little as he thought about how to proceed. Should it be just like with Serana¡ªa quick kiss without prior notice¡ªor should he prepare Lisa for it?


    "Say, Lisa¡­" Logan cleared his throat.


    "Yes?" Lisa stopped looking at the sky to check on the boy who had a serious expression. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You know¡­ we''ve known each other since we were kids. I enjoyed that back then; it was the best part of my life. And well, although we didn''t meet in the right circumstances after, I can say without a doubt that¡­ oh, freak it. Lisa, I like you." Logan scratched his head in embarrassment. He knew he wasn''t the best speaker, so he just did as Alma pointed out and took action.


    "Logan?" Lisa stared at the boy, not knowing what to say but was happy with his confession. She did not expect what he did next, though.


    Having gotten courage from Alma''s advice and knowing action was better than words, Logan just went for the kiss. He knew it would end up in either a slap or an unexpected reaction.

 Chapter 171 Sweet Taste of Victory

    With only the moonlight casting a dim light, Logan lightly pressed one hand on Lisa''s cheek to guide him and leaned closer, timed enough so she could take a hint of whether to accept it or to slap him away.


    Luckily, Logan reached her smooth, delicious lips without retaliation. To avoid embarrassment, he closed his eyes and savored every flavor her lips had to offer before opening his eyes to check on her.


    He wanted to smile as she also seemed to have closed her eyes for the same reason as him. Then, he leaned back slowly, feeling her lean forward as if wanting more, but within a few seconds, she regained her senses.


    "So your¡­ answer?" he said gently after experiencing the bliss.


    "You¡­ will have to wait. At least until I think this through, and don''t worry, it''s not because I don''t feel the same." He felt Lisa slap him gently three times before she caressed his cheek.


    "I know what you and Alma are doing. I''ve known both of you since elementary school, and I know what she also feels. That is what I need to think about¡­ Logan." Lisa then returned to leaning back on Orus in silence, the bird curled up ready to sleep after the long flight, even if by nature he was nocturnal.


    Logan decided to do the same and relaxed for a bit until Lisa was ready to say something.


    "You know¡­ I did not expect that, you really caught me off guard¡­ but thanks, Logan, I am happy right now." Lisa said, still not looking at Logan due to her conflicting feelings.


    Logan knew she needed time; he wasn''t going to push this further. For now, he got up slowly and caressed her shoulder for a few seconds.


    "I will wait, so relax. We still have a war to fight, right?" Logan said before leaving. His mind was still buzzing, but he was feeling great. He even wanted to hop back to the fireplace and into his own tent.


    Going in, he saw Kai standing about as if waiting for him. A small crystal illuminated the medium-sized tent that housed a bed, a small table, and a few chairs. Logan thanked his luck that he wouldn''t have to sleep on the floor and sat on the bed before giving Kai time to speak.


    "Sit, Kai. It looks like you want to say something," Logan said, letting out a yawn. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yes, it will be quick, hopefully¡­ so before we speak, let me use this¡­" Kai took out a crystal that let out a gentle wave of mana that enveloped them before creating a small sphere as he got closer to Logan.


    "Say man¡­ you need to help me. I really want to get with Chloe, and you''re probably the only one I can ask. You already have so many girls wrapped around your finger, so help me out," Kai said while kneeling on the floor.


    "Kai, Chill man! Why don''t you sit first? It''s hard for me to speak to you like this." Logan pulled him up and got a chair closer.


    "Thanks, but I don''t care if I have to beg. Just teach me how!" Kai screamed, not caring if others would hear.


    Logan noticed the sounds outside stopped coming in, so he guessed what Kai used was to make a bubble of silence of sorts.


    "Alright, calm down, first off¡­ why would you ask me, man?" Logan, who only today got the courage to confess, didn''t feel like the type to give solid advice.


    "Everyone knows who your future wives will be. Don''t play dumb, Logan. Rubina and Lisa, Miss Marie, and some of the guys and I are still betting if you will take Ruri and Serana as wives or mistresses," Kai said, almost crying.


    "That obvious, huh¡­ no wonder." Logan now knew that if someone as simple as Kai knew, then perhaps Lisa and Rubina also knew how the others felt.


    "Well then, how about some tips, man¡­" Kai almost stood back up from his seat to beg.


    Your next chapter awaits on My Virtual Library Empire


    "Chill, man. Why are you so forceful today?" Logan asked, wanting to know why he was going crazy this particular night.


    "That man Valor is getting on my nerves. I wanted to use this chance that we are away from the town to get closer to Chloe, at least enough to hopefully, you know, get together," Kai said frantically as if he were cornered.


    "Well¡­ you know I am not the best to ask this, but¡­ you''ve known her since childhood, just you know¡­ ask her out?" Logan went with the most obvious choice; he himself had just done that and it turned out okay.


    "That is the point, Logan, I just don''t know how. I have tried a few times before, but Chloe¡­ she is hard to speak to, she just didn''t get it." Kai sighed, trying to remember all the moments he had done so in the past.


    "Well, tell me an example of what you did then?" Logan wanted to understand if it wasn''t Kai''s playful attitude that caused the problem.


    "Well, one time I told her she was the most beautiful girl in the world, and then she got mad and told me all I do is say lies¡­ I don''t think she understands how I think, though," Kai said, slouching.


    "Wait, did you ever just say something like ''Chloe, I like you''? You know, just go direct?" Logan thought about how Kai''s player vibe must have turned off the girl and made her think he was just joking.


    "Well, no. You know, my father said I need to try doing it in style, that the girl would just know. So, I tried sending flowers, which she hates. I tried asking her out to watch a movie, but she didn''t have time since she needs to train¡­" Kai tried explaining all his failed attempts.


    "Bro, you''re just going around in circles. Just go with the direct approach. Chloe does seem like a tomboy, so I don''t think those will work," Logan suggested.


    "Direct approach¡­ alright, I will try tomorrow. Hope it works¡ªmy hands are shaking though. I''ve never tried to seriously do it before, but now with that guy Valor coming on to Chloe hard, I will do it tomorrow! Wish me luck, man." Kai stood up and raised a hand in the air, cheering himself up.


    "Yeah, man. Good luck with that. Just make sure it''s clear and take things calmly." Logan was sort of scared now. If things went badly, it could create an awkward atmosphere during the rest of the trip. Then again, it might be the best chance for them to finally settle things within themselves.

 Chapter 172 A Pact with the Pack

    Waking up the next day, Logan could not find Chloe or Kai anywhere. He was a little hesitant since Kai had looked a little too excited, and he hoped for the best for him.


    He also tried looking for Lisa but was informed she had gone with Alma early in the morning to scout for the labyrinth. Ms. Claire, Ruri, and Serana joined him for breakfast as Logan wondered if he had overslept or if everyone else had just woken up earlier. Experience more on My Virtual Library Empire


    "I doubt we will find the labyrinth today, but if we keep heading like we are, we should be able to find it within the next two or three days. How about supplies? Do you think I will need to go back for anything?" Logan asked while they ate simple soup to start the morning.


    "No, we have plenty of everything we need so far. As for the length of the trip, I guess it''s even a little fun to be out here. Just remember, this is probably how we will spend our time in the future when we get nearer to fighting with the demons. It''s good to get used to this," Ruri answered first.


    "My minions have been fighting with the monsters around here. They inform me that there isn''t anything we should be wary of and that there are no signs of demons or anything like that," Serana informed while just staring at everyone eating. She even tried to cover her nose.


    "It''s a little difficult for me, to be honest. I tried helping Serana and your knights fight to get used to it, but I still detest having to see things die. As far as my own level, since I was around the others in the labyrinth, I completed my quest after instructing them a certain number of times. Now that I am over level 40, it''s really hard to continue, but luckily your crystals have helped with that." Ms. Claire enjoyed the soup and loved the fact that she could take it easy and not be in constant battle like in the labyrinth. She was truly thankful to Logan, who let her get away from Theron, the insufferable commander who kept a close eye on her.


    "Well, now that I have finished eating, I guess it''s time for me to go and keep searching. Anything else you would like to tell me before I go?" Logan asked, thinking if he needed to command the monkey and scorpion before he left, since they were pretty bad with the others. Luckily, Serana could smack them both into acting correctly while he was away.


    "Nothing I can think of, Master Logan, just please be careful," Ruri said while starting to clean.


    The others also made it seem like nothing else was needed, so Logan called Zephyr, who also seemed finished with draining crystals to empower himself.


    Just as he was about to take off, Logan saw Kai and Chloe returning. They were holding hands and quickly let go before they saw Logan.


    Logan pretended he saw nothing and went up, trying to keep a smile from forming on his face. He cheered on Kai in his mind as Zephyr rapidly used wind to accelerate and help them get as high as possible.


    Logan used wind magic on his face to keep himself from looking like a mess and to avoid oxygen deficiency. It was hard to control, but he took it as training to stay airborne.


    Within hours of flight, he spotted a few moving dots on the ground. Curious about what they were, he asked Zephyr to lower himself slowly so as not to be seen.


    Soon, he spotted a pack of wolves chasing a large elk-like monster. He recalled that in his own territory, wolves were scarce due to competition with bears and the maned leopards, so it was nice to spot another top predator around. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As he watched the hunt taking place, he noticed the wolves were wind magic users. Their green fur made it hard to distinguish them at times from the forest and green-covered plains.


    They used their numbers to weaken the large earth elk, who created slabs of stones to create distance.


    "Well, what do you think, Zephyr? Should we say hi? I think I will be able to get them to our side if I provide them enough meat and crystals," Logan said as he petted Zephyr, who had to circle around to keep from overpassing the beasts below.


    "Sounds fun! Try, they look strong," Zephyr said while letting out a call. He then swooped down and used magic to cut the elk in half.


    "Well, I guess that will get their attention. I wanted to see if the elk was worth taming also, but it''s smaller than my own," Logan mumbled to himself while he manifested wings to jump down from Zephyr''s back and wait for the wolves.


    It wasn''t long before the first of the wolves got close and howled, as the rest of the pack stopped, wary of Logan who was standing near the kill.


    "Not the best position, but I guess it will be interesting to see their reaction." Logan smiled while taking out a whip, just to make sure he could defend himself in case things went bad.


    As soon as the pack of ten or so wolves stopped and encircled him, Logan tried to assess who the leader of the pack was.


    He wondered if it was the largest wolf at first but then noticed another one, a little smaller but with a strange coloration in its fur. This wolf seemed to be able to wield both wind and earth magic by the look of things.


    "Interesting, you must be the leader then, the most powerful one," Logan spoke out loud, knowing they wouldn''t understand him yet.


    Logan had to negotiate like he did with all his beasts. He tried to make himself look strong, then looked straight at the leader who kept circling around Logan as if wondering if he should attack.


    "Let''s see¡­" Logan knew they wanted the meat from the sliced elk behind him, so he took out a few wind crystals and tossed one at the wolf leader, wondering if that would work.


    The leader, smelling and feeling the crystal''s radiant energy, got close and licked it, knowing instinctively how to drain the mana from the stone. The other wolves watched intently, their eyes shifting between Logan and their leader.


    Logan smiled, seeing that the first part of his strategy worked.

 Chapter 173 Battle Between Leaders

    Logan smiled before tossing another crystal to the same wolf. He noticed the others around it wanted the crystal as well, and one even tried going forward to grab it, but the leader barked and put the other wolf back in its place.


    Logan liked the strict hierarchy that the pack displayed and knew that if he gained the leader''s favor, he would be able to bless him and add the rest to his town''s power.


    He liked that they were wind elemental, meaning they would be fast creatures and powerful by nature.


    "How about it, boy, do you want another?" Logan asked while showing that he had more. He tossed three at once this time to feed the other wolves who were restless and also tossed half the elk to the others to show he had more to offer.


    The leader kept looking at Logan a little warily but was interested in the crystals he still had on hand.


    Experience new tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    Instead of tossing another wind stone, he tossed an earth stone to check if the wolf was really a dual type, and within seconds the amber-colored crystal was drained of its mana and vanished.


    "Good, very good. You will be a wonderful addition to my team," Logan said. He came a little closer to the pack leader, moving slowly enough so it wouldn''t run away.


    He had already cut his finger, ready to mark the wolf as he got ever closer.


    His whip was still on hand in case anything happened, and to keep the wolf from moving, he tossed more elemental stones.


    As soon as he felt he was at a close enough distance to mark the beast, Logan used Serana''s blood magic to control the blood and make it fly towards the back of the wolf.


    The wolf was still draining a crystal, so he did not notice Logan''s actions until he felt a powerful wave of magic that compelled it to submit to Logan, as if asking the wolf if he wanted to be part of a new pack.


    The power of his taming had become stronger with level-ups, so Logan thought it would be easier. However, he noticed the wolf, who stopped feeding on crystals, looked at him with some distrust. He saw how the wolf was battling with the power of taming, something the other creatures rarely did, but knew the fight was far from lost.


    Logan then took out more food besides the elk to show the wolf that he could provide for his beasts. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The wolf was struggling between keeping his status as alpha or going under the authority of Logan and becoming part of something bigger. The incentives the boy kept offering were slowly making him want to bow down to Logan like a normal dog.


    The large wolf then rushed forward to bite Logan, not wanting a weak master. He needed to prove himself before being stripped of his position as leader.


    Logan smiled as the wolf showed a different kind of spirit. Unlike the Scorpion, who only went crazy, the wolf seemed to want to fight to understand his place.


    Logan used water magic to push the beast back. The other wolves, noticing the fight, wanted to join in, but their alpha growled, ordering them to stand down.


    The boy wanted the beast even more after that. The wolf showed an intelligence that he needed from a fighter.


    "You will be a good addition. Now come, we will settle this," Logan said. He used Gale Force, Zephyr''s winds, to show the difference in power.


    The wolf empowered himself with his own wind buff before sending three blades of wind from his claws.


    Logan used stone barriers to protect himself before using Silis Earthquake Stomp. The boy only wanted to use Wind and Earth elements to show that he was better than the wolf in those two fields. He had only started out with water to show that he could use other spells.


    The wolf did not back down and used his own version of Earth spikes to pierce Logan. Luckily, Silis and Terra had their own earth shields to keep those spikes from hitting Logan. They shrugged off each hit while the boy tried his best to look imposing.


    "Come, try harder!" Logan called out, trying to make the wolf use all he had before stomping him.


    The wolf kept striking with wind blades and earth spikes, running around to try hitting Logan from different angles. After using most of his mana, he went for close-quarter combat, which was Logan''s cue to finish the fight.


    He did not hold back. He used Earth Burst to push the wolf off balance. It made him release a burst of powerful earth magic around like an explosion, which caught the beast off guard.


    Logan then created two wind tornadoes, one within each hand, showing that if he released them, there would be little the wolf could do.


    Being cornered, the wolf felt compelled to bow down. The mark dug into its skin as it submitted to its new master.


    Logan felt the connection form and smiled.


    "Good to have you in the team, boy. Here, I have been stockpiling food for such occasions. Let''s celebrate," Logan called out.


    "You have bested me¡­ new alpha," Logan heard the voice of what seemed like an experienced elder within his mind.


    "No, you''re still the alpha of this tribe. Come here, I will give you a blessing so you can strengthen your group." Logan placed his hand on top of his new creature''s head to place the blessing of Monarch. It took a large chunk of Logan''s mana, but it was worth it.


    He also felt it was getting harder to give this buff out. Each one cost more mana. Scorch, for example, only cost him 50; Silis 75. With the wolves, it cost him nearly 400, so he guessed the next time it would be 500 or more.


    He did not mind, though. He was satisfied with the wolf''s power. Now, it was time to get his new leader of the pack an evolution.

 Chapter 174 Alpha Sylph Wolf

    "Fenrir, there is no other name for you." Logan looked at his wolf, who had become a two-meter-tall beast, three meters long from head to tail. He was in his third evolution after being fed some particularly concentrated crystals Logan had saved for Zephyr.


    His pack, on the other hand, was on their so-called second evolution. The first evolution, at least as Logan called it, was the peak adult form. For example, how Zephyr went from a baby chick to his peak adult form.


    As for the second evolution for the wolves, it made their bodies more slim and agile, as if carved by the wind element to be able to run faster than even a cheetah while having a large body.


    Their third evolution, which only their leader Fenrir achieved, added strength to the agile body. Muscles formed, making him not only fast but able to smack a tree off the ground along with its roots.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Fenrir / New* Species: Alpha Sylph Wolf / Level: 40 / Blood Mark: Lower Left Shoulder Blade / Loyalty: 19/100


    Str: 49 / Agi: 52 / Dex: 39 / Con: 34 / Int: 36 / Char: 32


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Gale Strike: Unleashes a powerful slash of wind that cuts through enemies.


    Whispering Winds: Creates a gentle breeze that boosts agility and dexterity of allies within its range.


    Cyclone Shield: Summons a whirlwind barrier that deflects projectiles and reduces incoming damage.


    Storm Howl: Summons a localized storm that disrupts enemy formations and reduces their visibility.


    Tempest Fang: Charges at the enemy with wind-imbued fangs, delivering a high-speed, piercing attack.


    Boreal Howl: Releases a deafening roar that sends shockwaves of wind, knocking back enemies and causing disorientation.


    Sirocco Surge: A fast-moving gust of wind that disorients and slows down enemies caught within its path.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤ Stay connected through My Virtual Library Empire


    Currently, Logan was leading the pack back to his camp. They had brought along those that weren''t with them hunting, making the pack of ten into a pack of twenty-four¡ªa great, strong number to enter the Labyrinth.


    The only problem now was to get enough food to feed such a large number. But with Logan and Zephyr in the air, they were able to find prey easily while returning.


    "So that is the gist of it. We have this new force with us now," Logan explained the situation to Chloe, who was petting one of the wolves.


    "I think this is actually good. If we could have the Warks work with the wolves, we could add a new unit to future battles. Their numbers will be enough for a new cavalry unit," Chloe nodded while adding to the idea. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Just what I thought," Logan said, petting Fenrir while also petting Luna, who seemed angry that her spot as a lovable doglike creature was taken.


    "Well, I will be heading back out with Zephyr. Can you ask Ms. Claire to work with both the wolves and Warks to make units? If any problems arise, Fenrir here will be able to solve them along with Wohan, leader of the Warks," Logan said, petting Fenrir one last time.


    "Will do my best!" Fenrir said using his mental link, wagging his tail.


    "How about it, Wohan? Do you think you can make this work?" Logan asked the chief of the Warks, who was looking at the large wolf with a bit of fear.


    "You know, we might have trouble at the start¡­ our races used to fight back in the day¡­ so we have an instinctual fear of wolves, but I think with enough time we can make things work," Wohan said in a rough voice as he finally got the courage to place his hand on the wolf''s shoulder to pet it.


    "Good, you will need to use Fenrir here as the pack leader to make this happen then," Logan said before he left with Zephyr. He needed to find the labyrinth soon.


    Just as he was about to take off, he had an idea. He felt sort of dumb for not asking sooner.


    "Hey, Fenrir. You should know these lands better than us¡­ do you know where a labyrinth could be around here?" he asked the wolf using his mental link.


    "Labyrinth? What is this?" he heard his wolf ask in a perplexed voice.


    "Like a cave with lots of mana, makes monsters," Logan tried to explain to the best of his ability.


    "That¡­ we stay far, dangerous monsters come out from there. Lots. We have to fight for days. Bad for food, made of mana, no meat," he heard his wolf say in disgust. However, he was happy it knew where the labyrinth was.


    "Good, we need to go there. Can you lead? We want to train," Logan asked with joy in his voice.


    "Will lead, take three days, long journey," Fenrir said as Logan jumped in excitement. He wasn''t too thrilled to be searching for a full day, especially wasting mana stones to keep himself in the air.


    Logan then asked everyone to return. They just needed to follow the wolves now, so it was no longer necessary to spend time and waste strength to reach the labyrinth.


    It wasn''t long for everyone to return as Zephyr relayed the information to those flying, bringing them back. They used the remainder of the day hunting to ensure they had enough food for the trip.


    Logan now only had to worry about why Lisa kept her distance. He knew she needed more time and that she would probably talk to him during the night. He made no effort to push her until then.


    He did enjoy his time with Serana, though. They were currently in the coachman''s seat. The girl who sat next to him had many questions about a certain movie she now had time to watch. It quickly became her favorite since it included teenage vampires. She just didn''t know why their skin shone in the sun.


    "Vampires in your world are strange. They seem powerful though, not that I can''t do better," she said with a smirk, using her shadow form to show off her speed.


    "Yes, yes, you don''t need to compete with them. I already know you''re perfect, and in time you will get even stronger," Logan said. As soon as he said that, he felt the girl hugging him from behind, placing her mouth near his shoulder.


    "Don''t go crazy now. I need strength for later," Logan sighed while sitting still, waiting for the girl to finish eating.

 Chapter 175 Another to the List

    Logan was happy with how far they had traveled. By the end of the day, the terrain was beginning to be mountainous, meaning they were closer to where they should be.


    He was currently informing Rubina about their location. She, on the other hand, was busy with her end. The new administrators had arrived, and she needed to inform them how things worked in the town.


    "You seem tired, Rubina. Take a long bath, you need to rest. Now that help has come, they should be able to handle most of the paperwork." Logan saw how the girl looked haggard. Thanks to Marie''s new invention, the communication crystal now sent improved live-feed video, making it feel as if he was there, which made things easier.


    "It''s fine. I will get them up to speed tomorrow. We should then start arranging everything for the separation from the kingdom. We need to work on new trade routes in case the kingdom decides to bar us from their own. I spoke to some merchants from our neighbors up north in the kingdom of Verdith. They are interested in the crystals we can provide and are willing to give a good sum," Rubina informed while twirling her hair.


    "Sounds good. I hope we can keep up with the demand. Kryst can only do so much alone. I need to look for more of her kind. I can only guess that they are in the goblin dwelling, so I will have to go there sooner or later to bring more slimes. I hope I am strong enough to fight off that serpent-like beast by then," Logan thought, considering the fight with the crystal guardian that had hurt Kai last time. He also thought about bringing more companions for Krexa, who was left behind.


    "It will be worth it. We will probably need to head there for diplomacy when you return, so get ready to speak to the king of Elris. You will need to look dependable, so work on that," Rubina sighed, wondering if Logan would be ready by then. He really needed to work on his etiquette since he would be meeting the king as an equal next time.


    "Don''t worry, Rubina. I will try to get through the labyrinth as fast as possible to return stronger and finally do what we intend with the kingdom. I will also work with Chloe to help me with speaking and such," Logan said, waving to the girl who seemed tired but was smiling towards him.


    "Just make sure to be careful. We have much to do when you return. I don''t mind if it takes a bit longer," Rubina sighed before turning the communication device off.


    Logan sighed as he contemplated how much he had to do. The labyrinth was only the first step. After he got stronger, it would be his own beasts'' turn to enter it. He only hoped it was wide enough for Scorch or Silis so they could train later.


    Logan then got up to get out of the tent. He needed to finally try speaking with Lisa, fearing she would not want to talk to him.


    As soon as he tried getting out, he was pulled back into the tent. He wanted to yell, but his mouth was covered before he could speak.


    "Relax, Logan. I just came to speak with you," he heard Alma''s voice.


    "You''ve got to at least warn me. Use your mental link next time," Logan said, holding out his chest. His heart raced as the first thing he thought of was an assassin attack from the demons.


    "Sorry, I just needed to speak to you before you talk to Lisa. Now sit, we need to be fast before she goes to sleep." Alma pushed him back to his bed before taking out a crystal like Kai''s. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Now, I heard the story¡ªthat you kissed her. Congratulations, you''re a man now." Alma patted his back, laughing before speaking again.


    "Well, half a man at least. You still need to, you know," Alma winked, hinting towards the bed.


    "Now then, don''t get shy. We need to keep talking¡ªwe only have a few minutes. Lisa is probably just as happy or more than what you are feeling now, but she is also confused. She knows your feelings for the others and needs time for that. What I suggest is that you don''t push her for an answer. But, you do need to keep what you are doing going. Slowly work into her heart. Maybe sooner or later she will accept what you have. If not, well, you will have to choose," Alma sighed, wanting to hear Logan''s side of the story.


    "Well, I did as you said. I guess we can''t really do much more. I will keep at this, but it will be hard to find time to be together with the coming fights. I really don''t want to hurt the others either. So until Lisa is ready to move on, I will wait," Logan said, getting up, knowing there wasn''t much he could add.


    "Wait, one more thing. While you shouldn''t push her, it does not mean you can stay still. Another kiss wouldn''t hurt, just don''t surprise her like last time," Alma said as she got up. She got close to Logan and pulled him closer to plant a quick kiss on his cheek.


    "See, you don''t savor it if it''s a surprise. Give her more hints, give her a warm gaze, set things up, and then kiss her. You have a lot to catch up on. Speak about the past, the future, and learn more before pushing her further," Alma said, then pushed him out of the tent.


    Experience new tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    Logan rubbed his cheek. He really didn''t know why Alma was pushing so hard, to the point she had done such actions.


    "Don''t tell me another one needs to be added to the list," the boy scratched his head. He wasn''t even settled with one before another pushed forward. He still needed to speak with Ruri and Serana before talking with Rubina, who had helped him probably the most out of anyone in his life.


    "What a mess did I get myself into¡­" Logan kept sighing as he headed towards Orus, where Lisa would no doubt be.

 Chapter 176 Learning to Fly

    Enjoy new stories from My Virtual Library Empire


    Logan mentally called out to Orus as he wondered where he was.


    "I am flying, master. Lisa wanted to practice using her wings. We are near the trees," Orus replied.


    Logan checked around. Since they were close to the mountains, they were currently near a creek that passed through a barren wasteland. The trees were just south of them, where the creek flowed into a lake.


    Logan flew towards the direction of the trees, hoping to see the two figures. It wouldn''t be hard to spot Lisa since her wings radiated a white light.


    It wasn''t long before he saw the girl practicing. The light of her wings allowed him to see Orus, who was flying around her like a lifeline in case she fell or used too much mana.


    "So she is still struggling with maneuvering without wind magic..." Logan thought as he got closer to the girl, making his presence known so she wouldn''t get scared.


    "Lisa, do you need help again?" Logan asked as he made his wings radiate in front of her.


    "No, Logan, I need to get this by myself. You won''t always be with me, so I need to learn to fly alone." Logan got closer to at least watch her to make sure no accidents happened.


    It was ten minutes later when Lisa finally stopped. She was tired and had sat down near a fallen trunk by the lake.


    "Damn it, how can you fly so well and I, who have the skill, can''t? I know it''s because of your other magic, but it''s just not fair," Lisa said, putting her hands on her cheeks. She was fuming, and Logan could see it.


    "How about this: I start off using my magic, and slowly stop using the spell so you can get adjusted to it," Logan suggested, which made Lisa finally look at him for the first time during the long day.


    "Sounds like a plan. Use that buff, I will get used to this." Lisa stood up in a hurry while creating her wings that flowed from her back like an angel.


    Logan did as asked before doing the same. But before letting her fly off, he handed her a bottle with mana water.


    "Take this first, you will need the mana regeneration along with this skill," Logan said as he used Kryst''s skill for helping mana recovery, knowing Lisa had used probably half of her mana already during practice.


    "Now then, you should try flying again. I will boost you, then remove it so you can get used to doing it without the spell. Get a feel for it¡ªdon''t rely on the skill, but learn from it." Logan created his own wings to show her.


    "Now, let''s go. I should try doing the same so I won''t always rely on Zephyr''s magic. You never know what might happen." Logan pulled Lisa up before letting go about ten meters from the ground.


    Orus once again took flight, which helped Logan and Lisa feel safe as they began to stop using Zephyr''s wind magic to stay aloft. Logan now understood why Lisa had struggled¡ªit had to do with balancing their weight to stay up.


    He experimented with different positions for his arms and legs, which made Lisa laugh. One attempt was a certain superhero''s iconic pose, with one hand forward, but it only made him look and feel foolish. It didn''t improve his speed or balance, so he kept his hands next to his thighs and let his wings do all the work.


    "It''s much harder than I thought. No wonder you''re struggling¡­" Logan used his mental link to speak with Lisa.


    "Told you! Now give me a buff. I might have something, just need to know what it is," Lisa said as Logan used it on himself and then on her.


    "What did you discover? I might need to stop in the next thirty minutes if we keep going," Logan said, seeing that he had 100 mana points left.


    "It''s not about our position, it''s about our wing placement. We don''t give it much thought since they aren''t a part of us, but just like someone learning to swim, you need to move your wings in a circular motion, as if grabbing on to air," Lisa explained.


    "Er¡­ alright, so flapping them in a certain way¡­" Logan tried turning off his wind magic to test the theory. He saw that without the wind, his wings were only useful to keep him afloat. But when he commanded them to flap in a specific way, they began to collect the air needed to move.


    "I see what you mean. I can''t explain it well, but I can feel the air around them. I think I can work on this later, though." Logan sighed, feeling spent, and asked Orus to come closer, hoping he wouldn''t just fall out of the sky.


    "That is what you get, cheater. I can probably be here another two hours," Lisa laughed, getting the feel for the correct way to fly.


    "Yes, yes, gloat all you want¡ªyou solved the mystery. Now let me rest, I am tired¡­" Logan began drinking mana water to replenish his reserves.


    As soon as Lisa got tired, they both went back to the lake and sat on top of the trunk.


    "So, are you still cranky?" Logan asked, feeling the cool spring night air.


    "No, I was just a little angry, nothing much. Now tell me, why did you come to look for me? I doubt it was to ask me if dinner was ready," Lisa said, enjoying the view of the moon reflecting on the water''s surface.


    "Well, it''s nothing. Can''t I just come to spend time with you? Just because you said I should wait doesn''t mean we have to avoid each other, right?" Logan said, handing Lisa a piece of fruit.


    "Why do you always give out food and treats? We aren''t dogs, you know. Ruri said you do the same to her." The girl turned a stern gaze toward Logan.


    "Fine, give it back. We just spent an hour or so flying and doing exercise. I thought you might need the extra calories," Logan pretended to swipe back the fruit.


    "No, I already bit it, so hands off." Lisa stuffed her mouth to keep Logan from trying again.


    Logan smiled as he kept eating. He slowly crept closer to hold Lisa''s hand, which was resting near the bark of the trunk.


    "Say, Lisa¡­ I know you said I should wait, but just don''t ignore me like today. We have a long trip ahead, we should just enjoy ourselves for now." Logan then let go before getting up. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Now then, we must get up early so we should go back. There are two days left to get to our destination."


    "Yeah¡­ Alright, Logan, let''s enjoy ourselves. Now then, let''s see who gets back first." Lisa began to run. Logan chased from behind, feeling they progressed at least a little more today.

 Chapter 177 Labyrinth Exploration

    Two days later, they reached the area around the labyrinth. Before they could enter, they needed to fight off the monsters that exited the portal, which would allow them to go inside.


    The wolves and wargs would be the ones to handle them, being monsters from the top floor of the labyrinth. They wouldn''t be strong and would give, at best, laughable experience to the heroes or Logan''s strongest monsters.


    Ms. Claire used this chance to order the wolf-riding wargs into battle and have them listen to her instructions. Her words for the lower-leveled beasts were law, and with them, they were able to wield greater power. Enhanced by Alma''s songs, they were probably just as deadly as the first demons that attacked Logan''s town. Within minutes, many of the monsters were dealt with, leaving only mana crystals behind.


    "So they don''t leave bodies but mana crystals?" Logan asked, wondering why this was.


    "Yes, the labyrinth creates these monsters from crystals, so they only take the form of the monster designed by the core. That is why the closer one gets to the core, the stronger the monster they have to face," Lisa explained as she picked up the small shard that was once a monster a warg had killed near them.


    "Well then, how do you think we should enter? Should we form groups or should we just go in all together?" Logan asked while looking at the portal near them.


    "I think we should make three groups, and one to stay in the camp," Ms. Claire said as she tried recalling how the class did their dungeon run a few weeks ago.


    "Alright, who will go with whom?" Logan asked, wondering which of his monsters should join him.


    "I think¡­ Kai, Ms. Claire, the wolf, and the wargs should form one group. The heroes¡ªLisa, Alma, Serana, and her group¡ªshould make another. You should go with Ruri, Sting your Scorpion, and Darvo for today. Tomorrow, you should take Luna and Voltar. I think with three, you should be able to handle it," Chloe pitched in, and everyone present nodded in acceptance.


    "I guess it''s a good lineup. It will let me have Sting and Darvo handle the weaker levels while tomorrow, with Luna and Voltar, we can tackle the stronger lower-floored monsters," Logan nodded while putting his equipment on.


    Everyone else did the same, getting ready to enter the portal that would lead them inside the labyrinth. With everyone ready, Logan jumped into the portal. It was a strange experience, like jumping into water that did not wet you. As soon as he got to the other side, he saw a long passage that was dim, with only a few crystals lighting the way forward.


    Logan did not stop walking after entering the portal. He asked his monsters, who entered after him, to keep moving forward so the others coming in wouldn''t hurt themselves.


    "Looks creepy. This is not how a usual labyrinth looks like, it''s a bit primitive," Kai said while waiting for everyone to get ready.


    "True, it''s a little too dark, so we might have to use our own light source," Lisa said, taking out some crystals she had prepared using her magic and began handing them out.


    "So then, I think we should go forward. As soon as we spot a chamber that divides us, we will start separating to search for the entrance to the second floor. Make sure you communicate using your device when you find it and don''t go down alone," Chloe instructed as each group formed and began walking. Logan led the group so his new tamed beasts could get stronger, while the wolves and wargs walked like trained soldiers with the help of Ms. Claire.


    "There is the first corridor. We will see you later, Logan. Be careful," Ms. Claire said as she waved towards Logan. So far, they hadn''t met any monsters, which was great, but also meant they didn''t know how strong they would be.


    Logan had Sting in front of them, while the lazy monkey Darvo used his power to keep his body floating behind him. It was strange, but he didn''t get as tired as Logan would think for a nearly one hundred-pound monkey who used mana to keep himself up.


    Sting, on the other hand, was able to see clearly in the dark and led them around to find an exit. Its claws would sometimes hit the labyrinth walls, as its body was not used to such narrow passages. Then the scorpion stopped moving; its eyes sensed beasts ahead.


    "Go, Darvo, help Sting defeat those beasts." Logan cast Eclipse Cloak, Regal''s magic, to make himself invisible. He didn''t want to join this fight, so he watched from a distance.


    As for the two monsters, they rushed forward. Sting used the element of surprise and began using Infernal Shadow, which created a clone of itself to go forth and attack.


    Darvo, on the other hand, prompted Logan to check his stats to see what skills he would use.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Darvo / Species: Telek Gibbon / Level: 31 / Blood Mark: Center of Left Palm / Loyalty: 9/100] Str: 36 / Agi: 26 / Dex: 27 / Con: 28 / Int: 38 / Char: 25


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Mindwave Pulse - Unleashes a powerful wave of psychic energy that can disorient and damage opponents within a certain radius.


    Telekinetic Grip - Uses telekinesis to grasp and manipulate objects or enemies, allowing for powerful throws or restraining movements.


    Mental Barrier - Creates a protective psychic shield around Darvo or an ally, reducing incoming damage and blocking mental attacks.


    Precognitive Vision - Allows Darvo to foresee and predict the immediate future, enhancing his agility and reflexes for a short duration.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Being in his second evolution, the monkey needed to work hard to reach its next form. Darvo ran forth using Telekinetic Grip to grab sharp stones and hurl them at the goblins made from mana. Each goblin was weak individually, but soon the four goblins, acting like real monsters, called out for more.


    Within seconds, ten goblins emerged from nearby areas, and then twenty. Despite their numbers, the small creatures were no match for Logan''s beasts. Both Sting and Darvo dealt with them with ease. Your journey continues on My Virtual Library Empire


    "That was a good warm-up, huh?" Logan approached his scorpion, who hissed and stomped in frustration at not having food. The crystals dropped by the goblins were earth stones, meaning Sting didn''t benefit from them. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I know, I know. Here, have some dark stones¡­" Logan sighed, noticing that his beast still had anger issues to work out.


    "Mine?" The monkey suddenly appeared beside him, extending one hand.


    "Here¡­ yours too." Logan handed Darvo light elemental stones¡ªnot the best he had, as he was holding onto those for emergencies.


    "Now let''s keep going after I gather all these stones. We need to find the next floor and progress as far as we can today." Logan used tendrils of darkness to collect each stone to not waste time.


    It wasn''t long before they had to stop. Logan''s group was in a dead end, and they would need to go back, which was probably the most boring part of being in a labyrinth. Luckily, the monsters kept coming, as it was a new, never-explored labyrinth with a lot of mana to keep creating monsters.

 Chapter 178 Truce

    Within another area of the same labyrinth, Lisa was with Alma and Serana, busy looking for the entrance to the next floor. The three were quiet at the start. Alma even felt like crying, overwhelmed by the tension radiating from the other two members of the party. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The only ones that didn''t mind what was happening were the three shadow creatures that kept advancing, seemingly indifferent to the atmosphere created by the imaginary battle between light and darkness happening behind them.


    "So¡­ about that demon¡­ how did you get it?" Alma tried to change the flow by asking about the red demon that seemed to be the weakest of Serana''s shadows.


    "That one¡­ I named him Umbral¡­" Serana began checking her own status to see what she could use later on.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Serana Greyston


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Race: Vampire Noble Class: Shadow Master (Blessing: Darkness / Shade / Blood) (Soul-Tamed Status: Link Logan Aiden) Level: 54 / Health: 621 / Mana: 712 (Monarch Blessing ¨C Ruler of Blood)


    Minions: Iris, Umbral, Nyxar


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Attributes: Strength: 64 Agility: 66 Dexterity: 63 Constitution: 54 Intelligence: 68 Charisma: 69


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Blood Shadow Siphon: The caster channels darkness into their blood, creating tendrils that drain life force from enemies. This ability not only weakens opponents but also replenishes the caster''s health and mana.


    Shadow Blood Blade: The caster forges a weapon out of their own blood, infused with dark energy. This blade can cut through most materials and leaves a lingering shadowy aura that weakens the target''s defense over time.


    Hemomantic Veil: By merging shadows with their own blood, the caster can create a protective veil around them. This veil absorbs incoming damage and converts mana absorbed into health regeneration for the caster.


    Crimson Eclipse: The caster summons a dark eclipse that blocks out light and creates an area of darkness. Within this area, the caster''s blood-based abilities are enhanced, and enemies are gradually drained of their health.


    Bloodshadow Phantasm: The caster creates a shadowy clone of themselves. This phantasm can attack enemies, causing confusion and fear with their attacks, while also having the ability to drain health and transfer it back to the caster.


    Dark Blood Pact: The caster forms a pact with the shadows giving a little of their own blood, temporarily increasing a shadows physical and magical abilities. However, this power boost comes at the cost of steadily draining their health over time, must be used on Bloodshadow Phantasm.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Abilities:]


    Minion Creation: Able to create minions from shadows and blood, these minions follow her commands and assist in battle. (3/3)


    Garmr Form: Able to transform into a garmr, a four-legged shadow beast, enhancing physical strength and agility.


    Feral Mode: When hunger exceeds a certain limit, she goes into berserk mode, mutating her appearance while increasing her stats by almost double.


    Bat Form: Able to transform into a shadow bat-like form that allows her to split into various small bat bodies, providing versatile movement and attack strategies. Serana can switch between each body at will.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Experience Points (XP): 2210/14200]


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    "Sounds like an ominous name. He does look strong, though," Alma said, standing between Serana and Lisa.


    "Now stop fighting. Let''s go. We have a lot to do, and we are probably the strongest of the three groups so we should be the ones progressing faster." Alma pulled both girls forward by the hand.


    Lisa sighed before using her light to illuminate a path forward. The shadow monsters did not like it, but they understood humans needed to see to move forward.


    Serana, on the other hand, decided to have her minion speed forward. They were unlikely to encounter trouble on the first floor and would be more helpful moving independently. Soon, only the three remained together, walking while following Lisa''s light. Each step echoed in the silence between them.


    "Say, Serana, how about you tell us your story? I am sure you are a demon of some sort. I want to know why you''re with Logan," Alma asked, hoping to fill the silence with Serana''s voice.


    "I will only if Lisa tells me what she feels for Master Logan¡­" Serana said in a cold voice.


    Alma wanted to facepalm. With the shadow monsters gone, there was nothing keeping Serana from thinking about her own feelings of jealousy.


    "Now, now, let''s first hear your story¡­" Alma kept trying to mediate the situation before the two girls fought.


    "Well¡­ I was a mindless beast before meeting Master Logan¡­ He helped me regain myself even if he¡­ had to kill my parents. After that, it was just me finding myself in the laboratory¡­ we were created by demons, experimenting on humans to turn into vampires¡­ and to create special mana crystals. You see¡­ demons and a few life forms can use other elements not found within the seven normal ones," Serana began to explain.


    "We were experimented on to find how to make those other elemental stones, to be able to power up the mana of those other unknown elements," Serana said with anger in her voice.


    "So¡­ you were created as a vampire?" Alma asked, trying to keep the uncomfortable conversation going.


    "Yes, I don''t have my human memories at least. My first real memory was seeing Master Logan." Serana nodded as the two girls looked at her with pity.


    "Are you angry with Logan for having killed your parents?" Lisa asked, having calmed down from her previous way of treating the tragic girl.


    "No¡­ they were mindless, in a feral state that couldn''t be regressed, unlike me¡­" Serana said as silence returned to the three.


    "Sounds sad, Serana. We will do what we can to let you see and have a better future at least. You deserve it," Alma said gently, patting the vampire''s shoulder.


    "Yeah, you should find happiness now that you are able to," Lisa also joined in, patting the girl''s shoulder.


    "So tell me, what should we do about Rubina? So far, she has been with Logan the most. We need to stop her from getting closer to Logan, don''t we?" Lisa said, directing her question towards Serana, who gave it some thought.


    "True, Miss Rubina is closer to Logan than I am¡­ we need to work together to fight her," Serana said with a little innocence in her voice while nodding.


    "Good, let''s get this labyrinth trip going then, kid," Lisa said with a bit of warmth in her voice.


    Alma stared at the two with confusion, she didn''t know why Lisa had changed her way of treating the girl.


    "Say, what happened?" she whispered near her ear. Find your next read at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Nothing, it''s just that I don''t think competing with a kid is the right thing. Rubina, though¡­ she is the real problem." Lisa winked.

 Chapter 179 A Teachers Turmoil

    The third group was far more active than the other two. They had entered the part of the dungeon where most of the monsters were created.


    The five Warks, riding on wolves, were slowly gaining many levels. Within them, Wohan and Wayana were now experienced warriors, able to slice monsters'' heads from on top of the wolves. The makeshift saddles were the only problem, since they were meant for griffins.


    "Charge!" Ms. Claire said behind the group. To keep up, she was on top of her own agile bird, which only had to stomp to kill the small weak creatures on this floor.


    Many of those were either goblins or some sort of small animals, such as horned rabbits. They were truly weak, but the crystals they gave were at least useful.


    "I think I can now wield a spear to kill from afar," Wayana said, taking out a weapon from a ring her master had given her.


    Before this, she only used daggers since she feared falling from her own wolf mount that moved so fast the wind force made her face look strange.


    Her father, on the other hand, had settled himself on Fenrir long ago. He was a natural warrior who gained combat skills easily, and he used two large scimitars created by Hero Ruben with perfect swordsmanship, slicing everything and anything in his path.


    His own wolf, Fenrir, did not let those they passed off without slicing them using wind. They weren''t only mounts but also deadly killing machines.


    Ms. Claire, on the other hand, saw how quickly the group had killed off what seemed to be a room filled with hundreds of creatures.


    The floor had stopped producing them after that, and now they had to busy themselves collecting the spoils of war.


    She was at least doing better than with the class. Being with the capable Warks was where she felt her skills were needed.


    Before, with the class, her orders could be defied because most of them were stronger than her. Her orders were ignored most of the time by Brian, for example, who would brush them off and break the spell that contained the magic-empowered words.


    "Rest!" Ms. Claire commanded, adding a small healing effect on the group as they calmed down to pick up the stones. The soothing energy from her words washed over them, easing their fatigue and mending minor wounds.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Claire Balia


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Class: Orator (Blessing: Wind / Light ) Level: 42 / Health: 582 / Mana: 814


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Attributes: Strength: 36 Agility: 34 Dexterity: 33 Constitution: 64 Intelligence: 78 Charisma: 69


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Skills:]


    Voice of Command: Claire''s voice can compel her audience to follow simple commands. This ability can even momentarily pacify enemies and inspire allies, or heal allies and cause status effects depending on the mana empowering a word.


    Silver-Tongued: Enhances Claire''s persuasive speech, making her almost impossible to resist. This ability also improves negotiations and gains trust quickly, can also cause enemies to change sides for a short period of time.


    Rhetoric Shield: By weaving protective words, Claire creates a shield of energy that can absorb magical and physical attacks. The strength of the shield depends on her charisma.


    Inspiring Oration: Claire gives a speech that boosts the morale and abilities of her allies, increasing their stats temporarily and providing resistance against fear.


    Debilitating Argument: Claire targets a single enemy with a powerful argument that weakens their resolve, decreasing their stats and causing hesitation in their actions.


    Eloquence Burst: Claire releases a burst of eloquent energy that disrupts the mana flow of enemies, reducing their mana regeneration and causing confusion.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Abilities:]


    Rhetorical Analysis: Able to analyze the weaknesses and strengths of enemies through detailed rhetorical dissection, gaining strategic advantages in battles.


    Silver Quill Conjuration: The Silver Quill can be conjured into different forms for different scenarios, such as a sword for battle or a pen for writing powerful scrolls.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Experience Points (XP): 2369/10600]


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Read new adventures at My Virtual Library Empire


    Ms. Claire then layered the word "Rest" with the word "Inspire" to keep everyone''s mood up and hasten stamina regeneration. She smiled as she learned something new.


    She now knew she needed to form her own group. It would need to be recruited helpers, those she could employ and strengthen, just like Logan''s beast.


    Her idea was still vague but necessary for her to gain her own power in this world. Alone, she couldn''t fight like the rest or use spells that would cause destruction. This was fine for her since she hated violence, but she also knew that the demons were going to get stronger. The revelation that a few million demons would soon arrive made her fear for the future, but it also forced her to focus ahead.


    "Ms. Claire? I think we are done here. We have found a dead end, so I think we need to head back and see which of the other two groups found the entrance to the next floor." Chloe, who had finished packing the last of the crystals, called out to the teacher who was deep in thought.


    "Yes¡­ we have rested enough as well. We should be good to go back¡­ hopefully, we can clear four or five levels, supposing this is just like the labyrinth in Dracone Ridge," Ms. Claire nodded and began giving the command to move out.


    "Your magic is amazing, Ms. Claire. It helps me clear my mind from all negative thoughts and make me focus on what''s ahead," Kai, who was next to Chloe, added as they were on their way back.


    "Well, it depends on who I am using it on¡­ sadly, it''s not good with the heroes who should have benefited from it the most. Being kids, they just do what they want," Ms. Claire sighed.


    "I might have a suggestion then¡­ Logan can bless those with a monarch skill. It will let you rule over a group. In your case, it will let those you command keep up with your growth, sharing a part of your hero abilities with normal folk. I think it will be a good choice if you decide to lead your own small army in the future," Kai said without giving it much thought.


    "Do you understand what that entails, Kai? She will have to be Logan''s tame¡­ think a little more before you suggest," Chloe said, lightly punching the boy''s shoulder. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ms. Claire thought about the suggestion, giving it more thought as they continued forward. The idea of becoming Logan''s tame was daunting, but the potential power it offered was undeniable.


    She weighed the pros and cons in her mind, knowing that she needed to find a way to make her abilities more effective in the battles ahead.

 Chapter 180 Tenth Floor

    Using the tactics of the first floor, the three groups spent the next two days reaching the ninth floor. It was terribly slow; Logan even wanted to go back to get more monsters to help them clear more floors faster, only to be told to hold on until they cleared the tenth floor.


    "Damn, we need someone to help create teleportation arrays. I doubt we will have enough time to get to the fifth floor without them," Alma said, grabbing her throat as the pain from singing so much started to accumulate.


    "At least the monsters didn''t stay so weak. After being cleared so fast on the first floor, the dungeon adjusted itself to our strength to keep us from progressing with ease," Logan said, sharing his thoughts.


    "I wonder if that will also affect how many floors this dungeon will have¡­" Lisa added as they entered the boss room.


    "Let''s talk later. Start getting ready; I see what looks like a dragonkin, four meters tall, around the length of Silis," Serana informed everyone as she was able to see the best from afar.


    Enjoy more content from My Virtual Library Empire


    "Wow¡­ we only faced one of those around the fortieth level," Lisa recalled, trying to buff everyone before the coming battle.


    "Just relax, we will finish this easily," Serana sneered, trying to keep everyone''s spirit up.


    As soon as the group went forward, they spotted what looked like a four-legged dragon. Its amber scales radiated like Silis before she evolved.


    "Earth elemental by the look of things," Logan called out, feeling excitement from fighting a dragon. He only wished he could have one of his own.


    Kai, on the other hand, felt a little fear¡ªjust enough to cause him to waver for a few seconds. His last encounter with such a beast was a near-death experience. Chloe, who saw how he had reacted, placed a hand on his shoulder.


    "It''s fine, we are stronger now. Let''s show everyone just how much we have grown since then," Chloe said, creating a spear. Kai did the same, but unlike before, the spear was formed around a crystal, allowing them to strengthen it at will.


    Wanting to leave the fears of his past behind, Kai was the first to rush forth, making Chloe facepalm at his actions.


    "Don''t just go alone, we still need to get buffed!" she said, creating a wall of earth just fast enough to cause the boy to trip.


    "Ouch! What was that for? I need to get in a hit to clear these feelings, you know." Kai rubbed his nose, which had hit the ground.


    "Kai, get a hold of yourself, we need to work together here," Logan said, casting a healing spell before getting ready to shoot a volley of darkness arrows, each one enveloped by both fire and wind magic.


    "When they hit, we go!" Logan yelled, releasing the arrows. They flew through the air like bullets, hitting the dragon in various scales, breaking some while causing devastation to others. And yet, the large beast did not bleed. If anything, it leaked a little bit of mana.


    "Tough cookie," Logan said, taking out his best whip. Like the others, he rushed forth. Serana''s minions were already working to cut one leg while the warks and wolves kept the dragon''s attention on them, jumping around to avoid its attacks and using earth javelins to slowly break its protective armor.


    Kai and Chloe, on the other hand, used their own javelins like high powered cannons, targeting the weakest points of the beast¡ªthe eyes, ears, and any other easily spotted weak areas.


    Overwhelmed by so many small creatures, the dragon flailed its tail, trying to keep them off while roaring.


    Logan took this as a chance to go in. He used Arcana Burst, his giant mushroom''s strongest skill, while tossing mana crystals around the dragon''s tail. The powerful explosions caused the large limb to recoil from the impact, stopping it in place.


    Seeing as the cave''s ceiling was six meters high, Logan manifested his wings. Lisa, on the other hand, had to keep healing. If she used Holy Nova, it would also harm Serana and her minions who were right in the middle of the fight.


    Using his whip, Logan charged in, trying to keep the dragon''s attention. The creature felt that Serana and her group were close to breaking one of its legs and was stomping around to keep them from continuing.


    Using Searing Whip on its snout was enough to keep its gaze on him. He flew around, trying to create webs to hopefully soon wrap them around its mouth.


    It was going well until the large dragon roared, but this time it added flames to the noise. Logan was caught off guard, thinking it was just a normal earth monster. He had to leave the webs and create Luna''s Glacial Veil, mixing it with Riptide''s Glacial Armor. The flames luckily only burned one of his wings and a part of his armor.


    Without one wing, he had to use Zephyr''s wind magic to keep from falling, creating a tornado to slow his descent. Lisa, on the other hand, created her own wings and jumped up to help him in time. She grabbed his hand, giving Logan enough time to manifest the lost wing.


    "Be careful, Logan." Lisa used healing magic to clear the burned skin on his back before Logan rushed forward again.


    "Thanks, but start helping the others, Lisa. Some of them need healing; those flames are intense," Logan yelled, as he did not have time to wait for a full recovery. He needed to distract the beast now more than ever; the flames it was spewing were being directed at Serana''s group.


    Filled with anger, Logan placed the whip back in his storage and created a knuckle of earth using Digger''s magic, which empowered its claws to dig through rocks. He rushed with his wings, using both magic and fire to propel himself forward, ready to punch the dragon in the face.


    Just before the strike hit, he used Voltar''s strongest spell, Thunder Strike, to add a paralysis effect. The hit caused the dragon''s face to twist to the side, stopping it from blowing its powerful fire breath.


    As it was about to retaliate, two of its legs had been dealt with, causing the beast to roll to the side, out of balance. Logan saw how Serana and her group were beginning to drain the monster of its mana, its body no longer able to keep up with the drain.


    "Your time is up, now give me a great reward," Logan said before using Mana Surge to join in on the feast of mana. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 181 Pause and Return

    Logan could only smile, seeing the large mana crystal twice his size. Everyone stared at him, waiting to see what he would choose to do with it. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Well, don''t just stare at me. We all defeated it together. What should we do with it?" Logan asked, wondering who to give it to. He thought that if it were given to one monster, it might raise their level to the late sixties.


    "I think¡­ we should give it to the Warks," Chloe pitched in, while Kai nodded. She felt they were lacking in the battle, so having all five nearing level fifty would be a good idea.


    As for Kai and Chloe, before they were tamed, they measured their stats in colors. Now, with Logan''s hero system, they noticed that they had a numerical value to their stats. Both Chloe and Kai were in their late fifties, so using the crystal would be a waste. At most, they calculated they would get to level sixty-two if they both used it.


    "Anyone else have a say in this?" Logan asked before doing what his two knights suggested.


    "I don''t mind, as long as we can clear the next floors faster," Ms. Claire pitched in. She was a little excited to use her skill on a stronger army. Your next journey awaits at My Virtual Library Empire


    "I basically just stood there¡­ so I don''t really have a say," Alma added while yawning.


    "Good then, Wayana, Wohan, it''s yours. Have the Warks use it; it should be enough to get the others to their next evolution," Logan beckoned them to come closer. While the girl and her father were already evolved, it would at least help them get stronger, hopefully reaching level fifty by the end.


    "I think we should stop our progress here. I have to get back and handle my town. Only after that should we return with Silvia, who could hopefully make teleportation arrays so we don''t have to walk from the first floor to this one and waste time," Logan suggested as everyone waited for the Warks to finish draining the large crystal.


    Everyone nodded, realizing that walking any further would mean wasting time. Their supplies were also limited, having been six days since they arrived. Adding in the three days to return, a total of nine days would be used, and their supplies would just be enough to get back.


    "Good, well at least we didn''t waste time going to the fortieth floor to fight such a beast. As for our class, we couldn''t go above the fiftieth floor, and that was with everyone fighting those beasts together," Lisa shuddered, thinking about how they almost died at the hands of the gargoyles that prevailed on that floor, especially the three largest ones that made it hard for the class to defeat with their coordinated attacks.


    "Yeah, I think we could take them now that we''ve evolved, but even then, we would need no less than twenty of us," Alma recalled the horror they experienced and survived with the help of the soldiers.


    "So you''re telling me we have to fight whatever you faced during the twentieth floor?" Kai asked, a little hesitant to keep going.


    "Probably¡­" Alma nodded while yawning again.


    "Well, we now know that the space is big enough for Scorch and Silis to enter, even if a bit crowded¡­ but they will be the firepower we need to keep going without problems," Logan said, noticing that the Warks were almost done with the crystal.


    "We should leave then. Staying here will probably cause the dungeon to spawn another beast to prevent us from going further," Ms. Claire warned, recalling what Theron the commander had told her before when they had taken too long on a certain floor in the labyrinth of Dracone Ridge.


    Having marked the return points, they exited the labyrinth in about a day. It was a long journey back, requiring many breaks and buffs to keep going.


    After that, they met the camp waiting outside. Ruri rushed forward, seeing the unspirited team that exited the labyrinth.


    "We have made a grand meal with the little we have so you can enjoy yourselves and relax!" She tried cheering everyone up while handing out pieces of fried meat in platters that made everyone''s stomachs growl with the scent of spices and meat.


    Logan had spoken to her just prior to leaving the dungeon to have the meal ready for when they got out.


    "Thanks, Ruri. As always, you know how to raise my spirits," Logan said, biting into his steak, making him feel alive again.


    The trip back took half the time it took them to find the labyrinth. Logan took to the sky with Zephyr to mark major landscapes to speak with Rubina about. They had yet to understand if it was part of his territory or if it belonged to the country to the north. So far, there were no man-made structures, meaning the land was not owned yet.


    Logan did see a fort on the other side of the mountain, only visible by using Sharp Vision, Zephyr''s useful buff that let him see even further away. He did not try getting close to it, wanting to know first if this was his part of land so that later it wouldn''t be contested.


    Three days later, they arrived back near his town. At first, Logan thought he was imagining things. The Warks village was larger, and his own town now had housing outside of parts of the walls. The rose-covered dome that still protected it seemed larger for some reason.


    Logan, who was in the sky, got closer to the dome as it opened a space for him to fly inside. His mansion was no more. He was confused as the area where it should have been was now covered by a large medieval castle. If his mansion was a yacht, the castle seemed to be a cruise ship. Logan just wanted to know why the radical change had happened without his consent.


    He rushed forward, hoping it wasn''t caused by an invasion.

 Chapter 182 The Royal Reception

    Logan quickly landed to check on the situation. He did not expect such a change in nine, almost ten, days. The castle walls were huge, fortress-like, and filled with crystals, making him wonder how they were embedded into the stone.


    As he was observing, someone came running from inside. It was Rubina and three others who Logan did not know.


    "You should have arrived from the main gate; it would have been better!" Rubina yelled.


    "Sorry to ruin my expected entrance, but what happened?" Logan asked, scratching his head.


    "A surprise from the townspeople, your monsters, and well, me. So go back with the caravan and enter normally again. Your townspeople and even the Warks are waiting to see your reaction," the red-haired girl said, gently pushing Logan away.


    "Fine, fine. We will be arriving in like half an hour or so, so prepare whatever you had planned," Logan sighed and took flight, getting on Zephyr''s back to exit before anyone else saw him.


    Soon, he was back with the group who were traveling back from the labyrinth. Everyone wondered why he returned, but he just placed a finger over his lips to silence them.


    "Whatever¡­ I am too tired to care right now," Alma said, placing a towel on her face. She thought it was just some joke until she heard cheering as they approached the town gates.


    "What the?" Alma removed the towel that acted as a blindfold, looking around a little scared.


    "Don''t worry, you will see¡­" Logan waved as the cheers rose in intensity. Unsure of what to do, he called out for Scorch, who was nearby the gate, and got on his back. Everyone knew Scorch was his mount.


    As the red dinosaur passed now with Logan on his back, the cheers grew, seeing the strength displayed by Logan. To make things even grander, Marie created large screens projecting from crystals, showing Logan walking towards his castle.


    Logan cast his wings to cause those around him to feel his power. He knew that it was no time to cower, as showing himself correctly would improve his citizens'' opinion of him.


    Lisa knew she couldn''t stay still now that they were back, especially with Rubina around.


    She created her own wings and gently stood behind Logan on Scorch. The dinosaur did not mind, as he was strong enough to probably lift twenty or thirty people.


    "Why are you¡­." Logan wanted to ask.


    "Don''t look at me like that. Keep waving, get used to this, Logan," Lisa said, patting his back to remind him to look normal.


    Using the long straight road that led from the gates to the new castle, the caravan kept moving forward. Lisa and the others who saw the majestic building now understood why Logan was forced to go back.


    "Your new home?" Lisa whispered in awe.


    "Seems so¡­ Digger and his colony must have done most of the final touches¡­ Marie sure taught them well¡­" Logan could now see why Rubina had him return.


    "That castle¡­ I wonder why that design," Logan muttered, face-palming as he saw a replica of a certain castle that appeared in a movie of a sleeping girl.


    "Well, if you want money, why not? It will be an iconic spot for years to come," Lisa said, admiring the detailed castle from a certain amusement park. Enjoy new tales from My Virtual Library Empire


    "Ugh¡­ I guess. I hope my room isn''t in that tower," Logan sighed as he continued forward, waving to those who stood in the final stretch of the long road. "Why did they place a gold road also¡­" Logan tried to keep a smile on his face.


    As soon as they finally arrived, fireworks were shot up, just high enough so they wouldn''t hit the thorn dome.


    "Well, at least everyone is happy," Logan said, seeing the cheering crowd that began forming around the castle.


    Rubina and those inside got close to Logan''s group as a day of celebration unfolded. Logan was made to give a speech as food and money were distributed. As soon as the celebration ended, Logan looked towards Rubina, who knew what he wanted to ask.


    "Well¡­ why didn''t you tell me earlier?" Logan fumed a little, as four hours were spent in the tiresome endeavor.


    "And have you miss the fun? No, I knew you would run. Now then, King, please tell us if you want to change the name of your capital or keep it. We also need a name for your new nation," Rubina asked as one of the guys who was with her nodded.


    "I¡­ haven''t given it proper thought. What do you all suggest?" Logan said, sitting at a large ovular table in a new meeting room made for the occasion. He was told to sit in his throne but still had to take everything in.


    "Think about it, Logan. It''s your city and nation; we don''t want problems by having someone else choose," Lisa said, and the others agreed with her suggestion.


    Logan sighed, knowing it was true. He began mumbling various words, wondering which one would fit.


    "For the capital¡­ Rosethorn, since we live protected under a huge thorny dome. And for my kingdom¡­ Highrule Kingdom, it should be fine, right?" Logan smiled as Lisa rubbed her temple, while Marie, on the other hand, clapped.


    "I have finished recreating games like those. They are in the arcade if you want to check them later. Of course, I will make a copy for you," Marie said in a low tone. She was, of course, talking about a certain RPG.


    "Well, you can have a little more time to think it over. We have sent news to all nearby countries. Of course, the Kingdom of Elris is a little mad, but seeing how they treated you at the start, they seem willing to accept it to make amends. We have sent a few crystals to show our appreciation," Rubina informed.


    "If I may, my name is Leonard. I have worked under the royal advisor of the Kingdom of Elris''s King. There will be no problem, or so I can say. They are economically in turmoil, and your crystal offerings will help them, but do think about the future when the demons are dealt with¡­" the young man bowed after saying his piece. He looked thin, frail, but with a face full of wisdom. His long greyish hair was braided back. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Welcome to my kingdom, Leonard. I hope we can form a trust-filled relationship¡­ anyways, just speak with me normally," Logan said, looking at the other two new employees.


    "My name''s Lydia. I will be the one in charge of the economy, sir. I hope we can speak later to find a sustainable solution to keep our finances healthy. I am not from these parts. I had worked with a lord from the north and heard about the job offering. He passed away, so I had to look for work." The lady was in her mid-twenties, with a stern but gentle expression when she spoke about what she liked.


    She had long amber hair like Chloe, letting Logan understand her core element. It was on the weak side by the look of things.


    "Welcome¡­ Lydia. I guess there is much to speak about. Let''s work on that later, though," Logan replied.


    The girl nodded, unable to take her eyes off her new boss. The young boy should have been in his late teens, but something changed him to look like the perfect man, radiating a look of maturity.


    The third guy also noticed that all of those around Logan looked strangely perfect, even if they weren''t heroes.


    "I am Ferris, the one appointed to be your herald as well as run the spy networks within your kingdom. I hope to work to keep your city safe and keep demons out," Ferris winked as he looked towards Rubina and Serena.


    "Of course, those you consider enemies," Ferris said in a whisper. Logan made a crystal appear within his hand, crushing it into pieces that made everyone look in amazement.


    "Good, you should understand. Please tell me if you need anything then," Logan nodded while smirking at Ferris, who bowed as if understanding the small warning Logan gave him.


    Logan did not just break the crystal for show; he redirected the mana using Kryst''s skill to empower the man who wielded darkness energy for his spy work. The short, black-haired man in his thirties tensed his muscles after feeling the energy well up in his core.


    "Understood, Sir. I will work hard!" he bowed sincerely this time.


    "Well then, I think we can start working on future plans. I was thinking about visiting Midar to see the goblins dwelling with Zephyr and Krexa. She will be needing a group of her own soon," Logan suggested. He had already blessed Krexa, but she never had the chance to find more of her kind; she just didn''t like going out.


    "About that, I think you should wait a little. It seems the king has sent someone over to speak. They will arrive within a few days. I think it''s best for us to show our power when whoever was sent arrives," Leonard, the new advisor, added.


    "Very well, I wonder who it will be," Logan mused, placing a hand on his chin.

 Chapter 183 Throne and Crown

    A while later, Logan was told to sit on his new throne. It was placed in a throne room, accessible straight from the large entrance.


    He went up the five steps that elevated his throne from the ground and sat on the throne made of polished stone and crystals. He knew it did not look as attractive as other seats made from gold and silk, but for him, it was beautiful. He appreciated the work put into it.


    "Well¡­ how do I look?" Logan asked, wondering what those standing below would say.


    "I think¡­ you need to work on it¡­ and you might need special clothes for sitting there, to improve your image," Lisa said, sizing him up.


    "Well, you also forgot one thing¡­" Rubina went up and took out a crown from her storage device. It was carefully crafted by Ruben, the best craftsman when it came to metals. The boy in question was also present, smiling as he saw his creation being used.


    As Logan wore the crown, he felt it strengthen him somehow. He looked toward Ruben for an explanation.


    "Well, you should know by now that we have¡­ game-like abilities. So why wouldn''t they also add special buffs to our equipment? My new class lets me infuse stats, as it now affects the soul of the wearer. The crown I created helps boost your intelligence stat while also improving the flow of mana and its conversion into different elements, so you can fire off spells faster and stronger. Also, it''s a living armor, so it grows with you... in a way, if you keep wearing it," Ruben joyfully informed, waiting for Logan''s reaction.


    "That is impressive, I indeed feel the effect right away." Logan took off the crown and placed it again. He loved the effect, but what this also meant was that he would have to wear it all the time to benefit from its living ability.


    "I guess we need to toast to this. Don''t act like it''s something normal," Alma said, having Ruri and other maids bring out juice and wine-glasses. Alma already had a band of musicians ready to play, and she began to sing.


    As everyone made merry, Logan had time to look around the room. He was amazed by the many stained glass windows embedded throughout the walls, wondering if this was possible by his tamed beasts. He knew that the glass was, in reality, elemental crystals that shone with their own power.


    "Say¡­ isn''t my castle just a bit too well done? I doubt my beasts could have done this," Logan asked, puzzled.


    "Of course not, they did help, but the true mastermind is Bobby. That workaholic is busy working on the underground dungeon. I told him you probably wouldn''t need it¡­ but he well¡­" Ruben shrugged, drinking with Wayana and Irma who were chatting it up near him.


    "Bobby? The hero of building? He is here?" Logan asked skeptically, wondering why so many heroes were in his town.


    "Yeah, he came a few days ago. I actually asked him to come before you left to find the labyrinth. As you know, I needed heroes to wear my equipment so I could finish my quest. Luckily, with you, Ms. Claire, Lisa, Alma, Marie, Silvia, and Bobby, I finished a portion of my quest. The other part was just sending weapons to those who asked for them. As soon as they got them and you all wore them, it was completed," Ruben explained.


    "I see¡­ so that is why this place looks so refined¡­" Logan nodded, giving his castle another look. The smooth polished surfaces, wooden flooring, arches, and stained glass windows were indeed more than his creatures could have made.


    "Ah, I did forget to tell you¡­ You must ask Bobby for the key to this castle later. Just like my own living weapons, this place is somewhat living in nature also. Only the owner can live here, so it''s something important you must do later," Ruben said before speaking with the girls again.


    Logan, tired of sitting, got up to join the others. They seemed hesitant to come up due to him sitting on the throne, making him feel distant.


    "So how does it feel, being a king and all that?" Lisa asked the boy as he got closer to their group.


    "A bit lonely. You all didn''t come near¡­" Logan said, acting sad.


    "What do you expect? The spot looks too lavish for a commoner like me," Lisa bowed to him playfully before standing next to Logan.


    Rubina didn''t let this slide and also got closer.


    "I know we didn''t do this today¡­ but did you perhaps have plans to have people come in and do a banquet or something, Rubina?" Logan asked, wondering why they hadn''t invited anyone else to the castle.


    "Well, you might have forgotten, but we have no nobles. We are just too small of a nation for that. But we have invited others once you have been officially recognized by our two surrounding nations. Don''t think they will accept this warmly; they will only come to ask things of you in return. I think it will be good to gather some crystals to appease them. Maybe with enough money or crystals given out, they will even sell you land. Talk about this with Leonard later, though. We need to get the labyrinth under our control as soon as possible," Rubina suggested, getting even closer to Logan as if whispering in his ear.


    Lisa''s cheeks almost puffed in anger as she tried to contain herself. She patted Logan hard on his back, making him wonder why.


    "So, you still have to tell us where our new rooms will be. How about we take a tour of the castle¡­ alone," Lisa said, squinting at Logan and almost ordering him to accept.


    "Sure¡­ I don''t know the area well, but I guess it will be good to see how much everything has changed," Logan replied. Explore more stories with My Virtual Library Empire


    Alma, on the other hand, laughed at his incompetence to see how the two girls were blatantly fighting over him. She knew she had to intervene before things got ugly.


    She got closer to Logan and placed her arm around his neck, pushing him forward.


    "You don''t mind telling me where my own room is, right, Logan? I am very tired. And seeing as two certain girls can''t do something this simple¡­ I might just have to teach them how to do things," Alma said while pulling him towards the grand staircase that would take them to the upper floors.


    "Alma?" Lisa called out, chasing behind her. Rubina, on the other hand, stood there shocked, wondering why she didn''t just do that earlier. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 184 Future Conflict

    "So, you''re telling me¡­ the kid we sent up north¡­ the taming hero is trying to separate his territory!" King Holven glared at his advisor, Theron, and all those who suggested the idea of sending the hero away.


    "Well¡­ we may lose a bit of land, but it''s worth it to have him away from the grasp of the other heroes¡­" one of the voices said, trying to make the situation seem smaller than it was.


    "And tell me¡­ now that we have heard he has an army of powerful monsters, who will oppose him? Especially when they killed demons not once, but twice?" the king said in a stern tone towards his so-called advisors.


    "Well¡­ maybe he will want to return and give us back the land?" another voice called out.


    "Do you really think I will just keep accepting those excuses? He found a damn crystal mine, damn it. How else is he getting so many crystals? Can someone here tell me? Can one of you tell me where he is amassing economic power to put us under him?!" Holven spat out, trying to stay in his seat after yelling. He tried to control his breathing.


    "But your majesty, it might be just one of his beasts'' abilities¡­" another voice called out weakly.


    "Enough! Theron. Tell me, you were one of the ones that pushed the hero out the most. How will you fix this? I will ask this from each one of you." Holven said, going straight to the problem.


    "Your majesty, I can''t. I apologize, but it was what I saw at the time, a necessary step." Theron clenched his fist, not knowing what to say.


    "Anyone else¡­ care to add anything? I need an answer, not more apologies!" Holven said angrily.


    "I¡­ advise making terms for giving the land. Maybe we can benefit from having him give us crystals as a priority, and then after the war, we could focus on reclaiming it," a lord who previously suggested Logan be separated from the class spoke out.


    It was then that a voice rang out from somewhere in the back.


    "Problems with Logan, huh?" Brian said, clapping his hands.


    "I guess ganging up on a boy is how you do things here," Jonathan added, sitting near Brian.


    "What are you three doing here? You surely don''t think we will do anything to your friend, right?" someone within the crowd in front of the king said, scared of the heroes'' retaliation.


    "Friend? The guy who didn''t help us with the demons? Well¡­ it wouldn''t have mattered even if he came¡­ but he did take those heroes that we needed for battle away," Brian clenched his fist, thinking how Lisa had run off to help the boy instead of staying with the group.


    "But don''t mind that. We heroes should be together. Instead, that guy Logan has separated half the class already. I don''t think we should allow that. I even heard a rumor that some of those around him have already been tamed," Brian added, having heard news that some of Logan''s close aides were showing power and changes comparable to heroes.


    "Why don''t we three go up there and visit our ''friend'' for his transgressions? You will have to pay, though," Brian said, making an offer that the others began to accept.


    "Well, not unless we want infighting and hasten the demons'' arrival to destroy us while we fight. We should leave that for later and plan it out. What the hero of taming did well was inform us that the demons were getting ready to make gates to the demon realm. Within months, we will be infested by millions of demons. We need to get ready for that, so let''s forget the hero of taming for now," Holven tried getting the reins of the situation back on track, knowing that a fight between heroes would only cause problems.


    "Alright¡­ I doubt we will be weaker than Logan either way, but you will have to pay more if he does get stronger." Brian said before getting up to leave with George and Jonathan. Some wanted to accept his offer before he left, but the choice was ultimately the king''s.


    "Sir, we could¡ª"


    "Don''t even think about it. Millions of demons will come. I have already made the mistake of sending the boy away, plus my daughters are already on their way there to mitigate your mistakes. I just hope they will return safely." Holven placed a hand on his face, knowing he was ultimately at fault for not stopping things earlier. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After Brian left the throne room with George and Jonathan behind him, the three wanted more information about what Logan was doing now that he had many of the class''s girls in his territory.


    "How did the runt get them to go help him? Did looking like a girl bring them, or did being weak do the trick?" Brian punched a nearby wall, making some maids cry out in fear.


    "I think it was the second choice. They always have to care for the weak ones," George spat out.


    "Now, now, we are scaring these beautiful ladies. Don''t worry, we are mad about not having anything worthy to fight with. You should all return," Jonathan tried to have the maids go back to their duties. Enjoy more content from My Virtual Library Empire


    "So, what do you think we should do to get back at Logan?" Brian said, addressing his friends who were now seated on a large room''s sofa to rest.


    "I doubt we will lose to his monsters, but we should find something to kill and level faster. I want to be the first to reach the next job change. You saw the message, right? The one who changed first got a reward. I don''t think they got any random item either," Jonathan added.


    "True, we can squash the bug later, and when I do¡­ it will be when he least expects it, plus his monsters should give better experience points when that happens right?" Brian called in his first mistress before waving off to his two friends.


    "I will be having fun. Let''s meet tomorrow to see what we can kill. Make sure you''re not late; we need to be the first to reach the next job change," Brian reminded the two.

 Chapter 185 Name Your Price

    Logan had too much to do after returning from the labyrinth, so much planning to do and also working with his new advisors, each of them were useful in forming his new kingdom.


    His only saving grace was that even if he did not train, the mana in the form of experience was given by his creatures who not only absorbed it from crystals but from killing for food.


    Logan had also placed large crystal farms outside of his castle to feed the creatures who would be prey for his tamed monsters, making the experience even richer.


    Just as he was about to get up to eat, he was told someone had come to meet him as the king.


    "Oh, who is it this time?" Logan said, placing his hand on his chin while sitting on his throne. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "It is¡­ Princess Vianell and young Princess Myrea¡­ from the Kingdom of Elris," Leonard reported as Ferris soon announced their arrival.


    "We present Princess Vianell, First Princess of the Kingdom of Elris, and Princess Myrea, Second Princess of the Kingdom of Elris. They are welcomed to Rosethorn, the heart of the Kingdom of Highrule, and to his majesty, King Logan."


    Rubina, Lisa, and most of the important people quickly stopped what they were doing and joined him in the throne room, knowing this was probably going to be an important meeting.


    The two girls took their time to stand in front of Logan, walking slowly with a large entourage of guards, maids, and an advisor behind them.


    "We greet you, Hero of Taming, and recognize your separation from the kingdom¡­" Vianell said, bowing slightly.


    Myrea, as always, silently observed. Logan was interested in her point of view, as she did not speak but seemed to have something more going on in her thoughts.


    "Just Logan will be fine. You are both the first two who treated me well. I welcome you to my new kingdom. Now, I know we have our differences to settle, so let''s go to my meeting room. I think I will find it far more enjoyable to speak face to face." Logan got up, and everyone followed him to the meeting room next to the throne room.


    "You have such a beautiful castle, Logan¡­ I wonder how you managed to create it in such a short amount of time," he heard Vianell say from behind him. He only took a small glance but saw the glint in her eyes as she looked around.


    "I have many creatures, you see¡­ some can make a house in mere hours and are taught to not only create them but make them in a form of art. They are currently working on my dungeons¡­" Logan added the last part to warn that he would not take well to being seen as a weakling or a lesser in negotiations.


    "I¡­ wouldn''t dare, Logan. We only came to accept you as a new king, and negotiate," Vianell said, staring at the daring boy who had changed so much, thanks to her father and his advisors.


    "I wasn''t directing those words to you, princess. You should know who it would be directed to, but I also extend a friendly hand in peace, for now." Logan finally stood before the meeting room as a guard opened the door to let them in.


    "Good. Now, let''s speak as equals. We will need to work out the details so we can move forward. As you know, the demons will come in millions, and I need to prepare my own forces," Logan continued.


    As soon as everyone sat down at the round table with originally twelve seats, they began to speak.


    "So, first off, you have accepted our kingdom. We would like to negotiate the land we will keep, and we would also like to purchase additional land," Logan began, having already been informed of the zones they needed after his advisor took a tour in the sky to see what would be good additions for their kingdom.


    "Sure thing. We can''t accept it right away, but I am sure if we open communications with my father, he will have an answer to them right away," Vianell nodded as her team began to wait for Logan''s explanation.


    "Well, let''s start then. This is a map of the territory I want to have and the parts I want to purchase. I won''t extend much knowing your kingdom''s size. I will also be buying from our neighbors to the north. I only want peaceful negotiations, so please make sure you clarify that part," Logan began. He used a hologram Marie embedded in a crystal using her magic of illusion, which impressed the princesses and their entourage.


    "To think you already have such¡­ technology. How much would it cost to be given such wonderful¡­" Vianell was more impressed with what she was seeing than the content spoken. She knew it would be revolutionary for the war situation.


    "It isn''t my personal magic, but it does use the crystals I produce, and yes, I do produce these and any crystals found in my kingdom," Logan clarified, knowing that if they knew he had a mine, they would want to invade him for that.


    "Produce crystals?" someone within the group called out in an incredulous tone.


    "Sure, they are actually two species of monsters that I have especially for this. Don''t ask more, please. I know every nation has a secret or two, right?" Logan winked while keeping the conversation forward.


    Read latest stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    "About the lands, we will need to set a price. They seem to be woodlands and not near a major border of one of our nobles, so they will most likely be accepted. Now, how will payment be done and how much are you offering?" Vianell asked after speaking with her people.


    "We can pay in crystals or money, you decide. We have already worked a stable chain with the empire a few days ago; they will be buying crystals in bulk. So I will ask you to name your price, and I will pay it," Logan said with a smile. He wanted the Kingdom of Elris to know that they had enough money to pay any amount they would ask.


    "I will work the details with my father then. Give me a few hours. Now then¡­ what will be your compensation for us giving you your kingdom¡­" Vianell said, trying to word it as gently as possible.


    "Name your price, we will pay," Logan said without batting an eye. He knew he would have to pay them to keep them off him for now. He needed to amass more power to fight any kingdom off in the future.

 Chapter 186 Relaxing and Training

    Given time to think about the proposal, Vianell was free to check out the town. To make things simpler and safer for her and Myrea, who wanted to explore the town, they were guided by Lisa and Alma, whom they knew well.


    Back when they were in the capital city of Midar, they enjoyed walking and talking with each other as friends. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "It''s good to see you again, Saintess Lisa. I actually wanted to come to see how you and Hero Alma were doing," Vianell said after hugging both of them. Myrea also reached out to hug them both.


    "Yes, we are doing fine here. The city is probably unlike anything you have seen before, so I hope you enjoy your stay," Lisa said while they walked through the busy street under the comfortable shade of the vines above.


    "Yes, it is unique to be under such an imposing dome. I wonder if it''s just one creature or if it''s many¡­" Vianell wondered as she looked at the green covering over them with many red flowers.


    "Oh, it''s just one creature¡ªScarlet, to be precise. She is Logan''s first tamed beast," Lisa informed as they were getting close to a caf¨¦ the girls enjoyed visiting.


    "And this is probably my favorite caf¨¦. Please order whatever you want; we will cover the expense," Lisa said to the princess as they were given a menu. The waitress, dressed in cat ears and anime-themed clothing, looked a bit surprised and scared.


    Vianell, seeing the distressed girl, just waved and asked Lisa for a recommendation.


    "Sure, if you want, we can order various dishes, and you can take some with you. How about we start with some ice cream and see how you like it before we go on with pastries?" Lisa suggested.


    "I will just have the usual," Alma said, as they knew her taste already from being a regular customer.


    "So¡­ now that we are settled¡­ tell me, how are you really doing, and what are your plans for now? I was asked by the church for the latter, so please do give me two versions: one as a friend and another for those old guys," Vianell asked Lisa while they waited.


    "I am doing great. As with most in the class, we are in our second job class, so in terms of strength, we are far stronger. We do worry about the future, but for now, we are slowly building what we can. As for the future¡­ we will be getting ready to go to the empire in the coming months to help aid in the large battle happening. We will head with Logan now that we have stayed here, and he even helps us train and level up with crystals, which is nice," Lisa said, showing a radiant smile.


    "Hmm¡­ I knew you had some feelings for the boy. Did you do something about that yet, or is there nothing going on yet?" Vianell asked, wanting gossip.


    "Er¡­ well, we are working on it. I just want to get over the war before progressing, but yeah, I am doing well in that front¡­ Was it that obvious though?" Lisa said, feeling a little shy.


    "Why wouldn''t it be? Back during the first banquet, you two just kept looking at each other," Vianell added.


    The girls continued their conversation as the day went on. Logan, on the other hand, made other plans for the coming days.


    "So, what do you think? Do we have enough to pay the asking price?" Logan asked, seated on his throne again, feeling more comfortable with each passing day.


    "Yes, your majesty, we have more than enough. I think they will ask for more later, but for now, this is fine. However, we will need to earn more for the coming deal with the Kingdom of Veridith," Leonard replied.


    "Well, it''s fine. I will do something about that soon," Logan smiled thinking about a few future ventures he could delve in to earn money.


    "Anyways, is that all we have planned for today? I need to get training. I can''t fall behind the others, especially when my own monsters will be fighting in the fields," Logan said, getting up and stretching before leaving.


    "Alright, your majesty. I will work on anything that may happen. Please don''t return late," Leonard warned before returning to his tasks.


    Having been told he was free to go, Logan began going up the stairs into the tower where he manifested his wings and flew outside towards the training field.


    He saw how Chloe and Kai were sparring. It was a beautiful display of swordsmanship as they clashed using two scimitars.


    The one guiding them was Voltar, who was observing them like a sensei, noting and correcting their errors.


    Logan landed a bit further away, taking his time to look around. The soldiers were also working with monsters to create better cavalry units. Ms. Claire was giving out orders to make their movement more coordinated and refined.


    Logan then began checking through spells before choosing four to use today. He wanted to train using not only magic but also his mana regeneration and recovering the mana from spells that did not hit. This would allow him to sustain long fights with many enemies.


    Using Aqua Shield to create orbs of water and then Septa, his turtle''s Elemental control, Logan made the orbs act like shields that turned into a thin veil around him, spreading like a bubble.


    He then used Elemental Rejuvenation to absorb the spell he had cast previously, recovering the mana used.


    Discover more stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    "That went well¡­ only lost about 3/4ths of the original spell. Now, how about with something faster or harder to control?" Logan mumbled while using the same spell but now with Cyclone Vortex, creating a layer of razor-sharp winds around him in a bubble. Even the earth around him began to be sliced away.


    He did the same and used Elemental Rejuvenation to absorb the mana, but this time it failed. The winds lost some control during the process, and he had to cancel it.


    "Nope¡­ only absorbed a third of the spell¡­ It''s hard to do without thinking about how to direct the winds and concentrate on their form while finally adding the last spell to absorb them," Logan sighed but did not give up. He wanted to try again before noticing that everyone around him was staring in amazement.


    "That¡­ was crazy, Logan¡­ No way I want to train with you if you can make a bubble of swords that slice anything in their path¡­" Kai said, coming next to him.


    "Well, that is not even the worst I can probably do," Logan thought about showing off what he believed was the strongest he could do.


    He began creating an orb of light from the magic Holy Nova that everyone now knew as his deadliest spell and then formed it into a thin bubble like before.


    As soon as the floor was designated as an enemy, it was not even given the time to be expelled from the orb; it seemed like it was swallowed by some eerie void.


    Kai wanted to see what it would do to his earth lance and acted like he was going to poke Logan, but it was eaten up as soon as it touched the orb, making the rest of the lance disappear from the powerful magic.


    "I give up," Kai raised his hands.


    "No, you still have one more test¡­ come closer, Kai," Logan sneered, looking at the frightened boy.


    "Do I have to¡­" Kai placed a finger close to the orb. Only his fingernail touched it when he felt a healing sensation. He then placed the rest of his bruised hand inside and saw how it began to heal.


    "Come here, give me a hug!" Kai ran forward, causing Logan to cancel the spell and hold on to Kai''s forehead.


    "I am not into guys, man." Logan pushed him lightly as those around him laughed.

 Chapter 187 King of Highrule

    "So, do you have your answer?" Logan asked from his throne during the evening of the same day.


    "Yes, we have called the king and accept the amount given. We would also like to make a special trade route with your kingdom," Vianell said, having changed clothes and looking refreshed after a shower in Logan''s mana spring baths. It was a part of the castle that even the commoners could enter to shower in the mana-rich water.


    Of course, they separated it into parts so Logan and those within the castle could enjoy themselves without having to be near so many people who filled the general public section during the evening.


    "Very well, Lydia, if you will," Logan said. The one in charge of finances began giving the princess three small rings. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "One is filled with coins, another with crystals, while the third is a separate amount for the new territories," Lydia bowed before going back to her place.


    "Then our negotiations are completed, Hero of Taming and new King of Highrule. May your rule be long and prosperous," Vianell bowed slightly.


    "That is good. We will have a grand banquet with my citizens tomorrow. You are free to join or return," Logan smiled as he concluded the deal. Stay tuned for updates on My Virtual Library Empire


    "It''s fine, we will be returning soon. We have to prepare the other heroes who are still with us," Vianell bowed again before getting ready to retire for the night.


    Logan saw how Lisa and Alma joined her as they were probably going to have a great girls'' night party.


    "So, what do you think, Rubina? Did things go as expected?" Logan asked one of his most trusted companions.


    "Yes, very well indeed. Now stop acting like a distant king. Let''s go play that game Marie just finished. I want to finish building my house in Your Sims and see if my character will finally have its child," Rubina said, pulling Logan to the gaming room in his mansion, which was probably the most expensive room in the world, having supercomputer crystals that Marie finished building.


    They were living crystals, making Logan wonder if they were getting closer to making robots.


    After a long session of gaming, Logan noticed someone following him around as he was heading back to his room. He wondered why she was always like this, quiet but always with a weird way of staring at people.


    "You know¡­ you can just go up to people and say what you want. You''re still a kid, so they will comply with what you want," Logan said out loud.


    He saw how the girl was trying to decide whether to come forward or go back with her sister.


    "I know your guard is always with you, so you shouldn''t be scared of me. Just tell me what you want," Logan said, wondering why she hadn''t noticed the blue-haired knight who always followed her and Vianell.


    "Fine, you caught me. I just want to know if you are a danger to us¡­ I need to tell my father the truth¡­" Myrea finally stepped out from a corner, looking up at Logan.


    "Why would I want to be a danger to you? I just want what everyone here wants¡ªpeace¡­ and quiet if possible," Logan yawned, wondering why the young girl was so overprotective of her kingdom.


    "I know what the rest think¡­ I knew it since they arrived. But you¡­ I can''t understand what you think. I can''t hear you," Myrea said, making Logan wonder what she meant.


    "Do you perhaps have¡­ psychic powers?" Logan asked, wondering if she was like his monkey in a way.


    "Psychic powers?" Myrea repeated, not understanding.


    "I think it will be better to show you. Come," Logan beckoned not only to the girl but also to her guard near a window.


    Logan, on the other hand, called his monkey who would no doubt be sleeping.


    "What, master¡­ I am tired¡­" Darv said from his barn.


    "I will give you stones, now come," Logan ordered using his mental link.


    "Fine¡­ better be many," Darv responded before running to the large castle and easily lifting his body using his power.


    Logan asked his two guests to stand a little away from the window as the monkey floated up, scratching his butt.


    "Right¡­ sorry about that. This creature¡­ he probably shares your power," Logan explained, facepalming.


    "My power¡ª" the girl stopped speaking after hearing a voice in her head she did not expect.


    "Well¡­ I guess you two are talking now," Logan nodded, watching his monkey closely.


    They noticed how each one introduced themselves with actions. They both bowed before having some kind of inner monologue. It was strange to see them laughing and smiling while nodding as if speaking without words.


    Logan tilted his head to the side, wondering if that is how people saw him these days. He would usually speak to Lisa and Rubina using their telepathic link most days.


    He shrugged while looking at the knight, who was eyeing the monster warily.


    "No need to be scared. He would probably be too lazy to even try killing. He was sleeping, so he looks a little menacing, but he''s a friendly fellow," Logan whispered to her.


    "Right¡­ well, I wonder how a monster shares our young princess''s power¡­" the knight looked perplexed, wanting information.


    "Oh¡­ well, there are more than seven magics in this world. The seven are just the most used, but I know, for example, that vampires use blood magic. Think of young princess Myrea''s power as something similar," Logan nodded while explaining.


    "I see¡­ more than seven¡­ Try not to spread that right now. We need people to have faith in the seven great spirits," the blue-haired knight said in a stern tone before taking a few steps back.


    "Fine¡­" Logan shrugged, wondering if there was a difference but accepting the suggestion.


    It was some minutes later that both the monkey and the princess finished their long conversation.


    "Well, I understand you now, Logan. Please be a little more gentle with my friend here," Myrea said before going back with her knight.


    "Well¡­ are you going to tell me what that was about?" Logan asked his monster.


    "No, but you still owe me crystals, master," Darv said, grinning.


    "Fine¡­ here. Now go back to sleep," Logan handed over the crystals he had ready.

 Chapter 1 - 1: Otherworld Conflicts – Prologue

    "The Kingdom of Elris shall perform the rite of summoning on the seventh day of the first month during the Year of Darkness. This world will find salvation, for the spirits will return and aid in bringing peace to the future days of chaos."


    The Oracle of the Temple of the Seven Spirits finally received the long-awaited message.


    She tried to clear the hallucinogenic fog that numbed her senses by waving her palm back and forth in front of her face, but it took several seconds for her thoughts to return to reality. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As soon as she regained control of her body, she hurriedly called out in a hoarse voice for a nearby assistant. "Alfine, quickly pass this to¡­"


    Unable to speak any further, the Oracle swiftly wrote down the crucial message delivered by the spirits, whom she and many others regarded as deities, and handed the paper to the young girl waiting.


    After skimming its contents, the youth hurried out of the room, knowing exactly what she had to do.


    Alfine pushed the doors aside with considerable force and swiftly cast a barrier and a light orb with magic before descending the stairs from the highest point of the continent''s largest mountain.


    The young priestess continued running, undeterred by the pitch-black night or the snowflakes that occasionally passed through the barrier, numbing her extremities.


    She was heading to where the cardinal was in the lower temple.


    Inhaling heavily, she finally arrived at the temple''s gates and pounded on the heavy, metal doors.


    The doors were quickly opened by two strong, two-meter-tall armed priests with stern expressions, but the priestess raced past them, disregarding any warnings shouted in her direction.


    Alfine eventually made it to the vast monastery''s center chamber, where the Cardinal was known to spend his time in prayer.


    She was fortunate to find the elder there, meditating in front of the seven statues representing each of the revered spirits.


    The elderly man, dressed in an exquisite white robe, didn''t seem the least bit upset by the sudden commotion the young priestess had caused.


    Instead, he mumbled a few prayers before rising to hear what she had to say.


    "I humbly apologize for my abrupt intrusion, but Miss Ermeya, the Oracle, provided this message for you, Cardinal Hesvalt." The girl lowered her face as she handed over the paper that had been given to her and waited for the elder to finish reading.


    "What is...this about?" Initially calm, his expression gradually altered as he continued to read the letter.


    Much like the girl who had hurried to deliver the message, it was now his duty to pick up the pace and immediately spread the word to the kingdoms under the church''s influence.


    He was ecstatic that the time had come to confront the demons, as it meant believers would once again reign over this world.


    Several months had passed since then.


    The air was thick with anticipation as preparations began, for today was the day of prophecy. The Kingdom of Elris buzzed with activity, as everyone from the highest nobles to the simplest peasants contributed to the cause.


    Rumors of the coming confrontation with the demons had spread far and wide, bringing both hope and fear to the hearts of the continent''s people.


    Cardinal Hesvalt had been tireless in his efforts to ensure that the message was delivered to every corner of the church''s influence. He now gathered the best minds and the bravest warriors of the continent, all actions undertaken under the watchful eyes of the spirits.


    Every temple bustled with activity; priests and priestesses, who had worked around the clock, were now giving their last bit of strength to finish the preparations for the ritual that would summon the hero with the help of the spirits.


    The main setting, the Kingdom of Elris, was a nation far from the war''s front lines, but it was the one chosen to call the hero.


    It had everything ready for this momentous occasion.


    In a luxurious room within this kingdom, a king paced back and forth by himself throughout the entire ordeal, his face as sweaty as his palms.


    He looked disheveled as he considered all the obligations he had to fulfill.


    By summoning a hero, his country gained not only the greatest strength but also the envy of many other countries on the continent.


    "Why should I be the one to receive the hero out of all the rulers in this age?" he murmured to himself before placing a golden crown over his head.


    He reflected on what he had been entrusted with and resolved to guide the new hero and nurture him to be humanity''s savior, for he, too, had something to lose¡ªa son who was already on the front line in the ongoing and terrible war.


    Everything was set: the summoning room was ready, the magicians were in place, the guards were waiting, and his daughters had been dispatched to manage the upcoming situation.


    The king took one more long breath before opening the door that would take him to the throne room, which held the largest crowd he had ever encountered.

 Chapter 2 - 2: The Summoning

    Logan was a typical adolescent; nothing about this sixteen-year-old boy particularly stood out.


    Nothing about him was unique, not the straight hair that fell to his shoulders and constantly covered one of his eyes or the beanie he wore to keep a few strands of his rich chocolate brown hair in place, hiding a portion of his face from the rest of the world.


    Certainly not the dull-colored hoodies he alternated when one of them got dirty, and most definitely not the faded denim jeans he chose from the limited selection in his closet.


    Logan used this image every day to represent who he was¡ªa loner who enjoyed leading a solitary existence.


    Away from people and any situations that could trigger sentimentality.


    Logan had had enough of this one specific feeling; if his parents'' early divorce hadn''t left a lasting impression, it had to have been leaving behind a close friend with whom he had spent more than half of his brief life growing up, only to re-meet as strangers.


    That certainly couldn''t be the cause, could it?


    Perhaps it was the unintentional death of his eight-year-old dog, who raced out of the house to welcome him after school, only to be hit by a car.


    The youngster was therefore sick of it¡ªrelationships that only resulted in unhappiness, the anguish of losing something dear, the anxiety of losing what you still have, the pity of knowing you have no control over anything, and eventually, the loneliness.


    This cycle made Logan into the person he is today¡ªa young boy who stands outside his classroom and peers out a window towards the athletic fields, where a forest stretches far beyond the reach of the eye.


    The morning was dominated by a gloomy cloud that stained the sky with drab shades of gray, creating the ideal representation of a typical autumn day.


    The yellow and orange of withering trees pervaded the fields and woodland, making the cold morning breezes feel much chillier than they should.


    However, none of this could be savored as the first morning bell rang, warning the youngsters to hurry to class.


    Logan didn''t move from his spot though.


    Instead, he turned up the volume on his phone to drown out the noises of the rushing children making their way to their classroom, the deep bass popping through his headphones.


    The boy remained still while gazing through the huge rectangular glass crystal.


    After a while, he realized he had to get ready.


    He took several deep breaths, perhaps trying to take in the fresh air that was only there in his field of vision. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Five minutes had passed since the first bell, and now the second warning bell rang.


    It was time for him to start moving as his surroundings were now empty, void of all the students who had been standing around just a few minutes ago.


    The only sounds present in the long school hall were the squeaking sneakers of someone running at a distance and a random teacher yelling about.


    Logan didn''t need to worry, though, because, without any interruptions, he had thirty seconds to get to the window from his seat.


    Naturally, he had acquired this information through repetition and today was no different.


    Just as the final bell rang, he managed to make it to his seat barely in time.


    The moment had come for him to forfeit his freedom, and he sat down as swiftly as possible.


    At that point, the teacher standing by the door quickly looked outside before shutting it.


    She cleared her throat softly before calling out to everyone and extending a friendly greeting.


    "Good morning, everyone. I''m delighted to see that no one is running late. So before we start today''s lecture, let''s take a quick roll call." Ms. Claire began the class as usual, flashing a bright smile that caught the attention of many of the boys.


    While waiting for his name to be called, Logan began to reflect on his teacher''s excited and sincere demeanor.


    Initially, she had a difficult time managing a class of teenagers because she was one of the school''s youngest lecturers.


    However, after a few months into the new semester, the students began to accept her.


    "Logan... Logan!" Finally, Logan heard the teacher shouting his name, and with each repetition, the voice grew louder.


    The boy, whose head was drooping and who was on the verge of dozing off, lifted his head from his crossed arms, which made for a comfortable pillow.


    He had completely forgotten about the roll call ordeal.


    "Present!" Logan cleared his throat, trying to sound inattentive. This didn''t fool the teacher, who glared at him for a few seconds, causing a few of his classmates to snicker.


    "Logan, if you don''t sit up, you''ll fall asleep." The teacher tapped her pen as she awaited his response.


    "Yes, ma''am!" Logan yelled out, trying to protect himself from any further damage from this incident.


    The young teacher gave Logan one last severe look before getting back to calling names from her notebook.


    Although the shame he felt likely played a role, Logan didn''t have any trouble staying awake for the remainder of the morning.


    The surge of heat that rushed into his neck and back didn''t seem to settle, though.


    Logan let out a heavy sigh and scanned the room to forget what had just happened.


    A girl seated a few rows in front of him caught his wandering glance.


    Lisa had a wonderfully contoured profile face, or at least Logan thought so. She had long, light ash-brown hair with a hint of gold mixed in that was neatly pulled up into a bun.


    Her thin brows framed two exquisitely shaped, deep-set eyes with hazel-colored pupils.


    She had a small snub nose and glossy, tiny red lips that, like the rest of her face, were lightly coated with makeup.


    Lisa was someone the youngster had known well in the past, but now she was a stranger to him.


    At the beginning of the school year, they had only a few interactions, and he believed that none of them had shown she wanted to talk to him.


    Furthermore, what would the class beauty see in him now?


    He was a guy who was clearly a shadow of his former self and at the bottom of the school''s social circles.


    Upon reflection, there were seven students in the class who stood out from the crowd, being unusual or popular.


    In addition to Lisa, who was considered beautiful by all accounts, her close friend Alma wasn''t far behind her in terms of looks.


    Seated beside Lisa, Alma was taking care of her nails.


    She couldn''t paint them in class, but she enjoyed using an odd heart-shaped nail file when she was bored.


    Alma was tall and curvy, exuding a model-like aura at all times.


    No one knew the color of her natural hair, although it was currently blonde with pink tips.


    She always meticulously applied just the right amount of cosmetics.


    The cherry on top of all of this was her fortune of possessing an attractive face.


    Her mother allegedly worked as a professional stylist, which would account for her impeccable sense of fashion.


    Logan didn''t think much of this particular girl though, but he did include her in his mental list of the class''s top seven distinctive individuals.


    Logan then turned his attention to the front where three boys were grinning and casting shady glances at the teacher as he considered the other members of the unique group of classmates.


    The trio, which he liked to refer to as "the three stooges," always bothered Logan for some reason.


    It wasn''t severe enough for him to call for assistance or anything of the sort, but he didn''t exactly understand why they kept targeting him.


    They were merely isolated instances of mild bullying, and if he called them out, they would probably only receive minor punishment, like detention for their impolite behavior.


    The situation would probably even get worse, so Logan chose to ignore them.


    The leader of these three was Brian, a clever and fit individual who excelled at whatever he did and never paid attention to people he considered beneath him.


    It wasn''t difficult to comprehend why girls would struggle for his attention.


    A hunk who was well-built and had every good quality you could imagine¡ªexcept his personality.


    Even Logan had to admit that he was a little envious of the guy.


    The other two, Jonathan and George, were always by Brian''s side, both undoubtedly having joined every single sports club in the school.


    Also, the pair were tall, attractive, and all that.


    To rid himself of the bitterness welling up inside, Logan suddenly felt the impulse to spit to the side.


    He shifted his attention to Silvia, a small girl who was unique in another manner and seated in a corner of the first row.


    Silvia was reserved, excelled in her studies, and was very determined to be the class''s number one in grades.


    She hadn''t yet acquired a mature figure, but she enjoyed having the teacher''s attention.


    Logan had never spoken to her, so he couldn''t say much more about her other than she had rare brownish silver-like hair and a pair of unusual grayish-amber pupils hidden behind glasses.


    The last of these seven was not a student but a young adult, Ms. Claire, the teacher who was presently distributing papers.


    She was the only adult in the room and a stunning woman in her early to mid-twenties by any standard.


    Many guys even revered her adult physique, which most teenage boys admired.


    She was regarded by all these young people as the unattainable forbidden fruit.


    Ms. Claire was also the ideal form that many girls aspired to be when they became adults¡ªalways prim and proper, punctual, and fun to talk to at times.


    "Logan, it''s nice to see you''re no longer sleepy. I''ll need your complete attention on this quiz, so stay with us." Ms. Claire leaned in and appeared to whisper in his ear.


    When Logan looked up to see the stare she was giving him, it alone was enough to make him raise his chin even higher.


    Logan didn''t respond and continued to nod.


    It didn''t last long since she quickly smiled slyly in Logan''s direct line of sight.


    As he grew to know his teacher, he became aware of a minor flaw¡ªshe skillfully concealed a sadistic personality, and of course, he always managed to make a mistake that brought it out.


    While sighing and going over the test, a blue light appeared in front of the class.


    Everyone initially assumed it was a joke because the light appeared to be a powerful laser beam focused on a single location.


    Within a few seconds, additional blue lights began to appear in various places throughout the classroom, forming a ring that encircled all the students.


    But no one responded since everyone appeared too engrossed in what was occurring to react, and it was impossible for them to do anything because it was all happening so quickly.


    More lights started to appear, and the pattern changed to take the shape of a star in the center of the enormous circle.


    Several strange characters also started to emerge in green and red colors.


    Only ten seconds had passed when a second, larger ring emerged on the edge, and that is when something unexpected happened.


    Everyone experienced a sudden, intense pressure on their bodies, but instead of reacting, they were all immobilized.


    It felt as if gravity had doubled, drawing everyone downward as the strange array started to revolve clockwise.


    Like the others, Logan was unable to move, but as everything unfolded, he bit down on his molar and gripped his desk tightly.


    Logan failed as he attempted to look around the room, feeling as if he were falling.


    The class fell silent as the light show seemed to absorb all sounds and colors that had surrounded them just moments earlier.


    A black shadow began devouring everything outside the large outer circle.


    The doors, windows, and walls started to warp, and eventually, there was no light left.

 Chapter 3 - 3: Knights and Magic

    Everyone''s body collapsed to the ground with a single loud thud, while the desk, chairs, and everything else the youngsters had surrounding them vanished.


    Logan managed to look up and inspect his new surroundings during all of this, using all the strength he could muster.


    What he saw didn''t look good at all.


    First off, there was no outside lighting; instead, only two dull orbs hovered in the air, casting a dim, eerie glow.


    The image they revealed was far from appealing.


    The entire class appeared to be in a pitch-black, spacious dungeon.


    It was chilly and damp, and to make matters worse, the blue magic array that had guided them here had long since faded, revealing more than a dozen bodies lying around the edges of the once-blue circle¡ªpeople who were possibly dead.


    While some of the other kids were too ill to even get off the floor, others started to gather their composure to look at what Logan was examining.


    Two students, unable to contain their stomach contents, hurried away from the group.


    One of them stumbled over one of the bodies lying around, creating a messy scene.


    Logan couldn''t claim he was better off; he too felt a sickening sensation that made him tightly grasp his stomach as chaos erupted around him.


    Individuals within his class were sobbing, screaming, and flailing about.


    Logan began to breathe erratically but tried to calm himself by taking deep breaths until he managed to steady his nerves.


    He then ran towards one of the nearby bodies.


    It appeared to be a young woman in her early twenties, drenched in sweat, causing the black cloak she wore to cling to her body.


    Upon closer inspection, he saw that she was still breathing.


    Logan sighed in relief, grateful that he wouldn''t have to witness a murder scene, but his feeling of relief was fleeting.


    A loud bang suddenly erupted behind him.


    Those who were just gathering their composure had to confront their fears as a door suddenly materialized in the room.


    The class huddled in fear as four bulky, heavily armored individuals loudly entered.


    The students could only remain silent, waiting for what would happen next, as there was nowhere to run, and to make matters worse, more people were rushing through the door.


    Everyone realized they were no longer in the same world when ten or so robed individuals rushed in and began chanting incantations in an unfamiliar language, producing more orbs of light that lit the dark room.


    The class could finally see every corner of the room clearly, thanks to the newly formed orbs of light, but this didn''t mean things got any better.


    A group of knights in shining armor came into view, fully armed with swords, spears, and shields, all appearing to be expertly crafted from precious metals.


    This dispelled any notion that the whole affair was a charade.


    None of the newcomers made any noise; instead, they simply took their positions and lifted one arm above their chests, each of them precisely on cue as if they had practiced it.


    Once everyone was in place, three girls and a group of maids entered the room.


    Logan immediately felt like tilting his head to the side and furrowing his brow in confusion. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The three girls stood out in appearance among the others, who were either armored or dressed as maids.


    "Sister, look! There must be at least twenty heroes, not just one!" Logan noticed that the youngest of the three, probably eleven-year-old who had a soft but clear voice and spoke excitedly in a foreign language that the class seemed to somehow understand.


    "Yes, I can see that..." The second girl, who appeared to be slightly older, raised her hand to silence the young girl.


    She was likely the same age as most of the children in the class and posed a series of inquisitive questions to an armored knight in the room.


    Her speech and gestures were more measured and careful.


    She wore a sophisticated white gown with gold accents and had beautiful short, curly golden hair and green eyes.


    Each of the two girls wore an exquisitely made tiara and long dresses that seemed fit for a formal event.


    The younger girl wore a silver tiara adorned with emerald-like jewels that complemented her platinum blonde, European appearance.


    Her sister wore a gold tiara with numerous jade-like gems.


    Everyone who saw the two likely had the same impression¡ªthat they were princesses straight out of some absurd fairy tale.


    A taller woman stood behind them, clad in light silver armor.


    Her blue hair stood out prominently, demonstrating that it wasn''t just a dye job.


    She even emitted a blue-like aura, giving her pale complexion a faint blue tinge.


    Her blue sapphire pupils and blue eyebrows further enhanced her striking appearance.


    The younger girl was likely the first to observe the mood of the class because she turned her gaze from the group to the nearest knight before returning her focus back to the summoned heroes.


    Everyone, including Logan, was unsure of what she would do next.


    She nodded in understanding and took a few steps forward but then made a poorly executed bow, causing her golden platinum hair to fall forward.


    Even though she was older, the person she called her sister also panicked and lowered her stance, though not as deeply.


    The younger sister didn''t realize her mistake until the sound of her silver tiara falling forward reached her ears; it bounced a few times before rolling toward Logan''s knee.


    He was still near the shrouded figure he had been studying earlier, crouching.


    "Ah! I''m sorry about that!" The small girl rushed forward in an attempt to retrieve her tiara.


    Logan handed back the tiny metal crown, which felt much lighter than he had expected.


    "Uhm, it''s fine... here," he said in haste.


    The young girl stared at him for a few seconds, tilting her head as if she were perplexed.


    Feeling uncomfortable, Logan began to cough loudly, trying to express his discomfort.


    "Myrea! The heroes must be brought into the reception area, but before that, we should begin handing out potions."


    The older sister, after trying to pull the child back, cleared her throat to regain control of the situation.


    "I sincerely apologize for all this... Heroes, please accept our welcome and pardon our clumsy introduction; this is a very unusual event, even for us," the older princess said with a tone of authority.


    Both girls performed an elegant curtsy, drawing a small portion of their dresses up with a delicate bow that caused everyone in the room to look on in admiration.


    "Now then, we had assumed that only one hero would be called... Please pardon us, as we were unaware that so many of you would be summoned to assist us this time." The older princess paused for a few seconds.


    "We simply need a little of your time as we prepare for your grand entrance, so we will be handing out medication created to aid the mages who summoned you; given the current situation, these will be of greater use to you all." The princess continued.


    "They will help you recover from any negative effects of your travel," she finally added with a gentle voice.


    Both girls were pleased to see the group before them but also regretful of the state of the class: torn clothing, signs of some having wet themselves, others with vomit.


    There wasn''t anything graceful about the way they summoned the heroes, but that could have been due to a lack of knowledge about the spell, which had only been performed once before.


    Even though they couldn''t have predicted the outcome, it was the kingdom''s responsibility to fix this disaster.


    Perhaps it was the number of mediums they utilized, as it was thought only one person was going to be summoned.


    As the princess took in her surroundings, she was reminded of her responsibility to welcome the heroes and restore order to the chaotic scene before her.


    [Thank the spirits they were called upon while dressed,] The older princess pondered as she considered her next words.


    "Now that you are aware of the circumstances, introductions are in order," Vianell began.


    "My younger sister, Myrea, is the second princess of the Kingdom of Elris. I am Vianell, the first princess of this kingdom."


    "We will be distributing potions as I mentioned earlier, and, if you don''t mind, we will also be checking on everyone''s health," she continued.


    The maids standing behind them all carried trays with various items, including towels and glass vials containing some sort of pink liquid.


    As they approached the class, the students seemed to only accept the towels.


    Logan, who was the first to receive the so-called medication, didn''t seem to trust the medicine and was reluctant to drink it.


    "Uhm!" the little princess Myrea cried out, appearing to understand the issue yet again.


    She approached one of the maids who was presenting the vials. "Let me help! You see this isn''t poison at all. Let me show you!"


    The girl grabbed one of the bottles, taking a small sip before swallowing a large gulp with her eyes closed, demonstrating that she had successfully consumed the beverage.


    She cleared her throat a few times before speaking again.


    "You see, it''s not that terrible; it might be a little spicy at first, but you get used to it," She smiled innocently as she handed Logan the remaining medicine, her eyes full of anticipation.


    "But you''ve just...drank..." Logan tried to decline the offer, but the little girl nudged the bottle toward him with a sincere yet determined expression that suggested she wouldn''t give up.


    "Fine, I''ll give it a shot," With no escape, he seized the bottle and decided to take a gulp.


    Logan''s mouth was immediately filled with a flavor both sweet and spicy, like honeyed cinnamon.


    But it didn''t stop there; he felt the liquid suddenly transform into a gas and enter his lungs before even reaching his stomach.


    The boy experienced a brief moment of fear due to the medication''s effect.


    Then, relief was immediate, and his body felt incredibly light, free of any pain or other symptoms from his previous ailments.


    The rest of the class suddenly rushed over to get a vial and took the medicine.


    Amid the commotion, Logan was able to avoid the young girl''s curious eyes and found a spot to sit down.


    He began cleaning his body with one of the white towels that had been handed out earlier.


    Logan felt as if his fragile state from being transferred to this other world had been healed.


    However, no one in the classroom left the group, even though some of the youngsters started to have light conversations with the maids.


    "Guards, rush the magicians to the infirmary!" Vianell ordered.


    The class naturally stirred, and the youngsters made even more commotion as additional soldiers were called by the princess.


    These soldiers performed some sort of spell near the fallen bodies, making them hover on bizarre disks that easily lifted each robed person.


    Afterward, the older princess explained to the class that they needed to perform a quick inspection to see if anyone was still ill or suffering from any injuries, while holding something they termed a Medical Sigil.


    Logan was the last student to be tested this time, simply needing to extend his palm to complete the procedure.


    Princess Vianell oversaw the inspection, always accompanied by her blue-haired bodyguard.


    Meanwhile, her younger sister was busy chatting with a few of the girls in the class.


    After inspecting his hand and nodding in approval, the princess shifted the glass towards his face.


    She smiled at him like a doctor who had found nothing wrong with her patient.


    "Thank you for cooperating, and please accept our sincere apologies for the delay," she said graciously.


    Vianell stood up and cleared her throat before moving a short distance towards the other students in the class, who were seated or standing toward the center of the room.


    She clapped her hands to draw their attention.


    "Now then, I''m sure most of you want to change into new clothing, so we''ve set up bathrooms and changing areas. Any questions will be answered once this is all finished, so just follow me as we leave the room," Vianell instructed.


    The older princess reunited with her younger sister and moved toward the room''s sole door, beckoning the class to follow them.


    Ms. Claire was busy getting everyone to form a line as she attempted to regain control of the situation.


    Despite having taken the potion, she didn''t seem to be doing too well.


    Logan decided to put himself last in line without being asked to avoid adding to her stress.


    Logan sighed for what felt like the hundredth time since arriving, recalling everything that had transpired that morning.


    He had already pinched himself a few times, so this time he used a little more force.


    Despite this, he appeared to be fully awake and just felt the burning pain he was inflicting on his arm.


    He and the others had to accept the fact that this was reality and not a dream.

 Chapter 4 - 4: From Grime to Grandeur

    The stink of the damp, dark dungeon where the class had been summoned had finally left them.


    Everyone, including Logan, immediately desired a change of clothes.


    Logan wanted to take off his sweaty, clingy hoodie, but he knew the shirt underneath was likely wet.


    He tried to ignore the discomfort as he observed the new hallway through which the three otherworlders were guiding them.


    The ceiling was four or five meters high, with several exquisite crystal chandeliers illuminating the already sunlit corridor, as if electricity costs were of no concern.


    The class had ample space to stretch out, as the building''s length and height were both broad and wide.


    To display the kingdom''s richness, benches and tables were spaced a few meters apart, each adorned with flowers and covered in scarlet or gold tablecloths.


    Through some of the windows on the left, the class could see a medieval-style panorama of the castle grounds and gardens, while the right side of the corridor was crowded with doors, spaced about every five meters.


    It took them about ten minutes to go from what appeared to be a separate tower to the main castle via a straight path.


    They proceeded up a flight of stairs in silence, taking in all the views that came with the brief excursion.


    Then, the voice of the princess summoned the maids to divide the group into two different directions and lead them up separate staircases.


    With no ability to stop anything from happening, Logan followed the maid assigned to him, a small woman with light brown hair that cascaded down her back.


    She had a kind yet determined expression, her hazel eyes exuding a mix of urgency and empathy.


    Grabbing his hand firmly, she hurriedly dragged him along to a room.


    She offered him a towel and asked if he needed assistance bathing, both of which he, of course, declined.


    He entered a plain room with a few shelves and a large wooden bucket¡ªperhaps more accurately described as a tub¡ªfilled with steaming water.


    Curious about how people bathed in this world, he considered questioning the maid, who offered her assistance and was waiting outside the door.


    However, he decided to rely on common sense and began to undress, carefully checking his surroundings for anything or anyone that might be watching him.


    Before fully stepping into the tub, he gingerly dipped his toes in to check the temperature, which seemed just right.


    A few additional buckets filled with clean water were located near the tub.


    He figured he would need to soap his body first before rinsing himself with the water from those buckets.


    Quickly doing the task, Logan decided to finish by immersing himself in the now-soap-filled tub and meticulously wash his long hair.


    After five minutes of bathing, he felt less cautious.


    He observed that his long, rich chocolate-brown hair had grown to below his shoulders.


    Carefully stretching it out, he combed through it with his hands, but before he could continue, a tap at the door urged him to hurry.


    To remove any remaining soap from his body, he rose, doused himself with the two buckets next to the tub, lightly shook himself to avoid soaking the area around the large bucket, and then reached for a towel.


    He groaned when he saw the plain clothing on the shelf, which included a shirt and what appeared to be tights in place of underwear.


    Guessing that proper clothes would probably be specially tailored later, he informed the maid he was done bathing.


    The brown-haired maid entered the room, took his measurements with a string, and told him to wait a few minutes while his clothing was being prepared.


    Soon, the maid arrived with three fresh items.


    She handed him smooth white pants and a plain white shirt, which he promptly put on.


    Shortly after, he received a white and gold-trimmed tunic to complete the set.


    He could tell by the fabric''s quality that everything was made of silk or a similar material.


    The garments were light and comfortable, though a bit too large and garish for his tastes.


    Even the laceless shoes miraculously stayed on, giving him the impression that he could jump higher than usual.


    The attire was overall classy or should he say ancient, but incredibly comfortable, even if it was a bit simple.


    The only issue left was the beanie he always wore.


    Despite his attempts to put it on covertly, the maid reached out and requested it under the pretext that it needed to be washed.


    "Hero, if you don''t mind, I asked around for some hats to be brought since you were wearing one when you were summoned," the maid said.


    "Please decide if you want to wear one of the three I could bring on short notice. If not, I can try looking for others."


    The maid presented three different hats: one was a cap with a donut-like shape and cloth hanging around it, another was a white hood that covered everything but his face, and the last was a simple hat that slanted to one side with a feather attached to it.


    Looking at the three hats and the stoic-faced maid in front of him, Logan had to restrain himself from laughing.


    He decided on the feathered hat and positioned it in his typical emo style, with hair covering part of his face.


    The boy didn''t want to bother the maid anymore or make her tired or angry for having to search for additional headwear.


    Without any mirrors in the room, Logan had to rely solely on the maid''s compliments for his appearance.


    He hoped that the other students in the class had it worse than he did.


    He thanked the maid for her help and went into the hallway where the class would soon assemble.


    Logan was the fourth person to finish, while the other three men were sitting nearby wearing clothing similar to his, except that Logan was the only one wearing headgear.


    Naturally, he couldn''t avoid the looks they gave him, especially when they noticed his distinctive hat.


    Logan kept a composed demeanor as he walked past them and then sat down on one of the nearby empty benches, leaning his head back and closing his eyes as he waited for the others.


    The sound of more footsteps interrupted his attempt to appear fast asleep as other males entered the hallway and began conversing.


    However, none of them chose to sit next to him or disturb him.


    Logan sat in his resting position for around 30 minutes, trying to block out the noise, but he couldn''t help but become absorbed in a conversation that caught his interest.


    Some of the whispers were about how beautiful the maids seemed, while others were about his hat, since it appeared he was the only one who bothered to wear one.


    Fortunately, the sound of the women approaching from the opposite side of the corridor, separated by the stairs, caused all the boys to stop talking.


    Logan pondered the cause of the strange calm that settled over the boys'' side of the hallway.


    He opened his eyes and turned to look at the girls, who were wearing a range of colorful outfits, accessories, and makeup.


    Even Silvia, with her smaller-than-average frame and a look of shame, appeared rather charming as she approached.


    Logan struggled to appear uninterested but couldn''t help glancing at Lisa.


    Easy to spot in the center of the group, she was receiving compliments from the other girls.


    She wore a silver, gleaming sophisticated gown, with her light ash brown waist-length hair down, adorned with a silver flowery ornament that perfectly held the rest of her hair in place. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The people distributing clothing seemed to have given extra attention to Lisa, as she appeared to be wearing far more jewelry than the other students in the class.


    Logan observed the young girl''s beet-red face and eyes glued to the floor as she tried to respond gratefully to each compliment she received.


    He was relieved that he no longer had to witness the uncomposed figure with which Lisa was brought into this world.


    When they arrived, he hadn''t aggressively sought to check on her; in fact, she tried to hide within the group and even turned to avoid his gaze.


    Logan was also drawn to two other people in the class.


    One of them was Alma, wearing a scarlet gown that demonstrated her sense of style, with her golden hair pulled back in a bun, held in place by a tiny fan-shaped ornament.


    Ms. Claire, dressed in a long, majestic brown dress with dazzling black silk fabrics underneath, was the third lady in the female group that drew Logan''s attention.


    She had her hair up in a bun with side-swept bangs in the front, secured by a very thin, simple gold tiara, with two strands of ebony black hair cascading down from each ear.


    Of course, Logan couldn''t overlook the chest area of her attire, which made it easy for him to observe the size of her usually restricted and hidden mature figure.


    However, he did notice one thing: she was staring at the princess with a perplexed expression.


    It would later be revealed that they had a disagreement while everyone was bathing, resulting in the teacher having to wait until later to get a personal explanation about the summoning from the princess.

 Chapter 5 - 5: Royal Welcome

    The two princesses from before didn''t seem out of place now that everyone was back together, especially since the other women were wearing similar clothing.


    The gems on their crowns now seemed to sparkle even more, perhaps in an effort to counterbalance this, and the eldest sister, Vianell, even appeared to act more haughtily.


    Like the other boys, Logan sensed that some rivalry had been awakened but chose to remain silent and carry on.


    As soon as everyone was prepared, they began to descend the spiral staircase until they reached the bottom floor, where they followed a few guards who were posted there.


    Being last in line, Logan was constantly having to straighten his hat, particularly the feather that stuck out and annoyed him.


    After passing through a few more hallways, they arrived at a large chamber with its doors wide open, revealing a room that was completely packed.


    Everyone, including Logan, felt anxious as they prepared to be introduced to the king.


    They were never asked whether this was what they wanted, but they all understood that they couldn''t go against the flow at this time, as they were unaware of their circumstances or what had brought them here.


    What could they do against a kingdom where heavily armored individuals were always present?


    Even the maid who had previously taken care of Logan displayed an unsettling adoration that gave him chills.


    It wasn''t just the presence of swords and metal armor that unnerved him, but the way these individuals looked upon the class with a gaze full of expectation.


    He even believed the young maid from before would sacrifice her life for him, if necessary, as she seemed so grateful for the opportunity to assist him.


    According to the chats they had earlier, the guys appreciated the kindness and enjoyed the attention the maids offered.


    As for the women, Logan remembered Alma caressing the rings she had been given, and how she, along with the others, seemed to love their newfound wealth.


    This all simply meant that they were being bought off, their future likely determined by what would happen next, and that half of the students had already experienced the pleasures of this world.


    They didn''t take long to arrive at the throne room''s door, where those present began to applaud as they entered the enormous hall.


    The two princesses were the first to enter, followed by the girls, all guided by a red carpet that led them to an area where a few stairs ascended to two lavishly built thrones, red with gold trim, which stood out prominently.


    A man who appeared to be in his fifties and a woman in her mid-to-late thirties were seated in front of them.


    The man, or rather the king of this country, was obese and bald, but he still retained some of the good looks that probably attracted many women in his younger days.


    He wore stylish red and gold attire that complemented the tones of his throne.


    His face, height, and choice of spouse were arguably his best qualities.


    In contrast, his wife was naturally beautiful, with long golden hair perfectly braided.


    She wore a long gold garment with red trims, and, like her daughters, she had a gorgeous face that appeared to be painted to resemble a Greek or Roman goddess.


    Once the heroes entered, they stood without bowing; instead, they watched until everyone had formed a neat line in front of them.


    The princesses assisted each student in forming up, and Logan observed that of the two, the younger girl was more aware when someone needed help.


    She also made an effort to calm any anxiety the students displayed, speaking the right words while smiling sweetly and innocently.


    Being last in line, there were a few brief seconds where all the attention was placed on him.


    He noticed not only the king''s gaze on each student but also the queen''s expression as she seemed to carefully size up everyone based on their attitude.


    The queen''s gaze wandered toward him for a while as he was fixing his hat for the tenth time.


    He didn''t mean to, but during that moment, he couldn''t look away from her eyes.


    This lasted only until her husband made a deep cough and raised his hand to silence everyone in the room.


    "His Royal Majesty, our King Holven Elstin the Third, and Her Majesty, Queen Olvidia Madrin, are assembled here on this day of prophecy to present the heroes called by the Temple of the Seven Spirits," a man shouted from his position a few steps below the king.


    The room fell silent for a while before the king spoke.


    "Heroes, I thank you on behalf of all humanity of this world for answering our call and responding to our summon to assist us in the desperate crisis we are all facing now. We required strength, but what we received was so much more. This time, numerous youthful individuals have been sent to us, which gives me optimism." A few seconds of stillness followed his coughs before he resumed speaking.


    "I swear right here and now to help each and every one of our warriors become strong enough to handle the risks we face because I have high hopes for each of you." After speaking loudly enough for everyone to hear, the monarch paused for a moment, looking at each student in the class individually before continuing.


    "Our enemies are the treacherous demons who once held humanity captive. Thanks to the assistance of our great savior, the first Hero Roland, we reclaimed our freedom. But now these demons have returned in large numbers and are now gradually infesting every piece of land they can get their hands on. They had taken over half of this continent, yet a few months ago, the Great Spirits delivered the news that we would be able to call upon a hero. Thus, I humbly beg you to aid us, save us, and exterminate these demons."


    The king stood up with even more zeal, his voice roaring with passion, which caused everyone to cheerily applaud.


    People who were standing behind Logan and his team began to hail the heroes with loud cheers of adoration, faith, and goodwill. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As they were the center of attention, the class turned to face the crowd and saw how everyone clung to the belief that they would save them.


    Aware of the armored guards positioned throughout the hall, Brian took a few tentative steps forward before speaking.


    "If I may ask, how are we supposed to assist you? We''re simply teens; in fact, some of these men don''t even take their sports classes seriously," His reprimanding remark seemed to be directed at some of the boys in the class, yet Logan knew Brian''s words were definitely aimed at him, spoken with a voice that held the complicated feelings everyone had experienced from the beginning.


    But the king didn''t appear to care and simply called one of the knights who were closest to him.


    "You there!" he motioned for the man to approach.


    "Surely, you will set a good example for everyone to see. You will fight the hero bare-handed in order to test the strength only mentioned in legends."


    The knight, who didn''t appear to comprehend why he was chosen, removed his helmet and the sections of his armor that protected his upper body.


    Underneath all of that was a very muscular man with short red hair, probably in his late twenties.


    With a solemn attitude, he asked another knight to assist him in holding his equipment as he made his way toward the monarch.


    He stopped a short distance from the throne''s steps and performed a graceful bow.


    "Hero, it''s up to you if you want to take on this knight," The king calmly invited Brian to come forward, as if he already knew what would happen.


    At first, Brian didn''t seem to want to accept the challenge, but he was curious as to why they were calling him a hero.


    But he did notice that from the minute they were summoned until they entered this area, he felt a strength inside him that he couldn''t quite describe.


    It resembled a never-ending sugar rush or the rush of adrenaline when facing a formidable foe.


    When the monarch gave his next instruction, Brian moved forward and stopped about a meter or so from the knight.


    "This demonstration will only be for show, so please refrain from hurting each other. Now, I take it both of you are prepared?" The king, clearly excited, cried out to both parties before raising his hand to signal the start of the fight.


    Everyone in the room, even the students, leaned forward in silence to clearly watch what would happen.


    Finally, the monarch lowered his arm like a referee, and the two competitors rushed toward one another.


    Being the first to approach his opponent suggested that Brian had the advantage in movement. The young boy took three steps to land a punch with an outstretched hand onto the sturdy man''s torso.


    The knight parried the blow at the last second to avoid injury and attempted to counter with a strike of his own, but Brian quickly reacted with a counter.


    Brian repeated the previous attack with his right hand extended towards the knight''s chest, this time with a whip-like speed faster than the first punch, using his left hand to deflect the jab.


    The knight could only back off this time and try to reclaim his position; the massive man didn''t appear to be faring well against the teenager''s quickness but didn''t want to show any weakness.


    Especially when considering that he was a member of the royal guard who had spent years training, killed many monsters, and participated in multiple battles.


    He had anticipated a struggle from the young man, but he had not imagined being pushed back so much in such a short period of time.


    Brian, growing more confident in his agility, managed to keep the knight at bay. He had no idea how, but his body skillfully utilized the limited fighting experience he had to identify weaknesses in the knight.


    He didn''t get worn out as his barrage of mild punches continued.


    As the fight went on, the power he had felt earlier seemed to grow even stronger; in bliss, his mind searched for more of this pleasure as he added more movements.


    Brian stepped back and prepared his leg for a kick after observing the knight''s attempt to block his subsequent strike.


    Unaware of how he was able to extend his foot that high, the youngster delivered a roundhouse kick that inspired shouts from some onlookers.


    As the fight grew more one-sided, several students even joined in the cheers.


    The unfortunate knight, unable to keep up, simply took a defensive stance in an effort to avoid significant harm.


    Watching the duel in front of him, Logan couldn''t believe his eyes.


    Brian, who didn''t appear to know martial arts, effortlessly defeated a tall, strong, and well-trained knight without breaking a sweat.


    The young man kept performing other challenging kicks, likely inspired by movies, and he didn''t appear to want to stop.


    After the knight had taken so much damage that he could no longer keep his hands raised, Brian leaped forward.


    "Stop! That''s enough!" The king, who was observing everything in astonishment, recalled the warning he had given to both parties and lifted his hands, yelling to try and prevent Brian from connecting the blow.


    With the king''s remarks, Brian, who was hovering, came to his senses and tilted his foot just enough to avoid the knight''s face.


    The tall soldier breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that the kick would have probably knocked him out cold.


    With what little effort he could muster, he managed to stay upright, bow to the boy and then the monarch, before quietly retiring to his position with the knights.


    Brian, triumphantly, lifted his hand and turned to face the monarch, nodding.


    "Oh, so this is a hero''s strength... Perhaps that will be possible. What will we receive in return, then? You know you can''t expect us to do all of this for free, right?" The king appeared to appreciate the young man''s ambition as the child glanced up at him with a self-assured grin.


    "Of course, we will do our share to give you all the assistance you require. Not only will this kingdom back you all, but so will everyone who wants to restore peace to this continent. Our heroes will receive all that you ask for, including land and wealth." The king, addressing the boy who displayed signs of greed, replied calmly with a smile.


    The king once more lifted his hand and coughed a few times before speaking, having concluded that enough time had passed.


    "All right, let me add one minor detail before you all start walking in the parade we have organized specifically for this event. We''ll be throwing a large feast tonight where all of you can select patrons, whether it''s the support of a kingdom or a powerful trader, due to the large number of heroes who came." He paused before continuing.


    "You will all be able to obtain all you require and desire to live happily while residing in our world. Enjoy the remainder of your day until this evening, when we shall all gather."


    The king waved to the guards stationed on the left side of the throne room.


    The knights there opened the entrance, and music started playing.


    Without saying another word or taking the time to hear any comments from the class, drums, trumpets, and other instruments began to play a tune that the audience could sing along to.


    Similar to earlier, their tour guides, the two princesses, led the group outside and started walking toward a garden that lay beyond two magnificently constructed wooden doors.


    Before leaving, Logan turned around to survey the festive mood within the castle, but the faces of happiness from everyone made him feel uneasy rather than glad.


    Since his arrival, he had felt under pressure, never having had the chance to speak with anyone or ask about his concerns.


    Instead, he had to follow the crowd and wait for the right opportunity to find someone who would listen to him.

 Chapter 6 - 6: Parade of Emotions

    Looking at the frenzied crowd singing an unfamiliar patriotic song directed at the class, Logan felt a shiver and wanted to hide his face from all the attention.


    Sensing the class''s discomfort, the younger princess quickly took her sister''s hand and led the class out of the audience room before the spectators even finished their song.


    As the class exited the grand throne room, they found themselves standing before an enchanted garden unlike any they had ever seen.


    The air was filled with the sweet, intoxicating scents of magical plants and flowers, each more beautiful and alluring than the last.


    The students could hardly believe their eyes as they took in the sight of towering plants with leaves and vines that twisted and turned in intricate patterns.


    Some flowers seemed to produce music, their melodies beckoned the students to come closer.


    As they walked through the garden, the scents grew stronger, each one more enticing than the last.


    It was as if the flowers themselves were calling out to them, but in a voiceless language that contained the feelings of longing.


    The students felt a strange pull, an almost irresistible urge to reach out and touch the delicate petals and breathe in the sweet fragrances that surrounded them.


    Logan, like the rest of the class, couldn''t resist the magical allure of the garden.


    He was particularly drawn to a flower that resembled a rose.


    Its intoxicating scent made him reach out towards the blood-red petals, which quickly wrapped a thorn-filled vine around his finger, causing a tiny cut.


    Before Logan could pull his hand back, he noticed something strange happening with his blood. It seemed to come alive, and the small drops seeped into the plant.


    The flower recoiled, ceasing its allure, allowing Logan to return to the group.


    Unknown to him at this moment, a strange mark began to manifest on his right index finger, like a ring tattooed with blood.


    As the class left the enchanted garden, they were gathered into a line of carriages pulled by an array of extraordinary creatures.


    These were no ordinary horses; instead, the carriages were drawn by magnificent, large birds with vibrant plumage, and imposing azure bipedal lizards with scales that glistened in the sunlight.


    The most luxurious carriage at the front of the line was pulled by a team of four regal Pegasus, their sleek, muscular bodies covered in white coats, and their wings adorned with feathers that shone like silver.


    Placed at the end of the procession, Logan had ample time to marvel at each creature.


    The sight of these mythical beings, so different from anything in their world, left him and his classmates in awe.


    As the line grew shorter, Logan, captivated by the magic around him, didn''t even have time to think about his current predicament.


    Being the last seemed to have been the worst decision he could have made; he was guided to the front by a butler who was responsible for assigning each adolescent to a carriage.


    "I''m sorry about this, young hero, but it seems the other carriages are filled. You will have to go with the princess, as we did not prepare enough carts. I''m very sorry." the old man, dressed in the typical attire of a butler, said with a bow before leaving.


    Noticing Logan while conversing with the two royals, his teacher directed her gaze towards him.


    "It seems you''re the odd one out, but there is no problem¡­ We will be in the biggest carriage, so you should enjoy yourself while you''re at it."


    Ms. Claire''s voice was stern and emotionless as she spoke.


    Her discomfort was clear; she kept her arms tightly crossed, uneasy in her formal attire.


    She soon returned to her task, attempting to gather information from the older princess, who was busily organizing the entire parade with a professional attitude.


    With nothing to do until the princess finished her tasks before boarding the carriage to start the parade, Logan took a moment to examine the cart he was about to get on.


    Besides the winged horses that would pull it, the carriage itself was a sight to behold¡ªcrafted from lustrous silver and trimmed with gold, it exuded an aura of royal elegance.


    What caught his attention most, however, was the absence of wheels.


    Instead, where the wheels should have been, there were jeweled discs of some sort that seemed to function like magnets, keeping the cart elevated.


    This was a unique system not shared by the other carriages, making him realize it was likely a privilege reserved for royalty.


    This also led Logan to think that the Pegasus not only pulled the cart but also enabled it to fly.


    "It seems I have finished; I think we are ready to begin." The older princess, Vianell, whose hair flowed like fine golden silk, began to enter the carriage.


    She was assisted by her personal knight, a bodyguard who had been with her from the start.


    The knight''s entire appearance seemed tinged in blue, with light armor that appeared to be made of sapphire. This contrasted beautifully with her blue hair, eyes, and light bluish-pale skin.


    The knight then proceeded to help the young, adorable princess, who seemed to be enjoying her role. The energetic young princess happily jumped into the carriage to find her seat. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ms. Claire, visibly annoyed at being ignored for so long, decided to take matters into her own hands.


    Ignoring the bodyguard, she lifted her arm in an elegant gesture in front of Logan with a devious smile.


    "How about you show you''re a gentleman and help me up?"


    "Ah, uhm, sure?" Logan, still bewildered by his teacher''s sudden change in attitude, stood up from observing the magical contraption that levitated the carriage.


    He patted himself as if to brush off invisible dirt and assisted her in boarding.


    The carriage had two steps that its passengers needed to climb to enter, making it difficult for Ms. Claire, whose dress clung closely to her body, to board without assistance.


    Part of the reason why Logan tried to keep his attention elsewhere was the daunting fact of being in a carriage with three and a half beautiful ladies.


    They exuded a divine presence, especially when dressed in such fine attire, that would make any guy feel shy.


    Luckily, the ride had started, and they began to exit the castle grounds.


    His teacher, seemingly resigned, had given up trying to talk and, like Logan, decided to enjoy the scenery.


    Logan noticed with a sidelong glance that Vianell seemed both pleased that his teacher had stopped her interrogation, but she also seemed worried.


    She was probably not supposed to discuss the summoning with the class without her father present, or at least that''s what Logan surmised.


    He decided to leave his unease for later and focus on discovering more about this world.


    Despite his lingering fear, the medieval setting outside the castle piqued his interest.


    As the carriage passed through the castle walls, it approached a grand stone bridge leading over a moat.


    Beyond two large wooden gates, there was a small clearing where nature flourished.


    Logan noticed small, magical creatures like rabbits with sharp horns and deer with jeweled antlers roaming about.


    After the clearing, the scenery opened up to reveal a large town surrounded by vast wheatfields, protected by imposing outer stone walls.


    The sight of the bustling town and the idyllic countryside filled Logan with a mix of curiosity and awe, making him eager to explore this new world.


    As they drew nearer to the large town, colorful banners adorned the streets, welcoming them with vibrant messages.


    People lined both sides of the road, eager to catch a glimpse of the new hero¡ªor in this case, heroes.


    The sound of cheers echoed as loudly as the bustling assembly room, filling the air with excitement.


    Despite the modest appearance of the townsfolk, the joy on their faces was unmistakable.


    Logan noticed that most of the crowd consisted of women and children, along with elderly men and young boys, not one older than himself.


    As they ventured deeper into the town, the streets became increasingly crowded with townspeople and the important landmarks of the large settlement.


    The center of town was adorned with guild buildings, the first of which belonged to the mages.


    They welcomed the procession with a dazzling display of magical fireworks, showcasing the wonders of this world.


    Passing by blacksmith shops, Logan noticed old, burly men pausing their work to glance at the commotion before returning to their anvils.


    The marketplace was bustling, filled with stalls displaying a variety of mythical beasts, as well as humans and everyday goods like fruits, vegetables, and meats.


    The classic medieval scene was real with everyday activity and the sounds that naturally came with it.


    As they rode through, some students were tossed food by the enthusiastic crowd.


    Logan himself was thrown a star-shaped apple and encouraged to try it by the young princess.


    She assured him it was safe by taking a bite of her own fruit, prompting Logan to follow suit.


    The taste was strange yet delicious, and it quickly became addictive. It had the tang of an orange combined with the sweetness and consistency of an apple.


    Logan found it difficult to describe the exact flavor, as it was unlike any fruit that came to mind.


    The parade continued, leading them through the boisterous streets before eventually returning to the castle.


    Logan was still overwhelmed by all the sights, scents, and people he had witnessed.


    Despite this sensory overload, he managed to gather some important observations, such as the notable lack of men and the presence of slave markets.


    Glancing at the other students in the carriages behind him, Logan noticed they seemed unconcerned by these details, chatting excitedly amongst themselves.


    Strangely, as if guided by an unseen intuition, the small princess seemed to have a sense for what others were thinking. She grasped Logan''s hand, looking up at him with a lovely yet melancholic smile.


    "Hero, I hope you can help us. These people and I really...really need your help!" she pleaded, her soft voice trembling with heartfelt urgency, her eyes shining with unspoken fears and hope.

 Chapter 7 - 7: Otherworldly Inn

    Logan couldn''t shake the young princess''s words from his mind, and turmoil began to build within him.


    He didn''t think they were supposed to be in this world, but on the other hand, he was curious about what type of magic power he had. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The boy didn''t seem to have any physical superpower since he couldn''t crush a small rock he had picked up during a short walk in the garden.


    Logan realized he was also not a mage, as he couldn''t summon any kind of magical phenomenon.


    Within the class, four or five others had already spoken up about having some sort of talent.


    Even Logan, who was not close to them in the carriage, could hear his classmates'' excitement as they showed off their new skills.


    One of the guys demonstrated his martial arts prowess as if it were second nature, leaping between carriages and performing acrobatic movements with ease.


    Another classmate demonstrated his ability to levitate and control the wind. Although he couldn''t sustain it for long, resulting in a small dust storm due to his lack of control, his talent for magic was evident.


    "Heroes, I understand your eagerness to discover your powers, but it is dangerous to experiment without proper knowledge. Tonight, we will have a banquet where Miss Ermeya, the Oracle of the Temple of the Seven Spirits, will reveal each hero''s power. Please wait until then, as there may be someone with a dangerous ability that should be understood before using."


    The princess who had gathered everyone exiting their carriages, addressed the crowd using a device that amplified her voice.


    After turning off the tool, she looked towards Ms. Claire and smiled. "Oh, and you will finally get answers to your questions during the banquet, Ms. Claire."


    The teacher, who had been angry, nodded with a deep sigh and turned to her class.


    Meanwhile, the princess prepared to address everyone once again.


    "Now, each hero will be given a room to rest, as the banquet will take place this afternoon¡ªapproximately when the second sun hits the horizon and the first sun has set, about six hours from now. During this time, you will be assigned a personal butler or maid of your choosing, who will assist you with whatever you need. Although they won''t be able to answer many questions, they will guide you and assist with anything you require."


    The princess cleared her throat before continuing, glancing around to see if anyone had any questions.


    Seeing that the students showed no signs of having any, she proceeded.


    "To finish this up and let you all have a well-deserved rest, I would like to mention that during tonight''s banquet, after everyone''s skills are assessed, you will be greeted by royals and delegates from other countries who may wish to support your growth. Please note that the church has requested all nations to allow our Kingdom of Elris to assist you until you decide whether you are ready..."


    After concluding her speech, Princess Vianell bowed to the class and gestured for a butler to guide them.


    It seemed the morning''s events had impacted the students, as everyone was quiet while following the butler, who had two knights beside him and two other knights trailing the group from behind.


    The teacher led the group as usual, and Logan, in his customary spot at the end of the line, decided to go with the flow.


    They were led to a separate part of the castle, clearly meant for guests.


    It wasn''t connected to the main castle but resembled a luxurious hotel, possibly a guest area for representatives from other kingdoms.


    This gave the building a feeling of privacy that the students welcomed. Before them were marble stairs leading up to two large doors, where various maids and butlers stood in wait.


    As the students entered the building, they were greeted by an elegant reception area with two staircases leading to the second floor.


    Beyond that, the building separated into two distinct areas: a dining room where chefs stood by, ready to serve, and a spacious resting area furnished with numerous sofas, seats, and tables, warmed by a large chimney.


    In this area, a few servants could be seen, including two young musicians who stood beside a piano and a lute.


    As with everything in this castle, artwork adorned the walls, in the form of paintings, statues, and murals.


    "Welcome, my name is Sir Alric, and I will be the head butler responsible for your care. This will be your residence, heroes, one of the finest parts of the castle where we welcome royals and important tycoons visiting our kingdom."


    "You will be able to partake in the best meals and listen to the finest music we can offer. There is a third floor where you can engage in various activities, such as reading, writing, or any form of art. If you need anything, please don''t hesitate to ask."


    The butler, a man nearing his fifties, maintained a lean build and had iron-gray hair neatly combed back into a simple ponytail.


    He was clad in a finely tailored red suit with silver embroidery.


    His sharply shaven face and icy blue eyes gave him an aura of unwavering focus, as if his gaze could cut through any distraction that interrupted his work.


    As he snapped his fingers, every maid and butler entered, some of which were very familiar faces to a few students.


    Once everyone was assembled, each student was given a key and assigned someone who would escort them to their room.


    Logan was paired with the same maid from before, the gentle-looking girl. She looked a bit disheartened but led him to a room at the end of a long corridor that seemed to be for the boys.


    "Master, do you wish for me to stay out here waiting, or do you need me to do something for you while you rest? Also¡­ do you wish to change servant, or will I be worthy enough¡­?"


    Logan couldn''t understand why she would wait for him or follow his orders, but in a world with slavery, he guessed she might be a slave.


    Despite this, he didn''t want someone he didn''t know around him, having lived solo for so long.


    While he struggled to find the right words, the maid''s face turned red, and Logan could see she was becoming sad.


    "Wait! Uhm, don''t take this the wrong way, but I don''t¡­ like interacting with other people. It''s not like I am refusing your service, but I am not like the others. However, it does seem I will need help, so¡­ can you assist me when I need it, please?"


    Looking around he heard a whistle from a guy nearby, it was only after this he could see he was making a scene, so he pulled in the maid and rushed in before closing the door shut.


    "Look¡­ I am not the type of person who speaks a lot, and I like my peace. Please don''t take this personally." Pacing around to clear his embarrassment, Logan looked around his room.


    He noticed that the room was actually larger than he had imagined and included a decently sized bed, a two-seat sofa, a closet, a shelf for books that was currently empty, and another door.


    "It''s fine, master, I think I get it now. If I may, my name is Ruri. I will be happy to attend to your needs. As servants to the heroes, we also have rooms to ourselves so that we don''t get in your way."


    The young girl, who had calmed herself, cleared a tear from one of her eyes before tucking her light brown hair behind her ear. Her warm hazel eyes reflected a genuine desire to be of service.


    It was only after seeing her bright smile that Logan paid attention to her face.


    The young maid had a heart-shaped face framed by light brown waves of hair, enhancing her fair skin.


    Her hazel eyes exuded warmth and kindness they combined well with her thin brows that were furrowed slightly as she focused.


    High cheekbones added elegance, while her small upturned nose and naturally rosy lips created a gentle, approachable appearance.


    "Ah yes, well it''s nice to meet you. My name is Logan. I guess that I will have to seek your help."


    An awkward silence overtook the room as they stared at each other before Ruri decided to use the door inside the room.


    "Well then, master, this is my room. I will be here in case you need anything. The rooms have been prepared in advance, so if you need anything, just knock." Ruri said while bowing to take her leave.


    "Ah, okay¡­ Sure?" Logan said quietly seeing the girl off.


    Not knowing what to do, Logan sat on the bed, pondering how he had fared during the previous situation.


    He thought for a while before unintentionally succumbing to sleep, aided by the soothing sound of a piano playing in the background and a lady''s voice. A few hours later, he was awakened by the maid.


    "Ahem, Master, you should get ready for the banquet. This part of the castle has a bathing room for both guys and girls downstairs. You should find the entrance under the male staircase, so it shouldn''t be hard to find. I have set your clothes near the door in case you would like to change after your bath."


    Ruri bowed before returning to her room, leaving before Logan had a chance to thank her.


    He barely got his bearings back, feeling as if he was home and his mother had woken him up for school.


    Yawning, Logan took the gaudy clothes hanging on a clothes rack, along with a towel, and headed downstairs.


    He grumbled as he walked, hating the fact he was forced into wearing formal wear, something he would never have chosen.


    Taking a quick bath, he was glad that this area at least had a proper tub filled with warm water.


    He would have stayed longer if not for the fact that he had slept so long.


    Dressed and ready, he exited the bathing room and went into the lobby, drying what remained of his moist hair. It was then that he bumped into someone who was also rushing.


    By the sound of the other who had fallen accidentally, a girl''s voice could be heard.


    "Ouch! Hey, that hurt, you know."


    He knew this voice well, and it wasn''t something he expected. Sprawled on the floor, Lisa looked up at him in bewilderment.


    "Sorry about that¡­" With a faint voice, he noticed he already had his hand held out to help her up.


    "Oh, it''s you, Logan. How about you be more careful?" Using Logan''s hand for support, Lisa raised herself before noticing a red liquid stuck to one of her fingers.


    "Logan, are you alright? You seem to be bleeding."


    Both teens looked towards their hands. Logan saw that his blood was acting strangely again, this time it seeming tried to slip into Lisa''s finger before evaporating.

 Chapter 8 - 8: Revealing Talents

    Seeing the blood evaporate, both Logan and Lisa were stunned.


    There was clearly something unusual happening, yet neither could understand what had just occurred.


    Any serious explanation had to wait as the main butler noticed both teenagers were not ready and warned them about the limited time before the banquet.


    "It seems you have made some kind of magic happen, but I guess we will find out what actually happened later. Anyways, see you at the party. Bye," Lisa said hurriedly.


    Before he could respond, Lisa took off. From what Logan saw, she wasn''t ready; her hair was still wet, and she looked like she hadn''t used any makeup.


    Logan hurried back to his room to ask for shoes and whatever else the maid would have him wear.


    He decided not to fight against her suggestions since the banquet could be what the class needed to find a way back home hopefully or to finally get some answers.


    Sometime later, the class was guided to a large banquet hall filled with a diverse array of cultures, each person radiating an aura of power, some of them like the blue princess''s bodyguard but in various colors.


    Logan could instantly see desert nomads clad in tunics of beige and gold conversing with others in silk robes reminiscent of East Asian attire.


    Loud royals, likely from a snowy northern region, were bundled up in heavy, fur-lined coats adorned with terrifying wolf or bear heads.


    Others from tropical climates appeared to be suffering from the kingdom''s cold night, dressed in delicate, thin clothing.


    Each table the students passed was adorned with different colors and emblems representing various factions or kingdoms.


    The butler finally guided the class to a central table where the king, his family, and two priests sat.


    The table was laden with food of every kind and luxurious cutlery made of precious metals, atop tableware in the kingdom''s colors of red and gold.


    "I am glad to have our heroes join us tonight for this grand feast my kingdom can provide. Please sit as we begin this ceremony with the help of the Temple of the Seven Spirits," the king announced, rising from his spot and using a special voice-amplifying tool to greet the students.


    The room, once filled with chatter, finally settled as everyone''s attention turned to the teenagers.


    The oracle, a high priestess, suddenly stood up and greeted the class with a bow.


    She was a woman of around 40 years of age, her beauty still apparent within her slightly wrinkled, well-aged face.


    Her striking silver eyes gave her a clear otherworldly presence, shining in different colors at times, reflecting the various jewels she wore around her attire. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Welcome to our world, saviors. We have been waiting for your arrival, as you were called forth by the spirits to aid this world in peril. Tonight, I shall help you understand your powers and reveal the mysteries of each of your talents. To do this, I will require you to come forward and hold this crystal."


    Her voice, soft and directed solely at the class, carried an air of calm authority.


    She walked towards a pedestal where a peculiar jewel lay, its vibrant hues shifting through seven different colors, overpowering the room''s lighting as the priestess waved her hand over it.


    "Now, please come forth one by one so that I may interpret your abilities."


    Despite the priestess''s beckoning, no one in the class seemed to move.


    Each teenager was waiting for someone to be brave enough to step forward.


    This hesitation ended when Brian took a deep sigh and chuckled to himself.


    "Will I have to be the first one again? Man, you are all chickens. How about we push Logan to be the first one next time?"


    Some in the class laughed while others looked relieved. Despite the awful remark, Logan silently thanked Brian for his decision to be today''s guinea pig.


    "Let''s see, the spirits are telling me that your power stems from the Great Spirit of Flames, meaning your strength is rooted in physical prowess. The term ''Champion'' comes to mind."


    "You are a master of powerful martial arts and can enter a berserk state when the battle calls for it. You shall bring destruction to any opponent in your path and have been granted a high growth rate within your class."


    Brian raised his hands proudly as the crowd cheered with the reveal of the first hero''s power, to go even future he did a backflip and landed right where he stood within the class.


    Seeing that they had nothing to fear, Jonathan, one of Brian''s lackeys used the momentum of the cheerful atmosphere and went towards the priestess full of expectation.


    "Hero, I see an affinity to the Earth Spirit, specifically his domain over steel. You will be able to wield the most unruly of swords with deadly precision and ease. The name ''Sword Saint'' comes to mind, as your slashes will be unrivaled on the battlefield."


    After he returned to the class, his friend George went up to see what he had going for him.


    "Your potential lies in spearmanship. Like the hero before you, the Great Earth Spirit has blessed you. Your strength will come not only from the sharpness of the blade but from the balance of its shaft. Your ability to wield and control a spear will allow you to defy nature itself."


    As the "idiot trio" finished and gave courage to the others to go up, the audience continued to celebrate while the top figures were already planning who to approach after the ceremony.


    "You will influence the flow of battle using your voice, as the Wind Spirit will allow it to resonate farther than any arrow. You may not directly harm others, but your sonorous ability will affect both your allies and foes with a myriad of effects, capable of turning the most dire of battles around with ease as a Songstress."


    Alma, who had joined the fray, was cheered with more enthusiasm than the guys, something that could be attributed to her short dress with slits revealing her well-defined thighs.


    "Child of light, I see in you the greatest affinity to the spirit of light, the power of life swirls around you as this eras Priestess, with this I hope you can vanquish that which is evil and purity this world."


    Unlike the rest, while talking to Lisa, the priestess seemed to change her tone to one of excitement, she seemed eager to present the beautiful girl to the room and even grasped her shoulders with both hands.


    After a small chat between the two, Silvia slowly walked forth with an uncaring attitude.


    "It is strange, child, but you will be guided by the wisdom and knowledge of various spirits. As a Sage, you will possess a unique magic known as Arcana. This power will allow you to grasp the strongest abilities of each elemental mage effortlessly. With this gift, you will unlock the mysteries of this world, and your search for knowledge will be your greatest strength."


    As she finished, more students in the class went forth to discover their unique abilities.


    There were summoners, enchanters, paladins, and mages of all kinds and elements, some capable of creating the greatest weapons or armor, while others could rebuild a city in hours.


    Among the familiar faces were Owen the Sharpshooter, Darin the Geomancer, and a strange loner like Logan who became a Shadowchaser, able to hide himself in any dark spot within the room.


    Others had simple but useful roles, like a girl who became a chef, capable of performing miracles with her meals, and a farmer who could harvest plants within days.


    A boy was quickly sought after when his class, Alchemist, was revealed.


    He could turn metal to liquid, ice to fire, and perform all sorts of strange phenomena with everyday items, but his greatest strength was in creating potions with various effects.


    Before Logan could muster the courage to go up, Ms. Claire, who had finally found comfort in a layered dress that covered most of her body, gracefully approached the priestess.


    "Welcome, Ms. Claire. Please forgive us for summoning you without notice. It seems the spirits have chosen you to guide the children, for you have been granted the power of Orator. This class comes from the combined power of the Great Spirit of Light and the Great Spirit of Wind. It allows you to infuse mana into your speech. Words spoken with this power will carry authority, enabling you to lead them effectively."


    With everyone having already gone up, all eyes were on Logan, who, as usual, was the last to step forward.


    He took it as his cue to approach the pedestal where the shining jewel stood.


    It was three short steps above the ground, ensuring everyone in the room could see him. With all attention on him, Logan began to tremble slightly.


    Once he reached the priestess, she placed her cold hand gently over his and closed her eyes in concentration.


    For a while, she made various expressions, ranging from joy to worry, and a tinge of fear could be seen soon after.


    But with a calming deep sigh, she opened her eyes and prepared to speak for all to hear.


    "Logan, was it? You are the last hero to be announced at this banquet. You have been given the power to tame with the help of both the Great Spirit of Darkness and the Great Spirit of Light¡ªthe ability to gain strength through trust and the ability to connect with others. Will you embrace this gift, forging bonds and learn to lead those who follow you? To gain strength with every new connection and guide this world through its dark times¡­"


    Logan seemed to understand that the priestess not only wanted to announce his power to the audience but also to warn him of something deeper.

 Chapter 9 - 9: Dine and Wine

    The whole room went silent for some reason before the priestess spoke out.


    "Everyone, the spirits have gathered to bless these heroes, but fear not, for they will be the ones to help this world."


    She placed her hand on Logan''s shoulder and then gently tapped him as if to tell him that everything would be fine.


    The boy went back to join the others who had taken a seat and sat on an empty chair.


    "Welcome kings, queens, delegates and the great nobles of our kingdom... As you have seen and heard, we will gain unprecedented strength with the help of our new heroes."


    "I have gathered everyone here with the power of the Temple of the Seven Spirits so that you may meet the heroes and offer your support to them. Having completed our task of summoning these heroes, the kingdom of Elris will retain them while they gain strength over the next six months."


    The king looked around, clearing his throat before continuing his speech.


    "Now, heroes, we know it was our greed that brought you out of your world to help us. Everyone here sincerely apologizes, but you must understand that it was not without reason."


    "While you are here, we will provide you with unlimited resources, manpower, and wealth. We will work with you until those demons have been vanquished."


    "Hura, Hura!"


    As the lengthy speech ended, the room resounded with cheers of various kinds.


    It was the moment when people raised their cups and began to savor the delicacies before them.


    The class seemed more eager to eat than to seek answers for now, as many plates filled with meats, stews, and sweets were set before them.


    Logan himself grabbed a huge drumstick with a fork and knife and began adding what looked like rice and beans to his plate.


    He felt a bit apprehensive about holding his golden spoon, adorned with various jewels on the handle, but his stomach demanded it be filled, especially with the enticing fragrance of the food.


    Besides the food, waiters brought a variety of drinks, both alcoholic and carbonated.


    Logan chose one that smelled of berries and began clearing what was left on his plate with even greater motivation.


    Within half an hour, everyone was full, and the soft music began to change into upbeat tunes.


    Some students got up to use the restroom or gather in groups.


    The "idiot trio," always seen together, became easy targets for those seeking the strongest students.


    They not only attracted the most formidable-looking representatives but also beautiful ladies, daughters of nobles or royals, who came in hopes of forming alliances with them.


    Young and handsome men also tried their luck in seducing the teacher and various girls within the class, attempting to gain their favor.


    Logan didn''t know why, but he was glad that Lisa was too busy talking to the oracle, who no one wanted to bother.


    As for Logan, it seemed something about him didn''t sit well with the representatives.


    It might have been the fact that he radiated a loner vibe.


    He busied himself pretending that the drink was the only thing that mattered at the party, but it also made him think about needing to use the restroom.


    The noise of the room didn''t sit well with Logan, but he also didn''t feel like walking around and being forced to speak to some random stranger.


    It was only when nature called urgently that he got up and went to the rest area to quickly alleviate himself.


    After finishing his business, he had two choices: go back to his seat or find an isolated area.


    He chose the latter and found the perfect spot¡ªthe balcony where few people ventured to avoid the cold night.


    Before leaving, he grabbed a glass from a nearby waiter and exited the area.


    Within seconds, he felt better as the noisy banquet faded into the background, replaced by the serenity of the empty terrace, where the night sky full of stars and three moons was visible.


    Each of the three moons radiated a different color.


    The smallest was red, the largest was gray with a small blue halo around it, and the third, just about to set, was yellow with many visible craters.


    What caught his attention even more was how everything seemed not only clearer but also as if he himself had the ability to see further when he tried to focus.


    He looked at his hand and noticed an eerie tattoo around his ring finger that had bled earlier because of Lisa.


    It appeared like a ring that came and went¡ªone moment it was clear, and in the next, it faded, almost like a computer glitch.


    "Good evening hero¡­ it seems the cold does not phase you."


    Logan jumped up as he heard a sweet voice beside him. Without him noticing, a striking figure had stepped into the moonlight.


    She was a tall beauty with long red hair that draped over her bare shoulders.


    Her skin was pale, almost luminescent under the glow of the three moons, and like many otherworlders, she radiated a red hue that warmed the area around her.


    Logan couldn''t help but notice the confidence in this young girl''s eyes, which sparkled like rubies in front of flames.


    He was filled with awe, especially when she moved closer, stood next to him, and began stargazing.


    "I hope my presence makes things better, hero, as I am blessed by the Spirit of Fire. It should at least make the cold night bearable, especially while you''re next to me." She said, waving her hand to cause fire magic to warm up the cool night.


    "Ahem, yes. Well, thank you. My name is Logan." His voice, tinged with a shy demeanor, wavered slightly.


    He turned back to the wonders in the sky, taking a sip from the glass he had brought, and waited to see what the young woman needed.


    "Nice to meet you, Hero Logan. I am Rubina Rosengard. As you know, we nobles are allowed to invest in your growth. This usually means allying with a kingdom or noble house, which provides you with benefits, be it monetary or otherwise..."


    The young girl tucked some of her silky red hair behind her ear in a seductive manner.


    "My father, Earl Rosengard, believes that endorsing you would be the best choice. As you know, in this world, to grow, you need to slay monsters to overload their cores..."


    Logan, who had been listening somewhat inattentively, showed a reaction to this last part.


    "Cores?" He asked while he turned to the seductive red-haired girl.


    The young girl seemed to understand that they weren''t on the same page, so she decided to answer him before asking a few questions.


    "Yes, cores. They are what give us power. Mine, for instance, needs the help of the Great Spirit of Fire to be refined. It''s with whom I have made a pact to enhance my fire affinity. Now that I think about it, aren''t you linked to the Great Darkness Spirit? You should know that great being is the hardest to contract with, right?"


    Logan stood confused, unable to give an answer. Ruby nodded in understanding before speaking again.


    "I see you''re one of few words, and also that your world seems quite different from ours."


    "Yes, very different. For one, we don''t have any magic¡­ I was also just a student in a normal school."


    Logan felt strange. He knew it¡ªthe last drink he had gotten from the waiter had something in it.


    "Also¡­ we only have one moon. Hmph, the sky is dirtier, and we have huge cities with skyscrapers¡ªlike buildings with one hundred or more floors. Cars and airplanes, animals without powers that are only normal colored¡­ We also don''t have spirits¡­"


    Logan began to scratch his hair, feeling hot around his ears. His legs felt like gelatin, making him grip the handrail harder.


    "Are you alright, Hero? It seems the drink they gave you was particularly strong¡­ it might have been Ghostbrew from the northerners. It''s usually tasteless."


    "I¡­ I am fine, thank you¡­ about the endorsement thing, that''s fine. I will see you about it tomorrow? It seems I will need your help with a few questions about this world, you see¡­"


    Rubina, seeing that Logan could not further stand, called for a waiter to take the empty glass.


    She then used her shoulder to support the drunken hero inside.


    She had already achieved her goal: securing at least one hero to her side, one that her family particularly needed.


    Now, she only needed to make others think she had gotten close to him to keep them at bay.


    She spotted her father speaking to a few important royals from other nations, a move she knew would benefit her family as he wasn''t one of the most respected nobles within the Elisya Kingdom.


    She overcharged her core, using it to enhance her arm strength just enough to keep the hero up and walking.


    While dragging the hero toward the exit, Rubina noticed one particular stare directed at her.


    It was from another hero¡ªthe girl who had been chosen as the Saintess.


    S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 10 - 10: A Night to Forget

    Logan woke up weakly, unaware of where he was, but he knew his body ached, causing him to groan.


    "Young master Logan, are you awake?!" Ruri asked softly, her voice barely a whisper.


    Before he could fully open his eyes, he felt someone tugging on his arm. The owner of the voice became clear after a few blinks¡ªit was a young girl in maid attire.


    "Yes¡­ I think I am?" Logan said hoarsely, looking around the room somewhat dejectedly, thinking about the reality of his situation.


    He was trying to piece together what had happened to him, gathering bits and pieces of the events that led to his current state. Class reveal, speech, food, music, bathroom, balcony¡­ drink, red-haired girl¡­ Drink!


    "It was the drink, wasn''t it?" Logan shouted in exasperation, only making his headache worse. He tossed and turned a few times before it calmed down.


    "Master? Are you alright?" Ruri shouted, concern evident in her voice.


    Realizing he was only making a commotion, Logan cleared his parched throat, trying to calm himself in order to think about how he had gotten here.


    "Yes, sorry about that. I''m fine, just have ah¡­ mild headache. Also¡­ how did I get here?" Logan spoke out, his voice barely audible. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ruri nodded, after understood his situation. "About that, let me give this to you first. Ms. Rosengard told me it would help you when you awakened."


    With great care, the young maid began to pour some tea into a small porcelain cup from a pot before continuing with the explanation.


    "You see, hero, last night Lady Rosengard told me that you accidentally drank a cup of Ghostbrew and had to be brought back by a caretaker. I''ve been here all night to take care of you, so don''t worry¡ªyou didn''t say or do anything weird; I promise!" Ruri answered in a meek voice but with a serious attitude to show she was telling the truth.


    Logan stared at her for a bit before nodding slowly. The tea he had taken in three sips seemed to be fast-acting, as he could clearly feel the heavy pulsing in his forehead begin to fade.


    "Ugh, thank you. That will be all." He said with pain still in his voice.


    Seeing that the tea seemed to help her master recover almost instantly, Ruri nodded before leaving the room to clean the cup and pot. As for Logan, he made sure that no one was around before slapping his leg.


    Having a stranger attend to him was bad enough, but acting foolish in front of the red-haired noble girl yesterday was even worse.


    He recalled a few of the things he had done, and what he remembered the most was talking¡ªa whole lot of talking.


    Fragments of being carried off by the red-haired girl were also present in his memory before his consciousness faded, making him shiver in embarrassment.


    What would all the other students say? What would his teacher say? All of this was whirling in his mind before he decided to get up and get ready. He was not only hungry, but nature was calling.


    After changing to the clothes placed neatly at the end of his bed, Logan hesitated while grabbing the doorknob a few times before deciding to rotate it fully and open the door.


    He took a deep breath and exited the room, only to find the corridor empty, much to his delight.


    Sometime later, after finishing his business, Logan noticed that no one in his class had awoken yet.


    The sunlight had yet to reach the building, so he guessed it was somewhere around six in the morning, and the chefs had yet to start cooking.


    This did not stop his maid, who had beckoned him to eat some soup she had prepared.


    Logan sent her away to rest before eating, noticing the young girl was yawning and clearly tired from watching over him throughout the night.


    This felt strange for Logan, who was not used to having someone around, especially to the extent that they would stay up all night for his sake.


    He finished his broth with bread before heading upstairs to avoid the others who would no doubt be coming down soon.


    Logan needed to think things through and figure out what he had to do next.


    Upon arriving at his room, Logan heard a whistle from behind.


    "Hey Logan, have you become a man already?" Someone yelled out towards him, a voice he didn''t not know well.


    Shutting his door quickly but quietly so as not to disturb Ruri if she was asleep, Logan entered and paced around.


    He knew it¡ªothers saw what he did and they probably got the wrong idea. Or did they?


    Logan didn''t remember anything, not how he got here or what happened with the red-haired girl, or even what Ruri did.


    Was she closer to him this morning because he did something to her?


    "No wait, she said nothing happened¡­ Damn it, I will never drink again!" he murmured to himself, pulling his hair. He paced back to his bed before noticing a note beside it, which he quickly opened to read.


    "Greetings Hero,


    I hope the medication I gave your maid helps with the problems you will be having tomorrow. Don''t worry about what happened at the party; I did my best to keep your dignity intact with a special trick of mine.


    Now then, I hope you remember our promise and accept the help of my father, Earl Victor Rosengard. We will be sending a carriage midday in case you accept.


    All you have to do is give the envelope of this letter to Mr. Alric, who knows what to do with it.


    And don''t worry about payment; it is an arrangement that all nobles have made, so Mr. Alric will do the same for any of the other students.


    Sincerely Yours, Rubina Rosengard"


    Logan rubbed his head a few times trying to remember the events that happened the night before.


    He recalled having accepted the Rosengard''s help and even introducing himself to Rubina before he blacked out.


    Weighting the pros and cons a few times he decided it was good to have a backer, as everyone in the class would probably have one and he also didn''t want to rely too much on the king who could at any moment kick him out and toss him on to the street.


    He thought about the problems that could also arise from accepting some unknown benefactor, but in the end, he recalled the young girl Rubina who seemed genuine in her interest in him.


    Logan did not think it was his physical appearance though; it had more to do with what the oracle had prophesied about him and the powers he possessed.


    The boy also recalled the strange way others reacted towards his class.


    "Tamer¡­" A word softly left the tip of his tongue. He could only guess that it had to do with controlling animals or monsters and helping them get stronger, just like his old video game.


    Logan paced back and forth before deciding to send the letter to Alric.


    After calming down and thinking things over, he was sure that he had done nothing wrong by the contents of the letter and the way Ruri had acted that morning.


    Quietly exiting the room, he headed towards the reception area, where the main butler, Mr. Alric, was standing behind a desk.


    "Ahh¡­ Good morning, can you pass this to Earl Rosengard, please?" Logan said while clearing his throat.


    Logan fidgeted under the main butler''s stern gaze. Mr. Alric nodded while accepting the envelope before snapping his fingers.


    A nearby boy suddenly appeared and picked up the letter, received a few instructions, and then dashed away in a hurry.


    "Will that be all, young master?" The old man spoke in a dry voice without emotion and bowed after Logan nodded to indicate no further need for his assistance.


    Logan felt somewhat refreshed by the previous interaction; it was quick, smooth, and simple. It was only when he was heading to his room that he noticed people from his class staring at him.


    He looked around quickly and noticed that Lisa, his teacher, or the idiotic trio weren''t around.


    That was good enough for him.


    He struggled with the attention but managed to get back to his room without too much hassle.


    After a few hours of doing nothing but reading an old book he found in the upstairs library and hiding from the rest of the world, Logan noticed that his maid had woken up.


    Somehow, she knew that he would need to go out and brought him the clothes he had come into this world with, much to his delight.


    He quickly took the beanie and nestled it right where it should be, fixing in place his untamed hair.


    Logan studied her for a moment, before speaking. "Thank you, Ruri¡­"


    The maid, having been thanked, bowed with a smile.


    She seemed overjoyed for some reason to have a master, which Logan found strange. Yet he did not question it.


    He simply appreciated her kindness in silence not knowing how he needed to tackle the problem.


    Suddenly, a knock was heard at the door. A butler announced that Mr. Rosengard''s carriage was waiting outside.

 Chapter 11 - 11: Earl Rosengard Residence

    Forgetting to ask Ruri for more details about the Rosengards, Logan exited the living quarters after bidding farewell to the young girl, who seemed to need more rest.


    With the help of a well-dressed butler, who guided him outside, Logan noticed the sleek carriage awaiting his arrival.


    Its polished wood reflected the strong afternoon sunlight, but what caught Logan''s eye was the carriage''s strange design.


    It was carefully carved to resemble the head of a dragon, a stark contrast to the carts he had seen the previous days.


    Another striking feature was the four-legged lizards, resembling bulls, that pulled the carriage.


    With green, scaly skin, two great horns, and a chained snout filled with sharp fangs, they looked fearsome yet remained calm, standing in wait.


    The coachman tipped his hat as Logan approached. "Welcome, hero. I thank you for accepting my master''s invitation. The Earl and young lady await your arrival with great anticipation."


    Thinking a nod would be sufficient, Logan boarded the strange carriage, hoping other students were not paying him any attention.


    As he sat down, he noticed the interior was different from its exterior, more normal in a way. It was classy, with ebony wood, dark maroon-colored curtains, and fine leather seats made from the skin of some dark red animal.


    The seats were surprisingly springy, an attribute he would later appreciate as the road turned bumpy.


    As the ride began, he noticed that yesterday''s floating carriage was indeed meant for royalty.


    This carriage shook after leaving the castle, at times making Logan feel a little sick.


    He turned his attention outside, trying to figure out the path in case he needed to come back using other methods.


    After half an hour, he noticed that the scenery changed.


    The carriage seemed to enter a more woodland-like area, yet he could tell it was someone''s property as a black metal fence lined the borders.


    The carriage went through the path near dense trees but as time passed well-maintained gardens and the occasional statue came into view, adding an air of grandeur to the simple forest.


    Soon, they approached a tall ornate gate adorned with the Rosengard family crest, signaling their arrival at the Earl''s estate.


    As the carriage came to a stop, Logan waited for its door to open with anticipation.


    He didn''t know how he was supposed to act in front of nobility. Should he bow, or did they expect him to carry himself in a certain way as a hero?


    As he stepped out of the cart, Logan noticed that there was no large fanfare this time.


    Only Rubina stood in front of the grand mansion to greet him.


    The mansion itself was an imposing building, with tall, arched windows that glinted in the afternoon sunlight and ivy creeping up its stone walls.


    Its entrance was held firmly by four large imposing columns while further inside a large wooden door stood, intricately carved with scenes of legendary battles and mythical creatures.


    The mansion was both awe-inspiring and intimidating, a testament to the wealth and power of the Rosengard family.


    Not knowing how he should move, Logan stood for a few seconds admiring not only the building but also its huge yard.


    The size of the estate could only be compared to the size of his school.


    Rubina, who noticed Logan''s hesitation, walked up to the carriage and extended her hand in greeting.


    Her long scarlet hair swayed slightly by a passing breeze, shining brilliantly.


    She wore a simple yet elegant green frilled dress while a silver necklace with a pendant of a rare gemstone rested on her collarbone, adding a touch of sophistication to her ensemble.


    As she got closer, Logan could feel sweat pouring from his palms.


    He struggled to keep his eyes away from the girl''s stunning figure.


    Her perfect legs, partially revealed as the dress moved in the wind, and her well-defined bosom, not wholly covered by the frills, made it difficult for him to keep his teenage eyes from wandering.


    "Thank you for coming, Sir Logan. I appreciate that you took the time to visit my family''s estate. You must forgive my father for not being present; he had an urgent errand to attend to and will be arriving soon." Rubina spoke with a lovely voice, and as she drew closer, Logan caught the delicate scent of flowers mixed in with other delicious aromas.


    "Uhm, yes, it''s fine, Ms. Rubina," Logan stammered, feeling pressure from her presence and the fragrance that accompanied it.


    Rubina smiled gently while squinting her eyes then let out a cute giggle. "It seems todays Logan is not the same as yesterday?"


    Logan suddenly straightened his back, curious as to what he had done to give her that impression.


    "Don''t worry too much, Ghostbrew is pretty strong. I doubt I would fare any better. Just to clear things up, I only walked you to Mr. Alric after we spoke yesterday." Rubina giggled before she continued. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "There''s no need to be on guard. I mean no harm, and I was sincere when I presented my proposal. Anyway, let''s go inside; we should drink tea while we wait for my father to arrive." Rubina made a lovely smile trying to appease the worried hero.


    Not knowing what to say, Logan decided to follow the young woman inside. The interior was as exquisite as one would expect, with tasteful decor.


    She led him to a room where the sunlight shone brightly through large windows.


    There, a maid had prepared a few cups along with a variety of sweets, neatly arranged on a polished silver tray.


    Both youths sat on the same sofa, Logan wanted to switch seats, but he didn''t want to offend the girl who comfortably settled herself next to him.


    "Now then, hero, if I remember correctly, you said that this world is very different from your own. I think I should begin by giving you a brief explanation to any of your questions. Where do you want to start?" Rubina asked while staring at Logans intently.


    Seeing that the girl genuinely wanted to help him, Logan thought about the knowledge he needed at the moment.


    One important thing he needed to understand was how magic worked.


    "Yes, what is magic and cores, and why do all of us have a different class?" Logan mumbled while raising a cup that seemed to contain some red tea.


    "About that, well, I guess that''s easy enough to explain. Mana is like water; everyone can ingest it with the help of the Great Spirits. They let us refine mana so that we can store it in our body in a core. With enough mana, we can call forth special powers." Rubina paused while gathering her thoughts.


    "Now, a class¡­ it is a special job that we are all suited for. The Great Spirits can see through our minds and find our talents. For instance, I am great at fire magic and also have strong telekinetic powers, so I was given Arch Mage as a class." The young girl tried to explain things to the best of her ability.


    Taking a sip from a nearby cup filled with green liquid, Rubina cleansed her lips with a towel and selected a cookie from a nearby plate before continuing.


    "My abilities come from both the Great Spirit of Fire, who has blessed me enough that I can radiate its flames at any given time, and my second ability was gifted to me by the Great Spirit of Darkness, which allows me to do this¡­"


    Within seconds, the young lady before him manifested short horns, a tail, and small wings.


    Logan stood up in shock but sensed that the girl was equally as afraid of him as he was of her.


    "Are you possibly¡­" Logan tried to say but was quickly answered by Rubina.


    "A demon? Yes. I am half-demon. You see, my mother was a full demon, and my father is human. I will say this, though¡ªI have never met any other demons... and my mother is gone. I have been without her since I was a child," Rubina explained, sadness reflected in her ruby-like eyes.


    "So why did you tell me, a hero, this?" Logan asked, his curiosity piqued.


    "Because I wanted you to trust me, I really feel something familiar when speaking with you... "


    Rubina replied. "By sharing this secret, we can help each other even further before you are tainted by the ideology of this world. Also, my father is obsessed with monsters, so he was the one that sought you out the most when the oracle announced your class as tamer."


    Logan looked around, seeing that no maids had entered.


    He returned his gaze to Rubina, who remained seated, wary of what Logan would do next. But the boy settled his beating heart, sat back down, and began to admire her new appearance.


    She did not seem dangerous, at least for now.


    Seeing that the boy didn''t seem to want to run away or scream for help, Rubina hid her demon appearance.


    She herself didn''t understand why she revealed her true form to the hero, but she somehow felt that the boy would accept it, as he somehow did.


    The way he acted, steering out of the view of others, was like seeing herself¡ªsomeone who didn''t fit with the current world, a half-demon.


    "Well then, I hope we can enjoy our tea and sweets before my father arrives," Rubina said with a warm smile. "You see, he really wanted to meet you, Logan."


    As Logan picked up a small cake, his eyes wandered towards the girl sitting beside him.


    The radiant smile she was giving off made him feel as though she had strangely gotten closer to him for some reason.


    Suddenly, a commotion rattled the mansion. The door to the room was pushed aside with force as a tall, lean middle-aged man burst through in a hurry, carefully cradling an egg in his arms.

 Chapter 12 - 12: Earl of Many Surprises

    Logan turned in shock as the door was almost torn open.


    Standing there was a well-dressed middle-aged man, breathing heavily.


    His unruly hair was a deep shade of chestnut, with white sideburns giving him a classy look.


    Logan couldn''t ignore the fact that the man shared similar facial features to Rubina.


    Even his light brown eyes held the same attractive quality, and a pair of gold spectacles perched on his straight nose gave him a scholarly appearance.


    Even though Logan didn''t know the person who had entered so abruptly, he could tell that the man exuded an aura of excitement, as if he were on the brink of discovering something new.


    "Hero! I see you have arrived, great to make your acquaintance. My name is Earl Victor Rosengard, owner of this mansion and lord of Hargate to the east of this city," the Earl said in excitement, wanting to speed through formalities.


    "Now then, I see you are both seated, perfect. Just give me a few seconds!"


    "Hestia, please bring me an incubator and a few big fire stones," the Earl called out while setting himself in front of a sofa and carefully placing a 15-centimeter-long egg over his lap.


    Logan stood in wait with curiosity, noticing the egg wiggling from time to time.


    It was light orange, and at times it glowed and turned red before returning to its original color.


    Soon, a maid entered with three butlers, placing a large incubator containing red crystals in the room.


    With their help, the earl carefully placed the egg inside the contraption.


    "Now then, while we wait, let me tell you a bit more about myself and why I have called you," the earl said, taking off his glasses and starting to wipe them as he settled comfortably in his seat.


    "As Earl, I decided to help the hero who would be summoned. Yet, we were surprised that a class full of students was called, each one a hero with powers in different classes. I, of course, waited to see which one I would help out, and to my luck, one of you held the power of taming."


    "You see, I became an Earl due to my work as the kingdom''s top monster breeder. My greatest achievement was giving this kingdom its first dragon, a feat that only the empire had accomplished thus far," said Earl Rosengard.


    The carefree Earl tried to pick up a teacup, but the maid named Hestia quickly attended to him before he could move.


    "Thanks, dear. Now then, I think you know where I am going with this, right? I need your help to understand the world of taming. We could make the perfect team as you benefit from my studies, and I, with your power, achieve a few other goals I have in mind." The earl tried to convince the new hero to his cause.


    "Father, can you calm down for a bit? I think you''re going too fast, and the hero won''t be able to follow," Rubina raised her voice in agitation, knowing that if she didn''t stop her father, he would continue without restraint.


    "Oh, yes, I have yet to get your name, young man. How about you introduce yourself?" the Earl said, taking a bite out of a cookie and gesturing for Logan to speak.


    "My name is Logan," the boy shrugged, unable to think of anything else to add.


    "Alright, nice to meet you, Logan. A man of few words I take it, that''s good. Let me guess, my daughter has already informed you about the basics of this world. How about I tell you a few rumors about what''s happening with the other heroes." The earl paused, licking some jelly from one of his fingers.


    "First off, the church has taken a keen interest in the Saintess; she will be given all their support. As for this kingdom, the King announced they would invest in the Champion, the kid who beat up the knight."


    "And while other nations have each named a child to help, the most interesting would be the Empire''s chosen, the Alchemist."


    "One would think the strongest nation would covet a warrior or martial artist, but they quickly took the boy away. This is strange, considering that the church stated the heroes would stay in this kingdom for half a year..." The earl informed.


    Before he could go on any further, the egg began to move erratically. The earl stopped speaking and beckoned Logan to come closer.


    "Boy, come here. I need you to stand close to the egg. You see, this particular creature imprints like some fowls. It will be a good companion for you."


    Logan noticed that most of the stones placed around the egg had lost their color.


    Only three remained bright red, with one of them dimming rapidly.


    The egg began to rock back and forth, soon a fissure appeared at the center, the small creature inside using its mouth to break through.


    A small flame shot out, and Logan realized he was too close.


    A few parts of the eggshell crystallized like glass before incinerating, narrowly missing Logan''s face.


    Soon, a small orange eye could be seen within the shell, staring directly at the boy who stood in front of the small creature.


    A tiny chirp constantly coming from its little mouth.


    As with the part of the shell that had blown off, the rest of it began to disintegrate with a few bursts of flame the small creature was emitting.


    It was soon fully released from its capsule, emitting a long chirp as if roaring in celebration.


    What emerged from the shell was a small, newt-like orange creature that kept its gaze fixed on Logan.


    "Father, don''t tell me that''s a Scorchwyrm? Did Miles sell it to you? No wonder you took so long; I thought he had sold it last week," Rubina asked while placing one of her hands near its head to rub it.


    The small creature, which did not approve right away, sent a few flames in her direction, but they dissipated as soon as they reached her hand.


    "I would warn you against doing the same, Sir Logan. I have the Great Fire Spirit''s protection, so something at this level won''t harm me," she added.


    Logan, who wanted to cuddle the small creature as Rubina had done, suddenly straightened his back. But the small creature, sensing the boy''s retreat, took a few steps toward him.


    "Well, that was part of the reason I was late. You see, there is something else we need to help young hero Logan with," the earl, satisfied with the events that had unfolded, suddenly took a small golden sigil from his pocket.


    It was a crystal with bright white symbols embedded within it.


    "It''s a small piece of the Chronicle Crystal, I had to play a few good cards to get it from the church, it seems the other heroes will have it hard though."


    "Give it a try Sir. Logan, you just need to hold it and close your eyes and concentrate. I will warn you though, keep what you see to yourself and those you trust. Its information that could help you but also put you at risk if it falls into the wrong hands." The earl cautioned, while handing the sigil to Logan.


    Logan took the small transparent object, feeling a strange warmth emanating from it.


    He did as the earl instructed, closing his eyes and focusing his mind.


    Almost instantly, a flood of information entered his thoughts, revealing his basic stats, skills, and abilities. It took a few attempts, but in the end, he felt he could organize the information in a way that games would display it.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Logan


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Class: Soul Bound Tamer


    Level: 1 / Health: 10 / Mana: 8 S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Attributes:


    Strength: 3 Agility: 2 Dexterity: 2 Constitution: 5 Intelligence: 2 Charisma: 1


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Skills:


    Taming (Rank: Beginner): Forms a permanent bond with a marked beast or being using the masters blood; the being must be willing to form a pact and cannot be of higher rank or level than the master. (Max Beings: 2/3)


    Empathic Link (Rank: Beginner): Establishes a mental connection with tamed creatures, allowing for silent communication and understanding of their emotions and thoughts within a certain distance. (Max distance: 5 meters)


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Abilities:


    Tamer''s Bond: Allows the hero to form a soul bond with creatures, making them permanent allies.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Tamed Beings:


    Crimson Majesty [Level 1 / Blood Mark ¨C Right Ankle]


    Error [Level 1 / Blood Mark ¨C Ring Finger]


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Experience Points (XP): 16 / 50


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    As Logan carefully thought about the information, he noticed a few discrepancies.


    For one, he already had two supposed tamed beings.


    From the first, he could gather it was a plant.


    He read through his skills and thought about the strange incidents with blood that had happened the day before.


    The weird rose-like plant could possibly be his first tamed being, a so-called Crimson Majesty.


    The next one caught him off guard as it displayed an error. He thought hard about it, and only one other instance of weird blood activity entered his mind.


    [Lisa!]

 Chapter 13 - 13: Demons of the Past

    Logan thought about the girl he once knew well as a child.


    Lisa had always been willing to play with him, whether it was losing in video games or beating him in basketball.


    The young girl had stuck by him until his parents'' divorce forced him to leave with his mother and abandon his old home.


    It was not until much later when his mother had won the lawsuit that they moved back to live in the same old house.


    When he entered high school, Logan remembered he would stare at her from afar.


    The girl he once knew had grown to become a beautiful young woman, usually surrounded by friends and always at the center of attention.


    He on the other hand had become reclusive, always in the shadows, never near any sort of spotlight.


    Despite the distance that grew between them, Logan could not help but have feelings of familiarity with the girl.


    During the first year he did not actively seek her out as he did not share a class with her, but he would at times have a chance to be around her.


    And yet they would only share glimpses from afar, neither seeming to get close to the other.


    Logan would sometimes think it was probably his way of dressing.


    His once well-off family had become a sole mother doing her best to keep food on the table while paying bills.


    His clothes were far from the newest, often worn and patched, standing in stark contrast to the latest fashion.


    During his second year, he finally shared a class with her.


    While he blamed himself for keeping his distance out of shame, he knew that she sometimes looked his way.


    It was a strange situation; on one hand, he was afraid of rejection, but on the other, he couldn''t help but feel a persistent pull towards Lisa.


    Sharing a class gave them more chances to interact.


    Although he had yet to speak clearly to her, they did speak several times and even once laughed at an inside joke they shared from the past.


    Unfortunately, this also brought some problems. He noticed that Brian began his crusade to make Logan''s life difficult during this time.


    As a result, they kept their distance once again, reminding Logan of why he detested relationships.


    But now, there was this small connection between them.


    He at least had to find out why this bond was created.


    Logan looked at one part of his skills description¡ªthe other had to be willing to form the pact. In other words, she was probably willing, but then why was it displayed as an error?


    "Logan, are you alright?"


    A melodious voice called out to him, reeling him back from his thoughts.


    He turned to see Rubina standing there, concern etched on her face. So, he decided to postpone his search for answers until later.


    "Yes, sorry about that. It took a bit of time to understand everything. I am a tamer as the oracle said. It seems I can level up and also have skills and attributes. Also, I seem to have a bond with a creature already, a so-called Crimson Majesty," Logan said, rubbing his head.


    He felt a small pulse from overthinking too much while using the sigil.


    The earl, hearing of his first pact, raised an excited cry. "Fascinating! Not only creatures but plants? That is unique, to say the least, and also something to worry about. As you know, this world has had one other demon invasion before¡ªthe one that caused the first hero Rowland to be called."


    "This is not spoken of much to avoid causing panic, but the demons the first hero fought against had a type of tamer ability that could enslave even humans." The earl took a deep breath before speaking again, glancing at his daughter.


    "Now that I think about it, knowing my daughter, she must have spoken to you about her race. Don''t worry, it was something I also wanted to ask her to do. You see, just as not all humans are the same, there are differences among demons as well."


    Rubina, who was called out, showed signs of surprise. She didn''t know how her father knew what she had done but felt embarrassed that she couldn''t keep secrets from her old man.


    "It was Hestia, wasn''t it?" Rubina questioned her father, her cheeks flushing slightly as she tried to maintain her composure.


    "Yes¡­ yes, don''t worry, dear. Now then, you may be wondering why it is dangerous that you can tame plants. People will be scared of you, Logan, if they are not already." The earl paused before continuing.


    "You have gotten your power from the Great Spirit of Darkness, one of the least loved for having helped the demons in the past. A third of the world was destroyed when humans became nothing but livestock before the first great war." The earl cleared his throat and tossed another fire stone to the newborn monster, which was busily devouring the last of the ones placed near its incubator.


    "But as I said not all demons are the same, I know that for a fact the demons that started the first war hundreds of years ago, they were different, they drained humans of blood. By taming us like cattle they were able to feed off the strong and raise the weak so as to not oppose them." The earl stopped for a few seconds making a grave expression.


    "This time though, the demons who are causing the problems seem to have a different agenda. They are using strategy this time, taking down kingdoms one by one, they already have a good portion of the continent in flames, killing everything in their path."


    "Anyway, we will have more time to talk about that later. This newborn Scorchwyrm won''t wait forever." The earl took a sip of tea trying to rinse off the tension he was experiencing.


    Everyone''s focus returned to the young creature, whose cute cries filled the room.


    Logan, gazing at the small being, thought back to the medium he needed to tame it.


    He checked his finger, which was just beginning to scab. With a pained expression, he ripped off a small piece of the skin trying to heal and pressed it to have some blood flowing while Rubina and the earl stared at him in dismay.


    "Well this is new¡­" The earl said trying to figure out what the boy was doing while Rubina placed both hands on her face.


    Logan hesitated, feeling a pang of guilt. "It''s kind of creepy, but my ability requires me to mark a beast with blood," he said, looking at the tiny creature.


    He wondered if it was right to enslave a small animal without its consent.


    "Logan, you shouldn''t worry too much about your way of taming. If there is one thing I know, it''s that even if it''s a little different, it should be with a willing being, right?" the earl spoke gently, a look of excitement on his face.


    The boy nodded, still unsure but determined to understand his ability better. He pressed his bleeding finger onto the creature''s head, hoping it would accept the bond willingly.


    The baby Scorchwyrm seemed to be in a daze before it shook its tail happily.


    Soon, the blood seemed to react as if it was evaporating, leaving a small mark around the creature''s neck that glowed a deep shade of red. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This time, Logan felt a connection.


    It was his first time sensing this particular feeling.


    He thought back to the plant, which probably didn''t have the intelligence to produce this, or the incident with Lisa, which didn''t go through as it should have.


    [Qweeek]


    He heard a tiny voice in his mind. He couldn''t understand it but felt its meaning in a way.


    It wanted food, hunger, emptiness, pain in the stomach¡ªsuch words appeared in his mind.


    He also felt a small burn around his collarbone. Lifting his shirt slightly, he saw a small red print where the pain had faded.


    "Well, I never thought I would get a tattoo... wait..." As Logan pondered, he recalled a description about having a mark on his right ankle.


    Lifting his pants a little, he found a mark that resembled a small bracelet with leaves and thorns.


    "What a day full of surprises! Let me tell you, your way of taming seems to not only be one-sided but affects both parties," the earl said, his excitement evident.


    "It might give you strength along the way, but I can also see a problem with it. It might hurt you in some way if something happens to one of your tamed beasts." He continued.


    "As I stated before, please be careful and only reveal the minimal amount of information. As for the divination the oracle did, she can only see what the Great Spirits allow her, so don''t worry too much." The earl, satisfied with what he had learned, was in Great Spirits.


    He quickly took a small notebook and began writing down his observations while Rubina watched him with a mix of admiration and curiosity.


    "Well, Logan, I think it would be better to leave the Scorchwyrm here. We have the necessary materials and food for it to grow. You may not know this, but young beasts need elemental stones to grow stronger." Rubina interrupted.


    "For this little guy, it should take about a month to grow enough to move about. " Rubina explained, knowing her father would be busy until he finished writing down every detail.


    She wanted to call for a maid to come for the creature, but her father raised a hand before she had a chance to speak.


    "Wait, before that, there is one last thing I want Sir Logan to do before he departs," the earl said, putting away his notebook and making a wide grin towards Logan.


    "I think this small one needs a good fight before the hero leaves."

 Chapter 14 - 14: Scorchwyrms First Battle

    Logan was taken aback by Earl Victor''s words; he was about to take Rubina''s suggestion to keep his small creature with the Rosengard''s to grow.


    He thought back to a particular monster-capturing type video game from his own world and suddenly became interested.


    He looked at the small orange newt-like animal who was busily draining the last fire stone of its power.


    It did this by placing its head near the crystal and breathing in something like red particles from the stone, and yet the little creature was still asking for food as Logan turned on his link telepathic ability.


    "A fight, like actually hitting some other animal?" Logan turned his attention back to the middle-aged man with apprehension in his voice.


    "Well, yes, a one-on-one controlled battle. We have a variety of training grounds for such purposes. You don''t think this little one is going to go through life-draining fire stones, do you?" the earl said with a playful demeanor.


    Rubina, still beside Logan, placed her delicate hand on his shoulder.


    "Don''t worry, Logan. My dad may seem crazy at times, but he is one of the top animal breeders in this kingdom. I think he knows what is important for the Scorchwyrm and wouldn''t take risks or bring any harm to the baby. Right, Dad?"


    The earl, seeing Rubina''s serious demeanor, let out a chuckle. "You know me well, my dear. Logan, it''s important for the young Scorchwyrm to start developing its instincts and strength while you''re here. So let''s get to it before the day ends¡ªthere is much to do!"


    The earl clapped his hands as he got up, and a few of his servants began to clean the room.


    His most trusted maid, Hestia¡ªa woman in her mid-thirties with green hair, green eyes, and a stern aura¡ªbrought him a type of lab coat.


    Combing his hair back after putting on his white garment, Earl Victor Rosengard began walking outside through the back door, with both teenagers and Hestia following.


    Rubina, who was in charge of holding the baby newt in case it began to rampage, kept close to Logan and smiled as she noticed the boy looking around with interest.


    They passed many facilities that Logan was unable to identify at a glance.


    There were greenhouses filled with various plants, silos, and buildings that looked like barns, from which various animal calls could be heard.


    Many workers were bustling about, some cleaning animal waste while others brought food in wheelbarrows or with the help of donkey-like animals carrying bundles of a type of grass.


    "Here we are; this should be the perfect place to train your little one, Logan." The earl pointed to a large dome-shaped building at one edge of the estate.


    "Wait, don''t tell me we will be going in there... ugh!" Rubina turned her head to the side in disgust, her shoulders shivering.


    "I''m afraid so, hun. The only creatures this little one will be able to fight are insects, so the Insectarium will be the perfect place." The earl laughed heartily while opening a metallic door.


    Everyone entered, and one person in the group made cute whimpering noises, and it was not the infant this time.


    Logan, who was having a difficult time keeping a straight face, realized he was actually enjoying his time with the father and daughter who had invited him to their residence.


    He smiled, recalling his own family from his childhood, and couldn''t stop a sniffle that he quickly turned into a cough.


    [What is happening to me today?] Logan asked himself wondering why he was acting strange.


    The boy took a deep sigh, shaking off what was on his mind, and kept following the earl''s lead.


    The building didn''t seem large from the outside, but those who entered needed to either go up or down via two different staircases.


    Their destination appeared to be the lower level, which went underground, where cages and various areas separated special habitats containing thousands of insects.


    Some winged creatures were free to fly around while others were kept inside glass containers that mimicked their natural biomes.


    "Wow, how are you able to keep so many animals in one area?" Logan questioned the earl who was happily talking about each creature as if he had raised them from birth in his usually chatty manner.


    The earl turned back to look at Logan, chuckling. "Well, that''s the advantage of my class. As a breeder, I have the ability to understand these creatures more easily and grow stronger with each one I successfully rear. Unlike tamers, my strength comes from the number and variety of creatures I breed. However, I don''t have the power to enhance their strength directly or to work with plants." The earl concluded, a hint of regret in his tone.


    "Well, that''s why I''m happy to have you around, hero." Earl Victor returned to his excited tone of voice as he gestured towards a nearby enclosure.


    The group entered a part of the building that resembled an ant farm but scaled up to the size of a two-story building. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The creatures inside were ants, each the size of Logan''s fist, moving through glass and metal tubes that separated various chambers.


    "Bleh, I told you how much I hate creatures with many legs, but these hairy things are even worse." Rubina used Logan''s back to shield her from the sight of the giant ants.


    Logan couldn''t help but chuckle at Rubina''s reaction, but he couldn''t find it within himself to push her away.


    The earl led them deeper into the enclosure, stopping in front of a large chamber where a group of ants were busily repairing part of their nest.


    "These are Battle Ants. They make the perfect training partners for young beasts like your Scorchwyrm. They are strong and numerous, but their attacks are more about testing endurance than reflexes so that it will be easier for a baby creature like yours."


    "Well then, let''s start!" The earl called in three workers to create a small ring of stones where the battle would take place.


    "We''ll place your Scorchwyrm here and start introducing one Battle Ant at a time until the young one gets tired. Remember, the goal here isn''t necessarily to win, but to help your Scorchwyrm develop its instincts and, of course, to feed it." The earl finished explaining.


    Rubina, who wanted to use her hands to cover her face, placed the baby creature in the ring and stepped back, her eyes flickering between concern and repulsion.


    As soon as it was placed down, two worker ants were introduced into the ring, both using their antennae to sense their surroundings, searching for something to fix or a meal to bring back to the colony.


    They quickly detected the presence of a small animal that could make for a quick snack for their queen and began moving in symmetry to surround their prey.


    The Scorchwyrm didn''t seem too bothered as it instinctively crouched low, its eyes focusing on its nearest opponent.


    The air was thick with anticipation as all the spectators held their breath.


    All three creatures were ready to face off, each one planning their next move carefully.


    As one of the Battle Ants neared the young salamander''s face, it blew a searing flame in its direction, burning two of the ant''s legs.


    The ant let out a screech of pain as a sizzling noise and smoke filled the air, causing the teenagers to wince.


    Weakened, the Battle Ant closest to the Scorchwyrm was dealt a finishing blow as the young creature bit down, tearing off its head.


    The ant''s mandibles were unable to protect it, splitting in half under the force of the Scorchwyrm''s small but razor-sharp teeth.


    Logan suddenly felt the mark on his collarbone flare up briefly before returning to normal.


    The battle was not over.


    The second Battle Ant, sensing the death of its companion, let out a screech and changed its battle stance.


    It was difficult to tell if it wanted to escape or continue fighting, but it had no chance as the young Scorchwyrm, fascinated by its first meal, charged forward.


    It wanted more after the first prey disappeared in seconds, devoured by the hungry creature.


    With enthusiasm, it attacked the second opponent with vigor.


    Within seconds, the Scorchwyrm had devoured the ant effortlessly, while Logan sensed a repeated chant of "food" echoing in his mind.


    "I doubt those two were enough to satisfy our little one here. So bring in more. Let''s increase the difficulty¡ªhow about one Battle Ant Warrior instead of more worker ants?" The earl said with excitement in his voice.


    Logan and the rest watched as workers moved swiftly to clear the remains of the previous battle, preparing even larger rocks for the next challenge using earth magic.


    Anticipation for the next match was building.


    It grew even more intense as a well-built ant, twice the size of the first two, was introduced into the ring.


    Its menacing armored exoskeleton shone with orbs of light, placed like mini suns over each biome.


    The earl went toward the edge of the ring, measuring each opponent''s chance of victory before nodding in approval.


    "This should be a little more difficult, but it will be a good test to measure how fast you grow when your tame kills monsters. That is to say, you should also be gaining experience with each of your Scorchwyrm''s kills."


    As before, the infant''s natural instincts kicked in, and it began to crouch, readying itself to avoid any damage.


    This time, the Scorchwyrm chirped a little deeper, almost growling, while the Ant Warrior used its antennae to pinpoint the nearby threat.


    The cue to start was the flames the young salamander emitted, but the powerful insect avoided them this time, sidestepping with only a few hairs on its legs singed.


    It advanced with its mandibles ready, but another flame stopped it before it could get closer.


    Now it was the Scorchwyrm''s turn to move.


    It sensed that the power reserve for its flames wouldn''t last forever, so it had to rely on its sharp teeth. It needed to injure at least a few legs to land a direct hit.

 Chapter 15 - 15: Is This Evolution?

    As the seconds ticked by, the stalemate between the determined Scorchwyrm and the Battle Ant Warrior grew more intense.


    The Scorchwyrm lunged forward, aiming to bite off one of the Battle Ant Warrior''s legs.


    The room fell into silence as predator and prey fought fiercely¡ªa fight that any onlooker, including the weak Logan, could end with a quick stomp.


    Yet, this did not make the battle any less dangerous for both contestants.


    One fought to survive and protect its colony, while the other fought to strengthen and feed itself.


    The Battle Ant Warrior, twice the size of its predecessors, moved with battle-ready instincts.


    It was honed and shaped by thousands of years of evolution, preparing it for the role of its colony''s protector.


    Using its thin legs, it sprang back to avoid the salamander''s bite once again and prepared to use its small frontal scythes like daggers to injure the creature before it.


    One of its scythes was shot forth with great speed, yet it was countered with a whip of the newt''s small tail.


    This caused the ant to tumble to the side, a mistake that caused its life to end with a burst of flames.


    The crowd cheered as the Scorchwyrm defeated its opponent with ease, but the earl was not pleased.


    With a small gesture, the battlefield was reshaped with the power of earth magic, and two new challengers were brought forth.


    "It seems the little one is not yet tired. It''s a good sign, as we can keep introducing opponents. I want to continue studying its growth rate; it might even level up soon." The earl exclaimed as he signaled for more insects to be brought.


    The small creature, overjoyed with more food coming, continued to fight. Its battle style was being refined with each new opponent; some it ate, while others it found too burnt to care for.


    Logan stood on the sidelines, cheering along with Rubina, who had grown somewhat accustomed to seeing the large ants.


    Each time the small creature killed an opponent, Logan noticed his mark connecting him to his tame flared up, as if a lighter were lit next to his neck.


    It was after seven of the Battle Ant Warriors were defeated that something strange happened with the small newt.


    The small fifteen or so centimeter Scorchwyrm began to tremble as an intense light radiated from where its small heart was.


    Logan, like the others, could see energy surge around the small creature, fire particles filling the area around him, searing any carcasses and debris nearby.


    The salamander''s scales began to shimmer with an iridescent glow that flashed red as it absorbed the red particles.


    As each part of its body began to shine, it began to grow.


    Beginning with its extremities, each area became longer, larger, sharper.


    Its muscles bulged, its limbs elongated, its once small body expanded into something formidable.


    "Its¡­ evolving!" Logan said in a barely audible but excited voice, competing with the crackling energy that filled the air.


    With a final burst of light, the small creature''s transformation was complete.


    The Scorchwyrm stretched its neck upward, making a low growl to announce its presence.


    It was then that Logan felt the searing pain around his neck.


    It was not damaging him but signaling a change with his tamed beast.


    But it was not only the beast that leveled up.


    After the pain cleared around his collarbone, Logan felt a bit stronger.


    He didn''t think it was enough to make him break a rock with his bare hands, but maybe something had changed.


    "Looks like something happened, huh?" the earl observed, his eyes narrowing with curiosity.


    "I think you should use the Chronical Sigil I gave you to check your status again. Maybe something has changed with your skills." The earl added.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Logan


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Class: Soul Bound Tamer


    Level: 2 / Health: 14 / Mana: 11


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Attributes:


    Strength: 4 Agility: 3 Dexterity: 3 Constitution: 6 Intelligence: 4 Charisma: 2


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Skills:


    Taming (Rank: Beginner): Forms a permanent bond with a marked beast or being using the masters blood; the being must be willing to form a pact and cannot be of higher rank or level than the master. (Max Beings: 3/4)


    Empathic Link (Rank: Beginner): Establishes a mental connection with tamed creatures, allowing for silent communication and understanding of their emotions and thoughts within a certain distance. (Max distance: 6 meters)


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Abilities:


    Tamer''s Bond: Allows the hero to form a soul bond with creatures, making them permanent allies.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Tamed Beings:


    Crimson Majesty [Level 1 / Blood Mark ¨C Right Ankle] Loyalty 1/100


    Error [Level 1 / Blood Mark ¨C Ring Finger] Loyalty ?/100


    Scorchwyrm [Level 5 / Blood Mark ¨C Neck] Loyalty 2/100


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Experience Points (XP): 63/75


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Logan noticed that he had gotten a level along with an increase in his stats with the addition of the Scorchwyrm being added to the list.


    His agility felt slightly sharper, his senses a bit keener, and his overall constitution had increased marginally.


    Now that he concentrated, he could feel his bond with his tamed beast had gotten stronger, something he could probably attribute to the Loyalty stat that now displayed.


    "Looks like we''re both growing stronger," Logan said, recounting the changes he noticed to the earl and Rubina, who could help him assess how he was doing.


    Rubina, noticing Logan''s confused expression, nudged him gently. "Sounds like everything is going well. This all shows the power that heroes will have in our world."


    The earl, who had been observing from a distance, stepped forward with a satisfied nod.


    "This is all fascinating, Logan. Let me tell you, there is no one who could make an infant into an adult with just a few kills. Your power seems to be the peak of your class, tamer."


    The middle-aged man then walked towards the creature, which had grown to four meters in length in a matter of seconds, with flames enveloping every part of its body. "Also, I don''t think ants will help it any further, whether for food or to gain mana."


    The creature seemed to have understood somehow, as it turned its face to the entrance of the Battle Ants'' nest and huffed.


    Logan sensed from the creature the words, "Weak, not enough food, hungry."


    "I think it''s still hungry¡­" Logan told the group, explaining that he could hear the creature''s thoughts in strange, familiar words.


    The earl nodded. "Well, that may be the case as it needs to refuel the energy it used to evolve, but that will have to wait as we settle the Scorchwyrm to a temporary home. It will need to stay here while you get settled in the castle. Also, unlike the Battle Ants, I can''t have this kid killing off my reared animals. These insect monsters quickly recover any of their lost members, but now that it''s grown to this size, you will have to go out and fight some creatures to feed it."


    The earl, who had finished inspecting the salamander, began to guide the group back up. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Now that the creature was an adult, it was Logan''s turn to hold it, sensing that it would not hurt him through their connection.


    "You see, Logan," the earl continued, "monsters have more mana when they are part of an ecosystem. It seems the Spirits'' energy is stronger when it''s not around humans for some reason. So the best choice would be for you to go out to hunt with your creatures when you come back next time."


    As the group approached the mansion, Logan, who had grown tired, placed the Scorchwyrm down.


    Though it was in its adult form, the young creature was still clumsy, having not had the time to grow normally.


    It cried out at times, hoping for its foster parent to give it food.


    The problem was quickly solved as the earl''s workers brought the flaming beast fresh meat, which it eagerly enjoyed.


    Everyone was surprised that the young Scorchwyrm was able to eat more than half its size in a matter of seconds and still ask for more.


    With the young salamander fed the group was guided to a small metal barn, the earl turned to Logan and said, "Now then, I think this will be a good place for this young one. It will be well taken care of while it stays here, so you should try to have it stay here, Logan. Maybe it will settle down if you talk to it."


    Logan gazed at the Scorchwyrm and concentrated on various words, such as home, metal house, and stay.


    The young beast didn''t seem to understand as it stared at Logan with confusion.


    Logan gently reached out, placing a hand on the Scorchwyrm''s warm scales, trying to convey reassurance through their bond and adding emotions to his words.


    "This place is safe," Logan murmured, hoping the creature could sense his intent. "You''ll be well taken care of here."


    The Scorchwyrm tilted its head, still unsure, but Logan could feel a slight shift in its emotions.


    With a bit more encouragement, Logan felt confident the young beast would settle down.


    "Trust me, you''ll be fine here." The boy reassured the beast while patting his head.


    The earl nodded in approval. "It may take some time, but it will understand eventually. You''ve done well, Logan."


    Rubina added, "You are slowly building a new bond, it will take time but you will get there."


    Logan sighed in relief. "Let''s give it some time then." He watched as the Scorchwyrm began to explore its new surroundings, curiosity gradually replacing its initial confusion.

 Chapter 16 - 16: Lizzy

    Bidding farewell to his sponsor, Logan vowed to return after he knew what the class would do the following days. He was given some coins as pocket money as he left and told that should he need anything, he only needed to tell the main butler, Mr. Alric, to send word.


    Logan felt a sense of comfort having two allies in this world who appreciated his ability. The daughter and father who had welcomed him into their home were easy to get along with¡ªsomething he had never experienced in his otherwise lonely, difficult life. He remembered how he would come home every day to an empty house, where he cooked and did everything for himself. His mom was always busy with work, and it got even worse as he got older, and she began dating again.


    She still took care of him, and they would speak for a few minutes after she came home, but the family was essentially broken. This was something he noticed was different with Rubina. Even though she didn''t have a mother, she had the adoration of her servants, who seemed willing to sweep each step before she took it.


    It was true; she did seem to lack something like him, but there was a slight difference in how they lived their daily lives.


    Logan had long left the Rosengard estate, a place he knew he would return to soon. His monster needed Logan''s help for training, and although it seemed to care only for food, he felt that, with time, this new bond would be just as friendly as any pet.


    Suddenly, he thought about his dog who had died in a tragic accident, and it made him close his heart again.


    [What pet¡­ it was more interested in food than being with me.]


    The boy sighed, trying to clear his negative emotions and keep what he ate down as the bumpy road started again, making him hold on to anything he could. He swore out loud at times, but just loud enough to not reach the coachman. Half an hour passed in this manner when the cart was stopped by guards to check its contents. One of them opened the door with a few knocks.


    "Greetings, hero, it''s good to see you. I hope the trip was to your liking. Seems everything is good here; that will be all, have a great night!" The burly but excited guard hardly gave Logan the time to respond and seemed content to see that the boy was in good health before letting them go with an overly formal salute, something the boy could not get used to.


    It was not long before the carriage stopped and Logan got out, seeing the "Castle Inn," a name the others in the class had baptized the building with.


    He waved to the friendly carriage driver and stared for a while as the weird dragon-faced carriage went on its way. He noticed that, just like him, others were also arriving in gaudy carriages, which led him to believe that it was a trend.


    The boy then stared at the night sky, the various moons shining in different colors, which still puzzled Logan. It was a cold night that made him tremble, yet he felt a little happier with such nice scenery before him. He wondered what his mother was doing. Would she be looking for him? Would his father be doing the same, would he be with his new family as if nothing had happened or would he be with his mother and together trying to figure out where their son disappeared?


    Maybe it was better to be here, but then he thought about the war that was the cause of all this, he looked around to see the expressions of the other students.


    Logan wondered how they were coping with everything that had happened so far. He noticed a group of kids gathered around a boy who was making small flames dance on his fingertips. They cheered and clapped, momentarily distracted from their worries.


    In another corner, a girl sobbed quietly, her friend hugging her tightly and whispering words of comfort. The scene was a stark reminder of the diverse ways people handled fear and uncertainty.


    Logan''s thoughts drifted back to his own situation, how despite the chaos the class was in, and the unknown future, these kids had a strange sense of unity among them. They were all together, facing the same challenge, but was he a part of this or did he need to find his own way?


    He took a deep breath, trying to clear his negative thoughts once again. Just then, another carriage stopped near the inn''s entrance. This one was a bit more normal than the rest. It lacked the gaudy decorations of the others and had a simple, elegant design that seemed almost out of place.


    Curiosity piqued, Logan watched as the door of the carriage opened with the help of the coachman. Lisa stepped out of the vehicle with graceful elegance, wearing a nice white two-piece outfit that helped cover herself from the cold. It reminded him of what a priest would wear, and he knew right away that she had visited the Oracle.


    Thinking back to his skills, he remembered that she could possibly be one of his tamed beings¡ªa strange occurrence that might have happened by their accidental meeting the day before. Logan made a mischievous smile, thinking there was only one way to solve this mystery, and waited for the girl to come close enough.


    [Hey Lizzy!]


    The girl who was tired from a day full of people praising her for something she didn''t really care for suddenly heard a familiar name she was called as a child. She stumbled a little to think about what was happening as it was clearly not from someone speaking, it was more of a thought.


    It wasn''t clear but it was a voice she heard very little these days, it was Logan''s way of calling her as kids.


    "Logan?" she whispered, unsure if she was imagining things.


    Logan''s smile widened. [It''s nice to see you¡­] he said, testing his powers a little more while trying to keep a straight face after seeing her worried with his little joke.


    Recognition dawned on her face, and she let out a small laugh. "Hey, that scared me¡­ How did you do that?"


    [You should stop talking like that, it will look like I am ignoring you. Anyways, it''s kind of a mystery I wanted to talk to you about¡­] Logan thought, feeling tired from using a skill he had never tried before. He rubbed his forehead, which pulsed with discomfort.


    Lisa watched him with concern. "Logan, are you okay? You look a bit pale."


    Logan managed a weak smile. "I''m fine, just a bit tired. It takes a lot out of me to use that skill."


    "Oh, well, now that we are talking about skills, why don''t I try using one of mine? Stay there for a second." Lisa thought it was a good chance for revenge and got close to Logan, pretending she was going to heal him by putting her hand on his forehead.


    Logan closed his eyes, expecting some sort of healing sensation. Instead, he felt a sudden surge of pain, causing him to cover his forehead with a yelp. Lisa burst into giggles, glad her trick from the past had worked.


    "Hey! That''s not healing!" Logan protested, rubbing his forehead.


    "Hey, that isn''t what you called me before. Now come here, this time I will be serious." Lisa pouted a little, disappointed that Logan had changed the way he spoke to her when speaking out loud.


    She placed her hand near his forehead, focusing her energy. A warm, soothing sensation spread from her hand, gradually easing Logan''s discomfort. Logan closed his eyes, feeling the gentle flow of healing energy.


    "Better?" Lisa asked, her voice soft and concerned.


    Logan opened his eyes and smiled. "Much better. Thanks."


    Lisa nodded, satisfied. "Good. How about we find a place to rest? My feet are killing me, and I want to hear about this skill of yours before Alma and the rest of the class come back. I''m sure you will go back to your loner mode when that happens like always."


    Logan had forgotten that he changed his way of acting and looked around to make sure the others were not paying them any attention. He was glad that only about six kids were around, but far enough that they wouldn''t hear what they were saying.


    "Alright, let''s find a quiet spot," Logan said, nodding towards a secluded corner of the inn where a few benches were placed to view the well-kept garden.


    They made their way to a cozy nook, where Logan sank into a seat, and Lisa sat beside him, rubbing her tired feet while using some sort of healing ability.


    "So, about this skill of yours," Lisa began, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "What exactly did you discover?" S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 17 - 17: The Weakest

    "Well¡­" Logan turned to Lisa, who had all her undivided attention on him, measuring how much he should reveal, knowing that she could misunderstand something if he didn''t say things correctly.


    "As you know, I have the power to tame, and to use this ability, I need to use my blood. Yesterday, we seemed to have accidentally made a connection when some of my blood spilled from a previous cut¡­" He was treading carefully with each word.


    "Oh, accidentally?" Lisa''s eyes widened as she heard Logan say that. She couldn''t hold back some sadness, thinking of the event the day before.


    As soon as she noticed the strange phenomenon¡ªwhere Logan''s blood dripped towards her hand and vanished¡ªshe noticed a link of some kind and words that appeared before her:


    [Are you willing to create a bond with hero Logan?]


    Lisa did not know why, but it seemed that her powers worked differently from the others. Alma, her best friend, was the first to tell her that she did not have a way to see what her ability was. However, the morning after the parade, Lisa accidentally activated her first power that healed her when she rubbed her forehead, which ached from all the stress she was under. It was then that some weird letters appeared from time to time, guiding her in a way.


    It was their fault that Lisa had bumped into the boy, and it was their fault again that she accepted the message thinking that by doing so Logan would somehow become like before they had separated as kids¡ªthe joyful child who always made her laugh and the first boy she took notice of.


    While thinking Logan had told her what he had done today and more about his powers and his other tamed beings, but for Lisa, the word "accidentally" still stuck in her mind.


    Logan noticed Lisa''s hesitation, thinking he had said something wrong, and took a deep breath, deciding to be as clear as possible. "Lisa, I know this bond might be confusing and unexpected. It was never my intention to force anything upon you. But now that it''s happened, we need to understand it and well I also need to tell you there is something wrong with it."


    Lisa nodded, the sadness in her eyes giving way to determination. "I want to understand, Logan. Tell me more about this bond."


    Logan relaxed slightly, relieved that she was willing to listen. "This bond connects us in ways that go beyond mere classmates or¡­ friends. It allows us to share strengths and, sometimes, even thoughts. But it also means we need to be careful as there is an error of sorts with your bond. It is not displayed right, as if something is interfering which may be a good thing¡­ I guess."


    "Maybe it''s because of my class, or that we are close to one another in power, or something like that?" Lisa pitched in, trying to give ideas of why it had this kind of difference. She thought about the guiding words and thought that maybe they were to blame.


    "Listen, Logan, I also¡ª"


    "Lisa, where are you?"


    Before she could continue, she heard her best friend calling out from nearby. She looked towards Logan, whose face had changed, becoming cold and emotionless as he had done so this past year.


    Lisa hesitated for a moment before deciding to part ways for the day. "We''ll talk more later," she whispered, before turning toward the direction of the voice.


    Taking a quick glance back, Lisa stared at Logan, who seemed to be ignoring everyone around him. She wondered what had happened to him to change so much in a few years. Maybe being in this strange bond would help her figure out what had happened to the cheerful boy she used to like.


    As he saw the young girl go off with her friends, Logan let out a deep sigh of relief. He thought things would take a turn for the worse, especially when she seemed upset for some reason.


    Seeing that it was just a waste of time to stay out here, Logan went back to his room, trying to decide what he would do next. His room looked spotless; not even the book that had been lying about this morning when he rushed out was seen. It was then that a girl entered from the room within his own and greeted him with a smile, reminding the boy why things had changed.


    "Good evening, Master Logan. I hope your trip went well," Ruri said, her voice calm and welcoming.


    Logan nodded, though his mind was still racing with thoughts from the day''s events. "It was... nice," he replied, trying to match her calm demeanor. "How have things been here?"


    Ruri''s smile widened slightly. "All is well. I''ve taken care of everything as you instructed." She paused, studying his face. "You seem troubled. Is there something on your mind?"


    Logan hesitated for a moment before deciding to share. "It''s just... a lot has happened today."


    Ruri''s eyes softened with understanding. "Well, I hope you can rest easy tonight. Also, I would like to go over tomorrow''s plans to see what you will do, sir. The castle has given Sir Alric instructions that all willing heroes should attend tomorrow, as instructors will be issued to help heroes learn more about their skills. I need to know if you''re joining, sir?"


    Logan wondered if they would help him at all, seeing as not even the kingdom''s top breeder seemed to understand his skills. But it would be at least necessary to know how all the other kids were faring and hopefully get some insight into the others'' powers.


    After a moment of contemplation, Logan replied, "Yes, I''ll attend, send Mr. Alric my reply please."


    Yawning, Logan thought it was a good time to end his day after sending his maid off. While he was still apprehensive about sleeping in a room where a maid could come and go, he decided to leave that thought for later.


    It was some hours later when Logan was woken up by his maid with a tray filled with food. Dumbfounded, Logan thanked her while trying to fix the wrinkles in his clothes, having not changed before laying down to sleep.


    "Master Logan, I thought it would be best for you to be well-fed today. The class will be leaving in an hour, so I hope you can be ready by then," Ruri said, her voice gentle yet firm.


    Not wanting to be late, Logan ate after thanking his maid and went to take a quick shower. As always, there were clean clothes ready for him, and he quickly got dressed. He had never felt so pampered in his life.


    It wasn''t long before the class was taken to the castle training grounds, a new area for Logan and many other students. Soldiers were running about or doing exercises as the class entered. Some stood up for a salute, while others continued their routines, casting curious glances at the group of young heroes.


    Logan felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness as they made their way to the designated area. The instructors, stern-looking but seemingly knowledgeable, were already waiting.


    One of the instructors, a tall man with a commanding presence, stepped forward. "Welcome, young heroes. Today, we will begin your training to harness and enhance your unique abilities. Each of you will be paired with an instructor who will guide you through specialized exercises tailored to your skills."


    Logan glanced around, noticing the varied expressions of his classmates¡ªsome eager, others apprehensive.


    Each student was then told to hold on to a special crystal, different from what the Oracle used and less impressive than what Logan had in his pocket. He saw it display numbers for all to see, but it did not include information like the class or skills. The first student went up; he was one of the mages, so it was expected that skills related to this would be high.


    [Lv 1 - Strength: 4 Agility: 4 Dexterity: 5 Constitution: 7 Intelligence: 12 Charisma: 4]


    Looking at the stats, Logan noticed there was a stark difference from his own. He tried to remember his own at level one, and the total amount had to be at least half.


    The next boy went up, it was a builder-type class that Logan thought should have stats similar to his own.


    [Lv 1 - Strength: 7 Agility: 2 Dexterity: 9 Constitution: 6 Intelligence: 6 Charisma: 5]


    While he did not have a stat in the two digits, the boy also had stats that were more than half of Logan''s. This irked Logan as more students went up and he saw how each one had higher stats than him. It was finally the best-known kids'' turn, starting with the idiot trio.


    One by one, they approached the crystal, their stats being displayed for all to see. Each had impressive numbers, further emphasizing the gap between Logan and his peers. Logan clenched his fists, frustration bubbling inside him, especially when Brian went up with confidence radiating.


    Brian''s stats appeared on the crystal:


    [Lv 3 - Strength: 15 Agility: 11 Dexterity: 12 Constitution: 14 Intelligence: 7 Charisma: 8]


    Seeing Brian''s impressive numbers made Logan''s frustration flare even more. He had always felt overshadowed by students like Brian, who seemed to excel effortlessly.


    It was even worse that the boy somehow beat him by a level and surpassed him by almost five times in stats. Logan noticed that Brian looked quite different, more muscular and handsome than the day before, as if the stats reflected his true potential.


    Next up where the girls who also excelled in all stats, Lisa was also one of the few who somehow got a level.


    [Lv 2 - Strength: 6 Agility: 5 Dexterity: 9 Constitution: 12 Intelligence: 15 Charisma: 9]


    Logan''s turn was coming up soon, as almost everyone in class had gone up. He wanted to run away and leave the test behind, knowing it would damage his reputation. The pressure was immense, and seeing his classmates'' impressive stats only heightened his anxiety.


    Logan took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. He reminded himself that his worth wasn''t solely defined by these numbers. His unique abilities set him apart, even if they weren''t immediately visible in his stats.


    Finally, it was his turn. Logan felt everyone''s eyes on him, making it impossible to back down at this point. He stepped forward and placed his hand on the crystal, feeling the weight of everyone''s gaze.


    [Lv 2 - Strength: 4 Agility: 3 Dexterity: 3 Constitution: 6 Intelligence: 4 Charisma: 2]


    He slumped his shoulders as the numbers were displayed for all to see. He heard a few laughs and even heard someone yelling out, "Weakling!"


    Logan''s face burned with embarrassment and frustration. He clenched his fists, fighting the urge to lash out. He knew he had to stay calm and composed, despite the ridicule. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Suddenly, the instructor''s voice cut through the chatter. "Enough! Remember, these numbers are just the beginning. True strength lies in how you use your abilities and grow over time. Now then, start forming a line. We will place you with a proper trainer depending on your class."

 Chapter 18 - 18: Moral Complexities

    Most students in the class, including Ms. Claire, had decided to join the training and were placed in a simple line. In front of them stood various experts in different fields, brought from various kingdoms, including the Great Empire, to help raise the heroes as quickly as possible.


    The one giving orders began calling students forth one by one. The first to be go up were the combat-oriented classes, like mages and warriors, who were paired with a master to begin training. There was even a little scuffle that was quickly resolved over who would train Brian and his friend George, the Master Spearman, who loved to show off his new acrobatic abilities from time to time.


    After they left for various parts of the field, the builders and support-type classes were called, some of them leaving the training field since it wouldn''t suit their style of training.


    Alma, for example, was taken by a woman named Lady Aria, who seemed to be a famous musician in this world. This was evident from the way the otherworlders reacted around her. Even the soldiers, who were interested in the heroes, glanced towards the beautiful woman with light, revealing clothing and a flute of sorts on her waist.


    Next, Lisa, whose best friend had been taken by Lady Aria, was called up. A few priestesses waved towards her as if they knew each other well. One of these was an adolescent girl who went up to Lisa, gave her a hug, and then they left while having a nice conversation.


    This left a few kids and Ms. Claire, who was waiting for the burly guy giving orders to finish. The man had stated that his name was Theron and that as a well-known commander, he would be in charge of helping the young teacher to train as a speaker and leader of the class.


    One by one all the rest of the students were called and it was when everyone had been called up that Theron looked at Logan. Now that everyone had gone, leaving just the boy and the teacher Ms. Claire, the man approached Logan with a stern expression.


    "Logan," Theron began, his voice harsh and scrutinizing. "I''ve heard about your abilities as a tamer. Frankly, I''m not convinced it''s a safe or valuable skill for our heroes. Tamers can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous to others."


    Logan felt a surge of frustration but kept his composure. "Well, I was summoned here just like everyone else, and not by my own will, I will remind you," he replied, his tone edged with defiance.


    Theron narrowed his eyes, clearly skeptical. "Anyway, for now, your training will be on hold. It seems tamers are hard to come by these days, so you will have to wait until your instructor arrives in a few days."


    Ms. Claire, sensing the hostility in Theron''s tone, stepped forward. "With all due respect, Commander Theron, every student here should be treated with respect. We were not sent here by your Great Spirits without a cause, and I believe everyone has their unique strengths and weaknesses. Dismissing someone''s potential based on preconceived notions is not how we should be training future heroes, right?"


    Theron turned to Ms. Claire, his expression hardening. "I appreciate your input, Ms. Claire, but my priority is the safety and effectiveness of this training program. We cannot afford any unnecessary risks."


    Theron gave a final, scrutinizing look before turning back to his duties. "Just remember my warning, young hero. I am tasked with ensuring everyone''s safety, even if the danger is among yourselves."


    Ms. Claire turned to Logan, her eyes filled with determination. "Don''t let him get to you, Logan. I know you, and you are not one to do wrong."


    Logan nodded, feeling a surge of strength through his teacher''s words, knowing she could have possibly used her skill unknowingly. "Thank you, Ms. Claire. I appreciate the vote of confidence. I won''t let you down."


    Seeing his teacher walking off, Logan tried to cool off while thinking about what he would do next. He was left to his own devices by the commander, so he was practically given the day off.


    He stayed for a while, watching how the others trained. The warriors, for example, were placed with wooden dummies and guided on how to use their bodies correctly. Their trainers emphasized the importance of stance, balance, and precise movements, turning their practice into a refined art of sort with everyone in the class improving almost instantly.


    This went on for a while, and Logan was almost bored enough to ask for a carriage back to leave. But then he noticed something strange. Soldiers began to bring in cages full of monsters who rattled the bars with ferocity. The sight immediately grabbed Logan''s attention, pulling him out of his boredom.


    The creatures inside the cages were varied¡ªsome with scales, others with fur, and a few with eerie eyes. The soldiers handled the cages with caution, clearly aware of the danger these monsters posed. Logan watched intently, his mind racing with possibilities.


    One of the instructors, a stern-looking woman with sharp eyes, stepped forward to address the students. "These creatures will be part of your training as they will be essential for you all to gain levels. Learning to deal with real threats is also crucial for your development as heroes."


    With curiosity, Logan got close to each cage while the soldiers placed them down. He noticed these creatures were not like those in the Rosengard mansion; while those were calm, these were snarling at him and looking at him like he was food.


    Their eyes glowed with a feral intensity, and their growls and hisses sent chills down his spine. These weren''t the docile, well-behaved creatures he was used to seeing; they were wild, unpredictable, and clearly dangerous.


    Logan at first thought he could possibly tame one of them but seeing the madness in all the beast he began to doubt this decision. He recalled that to tame the other being had to be willing, and these seemed far from rational.


    Seeing that not much could be done, Logan stepped back, knowing that if one of the monsters escaped, he would probably be in the worst danger. From afar, he began to notice that the monsters were chained up in front of the students to be killed.


    The reaction from most of the class was to cower, not only from the sight of the beasts but also from the thought of killing another creature. Only five people stepped forward to fight a monster: the "idiot trio," who readily jumped in to show off their new abilities, a boy with a bow who showed confidence in his skill and looked like he had killed animals before, and finally a kid who was a mage and excelled in fire magic.


    Out of all of them, Brian and his two goons seemed to take everything like a game, only talking about leveling up and getting stronger through killing. They laughed and joked as they approached the beasts, wielding different weapons and completely unfazed by the dangerous creatures.


    The boy with the bow, on the other hand, moved with a quiet confidence, his eyes focused and determined. He nocked an arrow and took aim, ready to prove his worth. The fire mage, with a serious expression, began to chant incantations, preparing his spells that hit his targets with explosive force and no remorse.


    He recalled the previous day and how his tamed Scorchwyrm killed, but in the end, it was for food¡ªor so Logan told himself. The need to survive had driven his tamed beast''s actions; it was just another part of the cycle of life. But this, what the students were doing, was purely to gain levels, to increase their power without regard for the lives taken. This stark difference unsettled him deeply, probably because, at the end of the day, he was a hypocrite.


    His tame did the killing, and yet Logan felt happy when his salamander leveled up. But now he thought that even if they were insects, they were also living beings.


    As he wrestled with these thoughts, Logan couldn''t help but feel a sense of guilt. It was easy to criticize his classmates for their casual approach to violence, but he also had to acknowledge his own actions and the moral complexities of his role as a tamer. This self-awareness, though uncomfortable, strengthened his resolve to approach his abilities with greater care and respect for life in the future. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Determined to stay true to his values, Logan decided to find a way to use his taming skills that aligned with his ethical beliefs. He would focus on forming bonds with creatures, understanding their needs, and finding ways to coexist rather than dominate. This approach might not be the quickest path to power, but it was the one that felt right to him.


    Before him, Logan saw how five boys killed the monsters placed before them, and then four other students joined in after. Some kids couldn''t take the violence and left, while others just stood there and watched. It was without a doubt one of those days where the students would learn and grow not just for this new world.

 Chapter 19 - 19: Double Meeting

    After the students finished their first training, royals, representatives, and top officials from the Temple of the Seven Spirits came together in the grandest meeting room of Elris Castle. It was a room filled with the most luxurious furnishings: well-crafted chairs with cushions stuffed with exotic monster feathers, embroidered in gold threads, and a long table made from the bark of a great Ent.


    The air was filled with smoke and a quiet intensity as the gathered dignitaries exchanged hushed conversations while waiting for Commander Theron to arrive with news of the heroes'' current progress. At each end of the table, the top powers stood. The representative from the Empire, Lord Cedric, was grunting while tapping his fingers on the table with a look of boredom.


    At the other end, Duke Armand sat talking to his daughter, his vision far gone from a great battle just a few weeks ago which had put him out of commission. His brother, the King of Verdith to the north, was responsible for the Great Frost Wyvern Elites, the continent''s most feared army.


    Lady Elara of the Pearl Isles sat gracefully, her eyes scanning the room with a hint of impatience. Tribes Leader Isabel of the Verdant Lands to the east flipped through a stack of magical scrolls and parchments, occasionally glancing up with curiosity. Finally, General Marcus of the Red Iron Republic stood near the window, staring out thoughtfully, his mind clearly on the strategic implications of the current training plan.


    It was when the door finally swung open, and Commander Theron entered, that the room turned silent, his presence commanding everyone''s immediate attention. The burly man in silver armor bowed and then directed his gaze towards his own king, Holven, with a nod before addressing the room.


    "Ladies and gentlemen," Theron began, his voice firm and raspy, "I bring you the latest report on our young heroes. As you all know, yesterday we gave them a day to rest and today we officially began their first day of training. While many showed great potential and rapid growth as the Oracle stated, others have not adjusted well with the change of worlds."


    He paused, allowing his words to sink in. "In today''s training, we focused on real combat scenarios to gain insight into how each hero''s skills and abilities work. I will say this: they are currently as deadly as regular soldiers and yet as na?ve as ten-year-old children. Most have never hunted in their lives; today for all but one, was their first time killing a monster."


    Lord Cedric nodded, his tapping fingers finally still. "We expected these problems from the kids. They are young and untested. Is it not our duty to guide them? The alchemist, for example¡ªhe has settled well in our lands and has even started creating a new weapon, from what I have been told today. It just takes a bit of bait to have them do what they are destined to do."


    Lady Elara leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. "Indeed, but we must also ensure they are not pushed beyond their limits. Balance is crucial, especially considering how young they are!"


    Duke Armand, whose hearing had become acute with the loss of his vision, turned to his daughter, who murmured softly, knowing she might have a good idea as one of his land''s top strategists. "We have already talked about this before, but we need to find what they desire and try to keep as many of them in our world before the end of the great war with the vile demons. Their blood might be the greatest asset for this world, and with their numbers, each kingdom will have the right to keep a hero or two if they so desired." She turned with hostility towards the empire who already stole a hero without the consent of the other nations.


    Cardinal Hesvalt, who attended the meeting as a representative of the Temple of the Seven Spirits, raised his hands to calm those in the room who were starting to raise their voices. "Everyone, we must remember that it is the Great Spirits that decide the fate of these young heroes. Is our duty to guide them¡­ Yes! But, it is also to trust in the divine wisdom that brought them to us."


    The room fell silent once more, the Cardinal''s words resonating deeply in everyone''s mind. His presence, with white robes adorned in sacred symbols and various colored jewelry, carried the weight of the temple''s great authority.


    Every dignitary nodded in agreement; their earlier excitement subdued by the Cardinal''s calming presence. Seeing that it was his chance to act, King Holven spoke up, his voice measured. "Cardinal Hesvalt is right, but for now, let''s continue with the rest of the report. Commander Theron, if you will."


    Theron nodded, grateful for his king''s intervention. "As I was saying, we have seen impressive growth, but there are areas that need great improvement. Tailored training regimens and careful monitoring of their emotional and mental well-being will be crucial in the days to come. Also, the tamer¡ªthe boy seems to be the weakest out of the heroes. I would like to have him monitored at all times and keep him a few steps weaker than the others."


    Lord Cedric frowned slightly. "Is there a particular reason for that, Commander?"


    Theron glanced around the room before responding. "Yes, my lord. The boy''s abilities are not yet understood. By keeping a close watch on him, we can ensure he does not become a liability. We must also consider the potential danger if his taming powers were to¡­ for example, be used on another hero."


    Lady Elara added, "Indeed, we must balance the safety of the group with this particular boy''s development."


    Duke Armand nodded in agreement. "I fully agree to this proposal. We must nurture his potential without compromising the safety and progress of the others."


    General Marcus spoke up, his voice steady. "So who will be his mentor then? We must have someone who will keep with the plan."


    Commander Theron turned towards one of his rivals, knowing that after the demon war he could possibly be a future enemy. "The Empire has already sent their best tamer, have they not? She should arrive in three or four days from what I have been told."


    "Oh, that girl," Lord Cedric interrupted. "She is as carefree as ever, but she should be up for the job. The Empress has personally told her what she needs to do."


    With the plan for the tamer set, the representatives resumed their discussions, focusing on the next steps to ensure all the young heroes were prepared for the challenges ahead. Meanwhile, in another part of the castle, another meeting was taking place, this one in a less formal setting.


    Ms. Claire had gathered the whole class in her private room, trying to keep everyone settled in order to begin their private meeting. The room was cozy, with warm lighting and comfortable seating, a stark contrast to the grand meeting room where the dignitaries gathered. The students, still buzzing with adrenaline from their earlier training, gradually quieted down as Ms. Claire stood before them, her presence a little overbearing today.


    "Alright, everyone," she began, her voice gentle but firm, "I know today has been intense for all of you all and most want to go straight to sleep, so let''s make this quick. You should all know by now what we are facing, we were not brought here by choice and our only way back home is to enter a nonsensical war and defeat what they call demons."


    She paused, letting her words sink in fully before speaking. The room was silent, the gravity of their situation weighing heavily on every student''s mind.


    Ms. Claire continued, "This is not going to be easy, but remember, you are not alone in this. We are all a team, and we must face these challenges together. Each of you has unique abilities and strengths, so we need to learn how to use them effectively and support one another." S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan, sitting quietly in the back, felt a surge of emotions. Despite the uncertainty and fear, Ms. Claire''s words gave him a sense of purpose and belonging, and yet it felt artificial; maybe having an ability related to the soul made him aware of this immediately.


    Ms. Claire looked around the room, making eye contact with each student. "Now, I want you all to reflect on what is important. We need to focus on one goal: to leave this world. You should all know how humanity''s history went through the Middle Ages. After the demons are gone, it will only be a war between humans, and they will covet our powers to keep on fighting."


    "We must remain united and very careful; these other world people will want to use us. We must remember that our task is not only to defeat the demons but also to find a way back home¡­ away from the political schemes and the power struggles that will inevitably arise. To achieve this, we need to work together to understand our strengths and weaknesses."


    The room was silent, each student absorbing the gravity of their teacher''s words. They knew that the path ahead would be dangerous and filled with uncertainty, but at least for many, Ms. Claire''s vision served as guidance¡ªone that needed their collective power. There was still hope for some of those students who were desperate during these past days.


    "Now," Ms. Claire said, breaking the silence, "who wants to share their thoughts on today''s training?"


    "We all know one thing, and that is Logan is weak," Brian said, his voice filled with mockery causing laughter and giggles from a few others.


    Logan''s heart sank, but he kept his expression neutral. The other students shifted uncomfortably, some nodding in agreement, others looking away.


    Ms. Claire''s gaze hardened, but she kept her tone calm. "Brian, this is not the place for personal attacks. We are here to support each other and grow as a team."


    Brian shrugged, clearly unbothered. "I''m just saying. If we''re going to survive, we can''t have any dead weight. That includes those who did not participate in today''s training or ran away during the middle."


    Logan clenched his fists under his sleeves, determined not to let Brian''s words get to him. He knew he had a lot to learn, but so did the others, as everyone had begun at the same starting line.


    Lisa, visibly infuriated by Brian''s comment, raised her hand before speaking. "Where in our world were there monsters and demons that needed to be killed? Not everyone has the heart to take a life like you, Brian."


    The room grew tense as Lisa''s words hung in the air. Some of the students nodded in agreement, while others looked down, unsure of what to say.


    Ms. Claire stepped in quickly to diffuse the tension. "Let''s come down, now then¡­ Lisa has a point. Each of us comes from different backgrounds and has different experiences. It''s important to acknowledge that not everyone will react the same way to these challenges. We need to respect each other please and support one another through these difficult times."


    Brian scowled but said nothing, his eyes flicking towards Logan with disdain. Logan, however, felt a surge of gratitude towards Lisa for standing up for him.


    [Thank you, Lizzy¡­] Logan thought, conveying his gratitude through their connection. The girl, who still could not return words through their link, just nodded in response.


    As the discussion moved forward, the students began to share more openly, and the earlier tension gradually eased. They talked about their fears, their hopes, and the skills they needed to develop before the night ended.

 Chapter 20 - 20: Shopping Time

    It''s been three full days since the summoning of the class, and the strangeness of it all was beginning to sink in. Logan found it a little scary how quickly the students and his teacher were adjusting to their new hectic life.


    Sleeping, for example, came easier to him than the night before. He also noticed how his maid was so attuned to his needs, understanding when to leave him alone but also being present when necessary. It was almost as if she had some kind of mental power, but for now, it did not bother him much.


    This new help made it easier for him to slip out of the inn well-fed and without any of the students noticing. The main butler, always efficient, simply noted Logan''s destination and arranged for a carriage to take him where he needed to go.


    He was currently in a carriage on his way to the Rosengard Estate, one of Logan''s most dreaded journeys. Fortunately, this time he had come prepared for the bumpy, nauseating ride. In his hand, he held a pink bottle filled with a potion to alleviate any unpleasant symptoms.


    Taking small sips occasionally, Logan peered out of the small window to check his surroundings. As before, a vast forest enveloped him, and to one side, a black metal fence stretched out, signaling that he was nearing his destination.


    As soon as he stepped out of the carriage, he was led towards his tamed beast by a maid. The earl and his daughter had been notified of his arrival, but they were in different areas of the estate and would be a little late in joining him.


    The stable master, upon seeing the boy, greeted him with a curt nod and guided Logan to the enclosure where his Scorchwyrm was resting. The creature, sensing Logan''s approach, lifted its head and let out a low, happy rumble before dozing back to sleep.


    "Boy, that beast loves to eat. He could devour a whole Wark in one sitting, I reckon," the old man said with a smile, revealing a few missing teeth. He patted Logan''s back with a nonchalant attitude, one of the few people who didn''t give Logan unnecessary attention.


    "Is he doing well though? He seems not to be reacting much¡­" Logan asked with concern.


    The stable master chuckled, creating wrinkles throughout his elderly face. "Don''t worry, lad. Your Scorchwyrm is doing just fine. These creatures have their own way of showing affection though, but like many of his kind, it''s probably just conserving energy. They tend to be more active when they''re not busy digesting." S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan nodded, slightly reassured about his tamed beast''s health. He reached out and gently patted the Scorchwyrm''s neck, feeling the warmth of its scales. The creature, an infant in the body of an adult, stirred slightly, acknowledging Logan''s presence with a low growl before settling back into a comfortable position.


    Well, that''s pretty much it for now, kid," the stable master said. "I can see the Earl and Lady Rubina walking from the lab. You should go greet them while this beast finishes his nap."


    Logan gave the stable master a grateful nod and started walking towards the direction of the Rosengards. As he got closer, he saw them waving at him from afar.


    The Earl, who at the moment looked like a crazy scientist his hair sticking up and a dirty lab coat while his daughter, Lady Rubina, as graceful as the first day he met her.


    When they got closer, Logan shook the Earl''s hand and then tried to do the same with Rubina. However, she raised the back of her hand towards him, signaling for a more formal greeting. Logan, slightly taken aback but quick to adapt, gently took her hand and placed a light kiss on it.


    "Glad to see there are manners in your world, hero," Rubina giggled as her small joke landed successfully.


    "Ah yes¡­ Well I''m glad you''re enjoying yourself, my lady," Logan replied with a slight bow, trying to ignore the delicious citrus smell that clung to his lips. He tried to avert his gaze from Rubina, who wore a white dress with red ribbons that accentuated her perfect figure while retaining an innocent charm.


    "Alright kids, enough playing around, we have a lot to do today. Logan, you might not know this, but your mentor will be arriving in about three or four days. So, we need to train you before she begins to teach you."


    "Why is that, Earl Victor?" Logan asked, curious.


    Earl Victor''s expression turned serious. "Well, I have been told that old Theron, the one in charge of training you students doesn''t hold you in high regards, so he will probably want you to be monitored. This will make it hard for you to go out and hunt with your creatures so we must hurry before your mentor comes."


    "Well what is the plan then, should I take the Scorchwyrm out?" Logan asked with a tone of urgency.


    Earl Victor shook his head slightly. "No, I don''t think it will be able to go out just yet. Fire creatures need to stockpile energy before they feel the need to hunt. For the infant, the rapid growth has affected this, so it will be a few days before his body is balanced enough for him to start moving normally. Also, don''t worry, I did a few checkups, and it seems rather healthy."


    Logan nodded while absorbing all this new information. He felt a sense of relief knowing that the Scorchwyrm was in good health, even if it meant the boy would need to wait a bit longer before they could go out together.


    Before Logan could asked his next question the Earl nudged them to move and began walking towards the carriages.


    "I know what you want to ask next Logan, but follow me for now. As for you Rubina, you will have to take our young hero Logan to meet Miles and find a good beast for the boy. I have already been informed of a new creature that could fit the boy''s abilities perfectly." Earl Victor paused for a moment, then continued "But I would like to leave that as a surprise for now."


    Rubina''s eyes sparkled with excitement. "Alright, Dad, will we go to the forest after with the new tame?" she asked eagerly.


    Earl Victor shook his head gently. "No, we should leave that for tomorrow. I think it would be better for the young hero to buy supplies for tomorrow''s trip. That means you will probably need to stay the night, Logan."


    Logan nodded in agreement. "Fine with me..."


    Rubina smiled brightly. "Great! We''ll make sure you have everything you need for tomorrow. It also seems like a great day for shopping."


    Soon, both teenagers climbed into the famous Rosengards dragon head carriage. Logan, as queasy as ever, tried to manage his discomfort, while Rubina did her best to help him feel better.


    It wasn''t long before they reached the wealthiest part of the kingdom''s town. However, they skipped over this area and kept going until they arrived at a bustling market where a good number of stalls were set up.


    "We have arrived. It''s good to see you''re doing better, though. Seriously¡­ how are you so bad with carriages? Don''t you have them in your world?" Rubina asked, a hint of teasing in her voice.


    "Ugh¡­ We have cars with suspension systems," Logan replied, trying to shake off the sickness he felt.


    Rubina laughed lightly. "Curs? Well, we''ll have to get you used to our ways of travel. For now, let''s focus on getting the supplies we need."


    As they stepped out of the carriage, the lively atmosphere of the market greeted the youths. Logan could see a fair number of stalls filled with a variety of goods, from fresh produce to well-crafted items. The place was bustling with activity. It was a new experience for him, and despite his lingering discomfort from the sheer number of people, excitement welled up in his heart.


    Rubina led the way, weaving through the crowd with ease. "We can''t get lost here Logan, I know you may not like it but hold my hand."


    Logan gave the proposed idea a few seconds of thought but noticed that Rubina was getting further away with each passing moment. He quickly extended his hand and rushed through the crowded street to catch up.


    No one seemed to have noticed who he was, which made things easier. Most of the crowd''s attention was focused on the red-haired girl leading the way. Her hair, which resembled fire, seemed to force people to quickly step aside to give her room.


    Logan marveled at how effortlessly she navigated through the bustling market. It was not long before they stopped at a place that made Logan uneasy. Before them, a few cages were placed in front of a large shop. The sight of the creatures and humans inside the cages tugged at Logan''s heart, stirring a mix of emotions.


    Rubina noticed his discomfort and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "I know, it''s hard to see humans treated like animals, but we''re here to find you a companion. So let''s go in and make sure we choose the right one."


    Logan nodded, trying to suppress any emotion for now while entering the shop, the sound of a small bell jingling as they entered.

 Chapter 21 - 21: Everwind Falcon

    The sound of the bell quickly alerted someone in the shop as a clear voice called out to the youths. "Welcome, young miss and sir hero. We were expecting you today. Please wait a few minutes while the master arrives."


    A young woman in her early twenties stood behind a counter, stoic while jotting down notes as two new customers entered. One was the only heir to the Rosengard family, one of the shop''s top patrons, Earl Victor, who often ordered small beasts, feed, and at times rare monsters and eggs.


    The other was one of the heroes, his identity was revealed only because Lady Rubina had arrived with him. Long brown hair covered a portion of his face, and the boy wore strange clothing¡ªa coat with an attached hat and worn-out pants. The boy was probably used to fighting, as his legwear showed signs of battle, such as holes and frayed edges.


    His physique told a different story, though. The kid was too skinny to lift a weapon, his gait too clumsy to know any sword dance. Having worked with many beasts and appraised slaves for sale, the young store clerk could clearly see that the hero was neither a mage nor specialized in magic.


    Her eyes focused on his face. It did not shine like the nobles'', but his skin was smooth and clear of the scars that plagued most commoner boys these days. His sharp jawline and high cheekbones gave him a well-defined and attractive appearance.


    His sharp eyes, a deep shade of hazel, sparkled with curiosity and intelligence, drawing people in with their intensity. And yet, his gaze showed signs of his reclusive nature, pushing or scaring off anyone who would try to get close to him.


    When the boy glared at the young store clerk, she quickly returned to checking today''s sales, her heart racing as she wondered if he could somehow read her thoughts. It was only when her master''s laugh resounded through the building that she could finally settle her wildly beating heart.


    "Rubina, my lass, it''s nice to see you today. Welcome, come here, it''s great to see that you have befriended one of our future saviors," Miles exclaimed with a hearty laugh.


    Logan, who was busy looking around took notice of the speaker. He was a short, stout man with a round belly that seemed to always be happy. His face was adorned by a bushy mustache that twitched whenever the middle-aged man spoke, giving him a somewhat comical appearance. Despite his unsavory profession as a slave trader, he had a surprisingly friendly demeanor, especially towards Rubina, almost as if she were his daughter.


    "I know that expression, hero. You''re one for few words, so let''s get to it. Follow me, and I will show you what the greatest slave and magical monster seller in this kingdom has to offer," Miles said with a knowing smile.


    The stout man led both youths deeper into the shop, his belly moving with each step. Logan noticed that the building was far larger than he had expected. There were various doors on all sides; at the beginning, many of these held merchandise and some workers moving food around. However, as they walked further, cages and enclosures began to appear.


    Most of these enclosures contained humans of all shapes and sizes. They stood up, thinking they might be sold today, only to see the trio pass them by, causing most to sit or lay back down in dejection. The sight tugged at Logan''s heart, a reminder of the harsh realities of the world they lived in.


    "If you see anything that catches your eye, please don''t hesitate, hero," Miles said, not looking back as he kept walking just fast enough to showcase his prized slaves.


    Rubina, who was at his side, got even closer and nodded in understanding as if to say she knew what he was thinking. She signaled with her hands to stay calm, rolling her fingers in a gesture that Logan guessed meant things would soon pass.


    Logan took a deep breath, and while feeling more at ease looked around, noticing that while the slaves were chained, they looked to be healthy, none of them looked to be beaten or whipped which he had expected to see.


    Beautiful women and handsome men of all ages and sizes were around them until they stepped into a new zone. This one clearly led into a large tent outdoors, and the difference here was immediately noticeable¡ªthe noise and smell that filled the air.


    Miles paused, this time turning to Logan and Rubina with a proud smile. "This is probably what you wanted to see, am I right? Anyways, sorry about that. As you know, we keep the beasts out back to avoid problems and all that."


    "Now then, Rubina, you should know that while rare and powerful, these are not what our hero Logan needs. Come, there is a particular monster I just got my hands on, one that should help our hero get powerful with his great ability," Miles spoke, barely able to contain his excitement at the thought of seeing the hero''s taming skills in action.


    They were led to a specific area where a large birdcage stood. Workers were bustling around it, either feeding or checking on the beast inside. Its shrills were powerful, yet the small bird could not be seen from afar, hidden within its enclosure.


    As they approached, the creature''s piercing cries echoed through the small space, rattling even the large tent, showcasing its powerful ability despite its small size. Logan''s curiosity was piqued, and he stepped closer to get a better view of the elusive beast.


    The workers stepped aside as Logan neared, revealing a small, vibrant bird with iridescent feathers that shimmered in the light. Despite its size, it radiated an aura of strength and majesty.


    The workers stepped aside as Logan neared, revealing a small, fluffy falcon chick with small white feathers that barely covered its skin. Despite its size, it radiated an aura of strength as each call produced a small shockwave that pushed Logan''s hair to the side.


    "Miles, where did you get this little one? Don''t tell me¡­" Rubina''s voice trailed off, a mix of curiosity and concern in her tone.


    Miles chuckled softly, his eyes shining with pride. "Ah, Rubina, lass, you should know your father wouldn''t have let me sell you a mistreated beast. This little one simply had a rough start. A great calamity happened in its environment, and luckily an adventurer got a hold of it as an egg. Sadly, the chick hatched before arriving at my store, or I would have sold it sooner¡­"


    Logan strained to hear the conversation behind him while trying to focus on the young chick. For his second official tame, he wanted a creature that would be with him at all times. A beast that could supplement his weaknesses when compared to others and could even help him in case a fight broke out.


    The small bird kept its gaze fixed on Logan as if measuring whether it needed to fight or call for help. Its piercing black eyes seemed to evaluate him, assessing his intentions. Logan extended his hand slowly, feeling the tension in the air as the falcon chick watched him intently.


    Logan liked the small creature''s attitude. The bird did not cower as his hand reached the small falcon''s head. Logan did not know what would happen, but the creature was far too young to cause him any real harm.


    When his hand reached far enough, its beak grazed him, creating a small wound. Trying to hold his arm steady, Logan used his finger to guide a drop of blood towards the small bird''s head.


    "Hey, can you pass me a piece of meat or something this monster likes!" Logan called to a nearby worker, trying to calm the beast enough to show his intentions.


    The young bird was confused after the liquid splashed its small head. The large human that stood before it seemed both intimidating and intriguing. The falcon chick tilted its head, sensing the sincerity in Logan''s actions. The young bird felt that it should decide whether to trust him or not.


    So far, the giant human did not want to hurt him, so he seemed good, but the little bird had never seen him before. The falcon chick chirped softly, as if pondering its decision. Logan, holding his breath, waited for the creature''s next move, hoping that the bond he sought would be accepted.


    To help the young bird choose, Logan held a large piece of meat, hoping to earn its trust. He knew that talking might not help, but he tried, nonetheless. "Come on, little one, I mean you no harm," he said softly, his voice calm and steady. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The falcon chick eyed the meat curiously, its head tilting from side to side. The scent of the food seemed to entice it, and it took a step forward. Logan remained still, holding the meat out patiently, his heart pounding with anticipation.


    "Pwiee," the young bird cried out, startling Logan, who almost fell back. Yet he felt a burning sensation on the top of his head, clearly mirroring where the bird''s mark was. The intense connection formed between them; a bond signaled by the matching marks.


    Logan, before thinking about the bond, raised a hand to his head, checking his hair just in case before breathing out with relief. "Man, I have to plan where I mark my tames¡­"


    Logan steadied himself, sensing the magical link that had been established. The young falcon chick, now calmer, began to trust Logan, its piercing black eyes softening. The piece of meat in Logan''s hand was quickly snatched up by the chick, sealing the deal between the two.


    Rubina nearby watched with a mixture of awe and relief. "It seems the little one has accepted you, Logan," she said with a smile.


    Miles clapped his hands together, beaming with pride. "Congratulations, hero Logan. You now have at hand a powerful ally. The Everwind Falcon is a very rare and extremely powerful creature. I hope it will serve as one of your best companions.

 Chapter 22 - 22: Gearing Up

    After forming the bond with the little falcon, Logan was given a small bag of food that would last the day and was even offered a free slave to help him carry anything he would buy, yet the boy rejected the offer. Leaving with minimal pleasantries, as was Logan''s style, the two teenagers left the kind yet morally questionable slave trader''s shop.


    "I know you are not the best speaker, Logan, but I should remind you that making allies is in your best interest. Mr. Miles seemed content with your actions, but others may not be so keen on your way of acting. So try to fake a smile once in a while; who knows, maybe you will¡ª"


    Before Rubina could finish, she noticed a girl their age standing outside the shop. It was evident she was an earth user from the radiance of the Great Spirit of Earth''s power that surrounded her. An aura of amber shone around her, enhancing her features that were tinted in this hue. Her light brown short hair, clear, amber-tinted eyes, and bronze skin added to her look.


    The girl''s presence was calm and grounded, giving off a very different vibe in contrast to the bustling environment of the shopping district.


    "Lady Chloe of the Amberstone, to what do we owe the pleasure of your presence?" Rubina''s voice held some mild contempt.


    Lady Chloe tried to maintain her composure against the clear hostility shown to her. "I have been tasked with overseeing the hero''s safety. I apologize, as I was asked to meet you earlier, hero. Some miscommunications occurred, so I have come late to meet you this fine day."


    "Uhm, alright. I am Logan. Nice to meet you, Lady Chloe?" Logan spoke while looking at Chloe with a mix of curiosity and skepticism.


    "Ah yes, I almost forgot. Forgive me. My name is Chloe Amberstone, from one of the gem knight families under the care of the Great Earth Spirit." The young girl bowed, hand on her heart in a very knight-like movement, elegant and refined. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan nodded, acknowledging her short introduction. Rubina remained hesitant about their new guest, especially since she interrupted the short time she had alone with Logan.


    I see you are both shopping, don''t mind me. I will be following you from afar, hero. I am merely here to keep you from danger. We never know when the vile demons will try to attack. But¡­ don''t worry about that; we have reinforced the kingdom with the help of various nations. Just¡­ shop, let''s not overcomplicate things." The girl sighed, a bit of her stress showing through her composed exterior.


    Chloe then took about ten steps back, giving both Logan and Rubina enough room to speak normally. Yet, it was hard to ignore an armored knight a few steps behind them, especially with the metal clanking noises that accompanied her movements.


    Rubina sighed, trying to focus on their shopping. "Well, at least she''s not right on top of us," she muttered, glancing over at Logan.


    Logan made a small smile, appreciating Rubina''s attempt to make light of the situation. "Let''s just continue. Where are we going next?"


    "Well, there are various things we will need. The simple ones will be picked up later so we won''t need to carry much. We do need you to pick out your armor¡­ a simple weapon and some new clothes, as going out in the wild usually ends with torn or ripped wear," Rubina replied thoughtfully.


    "Sorry to interrupt you two, but if it''s about armor¡­ we should head to old Merryl''s shop. It should be the fourth shop before the street ends," Chloe spoke out, then acted nonchalant as if she wasn''t with them.


    "Right, I was going to suggest the same. So I guess it''s a great place to go next then." As before, Rubina led the group forward, this time trying to pull Logan by the hand with a bit more speed, as if attempting to keep Chloe behind.


    Logan followed along, somewhat exasperated with everything that was happening. And yet, it didn''t feel too bad to be here now, near a girl who reminded him of how Lisa would pull him around as kids. The memories brought a small smile to his face as he recalled those good times.


    As they walked through the bustling market, Logan took the opportunity to look around. Despite living through a war, the people here managed to get up every day, continue living, and strive to make enough money to satisfy their daily needs.


    As they got closer to the destined shop, the duo looked back, their follower seemed closer than before, with expectation clearly visible in her face.


    It did not take them long to reach the shop, they entered the large wooden building with a wide window displaying various armors made from different materials, whether animal hides or high-quality minerals. Once inside, the unmistakable scent of new leather filled their nostrils. The place was well-lit, with various magic orb crystals radiating light. The rhythmic sound of a hammer hitting metal could be heard in the distance, accompanied by the voice of someone humming a lovely melody.


    The sight of an elderly lady sitting behind a workbench was the first thing they noticed. She was fully concentrated on trying to finish sewing a part of a boot but did not fail to greet those who entered.


    "Greetings, give me a second, will you? Just a few more rows and this should be about finished," she said with a calm tone that reminded Logan of his late grandmother.


    "It''s fine, Madam Merryl, we will take a look around while you finish," Rubina said, predicting this would happen.


    "Oh, it''s the Rosengard Lass, huh? That''s a nice suggestion. Wait, is that you, Lady Chloe? Even better! You should know what the young couple would want." With a light laugh, the old lady spoke while still dedicating all her attention to her work.


    With a smug look, Rubina pulled Logan to the area where medium defensive equipment was displayed. She glanced around, considering the various colors and thinking about which would fit and look good on Logan. As she picked up a few gloves, a voice stopped her before she continued.


    "Uhm, Those won''t be too useful, if I may¡­ This black set and this dark grey set might be good choices," Chloe suggested, stepping forward. "The black set has good defense and deters magic to an extent, but it is a little heavy. Meanwhile, the dark grey set seems to align with the hero''s choice of wear. It''s mostly leather, so weight is not much of a problem, yet it lacks the magic defense he might want to have¡­on" The young girl who seemed conscious that her presence annoyed the red haired youth as before took a few steps back, yet her suggestions were enough for Rubina to not lash out in anger.


    She took both sets to Logan, nodding in appreciation before saying, "Well, the Amberstone''s know their stuff. The gloss finish on some parts of this black armor would go well with your personality, while this grey one does look good and takes comfort into consideration. The choice ultimately depends on what you prioritize more, defense or mobility."


    Logan carefully examined both sets, weighing the pros and cons in his mind. He appreciated Chloe''s knowledgeable input and Rubina''s effort in finding the best gear for him. After a moment of contemplation, Logan made his decision but before he spoke Rubina pitched in another choice.


    "Then again, why do we need to make a choice? We should take both." Rubina paused for a second before addressing the third wheel. "Also, Ms. Chloe, stop going so far if you can hear what we are saying. We might need your help here as we still need footgear for going in the wild, and a good spatial bag."


    Chloe stepped closer; her composed demeanor unchanged. "About that, I think a good spatial ring would be better suited. It''s less cumbersome and more secure. Plus, it frees up your hands for other tasks."


    Rubina showed a look of impression and, considering Chloe''s suggestion, said, "That does sound practical. What do you think, Logan?"


    Logan nodded, thinking it would be better to have something lighter while walking. "Yeah¡­ well that sounds good to me."


    The boy was happy he did not have to do much. After picking out everything they needed in terms of armor and camping gear, they went to the old lady Merryl, who had finished her task. She introduced Logan to her husband, who specialized in both armory and blacksmithing. The neighboring shop, the weapon shop was run by their eldest daughter, continuing the family tradition.


    Entering the weapon shop was far easier, as they only had to pick up a few daggers and, for some reason, a whip which Rubina kept insisting on getting for Logan.


    Before heading back to the Rosengard Estate, they decided to visit a nice caf¨¦ for a few snacks. Chloe initially wanted to sit at another table, but Rubina, in a sly manner, dragged Chloe to join them.

 Chapter 23 - 23: Healer and Warriors

    In the castle''s training ground, a girl stood behind three of her classmates, who were currently fighting monsters. The first day in training had been hard on everyone, but it soon became normal for the class.


    There was a small feeling of euphoria each time they gained a level up, and for some, it became an addictive sensation. Every time they killed a monster, a type of energy would enter their bodies, granting them strength and with enough of it they would level up.


    As for Lisa, she had yet to kill, but for some reason, any kills made by her classmates with her included also granted her some of this energy. One of the guys mentioned earlier that it was like a game party system, making it easier for them to get experience points of some kind.


    From her point of view, though, all she saw were magical letters that appeared in front of her, informing her about the skills, abilities, and some stats she possessed, something that Lisa did not fully comprehend.


    Today they had been training for a few hours. Each kid was placed in a team of four and given weapons and armor to protect themselves. Lisa was the so-called Healer and was given a mace, a small light shield, and light leather armor.


    The monsters they were placed against today were larger than those on the first day. Each had the size and even the look of a pig. They had hard stone-like hides which would take a few strong strikes before any weapon could hurt them. Magic was the easiest way to defeat them, but Lisa''s team only consisted of front-line warriors.


    "Lisa, watch the left! I will be attacking from the right, so it might get dangerous as I go forth. Keep your shield up," Brian screamed as he rushed forth.


    Lisa felt her heart race as she watched Brian charge ahead. She tightened her grip on her shield, ready to support her teammates. The letters and stats floating in front of her became a blur as she focused on the immediate task of keeping her team safe.


    The pig-like monsters charged, their hooves thundering against the ground. Lisa''s teammates swung their weapons, each strike chipping away at the beasts'' tough hides. Lisa kept a close watch on Brian, prepared to rush in and heal any wounds he might sustain.


    Bending his legs, the young boy jumped between two beasts that were being pressured by his teammates. While wishing his two best friends, Jonathon and George, were here to help him, Brian got close to the first boar monster''s rib cage and used his gauntlets to bash its side.


    "Blaze Knuckle!" the boy called out like a madman. His fist, which had bashed the beast, suddenly roared with flames, searing the hard, stone-protected skin of the earth monster, leaving its fleshy part exposed. With a second punch, the beast''s side seemed to have caved in, the devastating blow pushing it back like a rocket.


    Brian, looking at his torn weapon before tossing it away, jumped back to avoid the second beast, which came to help its companion.


    The squealing of the downed beast, thrashing about, caused the other to go berserk. It lowered its face, directing all its anger at Brian while ignoring the tank who had its attention just a few seconds ago.


    "Kiel, slap it or something, man! Its aggro is being directed towards me, dude!" Brian shouted out in anger, seeing the Paladin standing flabbergasted.


    "Calm down, all I need to do is¡­ Savage Strike!" Another hero stepped in. His class, Warchief, was the pinnacle of the Barbarian class. A boy who was often laughed at for his size and weight, but during the last few days, this only served to fuel his berserker class.


    "Finally, you do something right, Fat Albert. I will pay for your lunch today, man."


    Lisa, who healed those that were close to danger, grimaced as she saw how their so-called party leader led the group. She was only safe from his nasty mouth because she knew the boy had feelings for her, something that did not please her, especially when his eyes lingered on every part of her body every chance they got.


    "Heal, heal, heal¡­" she screamed, not forgetting to do her job. At level four, she was one of the class''s highest leveled, mainly due to the church placing more effort into training her.


    It was hard, and she did not take pleasure in watching monsters being killed or seeing her own team, at times, bleed so hard they fainted. But in order to survive and go back home, this was what needed to happen. Although, like the rest, she also couldn''t say she was not influenced by the level-up high, as the class had dubbed it.


    She had seen changes happen that had never occurred before. Her hair grew fast and shinier, her nails stronger, her skin glossier and healthier, and even a few marks from before began to slowly fade.


    Her friend Alma, ecstatic by the new changes, did not like the fact her natural black hair began to grow back, making the blonde dye from just a week ago show.


    "One more time, slash the eye this time, don''t waste time looking," Brian told the Berserker, who missed a slash with his large axe. Two new beasts had been released in their direction. Like before, one was being tanked by the Paladin while the other was pincered between Brian and Albert, the stout boy.


    "PING!"


    [You have reached level 5, a new skill has been unlocked, Detoxification.]


    After blinking a few times to get the mass of letters displayed in front of her like a hologram, Lisa focused on the Paladin who had sustained a few hits when his shield had crumbled.


    "Guys, I need backup over here! My shield has turned to dust with so much damage. Are these beginner gear? Why give us this crap, don''t tell me there are level-locked items in this world," he shouted, frustration evident in his voice.


    "Level-locked what? Man, we are still killing weak animals. Why would they spend more on us at this moment? Just learn to use your skills, Kiel!" Brian said while trying to do the same tactic as before. Due to only having his left gauntlet, which wasn''t his dominant hand, his strike was not as effective.


    "Move, let me get this one also, Savage Strike!" Albert, the Warchief, shouted as he swung his large axe, hitting spot on the beast''s head. Blood and fat splattered everywhere, some of it even reaching Lisa, who tried to cover herself with her shield.


    "You idiot, can you make a clean kill, man? Look at all that mess! You even spilled some on Lisa!" Brian shouted, frustration evident in his voice while pointing to the mess.


    "It''s fine; it seems we are done anyway," Lisa said, wiping her face with her sleeve, trying to stay focused despite the unpleasantness.


    "You''re lucky, Albert. I will have to take back what I said about your food, though. Now everyone, let''s head back; there seem to be no more beasts for our team."


    "Yeah, whatever, Brian. You''re only bossing us around because you sucked up so hard to the Princess. Don''t think we don''t know, right, Lisa?" Albert tried to make Brian lose face, knowing, like the rest of the class, of his strong attraction towards Lisa.


    "What did you just say? I have done no such thing! Now let''s go before you make me punch another pig in this place," Brian said, making his fist light with flames around it.


    Lisa felt the tension rising between the two boys, but before she could intervene, the Paladin, Kiel, pulled Albert away, leaving her and Brian alone to watch the other two go.


    "That, he is lying, alright," Brian said. "I was only called up by the king a few times, you know, he got interested in me since the first day and all that."


    "I don''t care, Brian," Lisa replied. "Let''s just go back to the others. I need to take a shower." S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As they rejoined the others in class, they noticed that Silvia''s group had finished before the rest. The youngest in the class but possibly the smartest, Silvia was sitting reading a book in one hand while making a ball made of wind in the other. As soon as she noticed the newcomers, she turned to Lisa, erased her ball of wind, and gestured for her to come closer.


    "You''re dirty, here, let me help you¡­" Showing a face of apathy, the young girl snapped her fingers, causing a ball of water to surround Lisa.


    Lisa was scared and tried to struggle, but as soon as she tried to move, the magic stopped and then turned into a ball full of wind, which surrounded her body.


    "There, you don''t stink anymore," the silver-haired girl said. Without waiting for a response, she returned to her reading.


    "Thanks?" Lisa said in a low voice, standing there with her body still tingling from the magical cleaning. The shock of what had just happened left her speechless, but then she noticed that, like her, three other girls were sitting around, their hair a mess from the air-blowing session they received. Deciding to join them, Lisa took a seat and waited for the others in class to finish.


    She tried combing her messy hair down, glad that at least Logan was not around to see her in this state. Looking around, she saw how, like her team, others were struggling, but unlike her group, they would only face one monster at a time.


    Out of all those in class, only four were not present: Chris, the alchemist who went to the empire; a girl who stayed in her room all day and wouldn''t come out; their teacher who was being taught somewhere else; and finally Logan, whose instructor hadn''t arrived yet.


    Lisa looked at her hand, seeing that at times, a red blood ring would appear on her finger.


    "That fool, I wonder if he planned this to look like a ring¡­" A smile surfaced on her face.

 Chapter 24 - 24: First Outing Pt. 1

    "Heek, heek."


    "Not now¡­" Logan mumbled.


    "Heek."


    "Just a little more¡­" Logan pleaded.


    "HeeeeeK!"


    Pulling the pillow over his ear, Logan tried to muffle the noisy creature that kept pecking his forehead.


    To the side of his bed, the small falcon stood, looking at his master.


    [Food, more bugs, more!] the falcon made a few mental demands.


    "Alright, alright! Let me get up first, Zephyr¡­" Logan sighed, lifting himself off the bed while rubbing his eyes and yawning loudly.


    Looking around the room in confusion, he recalled what happened the day before. "Oh yeah, I stayed in the Rosengard mansion."


    The boy then looked towards his majestic Everwind Falcon, who, like his previous Scorchwyrm, had gone through a big change. Yesterday''s events came to mind.


    As soon as they arrived from shopping the day before, they were greeted by the Earl, who was eager to see Logan''s new tame. Luckily for them, Chloe decided to return to the castle shortly after their arrival at the Rosengard Estate, so they didn''t have to worry about hiding Logan''s taming abilities.


    The sun was setting, giving Rubina, Logan, and the Earl just enough time to try feeding the small chick as they did with the Scorchwyrm. He was introduced to Battle Ants to help him level up. Being a few days older than his other tamed creatures seemed to help the young chick, who used small wind blades with ease by flapping his small wings to cut the insects into pieces to eat.


    Within half an hour, the small creature evolved into his adult form, a beautiful bird who not only exuded a regal appearance but also the powerful presence of one of the sky''s top predators.


    Logan could still remember what Earl Victor said about his new tamed beast.


    His sleek build was made to be the fastest flying creature in this world. Its large wings and aerodynamic form allow it to slice through the air, and by using wind magic, it can go even faster and cut down those it deems prey or foe.


    Logan had forgotten what else the Earl had said, but he appreciated him for letting him have this new tame for free. The boy was happy with his new companion. The 15 cm falcon was still small, but its cheerful attitude, retained from its infancy, made Logan like the small bird even more. He still wished his very, very, hot-blooded salamander had the same temperament. Sadly, that would never happen it seemed.


    As he got his mind back into what he needed to do to jumpstart his morning, he noticed that his personal maid, Ruri, had been brought to the Rosengard mansion from the castle inn. While the bird beat her in awakening the boy, the door was opened with her hands filled with new clothes for Logan to wear.


    "Master Logan, I have brought you some clothes especially made for you. This is one of a few sets I had the castle''s tailors make for you," she said, her voice giving slight hints of anger. "Oh, and I have thanked the Earl for having notified me about your absence," she added, her tone laced with sarcasm.


    "I''m sorry, Ruri. Everything happened so fast," Logan pleaded, realizing he had forgotten about the girl with everything that happened.


    "It''s fine, master, just please at least send word that you''re safe. The Earl said that it would be fine if I came when you plan to stay over." Ruri''s voice softened, but there was still a hint of frustration.


    Logan thought about his error and how he could make it up to her. He appreciated Ruri''s dedication and felt a pang of guilt for causing her worry. He thought about the difference that a few days made in his life. Before now, no one depended on him much or was willing to trouble themselves to the point that they would go to a stranger''s house just to be there for him.


    The morning seemed to go by fast. He quickly changed into clothes that properly fit him¡ªa dark tunic with gold accents, a black cloak he appreciated, and dark pants with the same silk-like texture just like the tunic. It was a comfortable set for which he had to thank Ruri. She had also brought him a new handmade beanie, which he loved.


    Joining Rubina and the Earl for a quick breakfast, everyone seemed eager to get the day started, knowing Logan only had a few days to train his tames. With his instructor coming soon, he would need to be like the others and use the castle''s training room to level up.


    "So, let''s go over today''s plan again. You will be heading to Beastclaw Forest north of here. There should be a good amount of small beasts there for you to fight. Remember, everything there is game, so you should store it for either selling pelts and meat to townsfolk who would gladly get their hands on fresh meat," the Earl instructed.


    "If I remember that forest is only for nobles or royalty, don''t you have to pay a good amount to hunt there?" Rubina questioned her father.


    "That''s correct," the Earl replied, nodding. "Beastclaw Forest is indeed reserved for nobles and royalty, and there is a hefty fee for hunting rights. However, given that Logan is a hero, it will be no problem, the castle knows that we are his backers and the young girl from the Amberstone family will most likely be going with you two."


    "Now then, you should both get ready. Remember, you will need to be fully armored as there is nowhere to change when you get there. Logan, try to let your monsters fight for now. Keep them at a distance and make sure to prioritize their safety. That should be all. Go on now," the Earl finished, wiping his mouth as he was still eating dessert. The two youths had long finished their meal and only waited on the Earl''s orders to start preparing.


    Thankful that he could rely on his maid to help him put on his new armor, Logan set out with Rubina, who wore a dark, fitted combat outfit. The sleek design allowed for ease of movement while providing ample protection.


    Logan glanced at Rubina, appreciating the practical yet stylish attire. "So where should we meet Chloe?" he asked trying to keep his gaze on her eyes.


    "She should be here any moment¡ª as if on cue, don''t tell me you were waiting for us to mention you¡­" Rubina said surprised that the girl appeared when her name was called.


    "Well, I have been out here for a while now. I couldn''t be late like yesterday and be left behind," Chloe admitted.


    "You know¡­ you could have knocked, and we would have received you like any other guest," Rubina replied with a look of exasperation.


    "It seems you didn''t take to my presence yesterday, so I tried not to bother your time with the hero¡­ Anyways, greetings to you, hero Logan and Miss Rubina," the brown-haired girl said, her knightly stance and serious expression showing that she only wanted to be seen as a bodyguard.


    Logan noticed that Chloe seemed more dutiful, showing that she took her role seriously today and tried to keep emotions from her work. She kept her distance like yesterday showing that she did not fully trust either Rubina or him, but this did not bother him much, he just wanted to leave already as it was getting close to midday.


    "Oh and don''t worry about me disturbing you both on the carriage, I have brought my mount today." Chloe pointed to a large chicken-like animal that was shaking its body as if to fix its feathers, it looked friendly, but Logan dared not get near it.


    "That''s a nice Breeze Roc. We have a few, but yours seems to be more agile¡ªmust be military-bred," Rubina commented, admiring the bird''s sleek form and impressive plumage. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yeah, she is one of my family''s best. Now then, I have heard we will be going into the Beastclaw Forest. I will remind you that we should not cross the river as that is Stone Grizzel''s territory," Chloe warned, her tone serious.


    Logan nodded, absorbing the information. "Got it. We''ll stay clear of the river and focus on the areas where we can safely train."


    Rubina pitched in, "It''s important to be cautious. Grizzel''s territory is not to be taken lightly as they usually attack in groups."


    With the whole group ready, they left in a normal carriage today, knowing that the rough terrain would be easier to travel with a lighter vehicle. The rough ride was as always to Logans taste, the only help he had was the pink potions which he brough to aid him.


    Two hours into the journey, the cart stopped as they encountered a patrol. A few words from Chloe were all it took for them to be allowed through without question. Another thirty minutes later, they arrived at a spot where the carriage could no longer proceed. Vines, trees, and bushes made it impossible for the cart or the large, feathered beast to continue.


    Logan, with wobbly steps, began to exit the carriage while Rubina laughed. He tried to ignore his discomfort while taking a nice deep breath, which cleansed his lungs.


    "I really need to request suspension systems¡­" Logan murmured, pulling his feathered beast from under his cloak, where it had been fast asleep. The small falcon seemed eager to stretch its wings as soon as he saw the sky and took off.


    Looking at the joy his new tamed beast had while flying, Logan thought about his Scorchwyrm, who had to stay behind. He was warned that the main reason to keep it secret was that tamers could have at most ten tamed beasts throughout their lives, while Logan, at level 2, could already have four. By the look of things, he could probably increase his maximum tamed capacity by one per level.


    [Master, master, prey, food!] Before Logan could recall his ball of feathers, it had already started today''s onslaught. Zephyr swooped down with astonishing speed, targeting small creatures scurrying through the underbrush.

 Chapter 25 - 25: First Outing Pt. 2

    It was only a few days since he was born, but he had never felt so much power in his very, very short life. He was no longer the featherless chick who called out to his absent parents; he was now a fully grown falcon. His beak was sharp as a blade, his talons as strong as steel, and his wings powerful enough to blow away a tree.


    His core, situated in the center of his body, felt like it could explode with all the energy it had stored.


    Soring high in the sky he unleashed a few blades of concentrated wind directing them towards a nearby treetop. With ease, the slash passed through the thick trunk leaving only exposed wood and a neat cut through its once lush canopy.


    "Kreeeee!" The young bird roared, eager to express its might to the world. Its cry echoed through the sky, a bold declaration of its newfound might.


    His keen sense of sight caught the movement of various small animals and monsters. With interest, he expressed his new find using the link that bound his soul with his master.


    [Master, master, prey, food!]


    He knew by instinct that there was nothing in these parts that would pose a danger to him, so he took it upon himself to keep it that way.


    Ignoring the weakest of the small prey, which he found trivial, Zephyr spotted a nice, big, juicy rodent the size of his master''s leg¡ªa perfect trophy to show to his owner. Everyone knew that rodents made the best meals, and if this one was bigger, it would make for a grand feast.


    Using his speed, Zephyr flew higher than ever before, knowing the large rodent would flee if it spotted him. Employing his exceptional vision, which could spot an animal a quarter of a kilometer away, he positioned himself for the perfect strike.


    Trying to contain his excitement, which would make him shrill out loud in joy, the small bird waited while charging the wind around him. As soon as he felt the mana transform into wind, Zephyr swooped down, adding some rotations to enhance the wind''s strength.


    It was very hard to make the wind obey him, but he needed to make it cover any noise that would scare off its large prey.


    Two hundred meters went by in seconds. At fifty meters, he fixed his talons forward, feeling his small legs trying to sway to the side, but through sheer willpower, he made them stay in place.


    Twenty meters left; young Zephyr raised his wings, causing the feathers to feel as though they would tear off with any sudden movement. Instinct ruled over fear, joy, and any other emotion. It dictated his actions, and with it, the young bird pushed forth, his determination unwavering.


    Its prey was too busy looking for seeds through dried foliage that helped cover the small falcon''s descent. It took only four seconds for the rodent to find itself impaled within eight talons before being pushed towards a wall.


    "Qweek!" cried the two-foot rodent.


    A noise resounded through the forest as one of its inhabitants was killed instantly.


    "Eww, is that a Burrow Nibblet? I''ve never seen one so big before¡­" Rubina exclaimed as the three teenagers arrived to help the small falcon. Before them was a bloody mess, as Zephyr couldn''t hold back his urge to feed.


    [Master, food, eat, come] The young bird called out to his master with innocence.


    "Ugh, this isn''t good. I just got over the road trip." Logan mumbled, tightening his molars while trying to keep his breakfast down.


    "Get used to it, hero. We''re only beginning, so take a few gulps of a potion while I dismember what is still useful here," Chloe instructed, pulling a dagger from a small pouch at her side.


    [Mine, mine, master help] the young bird chirped as Chloe picked up the rodent.


    "Calm down, here, I''ll toss you this which isn''t necessary," Chloe said, pulling the hide off with ease. Logan noticed the dagger she had was actually made from amber. Its tip started to warp as it came in contact with the fallen beast.


    "I know you both won''t want to touch this particular beast, but deeper in the forest I hope you can successfully dismember other beasts we may hunt," Chloe said with a cold voice.


    "I already know how to, remember we are a family of breeders, but Logan here, I wonder how he will do," Rubina added.


    Speechless, Logan tried to ignore his emotions and focus on his tamed creature, which had risen a level. He noticed that while his mana felt stronger, the small falcon showed no change after becoming an adult.


    "This should be enough. Here, take it and put it in your storage ring. Let''s continue, we have a long day ahead," Chloe ordered, taking her position as the party''s leader. "Also, keep your tame by your side; it is still inexperienced, so making too much noise can be dangerous or make it difficult to find more beasts."


    "Alright..." Logan responded with disgust, tapping his ring toward the smelly pelt that still oozed bodily fluids.


    [Zephyr, shoulder, stay] Logan called out, still trying to figure out how to use monster talk, which seemed more based on emotions than words.


    His small beast who was finishing his meal at a rapid pace understood what his master tried to convey and used his wing as a sword to produce a wind blade to cut off one of his foods legs to take on his way.


    "Logan, just take the whole thing. You never know when you will need to feed your pet, and taking a part, like it''s trying to do, will leave a mess on your shoulder," Chloe warned, cleaning her blade before placing it back into her storage bag.


    "Ugh... yes ma''am," Logan cried out, seeing what his tame wanted to do. He felt helpless throughout the ordeal, not knowing how to handle the situation. Thankfully, Chloe was there to act as their leader through this forest.


    With a hectic start, the team ventured deeper where Logan spotted a multitude of beasts. Among the twisted roots that made it hard for them to walk and the dead, dry leaves that didn''t let them pass without making noise, Logan saw squirrel-like creatures gliding through the trees. Horned rabbits fought each other before stopping at the sound of the teens passing by, then quickly scampered away.


    Some trees and bushes showed signs of life as well. A particularly aggressive tree even tried to hit them as Logan tripped on its root. Luckily for the boy, his tame swiftly sliced through the branch that aimed for its master''s head, preventing what could have been a nasty blow.


    Through their journey, the kids let the bird hunt only the beasts that Chloe pointed to. These were either the largest of their kind, the most prized in terms of meat or pelt, or the ones that would give the most experience. With each hunt, Zephyr grew more skilled, his instincts sharpening as he followed Chloe''s precise directions.


    "PING!"


    [You have reached level 3]


    After two hours, with his falcon having battled every small creature that Chloe pointed to, the group decided to seek out stronger prey to raise Logan''s level faster. Logan''s goal for today was ambitious¡ªreaching level 5, which meant gaining three whole levels from where they started. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hey, so what level are you two at?" Logan having a doubt about his strength asked his two team members a question he had since the start.


    "Level, I recall we talked about that but what do you mean exactly?" Rubina questioned as Chloe stopped walking to look back at Logan.


    "You know, level, the numerical value of your strength?" Logan explained.


    "Logan, I don''t know what you''re talking about¡­all of us in this world only know how strong we are by the color power scale. I, for example, am a Yellow Fire Mage. Here, let me show you," Rubina replied while taking out a small crystal from her storage ring.


    The small crystal was colorless, but as soon as Rubina concentrated while powering some of her mana, the crystal changed to a bright yellow color.


    "I am also around that color, a bit darker, but that should be normal for our age," Chloe chimed in, growing interested in the topic.


    "Here, you try using the crystal. It should be interesting to see what color you''re at," Rubina said, passing her crystal to Logan. "Just concentrate and pour in a bit of mana. It''s easy."


    Logan, who didn''t know how to use magic, closed his eyes and poured what he felt like energy into the small colorless rock. He opened his eyes only to see it stay the same.


    "Try again, hero. Think about the flow of your energy and direct it with intention. It''s not only about feeling it; you have to will it to flow," Chloe encouraged.


    The boy decided not to close his eyes during his second attempt. He tried to feel the same way as when he talked to his bird through some unknown connection. He noticed that this connection, while linked to his mind, actually began in a small part at the pit of his stomach, as if there was something there that pulsed with power.


    Soon, the stone turned a light shade of red, not strong enough to light a room.


    "Well, we have our answer. You seem to be on the weaker side of the starters in this world, around the level of a six- or seven-year-old mage apprentice..." Chloe shared, a little bit of disappointment showing through the stoic expression she tried to maintain.


    Logan''s shoulders slumped as he thought about how weak he was compared to the other two. He tried to calculate and came up with the idea that both girls were probably around level 30, if the power scheme used the colors of a rainbow to indicate power. It was only a guess, but maybe each color represented around ten levels.


    He wanted to think about why their class could see levels instead of colors, but he decided to leave the pondering for later. Chloe had long forgotten the talk about levels and colors and was focused on finishing today''s tasks, including learning as much as possible about the hero.


    "We have around an hour to reach the next part of the forest, which is an open area. There, we should find larger and stronger beasts to help you train before we finish for the day," Chloe explained.

 Chapter 26 - 26: First Outing Pt. 3

    Three figures and a falcon moved stealthily through the dense forest, their eyes constantly scanning their surroundings. The sunlight filtered high over the canopy, indicating it was a little past midday. Birds were chirping, animals and beasts playing and the trees swaying as if to enjoy the calm peaceful day.


    Chloe crouched down, her ears perking up at a faint rustling in the distance. She signaled for the group to halt. "Something''s out there," she whispered.


    Logan nodded, his grip tightening on the small dagger he had bought. [Zephyr, can you see what it is?] he mentally communicated.


    The small bird, attuned to hunting from fighting so much during the day, turned its head towards the direction of the sound as it flew up. [Master, big beasts, horns, fighting,] it communicated back.


    Logan''s heart pounded with anticipation. He, like the others, could feel the earth rumble from time to time. "It seems to be a pair of large horned beasts that are fighting," he said in a hushed voice.


    As they advanced, the rustling grew louder, and the now quiet forest seemed to sense the struggle between two great monsters. The team walked slowly until they reached the edge of a clearing where a pair of elk-like creatures were battling. They were towering, probably two meters high, with antlers that glowed with a faint green light. Every few seconds, they clashed, their powerful bodies slamming together before stepping back to reassess each other.


    Rubina''s breath caught in her throat as she took in the scene. "We need to be careful. This fight could turn dangerous for us if we''re not cautious," she said, her hand instinctively reaching for a small wand kept in her ring.


    Chloe nodded, her eyes fixed on the battling creatures. "Let''s observe them for a moment. We need to understand their behavior before we make our move."


    Chloe moved closer to Logan, his eyes never leaving the elk-like creatures. "If we can figure out which one is more aggressive, we might be able to turn the tide in our favor."


    Zephyr perched on a nearby branch, its keen eyes monitoring the battle below. [Dark fur, leader] the falcon communicated. [Small, weaker, need kill, meat]


    Logan tried to gather what he could from Zephyr''s telepathic messages. He interpreted that the falcon believed it could take on the smaller beast but feared the larger one.


    "My tame said it could probably kill the one with the lighter fur, but we will need to focus on the dark fur one. So, what should we do, Chloe?" he asked, turning to her for guidance.


    Chloe took a deep breath, her eyes fixed on the battling creatures while planning a way to separate them safely. "We need to create a distraction. If the smaller one escapes, we could be in trouble¡ªthat big one will defend its territory."


    She paused before continuing. "Rubina, you should know how to use Flame Arrow, right? You will charge the strongest one and shoot the large one while I create spikes around to keep them in place. Logan, just concentrate on your tame. Since you don''t have a way to fight, maintain your distance and keep watch for any dangers we may face from behind."


    Rubina nodded, positioning herself and drawing her wand, ready to cast the Flame Arrow spell. "Got it. I''ll wait for your signal."


    Meanwhile, Logan felt bad that he really didn''t have a role; his tame had been doing all the fighting so far. However, he understood the importance of having a lookout so the team wouldn''t be surprised from behind. He shifted his attention to Zephyr. [Stay sharp, Zephyr. We need to be ready for anything.]


    Chloe began to focus her energy, the air around her crackling as she closed in. She raised her amber dagger, which seemed to function like a wand. The ground responded to her command, spikes forming around the battling beasts, who suddenly stopped, sensing the mana around them stirring.


    Chloe whispered, "Get ready... Now!"


    Rubina released her Flame Arrow, the fiery projectile soaring towards the larger creature. Simultaneously, Chloe''s spikes shot up from the ground, corralling the beasts and forcing them apart.


    The larger beast roared in fury as the Flame Arrow hit its target, while the smaller one took the opportunity to retreat slightly, bewildered by the sudden assault. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Those few seconds of faltering were enough for Zephyr to swoop in, unleashing two wind blades. One of them struck the larger beast right in the neck, while the other, weakened by its tough hide, hit its torso. The large stag flipped a few times, unable to call out as its trachea had been damaged.


    "Kweek!" Zephyr let out a piercing cry, its voice echoing through the forest.


    Without giving the beast a second to recover, the young falcon rose up as far as it could and readied itself to turn its body into a wind arrow. Using what little mana it could conjure up for a final blow, it rolled as it dived, its wings tucked back at their optimal position.


    In less than the time it takes to blink, the young bird plunged its razor-sharp claws into the deer''s side, right where it sensed its magic core.


    While the second beast was easier to take care of, the more experienced one had been luckier in recovering from Rubina''s magic.


    "Use a stronger spell, this beast knows how to absorb magic somehow. I didn''t want to harm its fur, but our safety is the priority here!" Chloe shouted, her voice filled with urgency.


    Logan looked around, trying to figure out what he could do. His bird was ensuring that its prey was dealt with before joining the battle, and Rubina was busy focusing on a new spell.


    It took only a few seconds, but that was enough for her to cast a large fireball as Chloe kept raising larger spears of earth to keep the now raging stag in place.


    "Here goes, everyone stand back!" Rubina cried out, releasing the most powerful spell she could muster while trying to keep it concentrated in one spot to avoid affecting their surroundings.


    The large ball of fire surged forward as the stag tried to use some spell with its antlers, which began to glow a radiant shade of green. The antlers seemed to conjure a wind spell, attempting to redirect the large fireball that was coming to reap its life.


    An explosion resounded, pushing everyone back. Logan, at the rear, used his sleeve to shield his face from the heat wave that passed him.


    After everyone calmed down, he noticed his tame had taken to the sky to escape, while Chloe and Rubina were near each other, taking refuge behind a large pillar.


    [Food, burn, food gone] Logan felt a pang of regret as he picked up on Zephyr''s telepathic frustration over the fiery explosion that seemed to have charred its kill.


    "Well, that was overkill¡­" Chloe muttered as she stood up. With a wave of her hand, she made her cover explode into fine particles, smothering any flames that wanted to continue burning.


    "Sorry, I got a little scared that my first spell didn''t hurt that beast," Rubina admitted, dusting herself off.


    "Wait, look!" Logan pointed towards the ground where the large beast was still breathing.


    "It seems you have work to do, hero¡­" Chloe said, her eyes meeting Logan''s with a mix of empathy. "I will help you¡ªuse my dagger, which I will make as sharp as possible."


    She handed Logan her dagger, and with a wave of her hand, the blade shimmered, becoming incredibly sharp. Logan took the dagger, his grip firm as he approached the wounded beast. The creature''s breaths were labored, its eyes filled with a mixture of pain and defiance.


    "Thank you, Chloe," Logan said quietly, taking a deep breath. He knew what had to be done to keep the beast from suffering any longer.


    Logan looked down at the monster, its eyes radiating a killing intent that nullified his taming skills. He knew there was only one choice¡ªwell, there were a few others, like ordering his falcon to do the dirty work, but he felt it was time for him to do his part as well.


    He lifted the dagger over his head, his hands trembling and knees weak, but his mind was set. Logan steadied himself, taking a deep breath to calm his nerves. The beast''s eyes flickered, sensing its imminent fate. With a final surge of resolve, Logan plunged the dagger where he saw seared skin revealing the creature''s heart, ensuring a swift and merciful end.


    "PING!"


    [You have reached level 5]


    Soon after receiving the message, his feet buckled. He felt power coursing through his body, and before his two companions had time to react, he reached for a small pendant hidden under his cloak. It held the shard of the chronicle crystal.


    [Name: Logan Class: Soul Bound Tamer]


    Level: 5


    Health: 42 Mana: 39


    Attributes:


    Strength: 6 Agility: 5 Dexterity: 5 Constitution: 8 Intelligence: 6 Charisma: 3


    [Skills:]


    Taming (Rank: Beginner): Forms a permanent bond with a marked beast or being using the masters blood; the being must be willing to form a pact and cannot be of higher rank or level than the master. (Max Beings: 3/8)


    Empathic Link (Rank: Beginner): Establishes a mental connection with tamed creatures, allowing for silent communication and understanding of their emotions and thoughts within a certain distance. (Max distance: 6 meters)


    Beast Synergy: Logan achieves a synergy based on the loyalty of his tamed creatures, allowing him to harness their abilities as extensions of his own power. (Max abilities: 3)


    [Abilities:]


    Tamer''s Bond: Allows the hero to form a soul bond with creatures, making them permanent allies.


    [Tamed Beings:]


    Crimson Majesty (Level 1 - Blood Mark ¨C Right Ankle)


    Skills: Scent of Serenity: Emits a calming fragrance that soothes those nearby, reducing stress and attracting prey. Hyper sense: Detects nearby presences through vibrations and movements around the plant. Thorny Defense: Protect itself using thorns found in its vines if attacked.


    Error: Unable to display further information. (Level 6 ¨C Blood Mark ¨C Ring Finger)


    Scorchwyrm (Level 5 (Adult) - Blood Mark ¨C Neck) Loyalty: 2/100


    Skills: Flame Breath: Unleashes a powerful stream of fire capable of incinerating foes. Molten Scales: Scales radiate intense heat, burning anything that comes into contact with them. Searing Whip: Whips its tail releasing a blazing slash on its path.


    Everwind Falcon: (Level 7 (Zephyr ¨C Adult) ¨C Blood Mark ¨C Vertex) Loyalty: 28/100


    Skills: Wind Blades: Zephyr can create sharp gusts of wind to slice through enemies.


    Gale Force: Unleashes a powerful windstorm, disorienting and pushing back foes.


    Sharp Vision (Passive): Possesses incredibly keen eyesight, able to spot targets from great distances and in low light conditions.


    [Experience Points (XP): 134/200]

 Chapter 27 - 27: Guardian of the Forest

    Logan was stunned. He had finally acquired a skill that would allow him to play a role in battle. The ability to use his tamed beasts'' skills and mix up a variety of them was exciting, although it came with the drawback of needing to increase their loyalty, which was currently low.


    But that did not concern him for now; he envisioned himself using his Scorchwyrm''s strongest fire skill, combined with his Everwind Falcon''s wind, to amplify the flames.


    A smirk crept across his face, oddly out of place for a boy standing over a dead beast.


    "Logan¡­ are you alright?" Rubina asked, her voice tinged with worry.


    "I''m alright, sorry about that. So, what do we do now?" Logan replied, getting his mind back into place while dusting himself off to play it off.


    "Well, everything was destroyed, and a burnt hide won''t fetch anything. Sadly, both beasts look the same, so I think it would be better to just leave them. Let me collect their mana cores; some other animal will probably eat them soon," Chloe sighed, taking her dagger back from Logan and stabbing a part of the monster where a small sack or gland was located.


    "After being refined, this organ will turn into a magical crystal of sorts which could be sold for various purposes," Chloe explained. She poured some mana into it, and the body part began to glow dark green. "It has a good glow to it, meaning this Galehorn was in peak state. Well, at least we could gain some good gold with this¡­"


    Logan did not want to get his hands dirty, so he backed off a little and stretched while Rubina stayed quiet behind him.


    "Hey, sorry about that, Logan¡­ they would have fetched a good price," the girl whispered, remaining meek.


    "Hey, I don''t mind. It''s not like we came to make money, right?" Logan said, trying to make his voice sound uncaring while attempting to assure her.


    "Well, that''s that, let''s keep going." Chloe handed Logan both cores to store and wiped her hands on a napkin.


    Logan considered telling them that he had met his goal for the day and wanted to return before dark. The trip had stressed not only his mind but also his body, which was not used to being outdoors. However, he stayed silent, not wanting to risk making Chloe even angrier.


    "We are close to the river. We should use it to wash ourselves before our return trip. We will need to be fast to avoid any large monsters that might mistake the blood on us."


    Without waiting for the others to reply, Chloe began to walk away, forcing both Rubina and Logan to sprint to catch up to her.


    After about 10 long minutes, they heard the sound of running water in the distance. Logan, panting hard, was relieved to hear that particular sound of nature.


    Suddenly, the forest became quiet, all sound ceasing in an instant. The group unconsciously huddled together as a thick fog began to surround them. The forest, which was green, warm, and lively, began to change. The air became cold enough that they could see their breaths.


    With each step, the place became darker. Logan, following the girls from behind, could no longer see them, as if he were walking through the forest on a dark, moonless night.


    "Rubina? Chloe!" he called out, but neither of them responded.


    [Zephyr! Where are you¡­] His tame, which should have been flying overhead, seemed to be far enough away that it could not hear him.


    "What''s happening¡­ where is everyone?" Logan said, stopping in his tracks. Suddenly, he heard the sound of running water again.


    [Champion of darkness, it''s a pleasure to meet you.]


    Logan suddenly jolted, looking around. The darkness began to fade as a being before him shone. He noticed that he was near the river Chloe had mentioned. The water began to freeze as the silhouette of a strange figure appeared in front of him, standing over the frozen surface.


    "Who are¡­ you?" Logan said, trembling not only from the cold that surrounded him but also because the voice that greeted him did not sound human.


    [I forgot you humans like to introduce yourselves instead of relying on instincts. Fine then¡­]


    "I am Ferra, the guardian of the forest to the north of here." Soon the form of the creature was visible¡ªit was a large fox about three meters high with nine or so tails that moved about. Its fur was red and white, at times pulsing with a blue light that changed the color to silver.


    "I''mm am Loo..gann," the boy stuttered, unable to contain his fear. He felt the energy of the beast push him back as if repelled by a magnet, yet his feet would not budge; they were glued to the frost on the floor.


    "I would recommend you don''t move, young hero. I have never really been comfortable around humans, you see. Now then, I take it you know you have been summoned by the Spirit of Darkness to fight the blue ones causing trouble near Dragas territory."


    "I''mm soorry, uhm, but I know very little of what''s happening in this world¡­ you see, I am not good at speaking," Logan murmured, trying to appease the beast while controlling his speech.


    "What a human¡­ or should I say, what a mortal way to act. Then let me say this, the blue ones are our common enemy. They destroy the land, kill all life, and destroy the balance. Darkness has informed me that among the humans, one was blessed to help the non-humans of this world. Is that you, young hero?" it said with a voice full of authority, forcing him to speak his mind.


    "If it''s about taming, or should I say¡­ soul taming, then it should be me¡­ I guess," Logan replied trying to think if it was the best choice to reveal his powers. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Good, at least you''re honest, little one. I feel the power of darkness building in your core. There is no doubt you are just starting. I can also sense your connection with the young winged one. Worry not, he is perched on a tree outside my barrier," Ferra said, pointing with her snout towards a particular direction.


    She paused for a moment, her nine tails swaying gently. "Your mates though¡­ they are running in circles through another barrier, it should hold till we finish speaking."


    Logan swallowed hard, feeling the weight of her words. "I understand, also they are not... my mates," he murmured, his voice trailing off.


    Ferra''s eyes gleamed with a knowing light. "Oh, the so-called slaves. I care not for what you decide to do with humans, but I am here to warn you about my forest or the territories of the other sovereigns. This message goes to all humans as well: we value balance above all else. If they keep killing all the beasts of this area, disaster will follow."


    Logan nodded, the gravity of Ferra''s words sinking in. "I understand. I''ll make sure to spread your warning."


    "Good. Remember, child, every action has consequences. The natural order of this world must be preserved. Now then, let''s speak about your power. Darkness requests that you empower the non-humans. We, as sovereigns, have come to acknowledge the need for your power in the coming times, but we won''t willingly provide help without trials."


    Logan felt a heavy responsibility settling on his shoulders. "What kind of trials?" he asked, his voice becoming steady despite the uncertainty within.


    Ferra''s eyes sparkled with a hint of challenge. "You will face tests of strength, wisdom, and, most importantly, heart. Only by proving yourself in these areas can you gain the trust and support of the sovereigns. These trials will not be easy, but they are essential for ensuring that you are prepared for the battles ahead."


    Logan nodded, determination etched on his face. "I understand!"


    Ferra inclined her head slightly, her expression both stern and approving. "Very well. I feel parts of my forest have become infiltrated by the blue-skinned, the stench of death and decay is slowly devouring my land. These monsters who are neither dead nor alive need to be destroyed. To help you find them, I will give you a part of me¡­"


    Logan saw how one of her tails detached from her body and rolled around. Within seconds, the ball of fur sprouted two long, pointed ears, a small snout, and soon the full face of a baby fox appeared. As more seconds passed, four small legs stretched out of the ball of fur.


    Ferra lowered her head and gently nudged the newly formed fox towards Logan. "This is a fragment of my essence. She will guide you through the forest and help you locate the invaders."


    Logan reached out hesitantly, feeling the warmth emanating from the small creature. "Thank you¡­ I will do my best to hunt those beasts."


    Ferra''s form began to shimmer and fade, her final words echoing in the cold air. "Good luck, young champion. Bond with that child and make her stronger, but remember that if anything befalls her, you too shall suffer."


    With that, Ferra''s form began to fade, her presence lingering like a whisper in the wind. Logan stood by the frozen river, which began to thaw, feeling the weight of his mission that was given to him.

 Chapter 28 - 28: Journey Back

    As everything returned to normal, Logan stood in a daze, questioning whether the recent events had been a dream. The water flowed as usual, and the leaves swayed gently in the afternoon breeze. One of the suns remained overhead, while the other had moved slightly ahead.


    [Master, back, scared, strong monster] Zephyr suddenly sent a mental message, breaking through Logan''s thoughts.


    Logan''s eyes widened as the little falcon smashed into his chest, causing him to step back two or three steps. "Ough, yes, it''s nice to know you''re safe, Zephyr¡­"


    Soon he felt little paws scratching his leg. Looking down, he saw the tiny fox staring up at him, her ears twitching a little as she let out a soft yip.


    "Oh yeah, you''re still here, little one. Guess we have to mark you¡­" Logan looked around, not seeing the girls, and thought about what he should do next. Should he mark his newly given tame now, and if so, where? Or should he wait to make sure that Chloe does not see them?


    Well then, let''s make this quick. He did another double take around and decided to just go for marking the little fox. Logan looked at the scab that was just beginning to heal again, thinking if he should open it for the fourth time or make another cut somewhere else.


    "Oh, to hell with it!" He ripped a small part of the scab with his teeth and lightly pushed a drop of blood with his thumb before pressing it on the inner left elbow of the young pup.


    It took less than a few seconds for him to feel the link with the small fox. He then held on to his piece of the chronicle crystal to check its stats.


    [Name: Luna Species: Glacivulpes Level: 1]


    Str: 1 Agi: 3 Dex: 2 Con: 2 Int: 5 Char: 4


    Ice Shards: She can shoot small shards of ice from her tail, used both offensively and defensively.


    Cryo Shield: Generates a shield of ice around herself or an ally, providing temporary protection from attacks.]


    Looking at its data, Logan noticed this particular tame already had a name and a focus on ice magic. He felt glad that he was slowly getting different monsters with a variety of abilities. He didn''t think it mixed well with fire, but what if he used ice and wind together¡ªwould it cause a blizzard of sorts?


    Logan was itching to use his abilities but knew he needed to wait. Thinking about calling out to the girls seemed a bit late since, at a distance, he could see both of them running towards him with worried expressions.


    "Hey, Logan, why do you always make me worry!" Rubina was the first to reach the boy, who stood dumbfounded as she placed her hands on his shoulders with a glare.


    "I don''t know what happened," he replied, knowing that he should tell Rubina about everything that happened later.


    "Whatever it was, it was strong, none of my powers seemed to affect the strange surroundings we were trapped in. Are you sure nothing happened to you, hero?" Chloe said while glaring at the boy with some apprehension.


    "I can only say that when this small fox came¡­ to me for help, everything went back to normal." Logan tried his best to lie, not fully trusting Chloe enough to tell her what actually happened.


    "Well, let''s get out of this place before something happens again," Chloe commanded, looking at the small fox curiously for a few seconds before marching off.


    Both Logan and Rubina exchanged a small nod and followed the amber-haired girl, who was taking quick steps even while fully armored.


    Within a few hours and without stopping most of the way, the trio and their two monsters finally made it out. The carriage was parked in the same spot, and Chloe''s mount, the big chicken, jumped up a few times to greet its master. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I''ll escort you both part of the way and then head back to town for something, so we probably won''t get a chance to talk after you enter your carriage. I will say this: if you are planning on going out tomorrow, we will need supplies, so we should head out earlier," Chloe suggested while hopping onto her mount.


    "Yes, about that, we will be coming back, hopefully to another area that''s a little less dangerous," Rubina replied, hugging herself while shivering.


    "So we will meet you a little after dawn then," Logan sighed, knowing he was never good with mornings, especially when they had to go outdoors again.


    "Good enough, see you tomorrow then." Chloe kicked the side of her mount gently, making the giant bird go around the carriage to get ready to leave.


    "I should really get a mount¡­" Logan murmured before going into the vehicle with deadpan eyes, knowing the fate that awaited him.


    The dreadful two-hour ride was enough to make Logan want to return to his old world. He still couldn''t get used to the bumpy roads. Rubina, who sat beside him, kept patting his back and making small talk, which Logan ignored as he struggled with his nausea.


    They saw Chloe wave before making her mount run at full speed halfway near the town.


    After Logan had calmed down, he decided to pet his new tamed fox sitting on his lap. His other tame, the falcon, was busy flying around the carriage, occasionally using his mental link to inform Logan about the small matters happening around the cart, whether it was a guard walking nearby or another bird flying away after seeing him.


    Reaching the Earl''s estate was probably Logan''s favorite part of the exhausting day. As soon as they opened the door, they were greeted by the Earl and Ruri, who seemed to have waited for their arrival with anticipation.


    The Earl quickly hugged his daughter, who looked quite worn out from all the traveling, while unable to hold himself back after looking at the small fox who would not leave Logan''s side.


    "A-woo!" the small fox cried when Earl Victor tried to pet it. The small pup created three consecutive shields and jumped through each one to reach Logan''s arms.


    "Interesting way of using its abilities; its intelligence is on par with a demi-human," the Earl said, quitting the chase and guiding both Logan and Rubina to the living room.


    "Now then, please tell me what happened today. It seems you have quite a tale to have such a beast with you, and don''t try to hide anything, young hero. I am one of the few who know where such a beast can be found, and it''s either from a part about thirty leagues to the north or by meeting Ferra, guardian of these lands. Although a rare occurrence, I am inclined to think it was the second option," Earl Victor said while sitting himself in his usual armchair.


    "Well¡­" Logan nodded towards Ruri, who had helped him remove his top armor wondering if he should continue.


    "Oh, also don''t worry about the young maid; we made a contract for secrecy. Sorry for not informing you earlier," Earl Victor assured.


    "There is no problem. Sorry, Ruri. Now then, we met Ferra as you said," Logan began, telling the part of the story everyone in the room wanted to hear, as he sat next to Rubina, which was beginning to feel normal.


    "So it seems our little kingdom is antagonizing the guardian''s forest by taking too many of the beasts to train the heroes. That won''t do, huh?" The Earl scratched the short beard he had let grow these past few days.


    "That is awful indeed, but how else can the heroes train, father?" Rubina added, trying to think of the consequences of the kingdom''s current actions.


    "Well, there are a few other ways to get stronger. Some dungeons come to mind, and those are not regulated by any of the guardians. They are dangerous for beginners, but from what I heard, most of the heroes are almost reaching light yellow," the Earl informed everyone.


    He continued, "Someone in the class mentioned that instead of colors, the chronicle crystal lets them see their actual strength in numbers¡­ Logan, I think they said something about level 10 to 12. Brian is at 14, I think."


    "What? Level 14!" Logan stood up, grabbing his hair. "I only just got to level 5! How did they even get past 10?"


    "I guess you also see your stats in numerical value. I wonder why though," Rubina added.


    "It''s probably because in our world we had games that displayed everything that way..." Logan explained, half-guessing the reason why.


    "Interesting, to have games with such complex systems¡­" the Earl chimed in.


    "Don''t worry, in about one thousand years, your world will probably have something even better," Logan said, half-joking.


    "Not sure I like that thought; it means we are behind other worlds'' civilizations. No wonder they sent you all here¡­" Rubina said dejectedly.


    "Our world has its own set of challenges¡­ I''d rather not get into detail now," Logan sighed while thinking of all the wars that were currently happening throughout his world.


    "That is enough then. I will have to talk with the King tomorrow to discuss what we can do with the heroes so it does not affect our standing with the guardians. They have been quiet so far, so many thought them extinct. For you to have met one is a great achievement, worthy of being called a hero," Earl Victor exclaimed, making a fist pump with a proud smile.


    "Not sure I want to meet her again though, the whole experience had me on edge," Logan laughed dryly, petting his fox who would not leave his side and had taken a nap on his lap.


    "Now then, you said you have gotten a new skill, huh? How about we go out and test it, I know the perfect place!" Earl Victor suggested with enthusiasm.

 Chapter 29 - 29: Accidents May Happen

    The group, including Ruri who eagerly wanted to join, entered a special building. As they stepped inside, they saw the walls were heavily reinforced with various sheets of metal and earth. There were also numerous cages filled with chains, giving the place an intimidating atmosphere.


    "I take it this is the training field?" Logan asked, making sure that they weren''t dragging him to a prison.


    "That''s correct, Logan. We are currently in my reinforced gym, specially made to train the largest of my beasts. It should be able to handle an explosion or two, so go wild," the Earl said, while raising his hands to turn on all the lighting in the building.


    The place was enormous, probably half the size of the Earl''s large mansion, which was already pretty big. Logan went forward towards the center of the large battle dome, his three tames present to begin his testing. He could only have three active skills at a time, meaning he had to choose which of them to have at the moment.


    Taking the piece of the chronicle crystal out to see which skills he would use, Logan saw that Zephyr''s Gale Force was one of the top candidates. As for fire skills available, only Flame Breath could be selected, as he didn''t have a tail to use Searing Whip. Just as he was about to give up, Logan remembered and took out the whip weapon that Rubina had been adamant about him buying in the weapon store.


    Holding the whip and checking his Scorchwyrm''s skills, Logan noticed that the skill was now available. It was nice to know, but for his first test, he went with his initial choice. As for his third skill, he went with Ice Shards, hoping that soon he would get his ice monster leveled up enough to have more skill variety.


    Not knowing how to use each skill, Logan first tried Ice Shards, which would probably be the easiest and less dangerous of the three. He thought for a few seconds, lifted his arm, and spoke out the name of the skill.


    "Ice Shards!" Logan mumbled, trying to concentrate, yet nothing happened.


    "Remember that you need to mix in some of your mana, Logan," Rubina suggested from afar, where the others were sitting near a bench. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Taking a deep breath, Logan focused on channeling his mana into his arm. He felt a tingling sensation as the energy flowed through him. Sort of how he unconsciously made his blood have a sort of power within it to tame beast, he lifted his arm again and called out the skill''s name with more confidence.


    "Ice Shards!"


    This time, crystalline shards of ice materialized in the air around him and shot forward, embedding themselves in the ground with a satisfying thud. Logan smiled, pleased with his success.


    "Great job!" Rubina cheered. Earl Victor and the others nodded in approval.


    Logan ran towards the small shards which were quickly melting. They were about five centimeters long, sharp, and cold enough to cause the area around them to be frosted over.


    Guess it''s a good time to test the fire skill, let''s see if they melt.


    "Flame Breath!"


    Logan tried to act like he was blowing out a candle, yet nothing happened. He tried again, focusing on the flow of his mana, but the same thing happened¡ªnothing.


    "Something is not right. How did my salamander do it again¡­"


    Logan recalled that before his Scorchwyrm produced fire, it would sort of charge heat within its mouth before blowing a flamethrower. He hesitated before trying again, imagining that holding a fireball within his mouth would not be an ideal thing for any human to do.


    Trying again while imagining a ball of flames being charged in front of his face, Logan murmured the same phrase. This time, he felt a small burst of hot energy in front of his mouth. The boy quickly blew it away, scared of keeping that energy too close to him.


    "Logan, calm down. Try to concentrate on where you need to guide the flame, or you will put those around you in danger," Earl Victor called out with a stern tone.


    Logan noticed the problem and redirected his position to melt the ice shards. As soon as the flames hit the ice, steam began to form.


    The boy stopped, heaving hard. He felt very tired for some reason, which was not caused by breathlessness.


    "Seems you''re out of mana, Logan. Take it easy and sit down. Here, take a drink from this potion," Rubina advised as Ruri brought out some blue liquid-filled vials.


    "I should warn you to have a few of these in case you need them in battle. It''s dangerous to leave your core empty as mana takes time to recover normally," Rubina said, popping the cork of a vial with practiced precision and handing the drink to Logan.


    Logan gratefully accepted the potion and took a sip. The cool liquid revitalized him almost immediately, and he felt a surge of energy coursing through his body. "Thanks, Rubina," he said, feeling much better.


    "You''re welcome," she replied with a smile. "Now, take a moment to rest before we continue with the next skill."


    Logan nodded and took a seat on the bench next to the others. As he sat there, his fox, Luna, and Zephyr got close to him. His Scorchwyrm, on the other hand, just yawned at a distance. Not particularly keen on being stuck in a place with no food, Logan could relate to the little monster''s attitude. He wanted to hurry and finish the experiment to appease the small creature that reminded him of himself.


    After a few minutes of rest, he felt ready to continue. "Alright, I''m ready for the next test," he announced, standing up with renewed vigor.


    Earl Victor and Rubina exchanged approving glances. "What skill will you use next? I believe you mentioned that you could only use three skills, correct?" Earl Victor questioned.


    "It''s Zephyr''s strongest skill so far," Logan replied. He focused his mind on the power of the wind, extending his hand and calling out the skill''s name once more.


    "Gale Force!"


    As soon as he called out the name, a small but powerful tornado was produced in front of him, causing him to be pulled forward. Unable to control the flow of his mana, it seemed like the wind would lose control.


    [Master, danger, Zephyr help] the falcon called out, using his body to enter the small vortex and taking control of the wind while rotating counterclockwise.


    "Wow, that was dangerous. You will need to be careful and get a little more practice in, Logan, accidents may happen. You also need more confidence; most skills backfire on their casters when they lose focus," the Earl warned, stopping the training for the day. "You should rest now. It was a good demonstration, but you need to strengthen yourself before we continue. Your mana is quite low and could produce more accidents if we continue."


    Logan felt a little dejected; he had only just gotten this amazing skill, yet his strength was not enough to handle it.


    Rubina seemed to have noticed his negative thoughts and patted his back. "Don''t worry, we still have a few days to hunt, right? Let''s work hard tomorrow."


    Ruri, who did not like the fact that his master had someone else compliment him first, called out in a rushed manner. "Yes, for what it was worth, master, your abilities were fascinating to see!"


    "I see¡­ Thanks, Rubina and Ruri," Logan said, taking a deep breath. He noticed that the Earl behind them was nodding with a complicated expression. His tames seemed to sense his distress and got close to him to show their affection, even the small salamander who lightly bit his pants.


    [Food, hungry, bored]


    Nope, guess that one was just hungry


    * * *


    In another part of the kingdom, within the walls of the castle, a young girl had arrived. Tired from the long day and the many events that unfolded, she tied her Breeze Roc to a nearby branch while petting its neck.


    "I will be back soon¡­ hopefully." Chloe sighed while looking at the castle.


    She recalled the day''s events and the hero she was assigned to follow. Her family was one of the kingdom''s most trusted, so she needed to give a detailed and accurate report.


    Walking into the castle''s large gates to meet the king, she reviewed what she needed to say. There was one slight problem she needed to work out: the unusual occurrence that happened on her watch. The dark barrier that nullified her magic and separated her from the hero.


    Also, the new tame that he had received¡ªthat small fox¡ªwas no ordinary beast. It was not one that would live in that part of the forest, which made the whole ordeal even stranger.


    "Lady Chloe, we have been awaiting your report. Please enter," said one of the royal guards, one of the king''s more loyal ones who she immediately identified.


    The girl bowed and entered the throne room, where she kneeled in front of the throne. Their monarch sat reading a few documents, only stopping after one of his advisers notified him of her arrival.


    "Greetings, young Amberstone. I hope your trip went splendidly. What news do you have for us today?" the king said with a regal demeanor, removing his eyewear with the tap of one of his rings.


    "Certainly, my lord. As you know, the hero Logan, with the tamer class, went out to train with the help of the Rosengards. So far, the boy shows signs of being the weakest among the heroes, which has not changed. He is currently around light red, or as the heroes'' way of measuring strength, at level 3 to 6."


    The king, upon hearing her words, nodded approvingly. "That is good to hear. And how were his battle skills? I am sure you had the chance to observe his abilities while he was fighting constantly in the forest."


    "Well, about that, the hero himself doesn''t seem to possess a battle skill, at least for now. His only tame so far, a small Everwind Falcon, was the one to do all the fighting. As you know, this is one of the sky''s top predators, but it''s still young and inexperienced. I am sure it will take at least a month to train it enough to become an asset for fighting against other demi-humans," Chloe reported, carefully measuring her words and way of speaking.


    "Anything else you may want to add then?" The king began to yawn, thinking there wasn''t anything of interest in the report and everyone''s worries were for naught.


    "About that, sir, we had a small encounter with what I think is a guardian. We did not suffer any casualties or harm, but I was unable to see the hero for a certain amount of time. My powers were completely nullified, and after I met with the hero again¡­" Chloe struggled before deciding whether to continue. "He had with him a small Glacivulpes, an infant of that species to be precise. It does not look powerful, but it may be¡­"


    "The guardian Ferras'' kin? Are you sure you are reporting this right?" The king sat up, straightening his back.


    "Minister Rowan, please send someone to speak with Earl Victor. I am sure he will be able to report on what happened. As for you, Chloe, continue watching over the hero. Remember, we need him to be below the strength of the others. Report to me if he gets any stronger. You''re dismissed." The king tried to remain calm why sending the girl away.


    "Rowan, what do you think about this? Do you suppose we went too far by bringing in so many of the forest beasts?" the king asked.


    Minister Rowan furrowed his brow in contemplation. "Your Majesty, the forest beasts have served their part. We should release some of the weaker ones to appease the guardian while we finish the first part of the plan. Let''s wait for the Earl''s words before we continue; he should know the monsters'' situation."


    The king nodded thoughtfully. "Very well, Rowan. Ensure that Earl Victor''s report reaches us promptly. We must proceed with caution."

 Chapter 30 - 30: Sir Rubyheart

    Feeling bitter from what happened the day before, Logan decided that he would train in earnest today. Without the need for his maid to wake him, Logan rose from his bed feeling determined.


    The small fox, Luna, who had been resting by his side, made a small yawn before stretching herself and wagging her fluffy tail. As for his falcon, it was perched on the corner of his bed. He had been wide awake for a good hour now, but decided not to disturb his master. Instead, he chose to fix his plumage, which was beginning to grow longer by the day.


    "Well then, let''s start today. We have to go visit Scorch; he should be ready for today''s outing based on what the earl said," Logan voiced his ideas aloud to his two pets before being interrupted by a knock on the door.


    "Master? I thought I heard some noise¡­ Oh, you''re awake. Good morning, Master Logan. It''s nice to see you awake."


    Logan looked down quickly to make sure nothing was showing before coughing in embarrassment. "Ehem, yes, morning¡­ Ruri, I take it the others are up?"


    Pretending nothing had happened while forgetting she entered without permission, the young maid bowed. "Oh, of course, Master Logan. Young miss Rubina is busy preparing herself, while the Earl has been out tending to his beasts a little before dawn."


    "Good, just leave today''s clothes near the door, thank you."


    Soon, the young girl left, and Logan, along with his two tamed beasts, greeted the others at the table where various dishes were placed.


    "As always, thank you, Earl, for letting me have meals and stay here," Logan said before starting his meal.


    "Don''t mind it, young hero. Now then, let''s eat and speak a little as you will be leaving soon for the day. There is a little news about the young Amberstone lass; she seems to be keeping tabs on you, so it was wise of you to keep your secrets," the Earl said while being given a piece of bread readily smeared with fruit jam.


    Logan was also given one by Ruri, who seemed to have copied the headmaid Hestia''s actions, almost as if a small competition was happening in the background.


    "Thank you, Ruri. So, Chloe is a spy then?" Logan asked, trying to figure out if that was a necessary action for the kingdom to take.


    The Earl nodded thoughtfully. "In a manner of speaking, yes. Chloe''s role is to observe and report your actions to the king, ensuring that no threats arise unnoticed. It''s a precaution, given the current unrest."


    "But it''s better to keep secrets to yourself. Not using your tamed beasts'' skills would be the best thing to do for now; it''s not a normal tamer skill. As far as the number of monsters you have, try to keep it at around five until you reach dark yellow or orange," the Earl added, taking a sip of the cup of coffee he was given.


    "I can already see how powerful you will become with time," Rubina added while using impeccable manners to eat a ham sandwich. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The group was beginning to talk more about how the heroes were doing and how the king had called up the Earl when a butler came in, interrupting them.


    "Master Victor, young miss Chloe Amberstone has arrived."


    "Let her in," the Earl instructed, exchanging a knowing glance with Logan and Rubina. Both teens nodded in acknowledgment.


    As soon as the young girl entered everyone welcomed her, Logan just nodded, Rubina waved at her, and the Earl stood up while signaling for a chair to be readied for Chloe.


    "While I appreciate the gesture, I am sad to say I have already eaten, Earl Victor." Chloe bowed while taking a seat, waiting for the rest to finish.


    "Don''t mind us then, we are almost done. So, what is the plan for today, youngsters? Rubina said you all will be going to another section of the forest," the Earl said, now that his plate was empty, while wiping his mouth with a napkin.


    "Yes, about that, I believe we will need to go to the southern part of the forest. There shouldn''t be a lot of strong monsters in that area, and it would even make it a good place for the tiny fox, as it would have trouble walking through the roots and shrubs of the northern forest," Chloe said, while taking a sip of the cup of tea given to her.


    "Sounds like a plan. I have given the hero a new pet for today''s journey since you all were placed in a rather dangerous position the day before, right, Logan?" the Earl added.


    Logan, having momentarily forgotten that Chloe did not know about the salamander, nodded while finishing a biscuit as dessert.


    "Oh, another?" Rubina said, faking surprise.


    "Don''t worry about it. I informed the king of today''s plans as well. You should all leave soon, though," the Earl finished, trying to edge the youngsters to begin today''s journey, also knowing that the kingdom planned to keep Logan weak.


    Within half an hour of getting ready, the three teenagers had reached the bustling town. The smell of burning wood and wet soil was something new for Logan. Many of the townsfolk had to heat themselves with lumber, and the ground seemed wet from the passing rain that had occurred the night before.


    In the distance he could see the castle where the others in class were and probably still asleep as the first sun was still just rising.


    "So the plan is to go shopping. We will need more potions and various tools I forgot about yesterday. Smokescreens, scent masks, and anything else that might come in handy," Chloe said, listing out the items they needed.


    Rubina nodded in agreement. "Everything sounds good. The southern forest can be tricky, as the terrain has more hills, so it''s better to be prepared."


    Logan glanced at his two tamed beasts, who had joined them in their excursion through town. The Scorchwyrm had decided to rest in the carriage and stayed behind. "Let''s make sure we have everything... We don''t want to be caught off guard again," he said, ensuring they were prepared for any unexpected events.


    As they continued through the market area, the normal morning hustle surrounded them. Vendors were setting up their stalls, and the smell of fresh bread and pastries filled the air. The trio made their way towards a specific tool shop, ready to gather their supplies for the journey ahead.


    "Don''t tell me that is you, Amberstone!" a voice called out from behind them as they were almost finished.


    Logan was midway through a yawn when he looked back to see a young man in armor. The man was strikingly handsome, with a confident yet approachable demeanor. His armor bore the insignia of the kingdom''s esteemed Gem-Knight family, just like Chloe''s.


    "Ah, if it isn''t the lovely Chloe Amberstone!" the knight called out, his voice filled with a blend of admiration and cheer.


    Chloe, who had been leading the group, froze momentarily, her shoulders shivering at the sound of his voice.


    Logan noticed the knight''s eager expression and the way he seemed to light up at the sight of Chloe.


    Rubina, who was by his side, made a small smile. She had met this knight before¡ªknown for his humorous, caring, and outspoken nature. Despite his charming personality, his cool side sometimes led others to mistakenly view him as a womanizer. She also knew that he and Chloe were childhood friends, something she knew from her academy days with the two.


    "If it isn''t Sir Rubyheart," Chloe greeted with a polite nod, trying to maintain her composure. "What¡­ brings¡­ you¡­ here so early?"


    The young knight Kai gave a playful grin. "Just doing my rounds, making sure everything is in order. And it seems I''ve had the good fortune of running into you this morning."


    Rubina and Logan exchanged amused glances, sensing the knight''s evident interest in Chloe. Logan couldn''t help but admire Sir Kai''s relentless efforts to speak with her.


    "Oh, forgive me, you must be one of the new heroes, and the lovely heiress of Rosengard. How are you these days?" Kai nodded with respect towards Logan while grabbing Rubina''s hand for a light kiss.


    "If you must know, we are shopping for equipment before we head towards the southern part of Beastclaw Forest," Rubina responded.


    "Oh, and how about you join us today, Sir Kai." Rubina said while trying to contain a sly smile from forming on her lips.


    Kai raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by the offer. "Really, join you? That sounds like an adventure I can''t refuse," he said with a charming yet happy grin. "Besides, it''s always a pleasure to spend time with such distinguished company."


    "Wait, Miss Rubina, do¡­" Chloe stopped herself, she thought about the choice and knowing Kai, his presence would likely bring a particular challenge to their journey. But she was also aware that if something like yesterday happened they would need more help.


    "Very well, Sir Kai. We''ll be glad to have you with us, I hope you don''t mind hero¡­" she said while sighing, trying to hide her mixed feelings.


    Logan gave Kai a look, then turned to Rubina, who nodded slightly. "More help, huh¡­ I don''t mind."


    Kai, who had puppy eyes while Logan was thinking, changed them quickly as they twinkled with appreciation. "Thank you, hero. I promise to be of good use and not a burden."


    Kai hurriedly walked towards Chloe, who had stormed off ahead of them, and began talking about something neither Logan nor Rubina could hear as the distance widened.


    "So, what''s the deal? Do you like the guy?" Logan said without beating around the bush with his words.


    "What!? No, I just thought it would be funny to see the stoic Chloe''s expression change throughout today''s trip," Rubina replied, patting Logan''s back as if trying to reassure him.


    "Plus, can''t you see his emotions? It''s as clear as day that he loves her. The only problem is that Chloe does not seem to know how to respond to his affection. It''s been like that since I knew them at the academy," Rubina added.


    "Alright, well I hope he can keep her occupied enough so that I won''t reveal too much today," Logan said with a little tension in his voice.


    "Oh, don''t worry too much. What''s the worst that can happen?" Rubina said, grabbing his hand and ran forth to join the other two.

 Chapter 31 - 31: Into the Goblin Den Pt. 1

    The team of three had become four, a chauffeur, three tamed beasts, and two feathered mounts. They were currently going through the gates that led to the southern Beastclaw Forest. The trip was shorter than the day before, taking only about forty-five minutes to reach their destination.


    For Logan, this was a better route as it was regularly used by traveling merchants, making the road well-maintained and safer. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The group seemed ready for today''s easier excursion. Morale was high, and with another knight joining, everything seemed to indicate that today would be a walk in the park. Logan seemed a little better off and took the time to get closer to his tames. He was working on building trust and understanding with each of them, ensuring they were prepared for any challenges the day had for them.


    As soon as they reached the forest, Logan noticed that this area looked different. The trees were mostly the same¡ªpine trees¡ªbut more sparse, and the other difference was that there were other people walking around. Merchants and travelers moved along the paths, some with their own tamed beasts and companions.


    Logan felt a sense of relief at the sight of others. It meant that the route was likely safer and more manageable than the dense, isolated parts of the forest they had traversed the previous day.


    "Those are adventurers," Rubina explained. "They gain money through hired services. Most were tasked with bringing monsters for the heroes to train, but my father had to go warn the king yesterday. It seems they stopped and instead brought monsters back so as not to anger the guardian any further."


    Logan nodded and looked at both knights who were busy tying their mounts near the carriage. Some patrol guards seemed to have noticed them and saluted the two youngsters. Sir Kai and Chloe returned the salutes, acknowledging the respect shown by the guards.


    After a few seconds, everyone was together again. Chloe took on the role of leader once more. "Alright, we should start by following the trail. We''ll split in the area where there are the least number of people before we enter the depths of the forest."


    "Sounds like a plan, boss. Let''s get going then," Kai said with a playful salute.


    Logan looked down towards his beasts. While his fox and falcon had no problem keeping up, his salamander seemed to be having trouble though. He raised him and placed him on his back. The small salamander held on to his shoulder with no problems.


    Seeing that everyone was ready, they began heading off. The trail seemed easy to travel through, and the road was wide enough for them to enter with mounts.


    Fifteen minutes later, they entered a part of the forest with Chloe in the lead. Most of the team decided to remain silent, which Logan liked. Kai, on the other hand, seemed to be a chatterbox and would often bring up the weirdest topics, which made Chloe mad and Rubina laugh.


    The moment they got serious, they began to see how monsters once again ran around through the wild. Birds would sing, rabbits would scurry; it was a peaceful scene. These monsters were too weak for Logan to gain any experience, so the team headed in deeper. It was at one point that the fox''s ears began to twitch.


    Logan did not tell the team the actual plan; only Rubina was in on it. It was very simple: they would follow the fox, who would lead them to the targets the Guardian of the Forest wanted Logan to kill. It would be killing two birds with one stone, as he would not only find monsters to gain experience but also complete his first trial.


    Luna seemed to have found the first of the strange monsters causing chaos in the forest. It let out a small yip before rushing off. Logan had to make it seem like his tamed fox beast was trying to run off, so he subtly guided the others to follow her.


    They ran at full speed, something Logan was not ready for, especially with a twenty-pound Scorchwyrm on his back. Luna would at times be so far away that only the sound of her howls could be heard. They would need to follow her voice for a good twenty minutes, which Logan found challenging.


    "If you need help, hero, I can lend you a hand with your pet¡­" Kai said, clearing the sweat from his brow. In comparison, Logan was out of breath; he was ready to fall but managed to stand to avoid damaging his dignity.


    "I¡­ am¡­ huff, fine. We are almost there," he said while panting. Luna had long stopped and returned to the group, growling a little as if angered by what she was seeing.


    The small fox conveyed its thoughts telepathically: [Bad monsters, follow, near, disgusting]


    Luna''s agitation was palpable, and Logan knew they were close to their targets. He steadied himself, taking a deep breath, and prepared to lead the group towards the impending confrontation.


    [Zephyr, follow Luna. We are close to our targets. Check on them in the sky] Logan ordered his Everwind Falcon. The bird automatically rose into the air, scanning the area for prey as it soared above the treetops, eyes keen for any signs of the monsters they sought.


    "So why did we stop here, Logan? Did your fox find something?" Chloe said, exasperation clear in her voice.


    "It seems we are near monsters that are invading the forest. They should be a bit further in; my falcon is already checking," Logan said while taking a sip from a green potion that was supposed to help with stamina depletion.


    Zephyr returned within a few minutes with news. [Many, small, green, blue skin] the falcon reported, its keen eyes having spotted the monsters from above.


    Logan relayed the information to the team. "It seems we''re dealing with a group of small monsters with green and blue skin. Let''s prepare ourselves for what''s ahead."


    Chloe, Kai, and Rubina readied their weapons, their expressions steeled for the upcoming encounter. Logan took a deep breath, feeling the familiar mix of anxiety and excitement before a battle.


    The four of them lay low while following the fox who led the group into battle. The falcon was already on the move, routing the enemy. The noise of some trees toppling reached the youngsters, who began getting closer to their own prey.


    "There, I see one! It''s a¡­ goblin. Wait, why are we hiding? They aren''t too strong, let''s just go and¡­" They suddenly saw three pale goblins tearing the limbs off one of the small green ones. The gruesome scene was enough to make Kai, who was an experienced fighter, stop in his tracks.


    "Okay, I underestimated what we are dealing with. Let''s just kill them. I see four of those weird blue-skinned goblins. The green ones look to be weaker, and I hope they will run once we begin the fight." Kai smiled at Logan. "Let me show you my best skill."


    "Earth Drive!" Suddenly, various spikes of earth erupted from the ground, targeting the pale goblins and creating a barrier between them and the green ones. The goblins were caught off guard, their gruesome activity halted by the sudden attack.


    Logan and his team took the opportunity to charge in, their weapons ready. The element of surprise was on their side, and they aimed to take down the pale goblins swiftly.


    The pale goblins didn''t seem scared. Instead of running, they turned to them and rushed with inhuman speed. Chloe, who was in front, held out her hand and created an earth wall. With their speed, the goblins smashed headfirst into the cover.


    "Logan, what are these?!" Chloe screamed while using more energy to make spikes of earth surge up, killing any surviving goblins.


    "We need to kill them. We will find out what they are later; there are more," Logan responded, pointing in the direction where his falcon was signaling from.


    "I''m on it. Lady Rubina, come with me. Chloe should be able to protect hero Logan," Kai said while rushing towards the left area where the fox had run.


    Without waiting for Logan''s orders, the small beast was using ice shards to pierce the skin of the pale goblins, killing some of them while others turned towards the source of danger and ran towards their new target.


    Kai, who had been deciding on his next move, began forming spears of earth and picked them up to throw at incoming enemies. Soon, twelve of the monsters were destroyed. He made sure to cut each enemy''s head off to ensure they were truly dead.


    Rubina saw Logan''s falcon flying at a distance. It would call out at times and topple trees. Within a few minutes, she noticed the Everwind Falcon flying towards them, with four new goblins rushing behind it, trying to catch up.


    "Fire arrow!" Rubina charged her mana on three points, concentrating hard while waiting for the falcon to come close enough for her to shoot without hitting the bird.


    "Now!" she yelled out. The bird, understanding, flew up while three shots flew forth at a tremendous speed, burning through the bodies of the three goblins.


    [Master, no more, blue are dead] the Everwind Falcon reported telepathically, confirming the successful elimination of the immediate threats.


    Logan took a moment to catch his breath, grateful for the falcon''s update. "Good job, everyone my tame informed me there is no more danger. Let''s regroup and make sure there are no more threats in the immediate area."


    As the team regrouped, they noticed the forest had fallen eerily silent, the tension in the air easing slightly. Chloe glanced around, her hand poised to summon earth magic if necessary.


    "What now?" Kai asked, his eyes scanning the area for any lingering threats.


    Logan glanced at Luna, who was still alert, her ears twitching occasionally. "We need to search the area thoroughly."


    "Before that, you need to answer my questions, hero! What exactly are these?" Chloe pointed towards the pale corpse of a goblin.


    Logan tried not to look at the body, which made his stomach churn, but decided to examine it along with the others. "I don''t know much; I just know that this fox is telling me to hunt them," Logan admitted.


    "Fine, let me test something," Chloe said, producing an earth spear and stabbing it through the core. The body convulsed violently before disintegrating into dust.


    "Weird, it seems the body''s mana¡­ it just disappeared, like it was overused. Sort of like when a mana crystal is all dried up," Chloe stated, using her spear again, this time aiming to cut only the mana stone.


    The same thing happened; the body convulsed before disintegrating. "It seems this one is also depleted of mana. We need to clean them all up. I don''t want these things spreading whatever they have to the environment," Chloe stated.

 Chapter 32 - 32: Into the Goblin Den Pt. 2

    "Is that all of them?" Chloe asked as the group convened after clearing all the bodies. They noticed that even just touching the pale monsters was enough to make some disintegrate.


    "That''s all of them from this area... but I think there are more," Logan said, pointing to the fox who was still actively looking for monsters, her ears constantly twitching and her nose sniffing around.


    "Well, the strange goblins were fast, but they weren''t too hard to deal with. Tell the fox to lead us to them after everyone''s ready," Chloe ordered, taking out a mana potion while the others did the same.


    Logan, who had not used any skills and didn''t need to drink a potion, had the time to think. He wondered if he should continue as such. Both Chloe and Kai seemed strong enough for the mission ahead, and Rubina did not look too worried.


    He noticed that during the small skirmish, he had gained three whole levels. His Falcon had done most of the killing, while his fox had helped Kai deal the final blow to three blue goblins, gaining two levels as well. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I''m ready," Rubina said. She stood beside Logan, her expression revealing her hesitation in joining in on the fight. Despite her apprehension, she did not mention wanting to leave the team.


    "Alright Logan, we should follow you this time, I shall take rearguard for now. Let''s go!" Kai suggested, the others nodded, and the team began to follow the fox.


    [Master, I kill, wait] his falcon sent a message. It flew a good half kilometer in front of the others, and as it rushed through, the sound of trees falling and squeals, like those of pigs, echoed through the forest.


    Logan''s mind was flooded with a few pings as the invigorating feeling of leveling up surged through his body. He almost yelled out from the intoxicating sensation of gaining two levels almost at once.


    "Are you alright, Logan?" Rubina questioned. The boy seemed to experience something that would normally never happen with the world''s inhabitants.


    Logan shook off the sensation, taking a deep breath. "Yeah, I''m fine. Just... felt a rush from leveling up so quickly. It''s not something I''m used to."


    "He''s probably experiencing a power high," Chloe remarked, examining Logan''s state. "It''s something that happens in war, but it usually takes someone killing a few hundred enemies at once. It''s weird, but heroes seem to gain faster experience from monster kills than we do."


    "I did hear some of the other heroes get a little addicted to the feeling. One of them is even entering monster fights in the afternoon¡­in town," Kai mentioned.


    "Kai, aren''t you supposed to arrest those who enter those fights? Your family is basically in charge of patrolling the town," Chloe responded, raising an eyebrow.


    "What are those crazy guys doing?" Logan mumble to himself, curious about the activities of the other heroes.


    Kai sighed, shaking his head. "Well they''re heroes and they''re not exactly¡­ doing something the kingdom cares for unless one of them gets seriously hurt. Some are even getting into paid street fights, thinking it''s just another way to train."


    Rubina frowned. "That''s reckless."


    While following the fox, they used simple skills to cause any leftover bodies to disintegrate. Soon, they reached a large dwelling of sorts. The area was covered with mud, sticks, and leaves, with an opening that looked like a rabbit''s burrow.


    "That is clearly where the goblins live" Kai remarked with disgust.


    "Ugh, what is that smell?" Rubina yelled out, covering her face with her hand.


    Logan didn''t want to look around. The place was dirty to the brim with excrement, and he was reluctant to take another step, even as the fox pointed towards the entrance of the dwelling.


    "Let me try something then. It seems we have no choice but to enter," Chloe said. She began to form small balls of dirt and gave Rubina a command. "Torch the ground, I will cover the remains with dirt," she ordered, while also covering her mouth with her hand.


    "Wait, let me do this," Logan said, sending his tamed fire beast to do the cleanup work. It only took a few moments for the salamander to unleash a torrent of flames, scorching the ground and burning away the filth. The acrid smell of burning excrement filled the air, but it was a necessary step to clear the path.


    As the flames died down, Chloe quickly released her dirt bombs which prevented fire from continuing, muting the smell and leaving a cleaner path.


    "Much better. Now, let''s proceed with caution," she said, signaling the group to move forward.


    The fox led the way, its senses on high alert, as they were about to enter the goblins'' dwelling. The dark, narrow entrance opened into a larger chamber, filled with more of the pale, blue goblins who came to inspect the noise outside the cave.


    The team prepared themselves for another fight, knowing they needed to be thorough and efficient.


    [Scorch, burn them all!] Logan commanded. The salamander unleashed another wave of flames, the fire roaring as it consumed the goblins and their surroundings. The team watched as the inferno cleared the entrance, leaving only charred remnants in its wake.


    "Calm down, Logan. We should be careful," Chloe advised. "Kai, how about you make yourself useful and enlarge the entrance?"


    "Sure thing!" Kai nodded, stepping forward. He raised his hands and began using his earth manipulation skills to widen the entrance, making it easier for the group to move through.


    "There doesn''t seem to be any more guarding the entrance, so let''s proceed with care," Chloe said, her eyes scanning the area for any hidden threats. "Also, tell your falcon to keep a watch outside."


    "Alright, let''s get going," Logan said. His fox was already running inside the hole.


    As the team cautiously advanced, they found themselves in a dark tunnel that seemed to wind deeper underground. The air was thick with a musty scent that made everyone falter with each step.


    Being prepared, they took out various types of tools that produced light. As for Logan, his salamander did the perfect job, its scales emitting a bright radiance. The only problem was the slight heat it emitted, which was bearable in the cold underground environment.


    "This is very strange," Chloe finally spoke after the team had been walking for two minutes. "The cave is getting bigger; it seems it''s not just a normal goblin dwelling but the work of another creature."


    Kai nodded, his eyes scanning the expanding tunnel. "I''d say it''s the work of some larger earthen mole colonies. That would explain the great ventilation system¡ªthey create a few ventilation shafts to produce a constant clean airflow."


    The team continued cautiously, after a few more minutes the path began to split, the only one that kept them on track was the small fox who killed off any lone goblins who would get near the team.


    "That fox is pretty smart. Are you sure you''re not commanding it?" Rubina chuckled softly, trying to keep her nerves in check.


    "You should know the monsters of this better than me," Logan responded with complicated feelings. He knew that her creator Ferra could speak perfectly, so he wondered just when Luna would do the same.


    "Silence, I hear many squeals up ahead. By the sound of things, there are more than ten goblins," Chloe whispered urgently.


    The group immediately fell quiet, their senses heightened as they prepared for the imminent encounter. Luna moved ahead cautiously, its ears twitching at every sound.


    As they got to a room of sorts where all the noise was coming from, the sounds became clearer. The squeals and chatter of goblins echoed through the tunnel, growing louder with each step.


    Kai signaled for the group to stop and whispered, "Get ready. It sounds like there''s a whole nest of them up ahead."


    Chloe nodded, her grip tightening on her weapon. "We need to be strategic. Let''s take them by surprise."


    The team readied themselves for the fight, knowing that they had to move swiftly and decisively.


    Before entering, they checked what the commotion was about. The room was actually a large dome-shaped area where various green and some blue goblins seemed to be arguing.


    Unlike the others they had met, there were six blue, pale goblins who seemed to have a sense of self, not mindless and wild like the they had met before. They were protecting a blue-skinned, robed goblin who was a little taller than the rest, with a more intelligent appearance.


    "A hobgoblin, that is rare," Chloe whispered, her eyes widening in surprise. "And a goblin matriarch to boot." She pointed to a corner in the room where a much larger green goblin lay, guarded by a dozen goblins with primitive weapons.


    Logan noticed the hobgoblin had a staff. One of the guards suddenly picked up a short green goblin and pulled it towards the blue hobgoblin. The hobgoblin began casting some sort of spell that made the green goblin convulse. Next, she grabbed a small jewel and placed it on the green goblin''s forehead, making the stone glow blue.


    "What is it doing¡­" Rubina murmured, watching the grotesque scene.


    The small green goblin''s veins bulged as its body began to turn blue, pulsing with power a few times. Whatever the hobgoblin was trying to do seemed to end in failure, as the goblin''s head suddenly exploded.


    The green goblins who were cornered seemed frightened by the display of one of their brethren being killed. They huddled together, their eyes wide with fear, as the hobgoblin continued its ritual.


    "As much as I hate those little imps¡­ this is just cruel," Rubina murmured, her voice filled with a mix of anger and sadness.


    Chloe''s eyes hardened. "We can''t let this continue. We need to stop that hobgoblin and protect those green goblins from further harm."

 Chapter 33 - 33: Into the Goblin Den Pt. 3

    Logan assessed the situation, noting that there were seven enemies in total if they didn''t count the cowering green goblins. Among them, the hobgoblin seemed the strongest and would require the team''s full attention during the fight.


    "She looks like a mage type. We need to be careful with any spells the weird monster might use," Chloe whispered.


    Both Kai and Rubina were busy charging up a spell, while Chloe joined them, using an earth-type barrier skill to separate the remaining green goblins from the pale blue corrupt ones.


    On Chloe''s signal, the fox jumped forward with a loud yip, stopping the blue goblins from reaching out for another one of the small green goblins.


    Taken by surprise, one of the blue goblins began to cry out with a nasally sound, causing the rest to react and charge towards Luna.


    "Now!" Chloe yelled, casting her spell to raise a wall of dirt.


    Rubina was quick to follow, unleashing a few arrows that pierced two of the goblins directly while injuring the other two.


    Before Kai had his turn, the blue mage goblin attempted to conjure a shield that shone with a bright white light. The spears Kai had produced managed to kill two of the blue goblins, but the remaining two were saved by the magic shield, which extended outward slowly.


    "Three left to go, but I think this will be harder," Chloe exclaimed.


    The hobgoblin and her two goons were ready for battle. She cast another spell while holding her gem forward. Her two guards began to mutate, their short arms and feet growing as their muscles bulged.


    "I think we are in trouble," Kai said, producing a large lance made out of stone. "Logan, Rubina, get back. Try to find a way to fight the mage while we both try to separate the guards."


    Logan nodded and began to circle around, searching for an opening to attack the mage. Rubina followed, keeping her eyes on the hobgoblin''s movements.


    Meanwhile, Chloe and Kai focused on the mutated guards. Chloe''s earth barriers blocked the monsters'' advance, while Kai''s stone lance kept them at bay. The guards roared, their new muscles straining against the barriers, but Chloe''s magic held firm.


    Chloe gritted her teeth as she tried to maintain her earth barriers, feeling the force of each blow the mutated guards delivered. The strain was immense, but she held her ground, determined to protect her team.


    Meanwhile, Logan spotted a gap in the mage''s defenses and called out to Luna. [Now! Go for the gem!]


    Rubina helped by casting various fire arrows, disrupting the blue mage hobgoblin. The mage raised her shield again just in time, but the force of the arrows knocked her back, disrupting her spell. Luna seized the opportunity, running forward and hurling ice spears at the hobgoblin''s gem.


    Before joining the battle with Rubina, Logan placed the Scorchwyrm down so it could back up Chloe and Kai. The salamander sent bursts of flames to keep the green goblins in check, who were getting rowdy with the fight happening around them.


    Kai and Chloe redoubled their efforts against the guards. With the mage distracted, they had a better chance of breaking through. Kai''s lance struck true, piercing one guard''s chest, while Chloe''s barriers crushed the other.


    Logan, ready to provide support with Rubina, took out his whip in case he needed to use a skill. He considered it would be easier to conceal the fact he could use skills with a fire whip than to use his tamed monsters'' stronger and more obvious abilities.


    "Logan, look! Your fox succeeded in making the hobgoblin let go of the blue gem. Help me while I charge a larger fire arrow to hit the mage once and for all," Rubina urged.


    Logan nodded and positioned himself beside Rubina, ready to provide cover. "I''ll keep them at bay while you charge up," he said, his whip crackling with fiery energy.


    Rubina focused, summoning a powerful fire arrow. The tip of the arrow glowed brightly as it absorbed more energy, preparing for a devastating strike. Logan lashed out with his whip, keeping the remaining goblins and the hobgoblin at a distance.


    As the final moments of preparation ticked by, Rubina''s fire arrow reached its peak. "I''m ready!" she called out. Logan intensified his efforts, creating an opening for Rubina''s shot. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Luna, get back! We will kill the mage first] Logan communicated to his tamed beast. Luna backed off, sensing the powerful fire energy behind her.


    The hobgoblin, displeased with her predicament, began chanting another spell. This time, she stabbed her hand, spilling blood to further strengthen her spell with the mana flooding directly from her wound. The air around her crackled with dark energy as the spell intensified.


    "Don''t tell me! Logan, get back¡ªthat''s blood magic. It''s getting ready to destroy itself and everyone around it," Rubina warned, releasing her fire arrow to prevent the hobgoblin''s actions.


    The fire arrow flew straight, blazing the air around it, its aim locked on the hobgoblin''s head.


    "Wekeeee," the hobgoblin screamed as its spell finished, the dark energy mixed with the power of the fire, intensifying its explosive impact.


    The collision caused a massive explosion, the force of which sent shockwaves through the room. Rubina, Luna and Logan, caught in the blast, were thrown backward. The ground beneath them cracked and gave way, and they fell through the collapsing floor.


    "Chloe, look! Something happened over there!" Kai shouted, pointing towards the area where Logan and Rubina had fallen.


    Chloe turned her gaze, seeing the aftermath of the explosion and the gaping hole in the floor. "We need to check on them!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with concern.


    "Let''s finish this then, Kai concentrated on the tip of his lance and made it a trident, its longer forked edges pierce through the neck of the remaining guard.


    Heaving a few deep breaths he tossed to body aside which disintegrated like the corrupt goblins they had dealt with before.


    Running towards the large hole in the floor, Kai and Chloe noticed its depth far surpassed what they had imagined. Chloe charged a gem that produced light before letting it drop into the hole. The gem fell a good twenty meters before disappearing into a tunnel.


    Both Chloe and Kai stared at each other, realizing the trouble they were in.


    "Oh crap¡­" Kai muttered, panic evident in his voice. "They will have my head if the hero is dead." He gulped, looking at Chloe for answers.


    Chloe took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. "We need to move fast and find them. They might be injured, but I''m sure they''re not dead," she reassured him. "Let''s focus on getting down there safely."


    Kai nodded, swallowing his fear. "You''re right. Let''s do this."


    "Kwaach," a hoarse voice called out from behind them. It seemed the goblins had settled, and the Scorchwyrm, who had been keeping them at bay with its fire, stopped, sensing they would no longer pose a threat.


    "Kwach," the queen of the goblins called out, her voice echoing through the chamber. The remaining goblins looked towards her, their earlier rowdy demeanor instantly changing to one of calmness.


    Chloe turned to face the goblin queen, her eyes narrowing as she tried to gauge the large goblins intentions. "What do you want?" she asked cautiously, keeping an earth spear ready in case of any sudden moves.


    The goblin queen raised her hand, a gesture of peace. "Krech kuh hak," she croaked, her voice strained. She pointed to her guards; they seemed to know what she wanted as three of the goblins approached Chloe and Kai cautiously.


    Chloe and Kai tensed, ready to defend themselves if needed. However, the goblins did not attack. Instead, they held their hands up, showing they meant no harm. "What do you want?" Kai asked, his voice steady but wary.


    The goblin queen spoke again, her tone less aggressive. "Kelp chu," she managed to say in broken Common.


    Both Kai and Chloe were surprised, but decided to trust her intentions. "Alright," Chloe said cautiously, "We''ll follow your guards."


    The goblin queen nodded, and two of her guards stepped forward to lead the way. Kai and Chloe followed closely, their senses on high alert.


    The three guards looked down the hole, speaking to each other in low, guttural tones. After a brief exchange, they began leading Chloe and Kai, who picked up the Scorchwyrm, towards another tunnel that seemed to descend deeper into the ancient cave system.


    "I hope they are okay¡­" Kai whispered, his voice filled with worry.


    Chloe gave him a reassuring nod. "They''re strong. We''ll find them," she said reassuringly. "I didn''t think you where this softhearted though, don''t tell me your worried for Rubina."


    Kai''s worried returned to his normal calm demeanor at Chloe''s teasing. "I''m worried about both of them," he replied, trying to sound nonchalant. "There are good people, after all."


    Chloe stopped for a few seconds, her emotions wavering. "Yes¡­ they are good people, aren''t they?" she murmured. She recalled her mission, the weight of it pressing down on her shoulders. But then she took a deep breath, regaining her composure.

 Chapter 34 - 34: Down Under

    Logan held on to Rubina, his grip firm as he felt Luna''s fangs gripping onto his pants. They were currently falling through a tunnel that twisted and turned like a giant water ride.


    The dirt and rocks below them served to slow their fall, making it bearable and cushioning the impact enough for them to survive the explosion. As they tumbled through the twisting tunnel, the chaotic ride seemed never-ending.


    Finally, they landed with a heavy thud in a chamber beneath the battlefield. Breathless and bruised, Logan and Rubina looked around, taking in their new surroundings. The chamber was dimly lit, with small green crystals embedded in the walls, radiating a faint glow.


    "Are you okay?" Logan asked, helping Rubina to her feet carefully.


    "Ouch, my left foot, it seems to hurt a lot," Rubina said, wincing from the pain.


    Logan stared at Rubina, noticing various features that weren''t in her human form. She had small wings on her back, and small horns on her head. "Rubina, your form changed," he said, his hand near one of her wings. It felt very strange, sort of elastic in some parts but warm as one would expect from a limb.


    "Yes, it seems¡­ I lost a lot of mana back there. It will take a while to recover, so let''s take it slowly. Hopefully, the other two don''t find us right away," she replied, her voice tinged with exhaustion and concern.


    Logan nodded, his expression serious. "We''ll move carefully. We need to find a safe place to rest and recover our strength."


    With Logan supporting Rubina, they began to navigate through the chamber, the atmosphere was heavy with an eerie silence.


    [Luna, are you alright? Do you sense anyone around?] Logan communicated to his tamed beast, hoping for a clear response.


    Luna, sensing her master''s concern, sniffed the air and scanned the area. Despite the darkness and the lingering traces of the explosion, her instincts were sharp. She growled softly, indicating that there were no immediate threats nearby.


    Logan felt a wave of relief. "Good girl," he murmured, patting Luna gently. "We need to keep moving, but stay alert."


    Rubina nodded, leaning on Logan for support. "We can''t afford to let our guard down. If they find out I am a half-demon, you, my father, and I will be executed. I''m sorry for dragging you into my problems."


    Logan''s expression grew serious, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I know, Rubina. And don''t worry about it... you have helped me a lot so far."


    Rubina managed a weak smile. "Thank you. Now, let''s find a place to rest; my leg is burning with pain," she said, wiping a tear from her cheek.


    Logan nodded, supporting her as they continued through the dimly lit chamber, the faint glow of the green crystals guiding their way. "We''ll find a safe spot soon," he reassured her. "Just hang in there a bit longer."


    Walking through the room, Logan gave the embedded glowing rocks more attention. "Hey, do you think the rocks are safe to be around?" His mind was racing with thoughts of nuclear energy and the potential dangers of radiation.


    Rubina glanced at the glowing crystals. "Well, all I can say is that we could be the richest teenagers in the kingdom¡­ this seems to be a mana crystal mine, and by the looks of these, it''s rich in energy. I wonder why it hasn''t been discovered yet."


    Logan''s eyes widened in realization. "A mana crystal mine? That explains the glow¡­ but rich? If there''s one thing I know, it''s that exposing yourself is dangerous."


    Logan glanced around, his mind racing with possibilities and temptations. "Maybe it''s hidden for a reason. We should be careful and not draw too much attention. I mean, it is the guardian''s forest, right?" Logan shuddered, thinking about the power of the great monster who had gifted him Luna.


    "Agreed," Rubina said seriously. "The Kingdom sometimes forgets that the forest belongs to the great divine beast. My father used to tell me stories of whole kingdoms destroyed by greed."


    Logan noticed that Rubina grimaced with every step, so he stopped walking.


    "Hold on, here let me help you," he said, crouching down in front of her.


    "What do you want me to do?" she asked, looking at him curiously.


    Logan gave her a reassuring smile. "Climb onto my back. I can carry you so you don''t have to put weight on your leg."


    Rubina hesitated for a moment, but then nodded, understanding that she had little choice. Carefully, she climbed onto Logan''s back, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Just hold on tight," Logan instructed while feeling a strange sensation, not only because of the girl''s mature body and the warmth that was transmitted on his back, but also because he never thought he would be placed in such a situation.


    With Rubina securely on his back, Logan continued to navigate through the chamber, the faint glow of the green crystals providing their only light. Each step was taken with care, ensuring he didn''t shake Rubina too much.


    "Thank you again... Logan," Rubina whispered around his ear, making him shudder. "I don''t know what I''d do without you."


    Logan chuckled softly. "Well, we are a team for now, right?"


    He pressed forth, trying to maintain a good pace even with the added weight. The cave began to show them a different view. In front of them, there was a large opening where the cave seemed to radiate even more.


    He suddenly felt it in his body, the energy around them was enough to reinvigorate his mana.


    "Wow, it almost feels like I took a mana potion. Good thing, too. I can even hide my form now..." Rubina said, her voice tinged with amazement, she then made a devious smile thinking of her next words. "Say¡­ which form do you prefer?"


    Logan felt a blush creeping up his cheeks at Rubina''s question, his mind racing. "Well, uh," he stammered, trying to keep his thoughts straight. "I think both forms have their charm. But tis¡­ it''s your personality¡­ is what counts no?"


    Rubina''s devious smile softened a bit, and she gave a light laugh while placing her head on Logan''s shoulder.


    "Good answer," she said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "But I''ll keep that in mind."


    With the tension momentarily eased by their playful banter, they continued toward the bright entrance. The radiance grew stronger as they entered the new area. It was a large room where crystals reigned supreme¡ªcovering the ceiling, the floor, and the walls.


    This stunning display was overshadowed by a vast body of water that extended into the distance, almost like a hidden underground lake.


    Every part of the room shimmered with the glow of the mana crystals, creating a breathtaking and almost otherworldly sight.


    "Wow," Logan whispered, his eyes wide with wonder. "I''ve never seen anything like this."


    Rubina, still on Logan''s back, was equally awestruck. "This is incredible. It''s like we''re in a whole other world."


    Luna, sensing no immediate danger, padded ahead, her tail wagging slightly in the glowing light. [Master, safe, water] she communicated again, reassuring them of their newfound refuge.


    Logan gently set Rubina down near the edge of a large stone. "Let''s rest here for a bit. We can tend to your leg and regain our strength."


    Before them, the reflection of the water was almost blinding. It was hard to tell if the crystals in the water were merely reflections or if there were also large, pointed mana stones beneath the surface.


    "Say, do you think it''s okay to drink it?" Logan asked, noticing his little pup was close to the water''s edge, sniffing the liquid before taking a few licks.


    Rubina watched Luna and then turned back to Logan. "It seems safe enough," she said cautiously. "But we should still be careful. If Luna doesn''t show any adverse reactions, it might be okay for us too."


    Logan nodded, keeping a close eye on Luna. "We''ll monitor her for a bit. If she''s fine, then we''ll know it''s probably safe for us."


    They waited patiently, observing Luna as she continued to drink the water without any visible signs of discomfort.


    [Master, tasty, healing, amazing] Luna communicated, her excitement evident. The little pup jumped up after taking her fill, seemingly energized, some of her wounds seemed to clear.


    Logan smiled, feeling a sense of relief. "Looks like the water is not only safe but beneficial too. But I''d rather we don''t take any risks¡ªit might be something only useful for monsters."


    Rubina nodded in agreement. "You''re right. Better safe than sorry. Let''s just use it to clean up, but we''ll avoid drinking it for now."


    Taking out a few towels from his ring, Logan got close to the water and dipped one of his fingers inside. Seeing no immediate effects, he decided to soak one of the towels in the water. He then brought it back to Rubina before soaking another towel for himself.


    Rubina took the towel gratefully, using it to clean her wounds. "Thanks, Logan. This should help."


    Logan nodded, while going back to soak another one, this time though he felt a bit of resistance as he tried to pull the soaked towel out.

 Chapter 35 - 35: A Slimy Situation

    Confused, Logan applied more strength to the towel. The resistance was strong, but slowly the towel began to come out. As he peered into the water, he saw a small slime monster clinging to the towel. The creature''s gelatinous form shimmered with the same magical light as the crystals, making it look almost invisible.


    Upon seeing the monster, Logan let go of the towel and backed off a little, observing the weird beast. The slime monster seemed curious, its movements slow and undulating as it hovered near the water''s edge.


    It then spat out the towel before diving back in, a small tentacle forming to hold onto the edge of the towel.


    Logan pulled the towel slightly to test what the strange monster wanted. He noticed the small creature once again pulling on the towel, trying to drag it back inside.


    He let go of the towel again in a rush, thinking the slime wanted to pull him in. The slime, noticing that the towel met no resistance, let go and withdrew its tentacle to the edge of the water.


    Logan cautiously tried to grab the towel again and noticed that the slime didn''t move this time. He took a few steps back and sighed in relief. It seemed the small creature was only playing with him.


    He noticed Luna''s tail wagged, and she didn''t seem to get aggressive as the slime played its trick.


    [Master, friendly, play] she communicated, trying to explain the slime''s intentions.


    Logan felt a wave of relief wash over him. "Luna just confirmed it. The slime''s just being playful."


    Rubina, who had been observing the interaction from afar, smiled and relaxed a bit more. "Good to know there was no danger."


    Logan decided to place a part of the towel on the edge where the slime''s little tentacle was still placed. It pulled on the towel as soon as it felt the cloth touch its water-like limb. They continued to play for a while before the slime decided to come out of the water, revealing its full form.


    The small creature radiated a green glow close the the cavern''s mana stones, its gelatinous body looking almost like an emerald. It wobbled towards Logan, its curiosity evident. Logan chuckled and crouched down to get a closer look, the playful creature seemed like a toddlers wobble as it tried to reach out of something. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Rubina couldn''t help but laugh softly. "It''s actually kind of cute," she admitted.


    Logan nodded, his smile wide. "Yeah, it is. Who would have thought we''d find such a friendly creature down here?"


    As it got close to Logan, the slime seemed fascinated about a small cut on his right leg where his pants were ripped.


    It placed its small tentacle on the cut and then wobbled as if it got hit by an electrical current. Logan felt a strange sensation wash over him¡ªa new link forming with the curious creature.


    "Don''t tell me!" Rubina exclaimed, her eyes widening with surprise.


    Logan looked at her, also stunned by what happened. "I think it just tried to heal me," he said, gazing at the healthy skin where the cut had been previously.


    The small slime, now glowing even more brightly, seemed to pulse with energy. It wobbled happily, as if proud of its actions.


    "Do you think it can heal your leg as well?" Logan asked while wondering.


    Rubina looked at her injured leg, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "It''s worth a try," she said.


    Logan gently lifted the small slime toward Rubina''s leg. The creature seemed to understand, placing its tentacle on the wound. As it did, the slime wobbled again, and a warm, healing sensation spread through the hurt area.


    Rubina watched in amazement as her wound slowly began to close, the pain dissipating. "Incredible," she almost screamed, her eyes wide with gratitude. "Thank you, little one."


    Logan smiled, feeling a deep sense of relief. "Looks like our new friend is a healer, just what I needed."


    He then saw that the slime had shrunk a little, struggling while pointing to the water.


    Logan realized it needed to replenish its energy. "I think it wants to go back to the water," he said, gently placing the slime near the water''s edge.


    The small creature quickly absorbed the mana-filled water, regaining its size and energy. It pulsed with a renewed glow, once again radiating a sense of joy and vitality.


    [Hiii, hiii] The little slime made a mental communication, its excitement palpable.


    Rubina smiled, watching the little slime. "Looks like it just needed a recharge."


    Logan chuckled at Rubina''s comment. "Yes, it''s got to be the first of my creatures that can''t speak properly though, although I have yet to try talking to my plant..."


    Rubina laughed softly. "Well, the slimes aren''t known to be too intelligent, but this one seems to be a little better than the ones my father has."


    "We have one problem we need to solve though... If I take this little one, how will it recharge when it needs some of this special mana water?" Logan asked.


    "Well, that''s not too hard. Let''s do a few tests. I think your ring should be able to store at least three roomfuls of this special water. How about you try it, but before you do, give me all the stuff you have on it, so it doesn''t get wet." Rubina suggested.


    Logan nodded, reaching into his ring to pull out various items and handing them to Rubina. "Alright, here goes nothing," he said, preparing to store the mana water in his ring.


    The test proved successful; the water stored in the ring retained the magical properties of the cave water. Logan then began to fill a large amount of water, hoping that with it, he could take the slime as his own personal healer.


    It took half an hour before they finished the mammoth task. The ring lit up to signal it was full and even pulsed a few times, as if the energy was doing something to the magical item.


    Rubina watched, impressed. "Looks like your ring can store the water just fine. Now we have a portable source for the slime to recharge."


    Logan nodded, a sense of accomplishment washing over him. "This should make a big difference. Let''s keep the little guy close and make sure we''re ready to find a way out."


    Both youths now full of energy, along with Luna the fox and the slime who hid within Logan''s shirt, began to exit the cave. They decided that if they found an easy path back, they would return at a later date. But just in case they couldn''t, they made sure to keep the large treasure trove a secret.


    Now that Rubina could walk again and Logan was without wounds, both went back the way they came from, they noticed earlier there were various paths which Luna decided to skip on.


    The little fox led the group, its ears twitching as it tried to pick up any noises, carefully choosing between the areas it had previously identified as dangerous. Some of the tunnels had goblins, which the fox had wisely chosen to avoid before, mindful of its master''s friends'' injuries.


    Now, however, the group navigated through the winding tunnels in search of these same tunnels, moving with caution and guided by the fox''s keen senses.


    Some time later the group, now fit for battle, decided to enter a particular tunnel that reeked of goblins. They moved carefully, keeping to the shadows, their senses heightened.


    The air was thick with tension, and every sound seemed amplified in the eerie silence of the tunnel. As they ventured deeper, the smell of goblins grew stronger, and distant growls echoed through the caverns.


    Soon, they spotted various shadows. The squeals from the goblins indicated that the room ahead would be difficult to pass through without a fight.


    Rubina and Logan readied themselves, carefully assessing the situation. Luna, ever vigilant, remained on guard. As they moved forward, the pup suddenly looked perplexed.


    Logan frowned. "What''s wrong, Luna?" he whispered, watching the fox''s reactions closely.


    Luna kept tilting her head around, as if trying to figure out why a certain noise was mixed in with the goblins. Suddenly, she jumped forth to figure out what was happening.


    Logan and Rubina, surprised by the fox''s actions, decided to jump into the fray. What they found was unexpected.


    Both Chloe and Kai were communicating with short, green goblins who were agitated and looking around for something. The goblins seemed to be on a mission, their eyes darting around as they tried to help Chloe and Kai.


    Realization dawned on Logan and Rubina¡ªcould it be that they were the ones the goblins were searching for?


    Logan whispered to Rubina, "It looks like the goblins are actually trying to find us, not attack."


    Chloe suddenly spotted Logan and Rubina, who exited a tunnel as if casually strolling through the complex maze.


    Kai, noticing them second, screamed, "There you are! Do you know how long we''ve been searching for you!"


    Logan and Rubina exchanged relieved looks, finally understanding that the goblins were indeed on their side for now. The small green creatures started to create an uproar in celebration, their loud squeals not the most pleasant cheering the cohort had ever heard but a welcome one from creatures who would otherwise be their enemies.


    As the four teenagers reunited, Kai jumped onto Logan. "Man, I''m so glad to see you safe! Do you know what would have happened to me if you died?" Kai began to cry, hugging Logan tightly.


    Logan, overwhelmed by the boy''s emotional outburst, tried to muster all his strength to gently pull Kai away. "It''s okay, dude, just let go!"


    Chloe looked on with a smile, then turned to Rubina. "Glad to see you both are fine."


    Rubina nodded, feeling the relief and joy of their reunion. "Thanks for looking for us."

 Chapter 36 - 36: Reunion

    The cohort was glad to be together again. They were currently following the three guards who would lead them back to the queen. Logan and Rubina decided to keep the mana-filled room a secret and only told the rest that they had somehow made it out alive.


    Luckily, Chloe and Kai didn''t ask too many questions. They only wanted to exit the cave now that everyone was together and leave behind the stench of the goblins'' nest.


    It took less than half an hour to climb the tunnels and get back to the room with a collapsed section. As they reached the room, a loud squeal from one of the guards announced their arrival to the queen.


    The large goblin did not seem too worried now that she knew the teenagers would not harm them and even offered some old, stale meat, which the cohort stowed away in their storage. Nevertheless, they tried their best to show appreciation by giving back a few tools and daggers the goblins could use.


    Before trying to leave, the large goblin queen pointed to a stone in the ground. Everyone turned their gaze towards the strange jewel they had seen before.


    It was the same one the blue hobgoblin had used to mutate the green goblins, so all the goblins in the room made sure to keep a good distance away from the object. The air around the jewel seemed to hum with a dark energy, and its malevolent glow reminded them of the dangers they had faced earlier.


    Everyone on the team looked at each other, hoping one of them would have an idea of what to do with the strange object.


    "Well, I think I will have to take it," said Chloe, noticing that none of the others wanted to touch it, just like the goblins.


    She took out a small box from her personal special storage bag and used magic to lift the object with dirt. With precise movements, she encased it in a ball of dirt and then made the dirt ball go into the box.


    "Well, that should do it. I tried compacting some of my own energy, so it should hold for a while¡ªhopefully long enough for me to turn it over to one of the castle''s archmages, who should be able to seal the dangerous power trying to get out," Chloe said while wiping beads of sweat that trickled down her cheek.


    "All the more reason to get out of this place," Kai said with a worried expression. He bowed respectfully towards the goblin queen, trying to convey their gratitude for the help they had received while signaling the others to do the same.


    Following Kai''s lead, Logan, Rubina, and Chloe bowed in unison, acknowledging the queen''s assistance. The goblin queen responded with a solemn nod, her eyes reflecting wisdom.


    With their farewells exchanged, the group was about to turn around to exit the dreadful tunnel system that had caused them so many problems, but were stopped by a hoarse voice.


    "Taku chu." The goblin queen stood up, pointing to a goblin. "Taku kix."


    The goblin queen''s voice echoed through the cavern, catching everyone''s attention. The pointed goblin stepped forward, appearing hesitant but obedient to the queen''s command.


    Listening to her matriarch and the mother of most of the goblins in this nest, the young goblin went forward towards Logan and placed its head down as if bowing.


    The queen spoke again, her tone softer but firm. "Khav kix," she said, trying to convey her intent. Seeing that it did not get through, she pointed at the fox and the salamander, who had rejoined the group after sleeping through most of the rescue mission.


    Logan looked towards the young goblin who only had the hide of some beast to cover its important parts, much like the others in the room. He sort of knew what the goblin queen wanted but hesitated for a while before accepting the offer.


    "Don''t tell me¡­" Kai blurted out in a small voice from behind him.


    "Let''s not trample on their honor," Rubina said, understanding the goblin queen''s gesture and accepting the creatures'' way of trying to keep their pride.


    Logan took a deep breath and then nodded, showing his acceptance. The young goblin seemed to brighten with the respect the humans were giving to its mother. It stared as the long-haired boy got close and placed a finger on its shoulder where she saw a small red dot.


    A small drop was all it took for a link to be made as it looked in awe at her new master. [Thank you!] it sent her appreciation.


    Logan froze for a second, hearing one of the clearest intentions that his non-human tamed beast had ever sent him.


    The team of now eight individuals was left alone to leave the room; the goblins behind them cheered once again in their nasally language as the group headed off. The young goblin looked back towards its mother, who nodded, sending off one of her most beloved and smartest daughters.


    When they finally reached the outside of the cave, they noticed the Everwind Falcon beginning to circle above them, its majestic wings cutting through the evening sky. The sight of the falcon, with the setting sun casting an amber glow on its feathers, filled them with a sense of relief.


    They began to walk back towards the carriage area slowly, as most of them were tired and stressed from the whole ordeal.


    "Just what crazy journey did you put us through, Logan? If I had known, I would have brought my sword at least. You know how hard it was to only use stone spears that break with a few hits," Kai said while helping Logan with his Scorchwyrm.


    "Well, it''s not like I knew this was going to happen, but thank you for joining us..." Logan replied, trying to balance the weight of the slime, his falcon perched on his shoulder, not wanting to leave him, and holding the small goblin by the hand to keep others from attacking her.


    "Anyways, how many beasts can you tame, man? You should have told me! I would have brought a Terropod to lift all these tamed creatures you now have. The only problem would be how slow and slimy it would make the ground," Kai said, shaking his head with amusement. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Why would you want one of those as a tame? They are disgusting¡­" Chloe added, trying to join in on the conversation.


    "What do you mean? They are cute," Rubina said, laughing.


    "What is a Terropod?" Logan questioned, a puzzled look on his face.


    "You know, that large slug-looking monster we saw in the insect dome my father has," Rubina explained, a hint of nostalgia in her voice.


    "Oh that¡­" Logan added, reluctant to continue.


    The team continued to chat on their way back. Logan noticed that he was slowly changing in this new world. He had never had so many people around him, and even though one of them seemed to be working against him, at least today Chloe had helped him out and seemed truly worried when they had gone missing.


    The trip back was much like the day before, with Chloe and Kai leaving just before they reached the Rosengard Estate, going their separate ways. Logan and Rubina had opened up a lot more today, speaking of various topics, many of them about Logan''s world, his hobbies like video games, and the various musical genres each world had.


    As they reached the mansion and got out, the earl ran towards them, his face a mix of relief and concern.


    "Why did you both come so late today? Do you know how worried I was?" the earl exclaimed before looking at the new additions to the team. "Don''t tell me you went into a goblin nest. Do you know how filthy that is?"


    "We know that well, Father¡­ but we weren''t just in a regular goblin nest¡­" Rubina began to explain the day''s events.


    Logan nodded, adding, "It was more complex than we expected. We encountered the goblin queen, and she actually helped us."


    The earl''s eyes widened with a mix of surprise and skepticism. "The goblin queen helped you? That''s unheard of. Tell me more as we head inside, we have other stuff to talk about."


    The three of them entered the mansion. The two youths took a bath before having a meal, and their tired bodies finally relaxed after the long day''s events.


    "So, not only a goblin, but you also have a special slime!" the earl said with excitement.


    Logan let the slime out. It looked interested in the scraps of food that were before it and dived into the middle of the table, leaving each plate clean. The only one that did not let it near their place was the young goblin who sat next to Logan, busy licking her own plate after a few servings.


    After a good while, the earl finally turned serious. He breathed out a sigh and cleared his throat to indicate that he needed to say something important.


    "As much as I would like to keep having you in my home as a guest, Logan, I actually need to inform you that the castle wants you back with the other heroes. Your new mentor has arrived¡­"

 Chapter 37 - 37: Crimson Majesty

    Logan was somewhat reluctant to go back, sighing a few times as he looked out from the small carriage, taking a few sips of the pink aliment curing potion, a habit while on a cart.


    Nestled on his lap, Luna enjoyed his hand sweeping through her soft, fluffy coat. On his shoulder, his falcon stood with one wing over its face, trying to rest. Within his jacket, he felt the gelatinous form of the slime nestled like a chain around his torso.


    As for his other two tames, they had stayed behind. His goblin remained to avoid scaring any of the students, and his salamander decided to return to his house within the Rosengard Estate, where it enjoyed the familiar surroundings.


    There was only one other person in the carriage: Ruri, who was humming a melody softly while shaking one leg in a relaxed manner. "We are almost at the castle, Master Logan. I hope you are doing well," she said, understanding that he was not in a good state.


    "Thank you, Ruri¡­" He said while nodding.


    Ruri smiled gently; her eyes filled with understanding. "You''re welcome, Master Logan."


    The carriage continued its journey, the rhythmic clatter of wheels on the cobblestone road providing a comforting background to Ruri''s soft humming.


    Logan noticed that he couldn''t speak as much as he did this morning. His loner nature had resurfaced, and while Ruri tried to strike up a conversation a few times, he found himself back to his monosyllabic responses.


    "Ruri, I am sorry." He finally said mustering all the courage he could.


    "For what, Master?" she replied, her head tilting to the side in a cute, almost innocent motion.


    "I''m sorry for being so distant. I know you''re trying to be kind and engage with me, but sometimes¡­ it''s just hard for me to open up," Logan admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.


    Ruri smiled softly; her eyes filled with understanding. "There is no need to apologize, Master Logan. We all have our problems, and I appreciate that you are trying."


    Logan nodded, feeling a bit of the weight lift off his shoulders. The rest of the journey continued in a comfortable silence, with Ruri continuing to hum softly and Logan feeling a weird sense of peace and balance with how things were going.


    As they approached the castle, the sense of anticipation grew. Logan knew it was the calm before the storm. He was acutely aware of being the weakest and had tried to get stronger, but with so few days, not much progress had been made.


    He was almost at level 10 while the rest of the class was probably higher. Although there were many blue goblins, their used-up magic cores did not provide much experience. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    By now, he could guess that experience in this world was basically the accumulated mana the body absorbed from a fallen creature. The more a body''s core absorbed, the more powerful it became.


    He sighed as he saw the castle''s great walls closing in on the moving carriage. It would be at least two minutes before they arrived at the inn where his entire class was probably resting.


    "Hey, Ruri, do you think I can stop here? I want to check something quick before I head back," Logan asked.


    Ruri nodded, her expression understanding. "Of course, Master Logan. Let me have the coachman stop, just don''t be too late in coming back to your room."


    His maid tapped on the door a few times and opened the window to explain the situation to the coachman. The man nodded and proceeded to open the door for the hero, allowing Logan to step out. The coachman then continued towards their original destination, taking Ruri with him.


    "Well then, I had left this for far too long. Let''s visit my first companion to see how it is doing," Logan said to his three tames, who all accepted the late-night mission.


    The carriage had left him next to the king''s audience room, a place he would have avoided during the morning to steer clear of any encounters that might force him to meet the king.


    As he got close to the mystical garden which he saw on the first day, Logan took in all the scents and the magical visual allure that the plants were producing while bathing in the night''s moonlight.


    "There you are¡­" Logan said, getting close to a particular deep red flower that reminded him of a rose.


    He noticed his presence had an effect on his Crimson Majesty, the plants vines began to reach for one of his fingers which he placed close.


    [Name: Scarlet / Species: Crimson Majesty / Level: 1 / Blood Mark: Right Ankle / Ankle Loyalty: 1/100


    Str: 1 Agi: 1 Dex: 2 Con: 2 Int: 1 Char: 9


    Scent of Serenity: Emits a calming fragrance that soothes those nearby, reducing stress and attracting prey.


    Hyper sense: Detects nearby presences through vibrations and movements around the plant.


    Thorny Defense: Protect itself using thorns found in its vines if attacked.]


    As he checked on its stats, Logan noticed that they were one of the worst ones he could have hoped for, only its Charisma was high, but that seem to do nothing in battle.


    He let the small monster vine keep pulling at his finger for a few seconds before wondering how he could help this particular plant grow. He looked towards his fox, who might know something, being the daughter¡ªor should he say, a part¡ªof Ferra, who was considered the guardian of the forest.


    [No, hard, understand, just born] Luna tried to communicate to her master, but that didn''t stop her from sniffing the small plant.


    "Well, there must be some other way¡­ let''s see¡­" Logan muttered to himself, determined to find a solution.


    Logan watched in fascination as the tentacle gently interacted with the vine, almost as if it was offering comfort or support. The vine seemed to respond, its tendrils wrapping around the tentacle in a delicate embrace.


    Suddenly the tentacle reeled back slowly, the vine trying to chase it. At first, Logan thought they were playing, but he noticed that the clear tentacle was actually being sapped of its mana.


    "Don''t tell me!" Logan exclaimed, realizing what was happening. He suddenly had an idea. He reached for his ring, activating it to make a small amount of water pour into his cupped hand.


    The vine, sensing the moisture, shifted its attention from the tentacle to the water. Logan watched as the plant absorbed the water greedily, its tendrils becoming more vibrant and robust.


    "There, that should help you grow without draining my little friend," Logan said, relieved. He looked at Luna, who seemed to nod in approval, and the falcon, who perched quietly on his shoulder. As for the small slime, it retracted its tentacle, nestling back inside Logan''s sleeve.


    Taking more of the magical mana-filled water out from his ring to refill, he heard the clear sound of a ping resounding in his mind. It was a familiar sensation, indicating that something significant had just happened.


    He looked through his stats and noticed that the Crimson Majesty had gained one level. A sense of satisfaction washed over him as he realized what had happened. He spent a few more minutes feeding the plant, which stopped once it had gotten its fill.


    It took around four handfuls of water in total, and Logan was glad that it was enough to raise the small plant by two whole levels. He watched the vine, now thicker, and the flower grew even bigger, giving off a greater aroma.


    Logan smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "You''re doing great," he said softly to the plant. The plant seemed to come alive even more, with the magical energy radiating from the rejuvenated vine.


    "Just please try to look normal, even if you are a bit bigger. Try not to stand out or you will expose our secret, little one," Logan whispered, petting one of the flower''s leaves carefully to avoid its thorns.


    It shouldn''t be too noticeable, right? he said to himself, glancing around to ensure no one was watching. Luckily, the area seemed to be empty, giving him a sense of relief.


    "Now then, I have to go for today. I will visit tomorrow to feed you again... Rosie... no, too simple. How about... Scarlet. Yes, that should be an okay name, right?" Logan asked his other pets.


    His slime seemed to want to say something, lightly tightening its grip around his arm.


    [Hii, Hiii!] the slime bubbled excitedly, seemingly angry about something.


    "Oh yeah, sorry, I forgot to give you one too, right?" Logan said, realizing his mistake. He gently patted the slime, thinking of a fitting name for it.


    "How about¡­ Jelly," Logan said playfully, feeling the small creature tighten its grip, seemingly unhappy with the lack of seriousness.


    "Fine, fine, let''s see¡­ how about Kryst¡­ short for Crystal. It should be unique and easy to say."


    His tamed slime jiggled within his shirt, [Hiii!] it finally said, playfully pounding on his shoulder as it decided.


    "Guess that''s that, Kryst it is," Logan said with a smile. "Now then, it''s time to go back before Ruri gets mad."

 Chapter 38 - 38: Dual Fury

    Finally finished with one of the things he had postponed for so long, Logan walked back to the inn, which was less than five minutes away. On his way, he saw a few students here and there, all walking around a little more joyfully than on the first day.


    No one seemed too thrilled, but they appeared to be coping with the current situation. They didn''t care for Logan''s presence, but most gave his tames a few glances before continuing with whatever they were doing.


    He walked in silence all the way to the inn, lucky to avoid Brian and his goons, who were too busy showing off their skills to a few girls and maids to notice him.


    As others did the same, either with magic or whatever skills their class gave them, Logan noticed that unlike before, they were better at handling their magic or bodies as they moved about. Their movements were more fluid and controlled. One kid even used some sort of wind magic to levitate himself onto the roof of a second-floor building. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan''s gaze stopped at one corner where various guys were looking at a girl he immediately identified as Alma. She was singing a melody with the inn''s musicians that caused those who heard the song to want to cheer for her. It took him a moment to resist her song''s magical allure, which made him want to go forth and cheer for her as well.


    Around her, he finally spotted one of the people he wanted to see. It was Lisa, clapping her hands and rocking her head to the flow of the rhythm.


    He did not want to linger any longer, so he tried to leave before anyone noticed him.


    As he finally entered the building, he noticed that, like outside, there were various students around. However, unlike those who were practicing happily, the ones here seemed to be in a far less cheerful mood.


    Some sat on the inn''s couch with their heads back, resting while sighing lifelessly.


    Logan did not know or care what they were doing, so he went toward the dining area, spotting another person he was curious about.


    Sitting in a chair, Ms. Claire was listlessly moving what looked like a pea around with a silver fork. She was alone and seemed to have her own problems going on, so like the previous time, he tried to leave before she would take notice of his peeking.


    "Hey, don''t think you can leave without talking to me, Mr. Logan!" she shouted, her voice carrying an undeniable authority that made him tremble slightly. He felt compelled to turn around by the sheer power in her voice.


    Gulping, Logan tried to think of the trouble he would be in for not having warned their only guardian in this world.


    "Yes, about that¡­ sorry for not informing you about my leave¡­ Ms. Claire," he said, nervously.


    "Oh, are we back to the meek boy? Alright, let me hear what you were doing. Come sit; you were one of my many problems these days, you know!" she replied with a hint of exasperation.


    Feeling the magical power in her voice he trembled a little before taking a seat in front of the teacher who looked furious.


    "Now then, how many days has it been since I last saw you? Do you know how hard it is for me to keep track of everyone? Three students have already left, do you know how hard it is for me? I am basically the only guardian you all have. Do you know the pressure I have built up trying to keep everyone together!" Ms. Claire exclaimed; her frustration evident.


    "Now you know the plan we all had, right? It was to train enough for everyone to make it safely back to Earth! Where were you when we all were bleeding and¡­ killing monsters in order to gain power? Do you know everyone in the class is over level 15? Now tell me, what level are you at, Logan?"


    Logan took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her words. He knew he had to face the reality of the situation and answered her question.


    "Level 9, ma''am¡­" he said as softly as possible, trying to keep anyone else from hearing.


    "Level what!" Ms. Claire exclaimed, her voice rising in disbelief. "I know, Logan, I know that you don''t have your mentor yet, but think of the group. We need everyone together so that no one is left behind."


    "Ms. Claire, do you think I want to stay behind everyone? But you should know that my abilities are different. I am not like the rest. I may be weak individually, but look, here is my falcon, the strongest of my tamed beasts. Over there is an ice fox; she can also deal great damage. Do you think I can find beasts stuck in this place?" Logan said, his voice filled with anger.


    Ms. Claire looked at the falcon and the tiny fox, recognizing the potential of Logan''s unique abilities. She sighed, understanding his struggle but still feeling the pressure of ensuring the safety and progress of the entire group.


    "Look, just go for now. I am tired, I am angry, and¡­ it''s just not a good time to talk," she said with a long sigh.


    "Just know, that I am glad that you are safe, Logan. Thanks for returning," Ms. Claire said, trying to smile.


    [Luna, could you do me a favor and sit in her lap for a bit?] Logan mentally communicated with his fluffy baby fox.


    [Bad, Lady, Loud] Luna responded, shivering slightly as she reluctantly prepared to follow his order.


    Before leaving, Logan heard Miss Claire laugh a little. He did not turn back but knew that she would feel a little better after petting the baby fox.


    As he returned to the living area, he tried to think of his next action. He didn''t think it was right to leave his fox and go to his room, knowing that anyone could harm his creature if it was left alone.


    He turned to the area where the bathrooms were, thinking it was far enough to leave Miss Claire but close enough to spot his fox when it was left free.


    [IDIOT!!]


    It was when he settled himself against a wall that he heard a voice call out to him, making him almost fall in fright.


    Holding his heart, he looked up to see Lisa at the entrance of the girls'' bathroom, holding her stomach while laughing quietly.


    [You think you were cool standing there nonchalantly, now this is payback.]


    Logan sighed, realizing he had been caught off guard. [Alright, alright, you got me.] he communicated, trying to regain his composure.


    Lisa''s laughter subsided, and she looked at him with a menacing gaze, [Where the hell have you been, Logan! Do you know how long I was waiting to meet you, to show how hard I worked on to make this telepathic thing work!!]


    Logan winced, feeling the intensity of her emotions, fearing a repeat of his encounter with Miss Claire. [I''m sorry, Lisa. I didn''t realize how much effort you were putting into this,] he said, not knowing what else to add. He silently hoped his fox would arrive soon to comfort Lisa as well.


    [Next time¡­ remember to at least tell me when you will leave for so long, you know¡­ I also worry.] she added.


    Logan felt a warmth in Lisa''s words, realizing his mistake once again. [Lizzy, I am sorry... I''ll keep you informed from now on¡­ and thanks.]


    Logan thought his eyes were playing tricks on him, but after wiping them again, he saw that Lisa had become more radiant. Her hair, although still brown, now had a golden aura around it¡ªan aura not strong enough to change the color, but enough to suggest that, like many residents of this world, Lisa was beginning to shine with the color of the Great Spirit who had bestowed power upon her.


    "Now then, how about you fill me in on how you got those two creatures? You think no one is interested in those two monsters who obediently follow you around?"


    Now that they had a few minutes to themselves, he had the time to explain most of his adventures so far. As for Lisa, she did not have much to add; they only trained by killing monsters who were bound by the soldiers and always in a safety net of sorts.


    Nothing really interesting happened to her so far, but she did feel more powerful. She also showed off most of her equipment that she got personally made by the church, it would not only help her channel her power but also improve her defense to the point that a tank could not hurt her even if it shot at point-blank range.


    [Its only flaw is that it drains so much mana; I could probably only survive one explosion at most with my current power] Lisa explained.


    Logan looked at his own armor, which was nothing close to her defense; it was even torn in some parts from today''s battle. He did not mind, though. He hoped she was better off than him for now.


    He knew that in battle he would ultimately not be on the frontline, as he was amassing power with each new beast he tamed. Logan noted that he needed to save a spot for a well-armored creature to be in the front line.


    [I think that is all the time I can spare, Logan. It would be strange to be half an hour in the bathroom. Let''s talk more tomorrow if you have time.] Lisa communicated and waved before leaving.


    [Master, friend, gone] It was only when Lisa left that Logan noticed his fox had been hiding. Her fluffy fur was ruffled, and she seemed to be panting.


    [Sorry Luna, you did well, come let''s go brush your fur¡­]

 Chapter 39 - 39: Maid and Mentor

    Ruri got up like any other day in her life. She did a light stretch before getting up from her bed. She looked around her small room; there wasn''t much in it, but the little it had was her personal treasure.


    A moving picture of her family back at the farm, her daily use items like brushes, and the makeup she had saved half a month to buy.


    As far as clothing, the closet had only two casual outfits and two pairs of work uniforms.


    She quickly changed into one of these to begin her day. Today, she had to bring the hero''s clothes back from the cleaners and make sure to check on the order for his new clothing that she had personally requested for Logan.


    Before going out, she made sure her hair was perfectly in place with some hairclips and her clothes were immaculate, without any wrinkles.


    Ruri sighed before opening the door, thinking today would be another good day, for she was optimistic. She knew the hardship of living in poverty and the challenges her family would face if she did not send back home a portion of her earnings.


    As it was still dark and only the light of the moon lit her master''s room, she could not clearly see how he was doing. From what she could gather, he was sleeping on his side with the fox cuddled within his stomach while his falcon seemed to be perched on the bed''s rail.


    She thought she saw something else as the pillow shook for a bit before stopping when she looked at it.


    Giving up on looking at her master while he slept, she used her usual lighting tool to check around for clothes she would need to take to get washed while placing a fresh set near the bed, as he seemed not to get used to this world''s fashion. She picked up a few pieces that were placed on a chair and left.


    Two hours later, she returned. It was usually the time her young master would awaken. Today, she had also brought back some sweet bread the chefs had just finished baking and a fresh pot of tea. She hoped that the delightful aroma of the freshly baked bread would help him awaken.


    She was busy placing the clothes in his closet when Ruri heard Logan get up. That was her cue to get him a small bucket of water so he could wash his face for the day.


    Ruri looked at her master''s face, and it reminded her of her younger brother¡ªsomething she had noticed as soon as she met the boy a few days before.


    As the days passed, she began to understand the boy''s nature and made sure to act according to his particular way of life. She was glad she was assigned to this particular boy, though, as the other maids were either made into mistresses, kicked out for making their hero mad, or tossed aside after some heroes no longer needed them.


    It was hard on the young girls brought to be the heroes'' aides, but for her, Logan had been a good master to serve. He never asked for much and would often rather do things by himself.


    Logan wasn''t all that perfect as sometimes he would fall asleep not changing which made it difficult for her to get some clothes washed when he slept wearing them.


    The boy also did not seek her presence much. She sometimes had to look for him, like when he left for a full day without warning her, staying at the Rosengard Estate.


    But other than that, he was a gentle boy. He often played with his falcon and fox, feeding them himself, which she appreciated as Ruri did not like monsters. The only other bad thing she could think of was that he must...like guys.


    She did not seem to understand why he would not look at her or any other woman directly or make advances. He had a good-looking face under the strands of hair he always kept to cover one of his eyes.


    But this was improving with each day as he got stronger. His aura, however, was becoming darker. She could see a whirl of the blessing of darkness around him at times.


    It wasn''t bad, though, as it was considered lucky for someone to gain the direct favor of a spirit, and the Great Darkness Spirit was one of few divine beings.


    "Here is your towel Master Logan." She asked as he was done cleaning his face.


    "Thank you, Ruri," Logan said while using the towel she handed him.


    "I brought you some fresh bread and tea so you can start your day, master. It seems your mentor will be waiting at the training center, so you should hurry," Ruri explained.


    "Sure thing. I hope it''s not too sweet; you know how I hate it like that," Logan replied while fixing his bed to eat.


    "Don''t worry about setting up the bed and eat, master. I will handle it later," Ruri warned, knowing that today would be a busy day and he needed to be out earlier than usual.


    After fifteen minutes, the hero finally exited the building. Ruri had given him her daily goodbye and got back to work; it was going to be a busy day for her as well. She needed to go out and buy the food specified by the earl for her master''s new fox and falcon, and by the sound of it, it needed to be lean meats and various other ingredients.


    She would also need to cook a few portions, and yet, she felt good to have a role in her Master Logan''s life.


    Logan was trying to calm himself as he made his way towards the training field to meet his new mentor. Unsure of how he would greet or react to them, he rehearsed a few scenarios in his mind to avoid any problems.


    [Master, it''s fine] Luna communicated to him, her tone laced with worry. She kept her eyes down, as if something bad was happening.


    Logan also noticed that his falcon, who would usually take to the skies, seemed to stick close to him, perhaps sensing the negative thoughts he was having. As for his slime, it felt awfully still, as if not wanting to ruin his concentration.


    [I am sorry, you three. Everything is fine. We will just be meeting someone new, and I am not really good with introductions and all that...]


    "Hii / Krriiii / Muii" His three tamed beasts cheered in unison, trying to lift their master''s spirits. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan laughed a little and thanked the three, feeling his confidence boost as he continued. He was close to the training center where knights were gathered along with many heroes who now seemed at home.


    Some of them were in the center of a few knights, talking normally¡ªa far cry from the first day when they would cower at the sight of an armored soldier.


    Logan, who did not know or care about anyone in the field, looked around absent-mindedly. Everyone seemed to stare at him as he passed by, perhaps checking out his beasts or simply curious about the boy who rarely mingled with the other heroes.


    His falcon caught the attention of many knights, as it was a well-known disaster-class beast especially when fully grown and knew how to use all its skills.


    Logan found the loud instructor, Theron, who was in charge of the class''s training and was Ms. Claire''s mentor. Theron was busy giving orders to a few knights.


    Logan overheard a few words and was overjoyed. It seemed that some in the class would start going out into the forest to search for more mutants, like the pale blue goblins, along with many soldiers.


    The kingdom seemed to have taken this seriously. Chloe must have given someone important the weird gem, prompting the kingdom to respond quickly to the threat that was damaging the forest.


    He kind of wanted to keep it a secret to train by killing off the mutated creatures, but he also didn''t want the forest''s monsters to continue being turned into freaks because he couldn''t kill them fast enough.


    Theron seemed to have noticed him at one point because he suddenly yelled out a name and pointed to Logan. It was a good start since he did not want to talk to the bozo. He was glad that the person assigned to him was made to come to him instead.


    He noticed a tanned woman with an aura of darkness around her walk up to him in a casual manner. She had a striking presence, her eyes a deep shade of violet that seemed to hold a mysterious depth.


    Her hair, long and flowing, was as dark as a moonless night, and it cascaded down her back like a waterfall of shadows.


    She wore a well-fitted, dark leather armor that allowed for agile movement, with intricate silver patterns etched into the material, signifying her status and expertise. At her side, a sleek but large black panther padded silently, its eyes gleaming with intelligence and strength.


    She also had a raven perched on her shoulder, its feathers glistening like obsidian, giving her an even more formidable appearance.


    Logan could sense the immense power she held, not just from the darkness that surrounded her, but also from the way her tamed beasts responded to her presence with unwavering loyalty and respect.


    He gulped as she was getting closer, knowing that he could be in danger if he got on her bad side.

 Chapter 40 - 40: Tamer to Tamer

    "So, we finally meet, the hero of taming. It''s nice to see we are on the same page¡ªa winged and a four-legged beast. Nice choice," Valeria said, with a grin.


    "My name is Valeria, and I am the empire''s top tamer, one of the hardest classes to come across. I am glad to see that one of you shares my ability," she continued in a confident and proud tone.


    Logan felt a whirl of relief and excitement at Valeria''s introduction. Her confidence put him at ease, while her friendly and accepting attitude towards his tames reassured him that she genuinely cared for her own beasts.


    The boy, although happy, knew he had to stay focused. "Thank you, Valeria. I hope to learn from you," he replied with a respectful nod.


    "Nice to hear. I did not really intend to come, but my queen made a particularly good deal. So let''s get to it¡ªlet''s not waste any time," Valeria said, her tone becoming serious.


    She adopted a more formal tone. "First, we''ll assess the strengths and weaknesses of your tamed beasts. Afterward, we''ll proceed with advanced training techniques to enhance their abilities and your control over them."


    "But before that, let''s go where the creatures roam. We don''t need to be in this place to train," Valeria said, a hint of impatience in her voice. "You should realize by now that we aren''t the most liked class. I hate to stand around and feel like we are part of a circus so let''s get moving." With that, Valeria led Logan towards the castle''s carriage area. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She didn''t say much during the short walk, but Logan noticed the care she had for her beasts. Her large panther, although ferocious, seemed like a kitten when around its master. The large raven, on the other hand, appeared keen on challenging Zephyr, often cawing as if laughing at the small falcon.


    "I have already checked out the area where the strongest monsters in the forest stay. We will be heading there, but first, I hear you''re friends with Rosengard. Do you happen to have any other beasts?" Valeria inquired, her eyes glinting with curiosity.


    "Yes, two others. It''s a fire type and a goblin, I thought it would be better to leave them at the Rosengard Mansion to avoid accidents," Logan replied, thinking of his salamander.


    "We will go pick them up and then head north. It seems that is where the strongest monsters are," Valeria said while helping her beasts inside the large cart.


    Logan then got on, holding his small fox in his hand while his falcon perched on his shoulder, not wanting to leave its master.


    "I heard some news today. I think you might be related to this, but the kingdom got their hands on a mutating crystal," Valeria said, pausing to observe Logan''s reaction.


    "Yes, I did," Logan flinched while he admitted his involvement.


    "Relax, young man. I can roughly guess what you''re doing. You see, I have been hunting my own share of these mutated beasts around the empire," Valeria continued, her expression thoughtful.


    "I was given the order by Hazmal, the closest divine beast to the empire. He has been killing off these creatures for a while. They have been infesting our forests and mountain chains, trying to destroy the mana veins, no doubt this is but one of many plans made by the those pale bast¡­ forgive me I meant to say demons." Valeria explained, her voice filled with anger.


    She continued while petting the large panther''s fur, "My guess is that you have met Ferra, the guardian of these lands, and she has given you the same mission. This is why I want to quickly help you get stronger so I can return to my own lands."


    "Yes, I did meet her. She was the one who gave me this little one¡­" Logan said, signaling to his fox. The small creature nuzzled against him, feeling the attention it was given.


    "True, that gave part of my theory away. It is amazing that you have one of her kin," Valeria added.


    "Oh, I think it was one of her tails. She just let me have it, telling me to help," Logan continued, recounting the encounter he had with Ferra.


    Valeria''s eyes widened slightly in surprise. "A tail from Ferra herself? That''s an amazing gift and something unheard of. It means she truly trusts you or what you will do in the future."


    "I am not sure about that, but I will be sure to kill those around here. I have at least the strength for that much," Logan said, knowing that doing nothing would not help anyone.


    He thought about his own situation at that moment. He had to at least do this much to live in this kingdom without worry, and he would at least be leveling up.


    "Now then, how about it? While we will be training and all that in the field, we should use this time so I can answer any questions you may have," Valeria said, waiting for any questions the youth might think of.


    Logan thought about his situation. He didn''t really have an idea of what to ask, understanding only the basics of this world''s common knowledge: the fact that the class was brought by beings called Great Spirits, that these spirits gave them special abilities and skills upon arriving¡ªpowers known as blessings.


    Each spirit favored every person differently, and he was blessed by the darkness spirit.


    "How about you tell me why this class is so hated," Logan finally said, thinking of one of his main concerns.


    "That, well, long ago, there was a time when humanity was put under control by bloodsuckers. These beings had the ability to tame, in a way just like we have the ability to rule over monsters." She thought a little before continuing.


    "In their case, though, they used to enslave humanity, reducing them to little more than cattle," Valeria explained, a hint of bitterness in her voice.


    "That is when the first hero Rowland came and wiped them out a few hundred years ago. But you already know this much, right? What you want to understand is why they hate tamers particularly, correct?" she asked, looking at the boy''s reaction. He did as she expected and nodded.


    "That is simple, fear¡­ Not only because, when strong enough, we can add a human to our army of tamed¡ªsomething I advocate against doing as it is not only immoral but illegal¡ªbut also because monsters with our power hold the ability to evolve," she said, looking at her panther.


    Logan heard the part about it being illegal and was internally shaken at the revelation. He remained as calm as he could and continued as if nothing had happened while cursing himself internally.


    "Noire here was only a normal house cat when I met her, but as we got stronger, she became greater than what her vessel could hold. She evolved into what you see, which is powerful, swift, and smart," Valeria explained, her voice filled with pride as she glanced at her panther.


    "Thank about the problems if a tamer uses beasts to take over kingdoms. This has happened twice in the past, and in both cases, it took an army to kill just one human and less than 10 beasts," Valeria continued, her voice somber.


    "Just remember, hero Logan, you can be strong, but there are many forces in this world. You may think you''re invincible, like the demons who started the war, but in the end, there will always be something or someone to restore balance," she finally said, her voice filled with wisdom.


    "Alright then, I think what you need to know next is how to harness the power of the Great Spirit of Darkness. To get stronger, you need to attune yourself to this great being''s power, like this." Valeria paused, concentrating as an aura of darkness radiated around her.


    Soon the inside of the carriage became dark. Logan felt her power and its ability to cause those around her to want to submit to her.


    "Having three beasts, I am sure you have done this to tame them, am I right?" she asked, calming her aura.


    "No, actually I have never tried to do that¡­" Logan said while staring at the vortex of darkness that entered back into her body, as if every pore inside her sucked the energy back in.


    "What? Then how is it you have four beasts without doing this? And don''t think I did not notice the slime that you keep around you¡­ and to tell you the truth, I only found out about this one just now when I used my power," she said, unable to contain her astonishment.


    "I have another way to tame I guess¡­" Logan stopped himself before revealing his own way of taming, he did not trust Valeria enough yet to disclose his power.


    "I know, I get it, kid, you need to trust me here. Let me tell you something: you may have enemies in this kingdom, but I am not one of them. Hell if I care what they plan or want here. If you think there are too many problems with this kingdom, just come with me. The empire may have its problems, but we don''t discriminate or try to cage an important asset."


    She laughed before continuing, "Just look at me, I was lost in the middle of the Great Zerk Mountain range when I was called up to help you here."


    Logan thought a bit more before exposing his left arm to let her see his mark that linked him with his fox.


    "What is that supposed to be¡­" she asked as she identified the same mark on the little fox.


    "Don''t tell me you are already making soul pacts. Do you have any idea how limited those are? I haven''t even been able to do that with my own beasts!" She stood up, almost hitting her head on the carriage''s roof.


    "Don''t you ever tell anyone about those marks, you hear me? They are only for the strongest tamers. Only six soul-bound beasts have been made in this world, and they are the ones protecting the forests and other territories," Valeria said, breathing roughly.


    "The great divine beasts?" he asked her, blurting out the first thing he thought of.


    "Precisely¡­ wait, does the earl know about this?" she asked, thinking about the one person who could have seen Logan doing the taming ritual.

 Chapter 41 - 41: Taming for Beginners

    Logan quickly recounted all the times he tamed and who was there to see how he did it.


    For his first tame, his Scorchwyrm, the earl and Rubina were there to witness him making the pact. As for the falcon, that could easily be taken as a fluke, as the young bird bit him, which could be passed off as an accident that no one made a deal of.


    For his fox, he was alone that time. As for his slime, only Rubina was there. Finally, when it came to the goblin, he thought back to the cave and made sure to keep his actions hidden, knowing Chloe and Kai were around.


    "From what I remember, only the Earl and his daughter should have known what I did," Logan finally told her after pondering for a while.


    "Well, I hope you can trust them. It''s an important secret that only a few should know. Think about it¡ªyour beasts have the possibility to be great divine beasts one day..." Valeria said while thinking of the long term consequences of having a hero like Logan.


    "Let''s leave all the thinking for later. Now that we have a bit of time, you should start getting a feel for your aura. Many just let it leak out; this is mainly to display their strength, like various knights and nobles do. But it is also like a beacon that tells everyone your weaknesses. It''s useless to keep it active in war or when you have enemies," Valeria began explaining.


    "To start off, you need to sense your mana. That''s the simple part, as the energy courses through your body. The difficult part is getting that energy under control and not letting it leak," she continued.


    "To do this, try focusing your mana on your palm. Make it physically exit and enter. You should have witnessed how I could expel and absorb my mana," she finished while demonstrating the same effect, having a black vapor of sorts enter and exit from her outstretched palm.


    Logan did the same, using his right hand as he tried focusing on his mana. He didn''t know how to control it, so he just tried to focus on the new energy he had never had in his life until coming into this world. It was easy to identify something that you never had before.


    The hard part was actually focusing enough to make it move around in or out of his body. The weird energy would fluctuate as he tried moving it around, but it did not produce the effect he intended.


    "Don''t worry about getting it in one go, try it a few times during the day, I did it by accident when I was taught to do it, sometimes it''s just hard to focus when your not alone." Valeria said while looking out the window. "By the way we have arrived, we should get your beast and immediately leave, we need to start as the mornings are the ideal time to hunt."


    As they arrived at the Rosengard Mansion, both Rubina and the earl greeted Logan, who was taken out back to the farm area where his tames were kept.


    Rubina, like her dad, wore a lab coat and both seemed busy with some kind of research.


    "Hey Logan, your tames are in the usual area. They should be together, as the goblin seems to enjoy the Scorchwyrm''s company. It seems your power to tame also lets them interact with each other as they would with you," the earl said while rubbing his beard. "It''s an interesting thing I would like to study later if you have time."


    Logan nodded while looking at Rubina, who seemed to be sizing up Valeria. As for Valeria, she made a formal, stoic expression.


    "Hello there, young miss, and the great monster breeder Earl Victor Rosengard. It seems young hero Logan has been in your care, so I hope we get to have the same trust. My name is Valeria Rowgar," Valeria introduced herself as politely as she could, something that took Logan by surprise.


    "If you could make some time later to speak, Earl, I would much appreciate your time."


    She finished before looking back at Logan and signaled for them to hurry.


    "Well then, I hope your trip today goes well. Sorry, but I will have to borrow Rubina for today. Hopefully, you can make time for her tomorrow, young hero," the earl said while ordering Rubina back into the research they were doing.


    Rubina left, looking back at Logan a few times. She waved just before disappearing.


    "Seems it''s a bit early for you, hero. Anyway, let''s go," Valeria said as she walked back towards the carriage area.


    Logan, who didn''t understand what she meant, wanted to question her but decided to just get his two remaining tamed beasts swiftly. Time was not going to wait for him.


    An hour into the ride, Logan felt his usual sickness. He was adapting, but long road trips like the one he was on made him feel ill. Luckily, the ailment potion was enough to cure him, though it would not fully help unless he actually stopped the ride or got out of the carriage.


    Valeria, who noticed his condition, did not want the boy to get sick on her, so she decided to keep quiet for the rest of the trip. She was busy looking at the five creatures the hero had; she only managed to have seven herself, and it was difficult and time-consuming.


    Her panther and raven were the most loyal of her creatures and knew how to behave themselves. As for her mount, it was busy resting after the long trip. Finally, her other three were left behind to keep the forest safe; they would be busy looking for mutated creatures and helping the Guardian Hazmal reduce the number of vile creatures. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The boy, on the other hand, already had five creatures, all of them soul tamed. Each one radiated a power that their kind only had after thousands of battles.


    She looked at his Scorchwyrm that was still only days old; it had already evolved, no doubt with the power of soul taming. This was not normal for a regular tamer or even an expert tamer like herself.


    Just how strong will this boy be¡­


    Valeria wondered to herself. She now understood why the empress wanted this boy to go to the empire. Yet she let him stay in this dump of a kingdom. She could guess why though¡ªyoung miss Rubina seemed to have a soft spot for the kid.


    It wasn''t long before the group reached the part of the forest where the strongest monsters roamed. It was an area Logan had never seen before. The air felt different¡ªheavier, almost oppressively so.


    He felt the mana in his body react to the environment. It seemed to pulse a little, as if something was reacting with it.


    "I guess by your expression that you have never been near a mana vein. It''s an area where the mana pours out from the world. The first time can be strange, but you will get used to it. Also, it''s a good area to find the strongest monsters, so we should have you as strong as the other heroes in a matter of hours," Valeria explained.


    "Looking at your team, I suggest we train your Scorchwyrm first. Hopefully, we can evolve him to a form that won''t require you to carry him all the time," Valeria said while looking at the salamander, who seemed to be getting a little rounder than what is expected of its species.


    "Wait, I forgot to ask before, but how does evolution work exactly?" Logan asked while wondering why he had not thought up that question earlier.


    "Like I said before, evolution tries to find a form that is most suitable for your tames. It depends on the tamer and the creatures, as it''s a class-specific skill that helps this effect happen," Valeria explained.


    Logan nodded while feeling the weight of his creature, it had grown a few pounds overnight it seemed. He had struggled yesterday and still felt some muscle pain from having to carry both him and Rubina and it still hurt now that he had picked up the salamander.


    "Well then, let''s go. Noire, Night, go find us something useful!" Valeria called out as both her well-trained beasts rushed forward into the dense forest, navigating the difficult terrain with ease.


    [Master, find, try] Zephyr tried to communicate, but Logan gently petted the young bird, not wanting it to fly in this new zone that could be dangerous for his still-infant pet, he asked him mentor just in case.


    "Oh, that''s right, it''s not a good idea to send your beast out yet. I forgot to mention it, sorry. Don''t worry though, Noire should find something¡­ yes, there we go, let''s hurry," Valeria began to apologize when the sound of a roar came from the forest. Soon, a few squeals were also heard, as well as some rumbling from the trees, as if a small earthquake was happening in front of them.

 Chapter 42 - 42: Hunting Expertise

    Logan struggled to keep up with Valeria, burdened by the weight of his Scorchwyrm on his back. The only thing that kept him at her pace was the adrenaline pumping through his veins.


    They continued for what seemed like forever, but in reality, it was only about ten minutes until they reached the place where the cries of a large beast and Valeria''s panther were battling.


    As they got closer, Logan saw how large trees were being pushed aside, with a massive beast trampling through everything in its path.


    It looked like a massive boar, its body covered in rocky, earth-like armor. The only fur it had was on its back and face, which sported four large tusks extending outwards. Its large belly resembled rhino skin, but with cracks that allowed it to move fluidly.


    The huge beast was surprisingly fast for something so big, stomping through boulders and foliage that got in its path. Meanwhile, Valeria''s panther raced through the jungle as if gliding.


    It used its powerful paws to leap from tree to tree like an acrobat, its quick maneuvering consistently leaving the large boar at least ten meters behind. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Wow, that''s a big one. It must be a chief monster of this area. Too bad its intelligence is lacking; it will be a good foe for your Scorchwyrm," Valeria said.


    "Now, let''s quickly set up a place to fight. Go towards that open area and place your beast there. Its flames should be good enough to burn through the face of that Stonehide Boar," Valeria commanded, pointing to a specific empty plot of land devastated by the fight.


    As for Valeria, she readied some tools¡ªspikes and strings that she quickly set up. Most of them, she threw into place before charging forward, as if they would have a delayed effect.


    "Hurry, we have at most half a minute for the trap to work," Valeria said as she continued her own work.


    Feeling the urgency of the matter, Logan placed his flame salamander, which seemed to be getting into the zone. Its breathing changed, and its scales produced a bright red color that made Logan back off quickly.


    "Noire, we are ready! Come!" Valeria screamed as she hid behind some shrubs. Logan received quick hand signals to stay back.


    Wiping sweat off his forehead, Logan ran back as quickly as he could. He felt everything was happening in slow motion as he turned back to see the panther three meters in the air, using three trees as stepping stones to propel itself forward. The dense forest shook with the force of Noire''s leap, branches snapping and leaves scattering in her wake.


    In the distance, the earth rumbled as the Stonehide emerged, its stone-like armor flaking off as it hit a large tree. It let out a thunderous roar, and with a swift charge, the ground trembled under its immense weight.


    It was going forward towards the trap, sensing a new opponent which it could kill with ease.


    The salamander felt that it was the new target of the large monster. To look intimidating, it bellowed a stream of flames, not enough to cause the forest harm but powerful enough to prove its might.


    Enraged at the tiny monster''s actions, the boar ran forward, its tusks set in place to pierce through anything in its path.


    Logan wanted to go back in and retrieve his monster, not fully convinced by the plan. But it was far too late¡ªthe boar suddenly stepped on the first trap. A huge explosion erupted, causing one of its front legs to bend at a strange angle. This triggered the other traps to activate. One pierced the beast with black spikes, while others, like the first, caused multiple explosions.


    The Scorchwyrm, aware that the target was being assaulted, wobbled forth. Its scales, producing intense heat, began to burn the ground beneath it as it advanced.


    It was less than five meters away, but that was enough distance for its intense flames to reach. It began breathing fire as it closed in, the flames causing the boar''s hairy face to ignite.


    The squeals from the boar were deafening as the monster was hit from all sides. Part of its face was beginning to smolder.


    "I wonder how the Earl got his hands on one of these babies. It''s one of the strongest monsters I''ve ever seen for its size. That fire will make quick work of that boar," Valeria said, now standing near Logan to ensure nothing happened to him.


    "He is¡­ isn''t he? But that fire, isn''t it dangerous?" Logan said, watching as nearby trees began to burn.


    "Oh, don''t worry. My panther will take care of that fire once your beast is done," Valeria said, pointing to her monster. The panther was already using magical black energy to extinguish the spreading flames, while her raven employed wind magic to snuff out any unintended fires instantly.


    "Your falcon should also be able to use the same technique. It''s hard to learn, as it prevents the wind from forming in a certain area. It can even cause some animals to go unconscious," Valeria explained.


    Logan quickly thought about how the wind manipulation was affecting the oxygen in the area, perfectly fitting with the phenomenon that the large raven had produced.


    Getting back to the one-sided battle, he saw the boar was about to give up on its life. Three of its legs were already broken, and most of its skin was charred. It heaved heavily as it wobbled a few times. After a minute of torture, it finally fell to one side, its breathing stopped.


    [Ping, ping, ping] Logan heard various jingles signifying a few good levels gained, not only for himself but also for his Scorchwyrm. The Scorchwyrm roared with the new power it was gaining.


    "It seems we are just getting started. I hope you''re ready for a day filled with battles. I have enough traps for about twenty monsters. That should be enough for you to start doing your part. Leave the smaller ones to your Everwind Falcon. We will concentrate on the mutations, only killing beasts like this one that impede our path forward."


    Logan nodded as he went to fetch his Scorchwyrm. The creature had already reduced its scales'' temperature enough to be safely picked up.


    Within three hours, the group had already encountered twelve mutations. This was not in Valeria''s calculations and painted a dire picture of what was happening in the forest.


    "Within my own lands, there are only about four of these mutations during the same distance that it took for us to find all twelve in this forest. Something bad is happening. It isn''t normal to have so many. Also, what is this kingdom doing? Does it not send people to check its territory?" Valeria said, while stomping on the mutation crystal which was slowly crumbling.


    "The only thing we can take from all this is that it will be easier for you to level. The mutations are many, but they are just starting, so they should still give you enough experience to raise a few levels," Valeria finished.


    She then directed her gaze towards a particular area in the forest, where her raven seemed to be calling from.


    "Seems we have a horde of something over there. Let''s hurry and check so we can make a plan," she said, guiding the team towards the location of her bird.


    "There, do you see them? The thick green hide is perfect for this area, but I can smell that stench a whole league away. We seem to have stumbled into Warks. They may look human, but don''t let them fool you¡ªthey have a particular interest in human meat," Valeria said, as Logan''s vision finally focused on one part of the forest.


    There, he saw a type of pig-faced, bipedal monster, whose hair grew in various parts of its body as if it were wearing clothing.


    The monsters were looking up at the raven, which cawed to get their attention. They didn''t seem too intelligent as they picked up stones to throw at the bird, most of them missing.


    "This won''t be hard if we find a good position. Remember, Logan, hunting is all about finding the perfect vantage point. Always remember it''s not all about sight but also smell and hearing," she finished, while leading the group to where her panther had settled itself.


    It seemed to have found a spot where the wind was not strong and was well protected behind various bushes, making the perfect cover for them.


    "As with before, I will toss a few bombs to cause some chaos. Place your Scorchwyrm¡­ over¡­ there, yeah, that spot should be good. Just watch where you''re stepping so you don''t make too much noise. While Warks don''t have good hearing, their sense of smell is particularly strong," she said, setting up everyone''s positions.


    Her panther made three powerful jumps and landed on a large branch about four stories high, ready to pounce if necessary.


    Logan, as before, followed the instructions to the letter. He placed his beast and ran back to the team''s hiding spot.


    Explosions suddenly attracted the Warks'' attention, causing them to look back at the lone salamander. Hunger guiding their actions, they rushed towards their new victim.

 Chapter 43 - 43: Primal Evolution

    Logan looked back once again, feeling bad for his beast who had to face monsters alone. It was for the best, and he was really not in any danger as Valeria''s traps proved they were effective.


    They would always be perfectly placed to cause the most damage and cripple the enemy enough to not kill it but perfectly leave them open for his monster to deal the finishing blow.


    He was interested in her tactics and was willing to learn them to reduce the damage his tamed beasts would take in the future and make him more useful in battle.


    As he got in place, he felt the breath of his beast behind him, starting its flaming ability. The forest smelled of smoke and grilled meat as it hit the first of its prey. The Warks, now fully focused on the Scorchwyrm, charged in wildly, their hunger driving them forward.


    Valeria''s raven and Logan''s Everwind Falcon circled above, keeping an eye on the battlefield. The bombs had caused significant chaos, and the Warks were severely disoriented. As the Scorchwyrm continued to breathe fire, the Warks'' numbers began to dwindle. Logan could see the battle was turning in their favor.


    As the Warks began to feel the loss in their numbers, they tried escaping. This was met with more traps, making them sitting ducks. The Scorchwyrm now had the confidence to walk forth and burn every single enemy before it, its powerful flames killing even the most fearless of the Warks.


    [Ping, Ping, Ping] Logan heard the melody of his level-ups, his body rejuvenating the fatigue and strength he had lost so far. He grinned with satisfaction as his level rose.


    "Say, mentor¡­ don''t you have any skills you can use? Why do you only use traps?" he questioned, wondering if she also had the capability to use her monsters'' powers or any other skills that would be useful for him in the future.


    "What do you mean, hero? Having various tamed beasts and learning to harness their skills... wait, if I recall correctly, you should be able to use soul-tamed beasts'' skills. Don''t tell me you can also use your Scorchwyrm''s ability?" Valeria said, looking enviously at Logan. She was almost tempted to shake him by the collar for not telling her earlier.


    "After all this, we will be having a long talk. I need to know everything, Logan. Like I said, I want to train you as fast as possible. There is my own territory to maintain, and I can''t be here long," she said with a stern voice before continuing. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Well, now that I know this, we should focus on eliminating the mutations after this battle. I won''t have to worry too much about my traps running out."


    Just as they were speaking, something happened on the battlefield. The flames whirled around, causing chaos. Logan knew something was happening with his Scorchwyrm, as it had leveled up just before the explosive power surged.


    "You should thank the Great Darkness Spirit for the power you were given, Logan. It usually takes a year of training for this to happen normally, you know. At least my guess about your monster''s evolution was spot on," Valeria spoke out as she and everyone witnessed the event unfolding before them.


    The light from the flame was so strong that no one could tell what was happening within the vortex; they just felt the power and the blessing of the Fire Spirit converge to help the Scorchwyrm transcend.


    Finally, all the flames converged on a single point, as if his monster was drawing in the inferno. A great cloud of smoke enveloped the fire beast, concealing it from their sight.


    "Kree-rah!" A new beast emerged from the smoke with a powerful jump. It looked fierce as its golden scales shone in the sun, the forest around it turning to ashes.


    At first, he did not recognize it, but the colors and texture of its scales made it obvious who it was. The Scorchwyrm, or whatever species it had now become, had grown in size.


    [No way I will ever carry you again, Scorch¡­] Logan muttered, as he went closer to his beast. It stood tall, almost two meters high, and its length was probably seven meters long, with most of it attributed to the large, powerful tail.


    [Master, I stronger, look good?]


    "A raptor, how to say no to that?" Logan yelled as he hugged his beast, who placed its head on his chest, as gentle-tempered as ever. Despite the transformation, the bond between them remained strong, and Logan felt a surge of pride and affection for his loyal companion.


    "Now that is an evolution, I would have never guessed possible. To tell you the truth, I have never seen such a monster. It seems more primal than anything I have ever seen," Valeria said, examining every part of Logan''s new beast.


    "Instead of you carrying your tame around it will be the opposite, I can already see you using this kid as a mount especially when in this forest." She said with excitement in her voice, "Actually¡­ let''s try that, I have an extra saddle for when I need to use Noire to travel quickly through parts of my territory, she is not fond of it so it should work better for you."


    Logan nodded, feeling excited at the prospect of not using a carriage again. Valeria retrieved the saddle from her own pocket dimension and handed it to him. It was sturdy, designed to withstand any rough terrain. Logan along with Valeria carefully fitted it onto Scorch, who seemed curious about the new accessory.


    With Valeria''s guidance, Logan climbed onto his new raptor''s back. The beast stood tall and steady, ready to move.


    Logan felt somewhat scared just like a kid getting on his first bicycle while he settled into the saddle, his legs gripping the creature''s sides.


    [Scorch please go slowly I have never done this, just as I know its something new for you too, bud.] Logan commanded while petting his tames radiant scales.


    His new raptor began with a few slow steps to get used to his body and the added weight, before launching into a swift run.


    [Slowly, slowly Scorch!] Logan communicated while grabbing onto his mount''s neck.


    [Running, fun, slow never¡­more] He heard his beast say with joy, but this was not a shared emotion, Logan struggled to keep himself on its back as it rushed forth.


    It took a while for his beast to settle but it was enough for Logan to get used to some of its speed, it was not made to walk but to run, this was evident by its powerful legs that could jump ten meters with ease.


    "Well that was more than I expected, it''s good that you could hang on, but I will advise you to find a good leatherworker to add some straps and fit the saddle for your beast. The Earl should help you with that." Valeria said as Logan returned getting off his new mount while holding on to a tree to help his wobbling legs.


    "How long does it take¡­" Logan said breathlessly, his hair a mess while he trying to remove the feeling of being constantly shaken.


    "About a week to get used to the movement, a few months to become a true beginner but that will probably be reduced because of your bond with your beast, after that its just like everything else where you need to place years of dedication and practice." She replied which made Logan hopeful.


    "I am not sure you know this, but I can send telepathic signals to my beasts," Logan said, trying to not sound like he was boasting but also not wanting his new mentor to grill him for not saying that earlier.


    "I knew it, you were hiding something else. What else can you do? Morph into your creature or something¡­ Why are you kids so strong¡­" Valeria said as if looking disgusted, she made a big sigh before returning to the new task on hand.


    "Now that you won''t have to carry your kid, we will start moving fast, there are at least twenty mutations in this forest and now that you don''t need as much experience, we will start working on honing your skills. Don''t just rely on your tame beasts'' instincts, it is fine for the most part, but for unpredictable battles that is dangerous." She warned while sending off her raven and panther off again.


    "First off, now that you have your greatest asset, which is this¡­ I don''t even know what species it is, but what do you call him?" Valeria questioned.


    "His name is Scorch¡­" Logan said with a timid voice.


    "Yeah¡­ Scorch." She looked at him with a knowing gaze before continuing, "Well then, now that you have him, it will be wise to start looking into tactics that you could use for the next battle. I want you to only use him for the first mutation; after that, we should start working on your overall teamwork."


    Logan nodded at her suggestion, realizing the importance of developing his leadership skills. To command an army of tamed creatures, he knew he needed to be more strategic and well-prepared.


    He then turned his attention to something crucial¡ªchecking on his fire beast''s stats.

 Chapter 44 - 44: Infernal Raptor

    After finishing the wild ride, Logan dismounted with Valeria''s assistance and eagerly checked his tamed monster''s updated stats. He couldn''t wait to see the extent of its newfound strength.


    [Name: Scorch / Species: Infernal Raptor / Level: 16 / Blood Mark: Neck / Loyalty: 36/100]


    Str: 18 / Agi: 16 / Dex: 13 / Con: 14 / Int: 15 / Char: 8


    Flame Breath: Unleashes a powerful stream of fire capable of incinerating foes.


    Molten Scales: Scales radiate intense heat, burning anything that comes into contact with them.


    Searing Whip: Whips its tail releasing a blazing slash on its path.


    Inferno Burst: Unleashes a powerful burst of flames, dealing massive fire damage to enemies in a wide area.


    Flame Aura: Surrounds itself with an aura of fire, reducing damage taken and burning any enemies that come close.]


    As he finished reading his tamed beast''s stats, Logan noticed the significant changes in his beast. Previously, it had low strength and high intelligence. Now, its strength had risen exponentially while its intelligence remained high. It was a substantial improvement, one he welcomed with satisfaction.


    Scorch seemed like a completely different creature. Before, it had been lazy and kept to itself, but now it had gained the confidence to walk around and even interact with Logan''s fox. It made the first move to nuzzle up to Logan, showing affection¡ªsomething it rarely did before.


    [Small creature, I stronger, I''m best] Scorch communicated to Luna, whose fur stood on end.


    [Grrrr, wait, master, I stronger, soon] Luna growled in response, her eyes blazing with a competitive but very cute spirit.


    Scorch''s intelligence was not enough to make him speak properly, but it did get a bit more fluid. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan watched the exchange between Scorch and Luna with amusement. It was fascinating to see how his creatures interacted, even if it was a bit rough around the edges.


    "I know you are having fun, Logan, but I need to remind you that we need to keep training. There is more to learn about tactics, especially now that you have a new tamed beast," Valeria said.


    "You''re right, we wasted too much time. Where should we head next?" Logan asked, switching to his serious demeanor. He did not want to waste more time, seeing how much things had changed with proper help.


    "We will have your Scorch start training. I want to see how much he has improved," Valeria said. She then called for her tamed beasts, expert trackers, to lead the way. They would hunt the mutated creatures first before giving the normal beasts a try.


    Within minutes, both tamed creatures found monsters but in opposite directions. Without giving Logan time to decide, Valeria quickly instructed his Falcon to follow her Raven. Meanwhile, the rest of Logan''s team and Valeria were guided by the panther, who had returned to lead them.


    "It''s weird, but this forest is even more infected than I originally thought," Valeria remarked.


    "Something strange is happening. The vile demons'' movements may have been rushed to cause problems for your summoned creatures. Good thing we learned about this before a stampede could occur. It was crucial that you found the Forest Guardian on time. Now, let''s go¡ªwe have no time to waste."


    Valeria rushed forth, hopping on her large cat. Logan chased behind, his tames perched on top of his raptor. His goblin clung to his back, and his fox held on for its dear life as the mount ran to keep up with the black beast.


    "Good to know you''re getting better at riding your beast. It''s a good sign," Valeria said, glancing back.


    Logan nodded, gripping the harness. The pointed scales on the back of his tamed creature provided something to hold on to, helping him steady himself.


    As they ran forth, they witnessed Valeria swiftly dealing with the minor enemies. Those she could kill in a few hits were taken down by the strange black magic that her panther unleashed with a swipe or by the crossbow she wielded, causing the bodies to explode upon impact.


    Most of the beasts easily dealt with were no larger than a wolf. Many were probably normal animals that had been infected. None of them posed a significant threat, so Valeria saw no need to stop and have Logan hunt them.


    As they reached a particular area, they noticed trees on the ground, and a moss-covered monster whose body showed signs of corruption. It struggled to hold on to its sanity, with most of its leaves appearing dead and its skin barely containing color.


    "What have they done to you, poor creature?" Valeria called out. The monster, trying to maintain its original gentle demeanor, stomped near their direction as if to tell them to stay away.


    "Chex techu," Logan''s goblin called out in a sorrowful voice, one hand extended as if it knew the creature.


    [Tis, a forest keeper,] she tried to communicate, pain evident in her voice.


    "What is a forest keeper?" Logan called out to Valeria, trying to figure out his tamed beast''s intentions.


    "It''s one of the guards placed by the Guardian of the Forest. Without it, the monsters could run amok. It''s an important part of this area; it keeps the mana stable enough so that not all animals turn into magical beasts," Valeria explained, concern evident in her voice.


    "We need to try something. Look for a shard or stone around it. It''s not fully infected, so maybe we can overturn the mutation if we remove it," Valeria suggested.


    Logan began to search one side while Valeria checked the other. The massive beast was at least three meters high, but its most impressive feature was its long body, which stretched at least eight meters like a giant snake. It had two arms it used to move and two antlers that resembled tree branches.


    It was challenging to inspect each part, so Logan decided to enlist his monsters for assistance, cautioning them against touching anything directly.


    "There should be a pattern. Some leaves are withered, but how is it that it''s spread all over its body?" Logan mumbled, trying to decipher the mutation process.


    [Scorch, jump over the beast. Maybe you could spot something from a higher position,] Logan communicated while being careful of the great beast''s hands, which began to try pushing them away.


    The guardian made low grumbles as it tried to maintain its sanity, struggling as it raised its hands to hold its head.


    "Scorch, do you see anything?" Logan called out, anxiously awaiting a response.


    "Logan, it should be in its stomach. Tell your creature to stop jumping; we need to figure out how to make this beast turn over," Valeria called from the other side.


    Logan quickly moved to join her, his tames sensing his worry and remaining hidden in the forest.


    "Come kid, get some of these bombs. They''re some of my ones, so set them apart carefully. We need to make this beast flip to its side and hurry to remove the jewel. Also, call back your Fox and have it freeze the floor¡ªmake it fast. The guardian isn''t moving to let us help, but once it gets fully mutated, it will start trying to kill us," Valeria instructed.


    Without hesitation, Logan rushed through his task. His Fox, already instructed, caused ice to cover the floor. Everything was done as quickly as possible, and within seconds, everyone was in position.


    Logan, Scorch, and Valeria took their places on one side, while the Fox and Goblin, who had no major role, were on the other side hiding behind trees and shrubs, ready to assist if needed.


    As the great monster held its head, it had no time to ponder what was about to happen. Valeria signaled with her fingers, activating a string with mana. The bombs detonated, causing an explosion that pushed the beast to the side.


    "Now hurry!" Valeria shouted, rushing forward as they both searched for any signs of the gem. As soon as he got two meters below the creature, Logan felt the source.


    "There, hurry! It''s about to roll back!" he yelled, urgency clear in his voice.


    Valeria, having no time to think, pulled out a sword and plunged it into the decaying part of the beast, causing it to roar in pain.


    Before it had a chance to whip her away, her panther jumped in, and Scorch, sensing his master''s worry, used his powerful legs to push the beast to the side.


    Blood spattered, luckily still red, along with a jewel that was cut away with parts of the great beast''s skin. The monster roared in anger, but it started to feel better, at least with the mental confusion that had kept it half-berserk beginning to fade.


    "Let''s retreat. He should go back to normal if he didn''t absorb too much of that negative energy, but if in ten minutes he starts to act up, we need to kill him. So prepare," Valeria yelled, causing everyone to relocate to a safe location.


    Logan used this time to get on Scorch''s back and return to his other two tames, which were defenseless in this situation.

 Chapter 45 - 45: First Blood

    Everyone was in place, waiting to see what the forest keeper would do. The creature was still reeling in pain on the floor, but Logan expected it to recover soon.


    In less than five minutes, the large creature cried out before settling itself. It started pulling the dead parts of its body off, roaring as if pulling out large patches of hair.


    With each piece it removed, its overall appearance became healthier.


    After finishing its painful task, the creature looked around. Its gaze first turned to Valeria and her panther, then to Logan and his group. It let out a long breath and, with a raspy voice, roared as if acknowledging their actions.


    Using its strong arms, it began digging a large hole, its actions causing an earthquake as its claws dug into the ground. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In no time, the beast had disappeared, as if not wanting to show its disgraceful balding figure. Both Valeria and Logan were stunned by this but just laughed it off before focusing on the sound of fighting in the distance.


    Their birds seemed to be in a scuffle with something in the sky¡ªa large eagle that also seemed infected, its body halfway withered.


    The raven, being the more experienced fighter, seemed to be giving orders, while Zephyr assisted from afar with wind magic.


    This magic caused the eagle to worry about falling or struggle with the changing wind currents and pressure.


    The raven used dark magic to produce dark tendrils, extracting a tiny blue crystal from the eagle. Once the crystal was removed, the eagle lost all its power. Zephyr then used wind magic to soften the blow as the eagle landed on top of a tree.


    "It seems most of the beasts affected by the mutation are just starting. We need to move out; the culprit might still be around here." Valeria called her raven and panther back with a clear purpose.


    Logan told his Falcon to listen to her orders as the boy followed from behind.


    "We need to be careful not to scare whoever is causing this. I will be frank with you; it will most likely be a demon, probably the first one you have ever seen. Don''t think that just because it looks human, it won''t harm you," she said before mounting her panther. Logan followed closely behind.


    Both of their birds began to scout the surroundings. An easier method to identify the source of the forest''s problems was to follow the path of the mutants.


    The raven, already aware of the strategy, ignored the infected monsters and began following the trail.


    The falcon, inexperienced in such matters, followed a little behind to keep the team updated. It soared above Logan''s group, communicating anything it could see from the sky.


    They continued this cautious journey for an hour and a half, stepping carefully through the dense forest and pausing at every suspicious sound.


    Although the team encountered numerous beasts in the early stages of mutation, they chose to ignore them for now. Finding the true culprit was their top priority.


    The one responsible should still be nearby, as they approached an area where mutation was just beginning. Crystals were embedded in the ground near a food source, seemingly designed to attract the monsters.


    "There is a clear culprit around here. Keep close, and try to make your tame less noisy as it moves. We need to capture at least one of them," Valeria said, her temper close to blowing as she saw how many beasts were dying or struggling against the mutation.


    As they got closer to wherever the raven was leading them, they dismounted their rides.


    Logan was instructed to follow at least ten meters behind, as his monsters didn''t know how to navigate the forest without stepping on branches or leaves, causing noise.


    As the raven finally perched atop a particular tree, Logan halted. He watched as Valeria jumped onto her tamed beast, directing it to climb a few large branches to stay hidden from view.


    Logan couldn''t see anything but sensed that up ahead, there were likely one or two demons they needed to take down. He stayed alert, trusting Valeria''s lead and preparing himself for the upcoming confrontation.


    His hands began to tremble as he recalled how Rubina''s form didn''t look much different from a human. He couldn''t come to terms with what might come next.


    Though he wanted to leave, he didn''t want to abandon his mentor. What kept him in place was knowing that many creatures were suffering because of whoever was spreading the infection.


    Logan steeled his heart; this was something he needed to do. He clenched his hands, waiting for any signal from Valeria.


    It didn''t take long. The raven cawed three times, prompting Valeria to have her mount close in on whoever was causing the trouble. In her hand, he saw a blade he had yet to see her use.


    Logan moved a bit closer, leaving his goblin and fox behind. He kept only the slime, which always clung to him, and his raptor for ease of movement. He didn''t yet feel capable of keeping both pets safe while running at top speed.


    [When you hear something, rush forth, Scorch. We need to end whoever is doing this¡­] Logan communicated while taking out a dagger from his ring. It was a small blade, but it could possibly be enough to help him if the situation turned worse.


    As soon as they heard the explosion, Scorch ran forward, dodging any trees in his path. Logan clung to Scorch''s neck as they charged forth.


    Before long, they saw three robed individuals. One of them was already engaged in battle with Valeria, while the other two were being stared down by her panther. It was a good chance.


    [The one on the left!] he called out, trying to resist the wind pressure that was making him lose his grip. His raptor charged in, taking the robed individual by surprise.


    Just like in the dinosaur movies, it leapt into battle, using its talons to attack from behind, piercing the body as if it were paper.


    Logan felt sick looking at what his tamed creature had done, its talons already dirtied with red liquid. Nevertheless, he jumped as soon as his tame settled. The panther was already engaged in a fight with the other robed being.


    Logan raised his dagger in defense, sensing the powerful magic the robed users were trying to unleash. He braced himself, knowing that the fight was about to reach its peak.


    [Go for the one in front, I''ll help Valeria,] Logan instructed, rushing toward his mentor''s side.


    Of the three, the one the panther and raptor were fighting was the strongest. Valeria struggled mainly because the robed one she fought was much faster than her.


    Everyone seemed pretty capable in battle, which unsettled Logan. He didn''t know what to do with his dagger and didn''t want to find out. However, the chaos around him demanded that he fight.


    Three explosions resounded as magic was cast. One was directed at him, which he dodged at the last second, but part of his clothes was singed. The other two explosions¡ªone hit a tree, and the third hit his beast.


    "Hey, watch where you''re hitting!" Logan cried out in rage, now convinced he needed to use his blade. The situation was dire, especially after seeing some of his beast''s scales torn off and hearing its pained groans.


    The robed individual didn''t see him but sensed the danger and jumped back. Valeria intercepted with a kick, pushing the person back into the battle. Logan didn''t plan his next move, but he felt his blade connect as the robed person was forced back.


    His hands trembled, but the anger in his heart didn''t subside. He stabbed again, causing even Valeria to flinch at the young boy''s intense determination.


    After a few more stabs, Logan finally stopped, his hands red. The boy looked confused, breathing hard.


    "What did..." he muttered, watching the body fall before him, its life fading away as the being began coughing blood.


    You did well, boy. That is all," Valeria called out behind him, patting him before heading towards her tame, which had the final assailant by the throat, ready to break it if he tried to move.


    "You also did well, Noire. Splendid job. At least we have one alive," she said, quickly using magic to cover the stranger''s mouth and nose, making him pass out.


    She suddenly heard the boy retching in a corner. The body he had stabbed had its face uncovered¡ªit was a young girl, probably in her late teens or early twenties.


    Her skin was changing back from blue to its normal skin color the only notable traits where two horns above her ears.


    "Why did you look¡­" Valeria sighed. She knew what had made the boy sick. It wasn''t something she had planned, but seeing the youth with trembling hands and a tear-filled face, she realized he should not have witnessed this yet.

 Chapter 46 - 46: Battle Front

    Reynar was a privileged youth, beloved by the Spirit of Light from an early age. He was always at the top of his class, his age group, and his academy. At the age of four, he held his first sword, and at eight, his first wand.


    He was the first prince and heir to a small kingdom, a place now on everyone''s lips as it was where the heroes were summoned. He felt proud and was even told he could leave and be exempted from war as a reward for his kingdom''s achievements, but that was not what the young boy in his late teens wanted.


    As he grew and joined the military, memories of the past haunted him. Six years ago, he had witnessed the fall of one of the largest kingdoms. He had been sent to aid the empire, which had called for reinforcements during a battle between the three largest forces on the continent.


    During that time, the empire called upon all those under its influence, as well as its allies, to battle against the powerful Burgia and Zelthy Kingdoms. These two great kingdoms had succumbed to the demonic forces later after this great battle.


    It was revealed that this was all part of a cunning plan to weaken the power of both nations, allowing the demons to initiate an unimpeded invasion while the soldiers were out fighting.


    This led to the First Great War, which ended in a stalemate. Those who were tricked returned only to find their homes in ruins, and many were killed, along with numerous small countries.


    The demons took over half of the continent through these tactics. As for Reynar, he decided to stay to give his soldiers hope. He felt that leaving would undermine everything he had accomplished so far.


    Today, the war had reached the border of the empire, a place every small kingdom wanted to protect to prevent the battle from reaching their own territories.


    In the distance, long-range magic was used, and he could see how it struck the empire''s defensive arrays, causing tremors that made everyone rush out of their tents to witness the frightening spectacle.


    The empire''s mages were preparing to return fire with their own long-range spells when a large explosion erupted within one of the allied army''s tents. Soldiers quickly began to mobilize, their movements swift and coordinated.


    Reynar readied himself, donning his armor and gripping his long sword trying to stop his trembling hand.


    It was rare, but sometimes crazed monsters emerged from the forest, blue and pale, ready to explode on contact. Today, the monsters seemed alarmingly close to his area. When one exploded, more would emerge, creating a deadly chain reaction.


    "Your Highness Reynar! Let''s go, the attack is from the east this time. They seem to be coming in hordes, so ready a shield," one of his close aides called out.


    He readied his antimagic shield that had protected him from various previous attacks. The monsters this time seemed to be a type of wolf monster; they were larger than normal wolves, with glowing red eyes and dark blue fur.


    Their growls and howls filled the air, sending shivers down the spines of the soldiers.


    A horn resounded from the area where the battle would take place, attracting most of the monsters with the sounds produced by the magical instrument. Everyone was ready.


    Reynar settled himself on top of his mount, a thoroughbred Breeze Roc¡ªone of his kingdom''s best¡ªwhich his father had gifted him before leaving for the war.


    His armored bird was given antimagic armor like his shield, essential for Reynar to charge. Deciding on a large pike to kill from afar, he began gathering his own troops.


    Imbuing power into a tool for speaking, he called out to his three top generals, one of them his mentor, Lord Harris who was the real commander in his camp, before addressing the whole platoon. "Set, ready!"


    The generals nodded, their faces determined. The troops quickly formed into their designated units, prepared to face the oncoming horde. Reynar felt a surge of pride and responsibility as he watched his soldiers ready themselves for battle.


    "Stay strong and hold the line!" he commanded, his voice echoing across the camp. "We fight for our kingdom, for our people!"


    The Breeze Roc beneath him ruffled its feathers, sensing the fluctuations of mana in the air. With a deep breath, Reynar raised his pike, signaling the beginning of the charge. The troops followed his lead, moving forward with a coordinated precision honed through countless battles.


    "Charge!" Prince Reynar yelled with the most commanding voice he could muster, letting his mount rush forth at top speed. His cavalry followed behind, while the militia ran using either magic to propel themselves forward or tools to hasten their speed.


    The clash between humans and monsters happened almost instantly. In a world where magic reigned supreme, battles were brutal, and only the strongest survived.


    Reynar''s pike pierced the first of the wolf monsters, its dark blood splattering across his armor. The creature let out a pained howl before collapsing.


    A special group within the army was responsible for creating dark voids to remove corpses, using either transport spells or void spells that devoured the dead remains, whether beast or human.


    This was a war where humans who died had no place for a proper burial. A new tactic used by demons made even corpses explode, something that had caused many casualties before a solution was devised.


    Around him, his troops engaged in fierce combat. Magic spells lit up the battlefield, and the sounds of clashing weapons and roaring monsters filled the air. Reynar''s focus was unwavering as he fought, his mind sharp and his movements precise.


    As the battle raged on, he could see his generals leading their respective units with skill and courage. His mentor, in particular, was a beacon of strength and leadership, inspiring the soldiers around him as well as the young man.


    Another sound of the great horn was heard just as they were finishing with the first wave, this one made in three bursts signaling a retreat to reorganize.


    "Reynar, let''s recall the troops. Something bigger is coming, we need to be ready!" Sir Harlok roared as many of their soldiers were still scattered about. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Retreat! Raise the flag, we need to retreat!" Reynar called out, using his magic tool. The area had many craters and uneven surfaces, and was so full of blood and corpses that it caused even his mount to struggle to run.


    After most of the army returned to a safe spot, the mages set the battlefield ablaze from afar. It was one of many tactics to slow the next wave, and with the explosions the bodies caused, it made for an effective strategy.


    Sadly, it also took the lives of any soldiers who could not make it back.


    "What are we facing next, Ermond? We need a field report!" Reynar called out to his logistics team''s leader, a bald man known for his ingenious way of using wind magic¡ªsome even rebranded his magic as sound magic.


    "Four Tusk Grav-Wools, about thirty of them. Some have demons as riders. This might not be a typical fight; they have finally invaded these lands. It''s the first time the demons have come out," Ermond replied, his voice dry.


    "How did they get so many? I bet there aren''t even more than five in all my territory. We need to change strategy. Bring me my bow! We will need to aim for soft spots. Get the mages ready; swords and short-ranged weapons will be useless here!" Lord Harris called out, seriously wondering why he had not sent the first prince back, even after having finished teaching him everything he knew.


    "Prince, we will need at least ten of us to ride out to keep the monsters at bay. It seems there are at least five hundred soldiers from all the kingdoms who will be sent out on this mission. I will lead our own; you need to stay here this time, do you hear?" Lord Harris tried using his commanding voice to deter the prince from going.


    "No, I will also¡ª" Reynar tried to say.


    "You will do no such thing. Your father asked me to personally stop you if it came to these situations. And don''t worry, I won''t be dying here yet; this war is just starting, kid," Lord Harris assured the young boy.


    "Fine, be careful, mentor." Reynar tried his best to mask his frustration and worry, knowing his mentor''s wisdom was worth heeding.


    As soon as they settled the matter, rumbles could be felt. The forest on the enemy''s side split as large mammoth-like creatures emerged. These beasts had four tusks and a large, muscular chest, with arms that looked like those of a gorilla.


    They charged forth, slapping away bodies that stumbled toward the fire. The handlers quickly began using water magic to clear the flames.


    Reynar, like many long-distance attackers, started charging either arrows or magic, aiming for the Four Tusk Grav-Wools'' eyes or the ends of their muscle tissue. Some bold archers and mages targeted the heart or throat, trying to pierce the most vital areas.


    The sounds of battle filled the air as arrows and magic missiles soared through the sky, striking and killing the first of the Grav-Wools.


    Some found their mark, hitting eyes, muscle tissue, hearts, and throats, causing the beasts to howl in pain. The demon handlers'' water magic worked to extinguish the flames, creating a clearer battlefield.


    Reynar focused his energy, charging a powerful spell to empower his arrow. He aimed at a particularly large Grav-Wool, hoping to take it down and create a ripple effect among the enemy ranks. As his magic reached its peak, he released the bowstring with a forceful gesture.


    The spell hit its target, causing the monster to stagger and fall. The arrow continued its path, hitting two others behind it and creating chaos within the enemy ranks.


    Seeing their leader''s success, the troops gained a surge of confidence. They pressed forward, using their combined efforts to pressure the large monsters.


    Lord Harris, leading the cavalry, skillfully maneuvered his mount and lance, taking down weakened enemies or going straight for the mages who controlled the beasts.


    The battle was fierce, but Reynar''s strategy and the bravery of his soldiers began to turn the tide. Each Grav-Wool defeated was a step closer to securing their position and protecting their kingdom. Reynar knew they could not afford to falter; the stakes were too high.


    Despite the chaos, Reynar''s mind remained sharp. He called out commands, directing his troops with precision. The air was thick with smoke and the scent of burning flesh, but he stood resolute, a beacon of hope for his men and other kingdoms'' soldiers.


    When fewer than five of the great beasts were left, Reynar began to falter. His strength had long given out, but he knew that his job was done. The rest could be handled by the empire''s elite, who always took the best part.


    Reynar took a moment to catch his breath. He watched as wyverns took to the skies and used large magical stakes to finish off the leftovers.


    The sour mood of all the troops changed to one of bliss, as everyone cheered for the victory.


    As for Prince Reynar, he thought about his land.


    "How long will we last¡­ Father, mother, sisters¡­ I hope you never have to face these challenges. For now, we can celebrate, but who knows what tomorrow may bring¡­"

 Chapter 47 - 47: Remorse and Recovery

    Logan didn''t know how he got back, but he found himself in the room he used at the Rosengard Estate. His hands were still trembling, the young demon girl''s face ever-present in his memory.


    He could feel the way he killed her, the anger that drove his actions, making him shiver to remember.


    Especially when he made the mistake of seeing her face¡ªher bloody mouth, her lifeless eyes¡ªthey tormented him. It was not what he wanted to do.


    He felt his fox over his sheet, the embrace of his slime, and even the goblin at the corner of his bed, crunching on something. Yet, he couldn''t feel the warmth from any of them.


    Not even the blanket he was using was enough. He covered his head just to make sure, trying to hold on to the contents of his empty stomach, acid doing its best to burn his insides.


    An hour, two hours¡ªhe did not keep count of the time. It wasn''t until he felt a hand over his back that he reacted.


    "Logan?" He heard the sweet voice of Rubina calling him. He knew she had called him many times during the day, but this time he reacted to it.


    "I know how you are feeling, but you have to remember you did it to protect your own. Remember how you felt and try to understand that what you did was worth something," she said, keeping her hand on his back.


    She used some magic to make the area around him warm. Her soothing voice lulled Logan to sleep as Rubina began to softly hum a melody.


    Seeing the boy finally asleep, Rubina stayed for a few more minutes, just in case he happened to wake up unexpectedly.


    She overheard what had happened and knew Logan was not yet ready to kill others.


    Rubina could understand killing beasts; they seemed easier to get over after a while. But killing humans¡ªor in this case, demons¡ªwas another matter altogether.


    Valeria dropped off Logan and talked to her father before informing the kingdom about what had happened. She said she would emphasize the fragile minds of the teenagers and how difficult it would be to introduce killing to the other heroes.


    Rubina herself had never killed another human or demon, so she didn''t truly know how Logan felt. Her father was not one for fighting, but for creating¡ªeach day, he bred new creatures of various species for his research. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The only death Rubina witnessed was the killing of insects or the lesser intelligent beings to be fed to the carnivores. She didn''t even have to take part in that, as her father had many workers to oversee such roles.


    She sighed as she looked at Logan''s tames, who did their best to be there for their master.


    The only one not present was his newly evolved Scorchwyrm, or whatever new species it was, because it was too big for the room. It would easily take up half of the place.


    All of them looked sad, scared, and anxious. It seemed that even the short time they had spent with their master was enough to form a strong bond.


    She left the room and went down to visit Logan''s newest tame. It still had some parts of its leg damaged by magic, which seemed to be what drove Logan to kill.


    The limb was slowly healing with magic, but scales were not the same as skin¡ªthey would take a little more time to grow back.


    The young beast cried out in joy upon seeing Rubina, who often brought it more food than she should have. She had done this since the first day Logan left the beast here, thinking it would be a good way to get on Logan''s good side.


    She petted the young creature, and then went over to her father''s laboratory. The earl was busy examining a mutation crystal, which was the cause of many of the problems the kingdom was facing lately.


    He was testing it on some insect creatures, trying to figure out a way to prevent the mutation. The mutation was causing the creatures to experience an anomaly in their mana cores, something that made them expend mana erratically and even caused the cores to explode when enough time was spent with the blue gem.


    "There doesn''t seem to be anything I can do for now. Only light magic helps, but the crystal needs to be removed to purify the body. It will take too long to heal every creature in the forest this way," he said, taking off his strange spectacles that allowed him to magnify what he was looking at.


    His assistant, who was brought by the Church of Light, helped decontaminate the area and used a purifying spell on the earl before he left, to make sure to prevent any consequences from the prolonged exposure.


    "Well Rubina, how is Logan doing? I hope he is resting well. He will need time to heal from what he is going through," the earl said, walking back into the mansion with his daughter who was hugging his arm.


    "It seems he finally went to sleep after I helped him with some of my magic. I don''t think it will last long, so I had his maid check on him," Rubina replied. Everyone seemed too tired to eat, so they decided to talk for a while before sleeping.


    It took two days before Logan had the strength to get up, thanks mostly to the help of his tamed beasts. They seemed eager to eat, though some, like him, abstained from eating.


    He didn''t like this though; they didn''t have to suffer just because of him. Logan got up, which made the rest of his beasts to imitate him.


    His cute little fox wagged her tail like a puppy, placing her small paws on his legs as if asking to be picked up.


    His slime, which was attached to him, jiggled slightly, likely the weakest of his beasts due to the lack of food. As for his falcon, it entered through a half-opened window, holding a small rodent ready for Logan.


    [Master, food, I brought!] it communicated with an innocent tone; Logan did not know how to respond to its strange act of kindness.


    "Thank you, everyone. Zephyr, humans can''t eat that, but I appreciate the offer." Logan petted the falcon, who promptly devoured the refused meal.


    It was still happy that its master was pleased by its action. Logan knew his tamed beasts were doing their best to support him, even when he felt he didn''t deserve it.


    "Come, let''s find our friendly little goblin who is probably in the kitchen, and meet up with Scorch, whom I haven''t checked on for a few days," Logan said as he put on a new set of clothing that Ruri had left for him.


    Tossing the dirty clothes away felt refreshing. They probably still had dirt from the outing; his pants had a few burnt parts, and his shirt was still damaged on one side.


    He tried to forget what caused it for now, as he had other things to do.


    With a fresh set of clothes and a renewed sense of purpose, Logan gathered his tamed beasts and headed towards the kitchen to find the small goblin.


    The sun was shining brightly outside, casting warm rays through the windows, and Logan felt a weird spark of joy igniting within him.


    Soon he heard the cheerful kitchen staff as he entered to find his goblin; they filled the room with warmth. There were five people in total, all talking and complimenting his goblin, who someone had dressed up.


    Based on its design, he guessed it was either Rubina or Chloe, both of whom he knew had the best tastes in fashion.


    The small creature did not seem to care for the words given to her; instead, she was drawn to the smell of the bread being baked and the food being prepared.


    One of the chefs gave her a piece of jam to calm down the small creature, who cried in frustration from hunger.


    As soon as he entered the kitchen to calm his little glutton, the staff turned towards him, each one cheering at his presence.


    "Good to see you, Hero Logan!" one of the maids exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with warmth. "We''ve got a feast prepared for you and your companions; I hope you can wait just a little bit."


    The chefs nodded in agreement, busying themselves with platters of food that looked and smelled delicious. Logan''s tamed beasts perked up, their eyes wide with anticipation.


    "Oh¡­ thanks, don''t mind me, I just came for this little one," Logan replied, trying his best to calm his nervousness.


    "Don''t worry about Princess; she''s always here to help taste the food," one of the chefs said. She was an elderly but healthy woman who gave another portion of jam to his goblin with a smile.


    "Thank you for taking care of her." Logan finally had the courage to smile, each moment he began to forget the pain that ailed his messed-up mind.

 Chapter 48 - 48: Forced to Accept

    Leaving behind the ruckus and his goblin, who was busy happily taste-testing today''s breakfast, Logan decided to finally visit Scorch.


    His tame would be in the shed out back, hopefully sleeping or resting. Logan recalled the damage Scorch had sustained on his left leg.


    Opening the shed''s door revealed his new raptor, snoring without a care in the world. In front of it stood an empty bowl. As for its leg, Logan noticed a section with no scales but with orange skin showing, indicating a healthy recovery.


    Logan got close to check everything carefully. Suddenly, his pet''s eyes opened, and its face lifted in delight.


    [Master, visit, finally.] The raptor communicated by slapping its long tail against the small room''s walls.


    "Yes, sorry for being late, Scorch." Logan patted the creature''s back as it stood up, placing its head on Logan''s chest.


    "What can I say, you are still a kid inside." Logan sighed, happy that his tame was fine.


    "Logan?" he heard a voice behind him. The scent of sweet perfume and her lovely voice quickly revealed who had entered.


    "Hey Rubina, as always thanks for taking care of Scorch," he said as he turned to face the girl.


    Rubina wore a lovely white tunic with a red belt and ribbons, perfectly complementing her natural features. Her sweet smile made his day brighten even more for some reason.


    "There was no problem. I was just surprised that he returned so different. We didn''t even know it was the same creature until it nuzzled up to me as Scorch would usually do," Rubina said as she petted the raptor, who ran towards her, leaving his master behind.


    "Oh? So you prefer Rubina to me?" Logan said, holding his heart.


    "Why wouldn''t he? This kid needs someone who will feed him every day and pet his neck, right, Scorch?" Rubina replied, while rubbing a particular area, which made the raptor almost fall flat on his face.


    Both teenagers laughed hard, enjoying the moment. After a few seconds, Logan stopped, his eyes reflecting on Rubina''s lovely profile.


    "Say¡­ Rubina, I am sorry you had to see me like that. You should know by now that I am no hero¡­" Logan began to speak, his voice tinged with a mix of regret and sincerity.


    "Don''t go putting yourself down, Logan. You may think you are the weakest out of the heroes, but tell me, who found the mutating crystal? Who stopped the kingdom from causing more damage to the forest and provoking the Forest Guardian to retaliate?" Rubina began rebuking Logan before he could say anything more.


    "Who killed two demons who were harming our lands and helped capture another to interrogate¡­" she continued with anger in her voice.


    "But you were there for most of that. As for the demons, it was Valeria¡­" he attempted to correct her.


    "No, Logan, without you, none of this would have happened the same way. Who knows, maybe we would have only discovered the demons'' plans after every beast in the forest was contaminated," Rubina cried out.


    The girl then got close to the young man, placing a finger on his chest. "Logan, stop. Think hard. You did good things, and that is all you need to know. Accept them and thank you, Logan. You have changed people''s and monsters'' lives already. You chose to do this; you have helped many already."


    "I know you''ve faced something harsh, but think about the good you have done too. Now then, let''s go eat; it seems the food is ready," Rubina said, pulling Logan out by the hand.


    "Alright, alright, let''s go eat," Logan told her as he was being dragged away.


    "Master Logan don''t scare me like that, I had thought you ran away!" A voice called out as soon as they reached the mansion, Logan saw Ruri running towards him, Rubina on the other hand gripped his hand harder.


    "Sorry about that, Ruri. I''m better now. Thanks for worrying¡­" Logan said, lightly waving as he was pulled inside.


    Ruri sighed with relief and joined them as they headed inside. The mansion was filled with activity, and the delicious aroma of breakfast filled the air.


    The dining table was set, and everyone gathered around, ready to enjoy the meal.


    After a grand breakfast, the Earl seemed to want to have a talk with Logan. He gathered everyone in a more private room for tea, and Ruri, who was with Logan, was given the chance to stay. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I have news from the King. It seems the demon did not speak much; it was just his mission to infect the area he was assigned to. He later committed suicide. Just like the rest of the beasts, he overloaded his core, causing an explosion that killed a few soldiers."


    The Earl paused and turned towards Logan to check his reaction. The boy just sat; his breathing only increased slightly, but he did not take the news too badly.


    "Now then, it is known that you had a big part in all this, Logan. The King wants to make a big deal out of this and give you an award, gold, and some land," the Earl finished, trying to probe Logan''s reaction.


    "You know as well as I do that I just went to the forest. Everything just happened¡ªit''s not like I went out to fight evil or something. Why do they want to make something big out of it anyway?" Logan said with exasperation, trying to control himself from standing up and start pulling his hair.


    "I know, Logan. I know you don''t want the attention, but please, accept and join the ceremony. Think about it¡ªthe King and the representatives kept you away from your class due to fear. They kept you weaker to control you. Didn''t they also chain you with a bodyguard?" The earl said, earnestly trying to make the boy change his mind.


    "After accepting this, they may reduce all that. You''re the only hero so far who has made any achievement, and you can bet they want to make a huge thing out of all of this to increase morale and give prestige to you heroes," the Earl said.


    "Okay...okay, so what do I have to do?" Logan said, placing a finger on his temple as if trying to contain a headache.


    "You are called to go to the throne room and be given the awards in front of an audience. They will make it early, as I told them you don''t like banquets. That is as much as I could do. Sorry, kid," the Earl finished, taking a long sip from his tea.


    "Ugh, I hate crowded areas¡­" Logan sighed. The taste of his pastries was ruined; they might as well have been cardboard.


    "I can imagine. Now then, I think the faster you get through this, the better. I will send out word that you will be ready tomorrow. They have already waited, so I don''t want them to think you are ignoring or declining. Who knows what else they may do to annoy you," the Earl added, as everyone nodded while waiting for Logan''s reply.


    "There is nothing more to say then. I will go. Thanks again, Earl, for the help. Now, does that mean I have the rest of the day to myself?" Logan asked as he readied himself to leave, craving some time to think alone.


    "You have a bit of time, but I was sent a letter by the church. Your friend Lisa will be coming later after training. That is all that was said; I don''t know if others will join her," the Earl said, handing Logan a letter that appeared to be made from expensive paper.


    "Then I shall prepare. Thank you again, everyone. I will be in my room for a while." Logan left, trying to hold back his anger.


    He did not like the formalities in this world, but he knew it would be in his best interest, so in the end, he chose to go without putting much resistance.


    Logan heard his tames walking behind him as he headed back to his room. He sighed, thinking about how he would need to leave them behind.


    The boy didn''t want to show them to the world just yet; like Valeria said, people would just look at him as if he were part of a circus.


    After entering, he jumped into the bed, extending all his limbs wide. He wanted to feel a bit of freedom. His fox jumped on top of his chest, licking his cheek.


    His slime extended a tendril towards the other cheek, making it feel like a tongue, which made his back shiver but caused him to laugh.


    His goblin, on the other hand, tried to imitate him but accidentally backslapped his stomach, making him cough.


    "It''s fine, it''s fine. Let''s just relax for now. Who knows, this might be the last chance I get before everyone expects something out of me," Logan told her, petting her slightly bald head.

 Chapter 49 - 49: Meeting the Team

    Logan finally felt like a human again. It was only after a nice, warm shower and changing into new clothes that he was able to feel this way.


    The day was rough, but as a teenager, he was glad that at least he wasn''t forced to be in school. He thought about his mother and father but held more anger toward them than sadness or any other emotions.


    In reality, he was trying to keep his thoughts from going in a certain direction. Lisa was actually coming all the way here to visit him.


    He knew his feelings for her from knowing her in the past; they did not speak enough for it to blossom. It could even be platonic, and yet he was excited at this exact moment.


    There was joy, but then there was also fear. He recalled what his mentor had said: it was illegal to have a tamed human. But then again, it wasn''t clear that she was his tamed, right?


    The boy paced back and forth, his tamed beast sitting on the bed. He even placed the slime down, feeling too stressed to keep it on him.


    He knew one thing: he would tell her to keep this an even greater secret.


    "What do you all think, do I look good enough?" Logan asked while fixing his hair.


    "Mii / Kwiii / Kriii / Krex." He heard various cries call out and felt that they were all positive, which made him feel good at least.


    "It should be about time for her to arrive¡­ I wonder what will happen," Logan pondered.


    He slid the curtain to check outside. The day had almost ended; it was probably around seven in the afternoon. He did not expect Lisa to stay long.


    It was not even a few minutes after this thought before he heard the sound of a carriage outside, it was the classy cart that belonged to the church.


    The ones boarding it exited, there were only two, a female knight and Lisa which made Logan happy.


    "Alright everyone, you all need to be on your best behavior. Come, let''s go greet our guest," Logan said, gathering his tamed creatures and preparing to welcome Lisa.


    Just as he was opening the door, he stopped when he saw Ruri coming up to fetch him. He nodded towards her. "Ruri, thank you for taking the time. Lead me to where we should go."


    "No problem, Master Logan. The Earl is also heading outside to greet our guest. We should just follow his example," she said.


    As soon as they reached downstairs, they spotted Rubina, who had just finished taking a shower and gotten ready.


    "Oh, there you are, Logan. Come, I need help walking." Rubina got close to him, hugging him by the arm.


    "What? Why? What happened?" Logan cried out as he was pulled to the door.


    "Welcome, my esteemed guest, Saintess Hero of Light," the Earl said, bowing slightly.


    "Thank you for accepting my visit, Earl Victor. I am grateful for your care for Hero Logan."


    It was in a voice that Logan had never heard her use before, more formal than how she would usually speak.


    "There is no problem. Come inside; we were just getting ready to sit down and eat. You are welcome to join us, Saintess," the Earl said warmly.


    "Just call me Lisa, thanks¡­" Lisa replied as she was led inside.


    As soon as he saw her, he felt a shiver run down his back. It was not the best way to greet her, with Rubina by his side.


    [Oh great hero of darkness, care to explain yourself???] Lisa began to communicate, Logan could feel the anger in her voice.


    [Hey Lisa, this is not what it looks like¡­] He began, trying to think of a way out.


    [So how should I take it then? I came because I heard you were hurt, so I came to heal you. What is there to heal, huh...] She continued, in a tone Logan had never heard before.


    [Lizzy, calm down, nothing is happening here. I am fine. Thank you for coming,] Logan tried to convey.


    Lisa made a long sigh before trying to recover herself in the presence of Rubina and the Earl.


    Rubina, realizing that her little stunt did not anger the hero Lisa as she had hoped, began leading everyone back into the dining room.


    [Lizzy, thanks for coming here. Sorry, I did not go back yesterday; I was feeling unwell after a series of events,] Logan began to explain, hoping to defuse the tension.


    [The battle with the demons...? We heard from the castle that your mentor brought one in to interrogate a day ago,] Lisa replied, still mildly annoyed but curious to hear what Logan had been through.


    There was a brief silence between Logan and Lisa as everyone settled down to enjoy the grand meal that had been prepared. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Do you find the food to your taste, young Miss Lisa?" the Earl asked while taking a spoonful of soup made from freshly hunted game.


    "Yes, thank you, Earl. I am just getting used to the food here; this particular dish is delicious," Lisa said, trying to concentrate on both conversations.


    [That day¡­ yes, there was a fight. Something happened. Let''s talk more after this, please¡­] Logan cut the conversation short for now.


    He did not want to ruin the meal before them and also risk Lisa quickly changing expressions when they communicated through telepathy.


    The meal went well, and everyone had their fill. To Logan''s surprise, the conversation was a pleasure. No one mentioned what had happened earlier; instead, they focused on talking about his world and its customs.


    They spoke about how they would spend their days back home: attending school, going home, and how they knew each other in class. They listened as Lisa talked about her days here and how the other heroes were faring.


    Everyone was slowly adjusting to life in the new world. Although those who had participated in the training had the power to join the war, they still weren''t mentally ready.


    One thing Logan noticed, and kept to himself, was the hostility each girl beside him displayed. Lisa was to his left, while Rubina was on his right.


    Logan did not want to face them as they aggressively stabbed their meals. Watching them use knives to cut meat was especially hard without feeling a twinge of fear.


    "So, has the king said how they will train the heroes now that the forest is off-limits? It seems this will be for some time. Now that demons are found within our borders, I don''t think they will let anyone who is not a soldier out to hunt," the Earl informed, curious about the kingdom''s next plan for the heroes.


    "Yes, about that, we are going to be preparing to enter a labyrinth of sorts to train. We are actually getting used to tight and dark places to get ready. It''s in a town nearby; I forgot the name," Lisa replied, side-eyeing Logan to see if he would join.


    "I guess my mentor will want me to also go. I have yet to speak to her, so I will know tomorrow¡­" Logan said, trying to ease the pressure off himself.


    "Now then, it''s getting late, Lady Lisa. Will you be staying the night, or shall I have you go back with one of my carriages?" the Earl asked, trying to see if he would have to send out a letter to the heroes'' housing so they wouldn''t worry.


    "I think I will stay. It''s a bit late, and I will need to head out early tomorrow, if you don''t mind, Earl. I also want to do a bit of a checkup on Logan here to see if everything is really fine. Also, we both need to go out, and I''m sure you know what the kingdom wants to do¡ªthe awarding ceremony for a certain hero¡­" Lisa said, addressing the Earl''s question while looking at Logan.


    The Earl nodded in agreement. "Of course, Lady Lisa. You are welcome to stay. I will have a room prepared for you."


    With the arrangements settled, Logan felt a mix of anticipation and worry. The night would be a chance to talk things over with Lisa and introduce her to his other tames.


    The meal concluded soon, and Logan took Lisa out back before it got too late. He wanted to show her Scorch, who he was proud of. He thought that maybe she could check up on him first with her powerful healing magic just to make sure he was alright.


    "It shouldn''t need it, but if Logan says so, I guess you can look at Scorch''s wound¡­" Rubina said, showing off how friendly she was with Scorch.


    "Wow, is that a raptor?" Lisa said not caring about Rubina''s tactics for once.


    [Yes, it is, and don''t worry, it''s not dangerous. It''s actually a baby, only days old, even though it looks like that...] Logan communicated through their link, trying to prevent further tension between the girls.


    Lisa went forth, touching the leg carefully. It was the only part of the young beast that seemed to have sustained damage. She cast magic a few times, which began to help regrow the scales while fixing any minor damage the bone had sustained.


    Although it was already healthy, with Lisa''s powerful healing magic, the slight damage was undone as if the clock had been rewound to a time when the skin was perfect.


    Lisa then turned to Logan with a triumphant smile. [There, it''s as good as new.]


    Rubina suspected that something was happening. She didn''t know why, but she sensed it when both Logan and Lisa would fall silent for a while. This happened throughout the night. It was as if they could communicate using another method.


    The young girl sighed as Logan led them back to his room, there his other beasts were placed in his bed, and each one was happy to see a new friendly person, something that made Rubina feel angry for some reason.


    The first to ask for affection was the lovable fox who ran towards Rubina while scratching her legs in an adorable manner.


    [Thank you, Luna. Could you help Rubina, who seems upset? I will owe you a great favor!] Logan asked the affectionate baby fox, wishing she would always remain in this helpful form.


    [Aww, what a cute animal!] Lisa exclaimed, looking at Rubina with envy.


    [Don''t worry about that. Little Luna will let you cuddle her next,] Logan quickly added before continuing.


    "Now then, let''s introduce you to the team. Kryst... Zephyr is my buddy here on my shoulder, and Krexa is my newest helper. She was sent to help me by her queen goblin." Logan quickly went over his beasts'' names before Rubina''s attention was directed back to them.


    "And that little one is Luna, a gift from the divine beast Ferra. I told you about her, remember?" Logan informed.


    "Can I ask something else of you, Lisa? Could you try using your powers on my slime? I want to see what reaction would happen. You see, this little one is my party''s healer. Maybe you can teach or even learn something from Kryst."


    He handed the small spherical slime, which outstretched a tendril towards the girl as if extending a hand.


    "Hey there, little one. Let''s see, I will try showing you my healing, so stay still for a second¡­" Lisa said, focusing mana on one finger and releasing a pulse of healing magic.


    The slime, feeling a surge of power from the light element, absorbed the mana and wobbled for a while as if thinking.


    It then extended the tendril and used the same spell back towards Lisa. This happened a few times, and neither Logan nor Rubina knew what was happening.


    "Well, I think it has potential. You see, what I did was send a pulse of healing magic. I am not sure how it is using its abilities, but I was taught to do this particular action to increase my healing ability. It''s like a way to check how much mana one needs to use on a patient," Lisa said while hugging the slime as if it was a new friend.


    [Gosh, Logan, this feels so good. It''s like touching a balloon filled with water. It''s so weird, but its healing properties make you want to keep it on you all the time,] Lisa expressed, unable to hide the pleasure she was feeling.


    [That is exactly why I always keep it under my shirt. It keeps me clean and always at the perfect temperature. It''s so nice¡­] Logan admitted.


    [If you find another, give it to me, please!] the young girl added.


    "Logan, while I would like to keep having fun here, I think we should all sleep soon. We have a long day tomorrow, or should I say you do¡­ the ceremony should be a little after sunrise." Rubina finally interrupted the two, looking parched after laughing so long in Luna''s company.


    "That is right, Rubina, we should all retire for the night," Logan said.


    "One last thing before we split¡ªstay still, Logan," Lisa said, pulling up his shirt slightly and placing a hand on his chest.


    "What are¡ª!" Logan yelled, taken by surprise.


    "I told you to stay still, Logan," Lisa said, using her other hand to flick his forehead.


    Logan suddenly felt a surge of energy around his chest. The energy seemed to be directed towards a specific area where he felt the flow of mana, almost like discovering a new organ.


    "There, you should feel reinvigorated for a few days. That should also help you with the events tomorrow. We need you in top shape so you don''t embarrass the other heroes," Lisa said with a smirk.


    "Ah, well, thanks¡­" Logan replied, feeling mentally tired but physically ready to fight a bull. He could also feel Rubina staring daggers at him.

 Chapter 50 - 50: Award Ceremony

    "Master Logan, I am sorry to wake you so early, but we have to head out soon," Ruri said, shaking Logan awake.


    The boy usually rose at the sound of her voice, but today he struggled, so she had to take matters into her own hands.


    With the help of Krexa, who jumped on Logan without a second thought, the boy finally got up.


    He flicked the little goblin in the forehead as payback before yawning.


    "Sorry about that, Ruri. I had an awful night thinking about the ceremony. I really, really don''t want to go¡­" Logan pleaded, fully aware that his maid couldn''t do anything to prevent the event.


    "I know, Master Logan, but we are all really thankful for your actions. Please just accept it. As for your attire, I have placed new garments that were bought especially for today. Please clean yourself before putting them on. I will start helping the staff with the food so you can have a good meal before leaving," the maid said, leaving the boy to get ready by himself.


    "Say, Kryst, you wouldn''t happen to have the ability to transform into me, right?" Logan said playfully, trying to cheer himself up while getting ready to change into formal wear.


    Thanks to his slime, he was already spotless and ready to head out.


    Just as Logan exited his room, he saw both Rubina and Lisa, who had also finished getting ready. Everyone seemed too tired to speak and headed downstairs to greet the Earl, who had a joyful expression on his face.


    He was already drinking something that resembled coffee, the sweet, smoky, nutty aroma waking everyone up with its mere scent.


    "Great to see everyone up and ready. We will be leaving right after eating," the Earl said, rushing everyone by waving his hand.


    Everyone quickly ate in silence, aware that there would be no time for conversation.


    After finishing their meal, they entered two different carriages. Logan and Lisa took one, while the Earl and Rubina reluctantly left in another.


    Logan, for once, was glad to be with Lisa as they made their way back to the castle.


    Her magic kept him in top shape; whenever he felt a bit sick, she would place a finger on his forehead, reinvigorating him and reducing the sickness from the ride.


    [Thanks, Lizzy. I owe you one, once again¡­] Logan communicated, finding it comfortable to use his telepathy to speak with the girl.


    "You know, you can speak normally when it''s just us, right?" she replied from her seat in front of him.


    [I know, but I have to tell you something important that I don''t want others to hear. My mentor mentioned that taming other humans was illegal. I wanted to bring this up yesterday, but there was no chance,] Logan said, sharing his concern. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Ah, about that! Yes, I have bought jewelry to cover the mark. I see you have done the same. Just make sure no one notices; it''s in a pretty obvious place,] she replied in a serious tone.


    [Don''t worry, I have kept it a secret. Just make sure to take care of things on your end, and we should be fine. It''s not like you can order me to do anything, right?] she told him, almost in a mocking tone.


    [No, I think it just adds a link between us. In my monsters'' case, they get stronger somehow, so I hope it doesn''t affect you negatively,] Logan said, trying to imagine the scenarios their bond could cause.


    [So you''re telling me I can be turned into a hairy cavewoman? Based on your dinosaur''s result?] She smiled, trying to think of the weirdest situation.


    [No... if anything, maybe you will turn into an angel or something. Haha, I wonder how wings would look on you¡­] Logan tried to contain his laughter. He thought about Rubina''s soft and elastic bat-like wings and could imagine Lisa with feathery, white, holy-looking wings.


    [Right, right... what are you trying to make me into?] Lisa said, laughing.


    [Anyway, it''s a serious matter. Let''s try to keep things under wraps. I don''t want to think about what they will do to me otherwise,] Logan sighed, trying to bring back the serious tone into the conversation.


    [Just keep doing good deeds. I''m sure they will forgive anything after you kill a few more demons,] Lisa added, trying to end the conversation on a positive note.


    [Lisa, don''t take life so casually. I didn''t like the way things happened that day. I don''t want you to feel the same way I did¡­] Logan warned, clenching his teeth as he tried to push the memory to the back of his mind.


    [Sorry, Logan¡­ I didn''t mean it like that. It''s just that I hope we can continue the way we are now,] Lisa said with a tinge of sorrow.


    [Don''t worry, we will. I''m just feeling a little unprotected now that my beasts aren''t with me¡­] Logan said, thinking about how he was left alone while the Earl took his creatures to avoid causing problems at Logan''s event.


    "You know¡­ I never took you for a loner who needed company. You seem to be changing a little," Lisa said, finally speaking normally after tiring from all the mental communication.


    "Yes¡­ I don''t know how, but now that I am not with my team, I just don''t feel the same, like something is missing," Logan added, just as the carriage stopped.


    "Heroes, we have arrived," the coachman said, opening the door for both youths.


    "Thank you, James. You have always taken the best route," Logan told the elderly man. James was, in Logan''s opinion, the best driver.


    He always tried to go at a speed that kept Logan from getting sick or at least made the ride more bearable compared to other carriage drivers.


    "It''s my pleasure, young hero Logan. Now you should hurry; the king should be ready to welcome you," the driver said, pointing toward the opened double doors, where a few knights stood guard.


    "I will see you later, Logan. I need to check on the class and find out where we should be. Bye," Lisa said before walking off toward an area where a few of their classmates were standing and talking amongst themselves.


    Logan sighed, feeling lonely for the first time in a while. He looked around and saw the magical garden, with his plant Scarlet overshadowing all the others.


    "Guess I will feed her after everything is over," Logan whispered to himself before taking the path inside the audience room.


    He was stopped and checked using a special tool to ensure he was not armed. The boy had to wear a special ring that sealed his powers while inside the room.


    It seemed to be a way to keep the king safe from anyone who might hide anything dangerous in their dimensional space items.


    "You can enter, hero. You will be guided by a knight to a designated area so we can proceed with the ceremony. The rules will be given to you shortly," a knight with bright yellow eyes said, his aura indicating he was an earth user.


    Logan followed orders, moving almost automatically as he tried to keep his mind clear. He entered a small room and exited after being given a new suit¡ªa red tuxedo embroidered with gold.


    Soon enough, he heard the sound of music and cheering. He tried to rehearse what he would do in his mind, and just as a trumpet sounded, the doors of the small room opened.


    Like a robot, he walked, ignoring all the cheers and calls, marching like a soldier toward the seating area along the red carpet. He then walked toward the thrones where the king, his wife, and children sat or stood.


    He did not attempt to turn to see anyone as his nerves were at their wits'' end. He just wanted to get everything over with and return to being with his tames.


    "Hero Logan, we have heard about the many good deeds you have done so far¡­ You have saved us from conflict with the Great Divine Beast, Ferra, who watches over the lands," said the king, whose name Logan had forgotten.


    "You have cleansed a great part of the forest ridden with mutated beasts¡­" the king continued, making Logan mentally sigh as he refused to see this as a great deed.


    "At a young age, you have slain two demons and provided one for us to interrogate¡­" the king said with even greater vigor, prompting the room to cheer even louder while Logan mentally refused with more zeal.


    "For this, we will reward you with the lands to the north of here, young hero. You will also gain a substantial amount of money¡ªa good amount, if I may add¡ªas many nations wish to reward your bravery." The king then ordered a nearby knight to place a sack of coins next to Logan.


    "And finally, you will be given two personal knights to help you in your future endeavors." Logan stopped whatever thinking he was doing at that moment and looked around, hoping this was not real.


    "Come forth, you two. You shall be with Logan from this day forth. Protect your new master, even at the cost of your life," the king commanded, his voice enhanced by magic.


    Logan spotted two figures who stood on each side of him. He sighed but was thankful that they were at least people he knew.


    Kneeling behind him, he glanced to each side respectively and saw both Kai and Chloe behind him, each holding a ceremonial sword by the hilt.


    Logan nodded to accept what was given to him, trying not to cause any commotion.


    "Now then, to complete this great deed, we will also bestow upon you the title of Baron. Now rise, hero," the king said. A knight handed Logan a gold sword encrusted with precious jewels.


    He placed the sword''s flat edge over Logan''s left shoulder, then moved it towards his right, and finally towards his head while chanting, "In the name of the Seven Spirits who have enchanted this blade, and by the power vested in me, I dub you Sir Logan, the Baron of Highcrest," the king finished.


    After doing so, the king went back to his seat. Another knight stepped forward and raised a flag with an insignia. It appeared to depict a couple of mountains in the distance and three trees. He approached Logan, handed him a badge, and then gave the flag to Kai, who stood up to accept it with a careful gesture.


    The audience erupted in cheers as the ceremony concluded, but Logan stood there in shock, holding onto his badge with a heart full of turmoil.


    What is all this crap for¡­ he thought, feeling the weight of his new title and responsibilities.

 Chapter 51 - 51: Power of Money

    The celebration went fast for Logan. He had gone on autopilot through most of it. He only shook hands or offered fake smiles as nobles and representatives catered to him.


    What happened had yet to register properly in his head. He was now a baron for some reason.


    Within his hand, the insignia of his new land stood. It was carefully made out of gold and silver, signifying its importance, or at least the importance the king wanted him to give it.


    The boy was currently standing outside the banquet hall, finally away from everyone''s prying eyes. During the event, his classmates and teacher were also showered with attention, so at least he didn''t need to talk to them as they were also busy.


    The few who did come to greet him were the teacher, who wanted to know how he was doing, Lisa, who congratulated him, and a few other classmates who just wanted to know how it felt to be a noble.


    The sun was still out. The morning breeze was starting to be affected by the first sun, which was almost midway throughout the sky. He could hear the festive atmosphere behind him, but Logan just wanted to leave. He had a lot to think about, yet not a lot of time for himself.


    "Kid, it seems you''re doing better." A voice called him from behind. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan jumped slightly before noticing the person behind him. It was his mentor, dressed lavishly for the occasion in a dark dress that clung to her body, adorned with silver and purple jewelry that matched her eyes.


    "Sorry about that, I didn''t mean to startle you," she said, trying to hold back her laughter.


    "Don''t worry about it, Miss Valeria, I was just engrossed in my own thoughts," Logan said while faking a cough.


    "That is good to hear. I hope you''re doing better, boy. Forgive me, I really didn''t know everything was going to be blown out of proportion¡­" Valeria said, leaning back against the wall.


    "Me neither¡­ What exactly do you think will happen?" Logan questioned while settling himself beside her.


    "What can I say? You will have to go to your territory, talk to your people, find out how it''s doing, and try to solve small-time problems. You should know that they are really doing it to keep you away from the others while they train in the labyrinth to the south of here, you know¡­" Valeria whispered near his ear, trying to hold in her anger.


    "But it doesn''t matter much. The good thing about your particular taming is that you''re linked to your kids. Let them roam around while you settle yourself. Remember, boy, you need to work on other things before you start trying to enter battles," she said, getting back into a comfortable position as she saw Logan''s ears turn red after getting close to him.


    "For now, I will head north with you, probably give you a few pointers, show you how to effectively use magic and traps, and then leave you to your own device, kid. I have about a month to help you still before things get hectic in my lands," Valeria said, whistling to attract her raven.


    "Now then, I think I owe you something for all the work you put in. Here, take this," Valeria said, picking up a package tied to the raven''s leg.


    "It''s not much, but it will help you start understanding how to create and make bombs and traps. As you know, we can''t have dimensional items here, so I had to use Night to bring it."


    Logan picked up a small metal bracelet and wore it immediately on his hand. The boy wondered why he would need so many items to store things, as he already had a ring.


    "I don''t think you are ready to head out just yet. Take two or more days to talk to your classmates and look over the book within the bracelet. Try to figure out the simple traps; that shouldn''t be too hard. I will show you the stronger ones that use mana when we are in your territory."


    "Thank you, mentor¡­" Logan said, fixing his bracelet in place.


    "Don''t worry about it, kid. Now then¡­ you should really enjoy yourself. If not, you should look for people to join your cause. Remember, Logan, you may think you don''t need anyone, but there will be a time when even the weakest noble might have what you are in need of," she said, making the universal sign of money.


    "A little hint here: as a hero, try to suck up to a few wealthy merchants. A good dragon will be easily twenty times the amount of coins you were given, and you will want one, boy... I did not bring mine because it''s currently protecting my own land. It''s the only reason I am able to be here so relaxed," she said before leaving.


    "Twenty sacks?!" Logan exclaimed, thinking about the money he was allowed to store.


    Logan did not know if he would need a dragon, but he could not deny it either. If his tiny creatures had gotten so strong with just a little push, how powerful would something as mythical as a dragon become?


    He then thought about Lisa. She would be placed in harm''s way as the class entered the labyrinth, and by the look of things, he would not be able to join.


    What he could do would be to have a small but strong animal join her on his behalf. It would allow him to level up even with the great distance and help her stay safe.


    The more he thought about the plan, the more excited he got. It needed to be the perfect animal for her to travel with.


    But first things first, he needed to find Rubina. She might help him butter up a few nobles to assist him. The idea of having a dragon was very enticing, especially now that he knew his mentor had one.


    Logan went back inside with a goal in mind. He spotted Rubina, but she did not seem too thrilled to be there, just like him. The girl was hiding behind her dad most of the time.


    "Rubina?" He got close enough and saw how she changed her expression to one with a smile, as if trying to hide her prior state.


    "Hero Logan, I hope you are enjoying yourself¡­ jerk," she finished with a whisper.


    "What happened?" Logan asked, not understanding what she meant.


    "You just left the party. You know I don''t like these fancy places either¡­ It''s very hard to enjoy myself with my secret and all. I usually need to be close to my father to avoid it being exposed. You never know who might cause trouble and have the knights use dispel magic," Rubina said, shivering.


    "Oh yeah, I forgot about that. Does that mean you can''t help me?" Logan asked, beginning to tell her his idea.


    "If it''s about that, you should make good use of your knight Kai. I am sure the boy will be eager to help you. As for Chloe, she is too straightforward for this stuff," Rubina suggested.


    She looked lonely, knowing it would be hard to go around with the boy, especially since it was a morning ceremony that hindered her magic even more.


    "Alright, thank you, Rubina. I will probably have to stay here tonight. Please take care of my tames for today," Logan said, apologizing before heading out.


    "Oh, if it''s about them, you won''t have to worry, Logan. Just make sure you come back tomorrow, or they will go nuts," Rubina waved as she went back to her father, who was busy talking to a noble.


    Logan was glad that he was not stuck only with Chloe for a knight. Kai seemed friendly enough to start a random conversation with, so he began walking towards his direction.


    He began trying to think of what to say and how he would say it, playing the conversation over in his head. Just like with Ruri, Logan was not fully convinced about his new connection with his so-called knights.


    Logan wanted to understand what their role was, if he would have to pay them, and how they personally took their new job.


    "Hey¡­ Kai, Chloe," Logan called out. The other boy was talking to Chloe; both of them were in formal wear made for knights, with a single blade sheathed to their left side.


    "Sir Hero, Greeting!" Kai saluted as if addressing a commander as for Chloe she just nodded in response.


    "Ugh, Kai, it''s just me," Logan said, waving his hand to diffuse the formal talk.


    "I know it''s you, but we can''t go showing that we are best buds when others are watching, now can we?" Kai responded.


    "So, what is it you needed, Baron Logan?" Kai spoke with a playful smile.


    "Well, I need help with being that¡ªa baron. I was suggested to start speaking to merchants and such to¡­" Before Logan could finish, he was cut off.


    "Say no more," Kai interrupted while rubbing his hands together, glad to be asked for assistance.

 Chapter 52 - 52: The Right Connections 1

    "Let me guess, you''re looking for allies to help you with your territory. How admirable Logan! To start caring for your land and people from the very beginning," Kai said, his eyes sparkling with admiration as he looked at Logan like he was a saint.


    "No, no, no, Kai, that''s not what I meant. Well, okay yes, partially. I just need to make some gold and connect with people who know how to handle money. Given your noble background, you probably have more insight into this, right?" Logan said in a low voice.


    "If it''s about that, I think I can help," Chloe said.


    She had tried not to eavesdrop on the boys, but knowing Logan''s needs, she figured it was better to offer her assistance than leave it to Kai and risk a disaster.


    Chloe knew her childhood friend all too well and could easily picture the mess he might create, dragging the shy Logan into it.


    "Anyways, if it''s about your territory, there are four key people you need to know right from the start: the kingdom''s treasurer, the leader of the merchant''s guild, Count Yarvs, and Baroness Elvir. The last two are your neighbors, and both are known for their rich and wealthy lands," Chloe explained.


    "Yes, I think four is enough. Thanks, Chloe," Logan replied, grateful that there were only four people he needed to speak with.


    "I suppose as knights, we should begin fulfilling our duty¡­" Chloe said, leading the way.


    "About that, what do knights do, or what does it mean?" Logan asked his first major question.


    "We are sworn to serve a lord. In our case, it means providing military service for your barony, protection, and sometimes administrative duties," Chloe said while spotting the first of the objectives for today. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Logan, this is Sir Harold, the leader of the merchant''s guild. He owns most of the west district shops and is one of the best merchants on the continent. He is even renowned in the empire," Chloe introduced.


    Logan was greeted by a stout man in his late fifties, who looked every bit the classic tycoon. His presence was commanding, marked by a big, round belly and a well-groomed mustache that twitched as he smiled warmly.


    "It''s a pleasure to meet you, Hero Baron Logan. What a grand title, but one that fits all your accomplishments perfectly. How can I assist you?" Sir Harold said, extending his hand for a handshake.


    "About that¡­ Well, I wanted to meet you, Sir Harold. I''m new to being a Baron and wanted to connect with influential people for my new land. I also have something interesting to show you, and I think you might be interested in buying it for a good price." Logan got closer, lowering his voice as he thought about the mana crystal cave.


    He could start generating income from this place. Although he wouldn''t damage the beautiful cave, he was curious to see what a few crystals might fetch.


    "Sure, I can make time for you any day, hero. Just come to our main guild branch. I will await your arrival." The man''s mustache wiggled, as if sensing the money that would be made.


    He took inspiration from one of the production class heroes. The boy had created various tools, daily-use items, and equipment never before seen in this world.


    If the kingdom hadn''t been so impoverished by the war, the merchant calculated that the young hero would surpass him in wealth in no less than two years.


    Each of the heroes could potentially be a gold mine. The greatest idea right now was a so-called bicycle, which only needed a type of material called rubber.


    Alchemists in the kingdom are busy trying to create this new material to finish the transportation device.


    "Yes, I will try to visit you tomorrow as I will be leaving for my territory in a few days. Hopefully, you will be interested in buying what I bring," Logan said, extending his hand awkwardly to the stout man.


    The merchant Harold extended both hands in a show of favor, shaking the boy''s hand with unintentional force. "I will make time then. Have a good day, Hero Baron Logan."


    After the first conversation, Logan felt like a fish out of water. He wanted to leave and forget the rest of his plans, but Chloe, busy looking for his next target, didn''t give him a chance to escape.


    Soon enough, they spotted a tall, lean man standing next to the royal area where the king and his family were still seated. They seemed to be eating slowly while conversing with the guests who approached to greet them.


    "Good afternoon, Treasurer Golman. We hope to take a little of your time as the young hero wishes to express his gratitude for the gold provided by the kingdom," Chloe said, introducing the two parties.


    She observed how the hero had fared in the first meeting and decided it was better to intervene and assist him while speaking to the treasurer, who was a man of few words.


    The tall man embodied the phrase "time is money" and seemed forced to attend, a fact that was quickly reflected in his cold attitude.


    "Yes, yes, I know who you are, the hero of the hour. You know, it was painful to give so much while we are in dire need," Golman said with a long sigh.


    He wanted nothing more than to choke the young hero into returning the kingdom''s money, as the war had left them in a huge deficit.


    All his hard work throughout the years to bring the kingdom to the top had been undone so easily by the war.


    "Yes, we will be quick, Sir Golman. Right, Baron Logan?" Chloe said, passing the ball to Logan with a wink.


    "Oh, uh, yes, hello Mr. Golman. I wanted to thank you and express my hope to help the kingdom in the future," Logan said, feeling sweat trickling down his back under the stern man''s gaze.


    The boy wiped his hand on his pants before extending it for a handshake. He felt the daggers in the tall man''s stare, but as soon as they exchanged a handshake, the treasurer''s features softened.


    "Sorry about that, hero. Sometimes I forget that you all will end this atrocious war. Thanks for coming. I had to let go of a few hundred gold coins to host this banquet, so please, enjoy the rest of it¡ªespecially the food."


    Soon, the group left the treasurer, who decided to take his own advice and had a chef serve him the most expensive food they had prepared.

 Chapter 53 - 53: The Right Connections 2

    "Well, that went better than I imagined¡­ He''s a hard one to get to know, but just maybe he''ll add a few gold coins to your payment for your territory later¡­" Chloe told Logan, while having Kai help her find the count.


    "There he is!" Kai pointed out. They found a handsome man in his thirties, busy talking to a few noblewomen. His gaze soon turned to the boy pointing him out.


    "I take it you were looking for me?" the middle-aged man said, radiating a powerful blue aura that tinged all his features.


    "Yes, it''s good to see you, Count Yarvs. We wanted to meet you as a fellow neighbor to our lord''s new territory. Let me introduce you to Baron Logan, one of the heroes," Kai said, trying to prove his worth. He also did not want Chloe to speak to the enigmatic and charming Count.


    Especially since he was known to keep various mistresses and had two wives, he was only pardoned from the war because his father, a great general, joined the current conflict.


    To protect heirs from dying, the kingdom allowed the firstborn to remain in charge of their territory.


    "The star of the hour! It''s a pleasure to meet you, young hero. Your feats are already in every child''s bedtime stories. My daughters are already fans of you heroes," Count Yarvs praised, pointing to a ten to twelve-year-old who was busy cheering Brian and his goons, who were showing off in front of various ladies as usual.


    "Yes, well, I wanted to meet my neighbors. I hope we can work together to help our lands prosper in the future, Count. I never thought I would have a territory, so all of this is new to me," Logan said, trying to count the number of women around the count.


    "Sorry, but we must be leaving. Thank you for having us," Kai said respectfully, his actions refined as if trying to compete with the noble.


    "Worry not, I am sure we will have time to speak at a later date. Please do send an invitation when you have settled, young hero," the count said, waving as he returned to being the center of attention among his crowd of ladies.


    With only one left to go, Logan wanted to take a breather. The party seemed to be ending soon, so he knew he had to hurry.


    "Before we meet the Baroness, I need you to do something¡­" Chloe said, pulling him into a corner.


    She then got out a comb from somewhere and started brushing his hair to the side and fixing parts of his clothes that were crumpled or messy.


    "Baron Logan, I know you don''t care about your appearance, but you should try working on it when speaking to ladies. It will really help you, especially since you have so many good traits. Right, Kai?" Chloe looked toward Kai as if asking for help.


    "Man¡­ why do you hide your face? I think it''s even better than the womanizing count." Kai nodded while giving a thumbs up, a new gesture that had taken the kingdom by storm after the heroes introduced it.


    "You know, you don''t have to raise your arm to do a thumbs up. But thanks, Kai and Chloe. Now can we hurry and get this over with?" Logan said, trying to resist the urge to fix his hair back into place, feeling strange with his entire face exposed.


    "Certainly, the Baroness shouldn''t be too hard to find," Chloe said as she spotted the final objective for the day.


    The next person they approached was a young lady in her mid to late twenties, surrounded by a flock of admirers.


    It was even harder to spot her, as many of the guys around were taller than Logan, muscular, and seemed to be pushing each other.


    "Make way, the hero needs to talk to Baroness Elvir," Kai said in a stern tone, making those nearest in the crowd turn to face Logan, some of them sneering after looking at the handsome hero.


    "I said move it, we don''t have much time," Chloe added, placing force in her arm to shove those in the way.


    "It seems I have a visitor. Make way, please. Don''t worry, this shouldn''t take long,"


    Logan heard a sweet voice that didn''t match her age. It belonged to a frail but beautiful woman whose pale skin added a special charm, evoking a desire to take care of her.


    The woman had a modest figure, which she displayed in a blue skin-tight dress. She had large green eyes and brown hair with green highlights, suggesting she was possibly a wind magic user.


    Her weak appearance did not fool Logan. She seemed dangerous somehow, like a deadly flower that would slowly ensnare her prey. He shivered as she looked him up and down.


    "My, my, what joy to be sought after by such a young hero. To what do I owe the pleasure of our meeting?"


    "It seems we will be neighbors, my lady¡­ I just came to greet you in the hope of... creating a relationship between us," Logan stammered as the lady looked at him with a deep hungry gaze.


    "How cute. I appreciate and welcome the gesture, hero. You should invite me to tea sometime; I won''t put up too much resistance," the young baroness said, moistening the side of her lip with the tip of her tongue.


    Logan gulped and made a goofy laugh. "Uh, yeah, I think that would be best. I will send an invitation once I am settled. Thanks for your time."


    The boy finished as fast as he could, not only to minimize his awkwardness but also to avoid provoking the men around the baroness.


    "Well, I think that went well. She at least took an interest in you," Kai said with a suggestive smile.


    "A little too well, if you ask me. Maybe having you look like that made things worse¡­" Chloe said with an apologetic tone.


    "It''s fine, let''s just go¡­" Logan replied, feeling mentally drained.


    Soon, the trio was back at their original spot, preparing to leave the room.


    "I don''t know if that last one went smoothly, but at least we got the chance to greet the ones you needed to find today. You should stay vigilant, Logan. We will be preparing to leave for your territory in a few days, but there''s no telling when the demons might seek revenge on you," Chloe said, reminding the boy of the dangers he could possibly face.


    "If need be, I can go around with you, Logan. I am now your knight, so it won''t be strange," Kai pitched in, holding his ceremonial sword to demonstrate his potential. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "About that, since we are leaving soon, how about you help me buy some stuff after this? I need to go to a particular place to find something special¡­"


    Thinking about his busy day, the boy just wanted to be left alone, but he had some urgent matters to attend to.


    The first of these would require the help of Rubina and her father.

 Chapter 54 - 54: Tame Giveaway

    The trio quickly exited the venue. A worker, busy cleaning, told them where they could find Rubina and her father. They had also just recently left and shouldn''t have reached the carriages yet.


    Logan quickly left to find them, as he had a few urgent questions before they set out to town. Maybe Rubina would be keen on going with them.


    Luckily, after pacing quickly through a crowd that was also leaving, Logan spotted Rubina''s shiny red hair. He quickly ran forward, leaving both Chloe and Kai behind.


    "Hey, Rubina!" he called out.


    It wasn''t hard for the girl to know who was calling her. Looking back, she saw Logan panting and told her father to stop. It was strange, but Logan seemed to have forgotten to cover half of his face as he usually did.


    "Hey Logan, what''s with the look? You seem more handsome," Rubina teased as Logan quickly fixed long strands back into his face.


    "Aww, don''t do that. Keep it back; it looked better."


    "No, I hate when people keep staring. I just forgot to do so before. Now then, I have a few things to talk to you and the Earl about," Logan said, while recovering his breath.


    "Glad to see you''re doing well today, Logan. Nice to hear you''re joining the noble society. Now, what is it you want to speak about, boy?" The Earl smiled as he led the three of them to the side to let the crowd pass through. He then used a particular accessory to form a bubble to keep the sound in.


    "Wow, I need to get one of those," Logan commented as he tried to touch the strange magic bubble, which produced a translucent wall as if they were inside water.


    "I think it''s doable. If you want, I will give you one later as a gift for what you have done," the Earl told him, while rushing him as the bubble cost him mana.


    "Yes, I wanted to ask for a favor. You see, I was thinking that I needed to help a friend among the heroes. To do that, I need a particular pet I could tame and send into the labyrinth as a precaution.


    "Since you both are well-versed in this matter, I wanted to ask for your opinions on the best beast to send," Logan began to explain.


    "Well, if it''s about that¡­ I don''t currently have many beasts to give out, but I''m sure if you visit Miles, he could find you one," the Earl said, turning toward Rubina, who seemed to send him a pleading gaze, as if she wanted to join Logan''s group.


    "Well, I can take a guess who it will be for¡­ I will help you with one condition," Rubina said, holding her lovely chin and making an expression as if thinking hard.


    "Fine¡­ what is it?" Logan asked, wondering what she had in mind.


    "Well, if you''re going to be giving out tamed beasts¡­ I want one for myself as well. Don''t you think it would be nice to have a monster who, like Scorch, evolves?" she told Logan, grabbing his hand and displaying the most adorable eyes she could muster.


    "Now, Rubina, I am sure you don''t need one." The Earl tried to calm his daughter while holding himself back from committing murder.


    "No, Dad, you don''t understand. I may be in danger too, right Logan?" she said, looking at the boy with a sad expression.


    "It''s not like I mind¡­ Since you have helped me out, Rubina, I just don''t understand why you would need one, but alright, no problem¡­" Logan replied, as the Earl finally felt like his mana reserve was at its limit.


    "Well then, I guess I will leave you both¡ªor should I say you four¡ªfor now." The Earl noticed that Kai and Chloe had joined the group after the sound barrier had been dispeled, and he decided to take his leave.


    "Let''s get going then. We have a lot to do and very little time to do it. I need to buy a few things and then head out to try something," Logan told them. The other three just went along and followed him towards a carriage.


    It was the Earl''s carriage that both Lisa and Logan had ridden in that morning. The friendly driver, James, was instructed to drop them off at Miles''s store.


    It was a quick drive to the market area. Being the afternoon, most of the morning activity had calmed down. It was close to two in the afternoon, and people were relaxing before the day ended.


    "This store¡­" Chloe said with a disgusted expression.


    "I know, I felt the same way the first day. But I''m not here for a slave; I just want to ask about a particular monster. Can you and Kai wait outside for me, please?" Logan explained, thankful that the girl was too revolted with the idea of entering with Rubina and him.


    As soon as they entered, Logan heard the bell chime and the attendant who told them to pass through. She knew Rubina and had been informed that if the hero Logan were to come, he could pass directly inside without a problem.


    It wasn''t long before they found Miles, who was taking care of a slave. It seemed to be a young girl who had hurt herself trying to touch a particular spiked beast. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Now, Irma, I told you to be careful with the Sandquills. They may hide their spikes and look cute, but when threatened, they instantly bring them out. It''s a wonder you only got one stuck on your finger," the merchant said, while a healer was removing the sharp pin.


    "I''m sorry, Master Miles," the young girl cried.


    "Oh, is that you, Hero Logan? What a pleasure to meet you on this fine day. Sorry about showing you something like this¡ªit usually never happens. We don''t tend to get kids here, but many orphans are being displaced because of the war. It''s either an orphanage or slave trading¡­ Of course, we follow the law and only sell them after making a soul-bound contract, meaning harming this child leads to death," the merchant tried to explain himself.


    The girl seemed unharmed, except for the small cut that stretched a good centimeter through her finger.


    "It''s fine¡­ Miles. I came with an urgent matter¡­ or two," Logan said, after remembering that Rubina also wanted a tamed beast.

 Chapter 55 - 55: Tri-horn Basilisk

    Logan turned to the little girl, his mind pondering the sorrowful life she might have led. Before leaving with Miles and Rubina, they made their way to the monster area to inspect the beasts Logan needed to purchase.


    "So, hero, what kind of beast are you looking for today?" Miles asked as they entered the expansive tent. The scent of beasts was overwhelming¡ªa blend of fresh meat, hay, and animal waste creating a uniquely pungent aroma.


    "Can I check out your most interesting monsters? I need one as a present, or maybe two... Rubina here also wants one," Logan explained, grateful for the experienced merchant who understood immediately.


    "Interesting monsters... you''re making it hard on me, Hero Logan. With Rubina here, it''ll be even harder to trick you. Hahaha! Now then, let''s go. I think I might have a few," the merry merchant said, guiding them to an area where cute animals roamed.


    Rubina instantly became excited, wandering around and wondering which one she should choose.


    "So, Rubina, being the daughter of a famous breeder, you should know what to pick, right?" Logan questioned. The girl turned to him, showing slight anger.


    "Nope, it''s not my job to decide what you will pick for... your friend. But I will choose something for myself," Rubina replied.


    Logan wondered what Rubina would choose. As for Lisa''s pet, he began to look around. His choice needed to be based on evolution, so picking something cute wouldn''t be suitable in the long run.


    Logan began looking through the pen. Most of the creatures here were harmless, so he didn''t think it was a good area to find a tame to help Lisa in battle.


    He first discarded all the creatures she did not like: slithering creatures, reptiles, rodents, and any insects.


    Then he began thinking of those she did like: cats, dogs, some kind of bird, or something too interesting to refuse. He went through each cage and hatchery, the place so vast he could get lost if he wasn''t careful.


    He encountered winged snakes, furry horned rabbits, large predatory cats with impressive fangs, small wolf cubs, and a type of armadillo which he fancied for himself, as he still needed a defensive beast. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He encountered a type of deer with glowing antlers and a bipedal goat with a muscular torso, but nothing caught his attention yet.


    Then he spotted a small four-legged owl. It was a strange beast, but perhaps it was exactly what he needed.


    It radiated an air of wisdom, observing everything and everyone in great detail. He liked that inquisitive gaze. It also emitted an aura of light, and its gold-colored plumage sparkled like platinum when it unconsciously produced light magic.


    "Hey Miles, what about this one?" Logan yelled, trying to attract the stout merchant''s attention.


    "That one was born with a clear defect. Are you sure you want it? I only keep it as an oddity to attract attention to my store," Miles responded.


    "The two extra limbs?" Logan asked, wondering as he originally thought it was just a normal strange beast from this world.


    "Yeah, that. You don''t actually think an owl has that many legs, right?" Miles said, petting the beast to show its gentle nature.


    "I don''t mind¡­ it actually looks cool like that," Logan insisted, sticking to his decision to buy the strange owl.


    "Well, I don''t mind. It would never have been bought otherwise. Now that that''s settled, how about young Rubina?" Miles said, walking back while having a caretaker bring the owl along with the items it required, like a glove to hold it on one''s hand.


    "Rubina, I have chosen one beast. Have you found the one you want?" Logan asked the girl who was busy cuddling a horned rabbit.


    "An owl? Wait, does that have four legs? Never mind, a bird... Zephyr, I think I know where this is going. I want that one then," she said, pointing to an egg. Logan did not know what it was, but the red color made it noticeable.


    "An Aurelius Fowl, its main elements are fire and light. It''s a beautiful bird indeed. Very knowledgeable, young Rubina, to even know it by egg color. That particular egg should hatch in some hours maybe even a day, so if you are going to take it, make sure you take very careful care of it," Miles advised.


    "Don''t worry, Miles, I am ready for what''s to come. Just make sure you let me borrow a good portable hatchery with a few fire stones. I will be paying for that. Thank you," Rubina replied, getting close to the egg with a resplendent smile.


    "Well, you heard her, Miles. We will also take that one. Just one last favor: I need help with a protector-type beast, something that will shield me in battle. Do you have anything interesting?" Logan asked Miles, but also turned towards Rubina, who would probably have a good suggestion.


    "Hmm, if it''s about defense¡­ I can only think of earth monsters. We have a few, but I need to know more to understand," Miles asked, trying to get more information.


    "Oh, that is easy. Based on how Scorch''s evolution went¡­ I would suggest you get a Tri-horn Basilisk," Rubina said, pointing towards the reptile area.


    "Which one is that one?" Logan asked, checking the cages by name.


    "We only have one youngling, about a year and a half old. It''s about a third of its adult size," Miles said excitedly, showing him what looked like a large cobra with horns on its head. Its size was about six feet long, and it had a sleek yet fierce appearance.


    "I don''t understand, Rubina. How is this going to help?" Logan asked the girl, who stood next to him, to explain.


    "Well, it''s a powerful earth-type creature. It shouldn''t be too hard to figure out how powerful it will be after an evolution, but if it stays the same, its stone-like scales can harden to protect you. Its hood is said to be one of the toughest materials known, and finally, its venom can be useful. It''s probably the only basilisk that can be tamed," Rubina pointed out, listing all its traits and how each one could help Logan in the future.


    "Well, I do like how it looks, and what you are saying makes sense. I was thinking of a shelled beast, but if it''s this one, he could probably enlarge his neck to shield me," Logan said as he saw the large snake sleeping within its enclosure.


    "Yes, hero, that is its hood, as Rubina mentioned. When this creature reaches its adult form, it will be able to shield you from danger¡­ if you manage to tame it correctly, which I have no doubt you will."


    "Now, how about you tell me about this evolution you two keep talking about while we make contracts for your new beast?" Miles added, trying to pry into the interesting topic the two youngsters were keeping to themselves.


    "We won''t need contracts, Miles. Just take us to a room with the two beasts. I can only trust you to see what will happen," Rubina commanded, waiting for his response.

 Chapter 56 - 56: Sealing the Deal

    Miles took the two youths into a room and watched as the hero used his blood to mark the beasts. After marking the owl, the creature seemed to instantly trust the boy. It carefully perched itself on his shoulder, as if it had known the hero all its life.


    The second was even more amazing. The snake, which had caused the store many problems, gently coiled around the boy as if it had seen him hatch.


    Miles had never seen such powers and control over beasts during his long life as the kingdom''s top beast merchant. The idea of employing the boy even swiftly crossed his mind, but he held himself back, knowing it was a foolish thought.


    "I take it it''s your unique way of taming creatures, Logan. I will keep it a secret. It''s good to know I won''t have to refuse the best but hardest creatures now that I know this. Expect me to send you anything I think you might need in the future," Miles said, laughing harder than ever while rubbing his hands.


    He knew that those monsters would cost a lot of money¡ªcash that this hero would be able to pay. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan finished his usual taming. It went quite well this time, as both creatures were eager to get out of the store. They seemed to know that being with Logan was equivalent to being freed from the prison they were kept in.


    [Welcome to the team, it will be a good day to see what you can do,] Logan communicated.


    [Want fightss, killss, fresssh meatss] His serpent, the Tri-horn Basilisk, slithered around his legs, letting his intentions be known.


    [Need fly, want wind] The midsize bird tried speaking next, flapping its wings.


    "Fair enough. We will be going out soon, and I will need both of you for that. Now let''s get out of here," Logan smiled. He felt the connection between both creatures rise just with those words.


    "Well, Miles, now we just need to talk about payment. How much will everything cost?" Logan asked, curious about the monetary system in this world. He was used to others handling the payments for him.


    "I will apply the Earl''s usual discount for you, hero: 60 gold for the Tri-horn Basilisk, 25 gold for the Starlight Owl, and 32 gold coins for the Aurelius Fowl. I made sure to exclude the items young Rubina is going to buy for egg care," the merchant reminded Logan.


    Rubina kept quiet, indicating that it was a decent amount for what they got. He took out a huge sack of coins, some spilling out as he released it.


    "That is crazy, hero. You shouldn''t flaunt your wealth so easily," the merchant said, laughing at the kid''s bold action.


    "Sorry, I just got it like that. I haven''t had time to check it after accepting it from the king," Logan said, picking up the gold coins that fell.


    He began looking through each one, discovering different colored coins and wondering which one he should use to pay.


    "Logan, before you think they are the same, the three you have in your hand are Platinum Coins. They are worth 100 Gold each. You should be fine with the gold you dropped and one of those platinum coins."


    "Oh! Alright¡­" He counted and placed what he did not need back, setting aside one of the platinum coins in a different part of the dimensional storage for easy access during their next shop visit.


    "Well then, I think that concludes our business, young hero. I will escort you both out," the stout merchant said, smiling widely. He patted Logan''s hand as if he were a son.


    "As always, thanks, Miles. Just send someone to collect the payment I owe you. I guess my father will need more feed for the large beasts soon, so add that as well," Rubina said. The three of them were just steps from the door.


    After shaking hands, Logan left the shop with Rubina. Both Kai and Chloe were stationed outside, and they seemed interested in Logan''s new pets.


    The owl, upon seeing the blue sky, flapped its wings. [Master, fly?] it begged Logan.


    [Sure, just stay close to us. We are still in the city, and people might get crazy seeing you around,] Logan communicated, watching the bird take off as soon as it was given permission.


    As for the snake, it stayed close beside him. Logan noticed it would try to keep its head near his arm, as if it were a portable armrest.


    [Stay with me, Basilisk. We will be in the city for a little while longer, then we will head out so you can hunt.] He petted the serpent''s head, which was somewhat difficult with the sharp horns around it.


    "Looks like you got two new creatures, a weird bird and a pretty nice Basilisk. You know my father keeps a few to train with¡ªthey are great at molding stone into weapons," Kai said, demonstrating a quick magic trick that transformed a spike of dirt into a small serpent. Its tail could slice wood with ease.


    "Now that is interesting. I can''t use magic like that," Logan said, trying to show off his clumsy use of darkness aura to make a miniature smoke screen that, at best, hid his hand.


    "Don''t worry about that. I am sure you can do other things. Just focus on training, and you will find a use for your specific element," Chloe pitched in.


    "So, where are we heading to next?" Rubina asked while caring for the egg in a small pouch filled with red mana stones.


    "About that, I need to buy a few more storage rings. I will need to store a good amount of water, and if possible, some crystals. Ah, and before I forget, also some alchemical ingredients¡­" Logan said, winking at Rubina, who quickly understood what the boy wanted to try.


    "Well, I guess we will be heading to the magical tool store then," Rubina said, walking next to Logan as his two knights followed.

 Chapter 57 - 57: Revisiting the Den

    The group had visited various shops, but Logan was particularly drawn to the magical tool shop, wanting to spend more time there.


    He got various ideas with each new item shown.


    Some tools were simple, like heating using fire mana stones or producing water using water magic stones. One tool he was particularly interested in was a combination of wind and earth stones to produce a small but primitive motor. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    If he had a production class that could work with these, he would invest time into improving that particular invention. However, he considered the potential problems it could cause and decided to push those thoughts aside.


    After an hour of shopping, Logan had bought everything he came for: three monsters, all the items needed to make traps, tools, a few storage rings to help store more water, and, if possible, magical crystals.


    His sack of coins did not dwindle in the slightest with everything he bought.


    Logan had so far only used the coins that fell out of his large coin bag this morning¡ªthe few platinum and gold coins. This meant his wealth would last for some time, or at least he hoped.


    "I am tired just from shopping; I hope we can go to a caf¨¦ or eat something before we go," Kai said, while rubbing his stomach.


    "I''m sorry, Kai, but we need to head out or I will miss what I need to do next. How about we order takeout?" Logan suggested, but was met with everyone staring at him in confusion.


    However, he quickly realized that he was with three otherworlders who did not understand what he meant, as some words could not be translated well.


    He had forgotten that magic was used to help the heroes adjust to this world, including his ability to speak in the common tongue.


    "You know, like one would take a sandwich to eat at a picnic," Logan explained.


    "Oh, that helps when deep in the forest. True, we would just order and place it in our storage¡ªjust make sure not to forget. One time, I placed a drumstick into my storage bag and forgot about it. I took it out almost a year later, and it seemed safe. But once I took a bite, it was like eating sewer slime. It was the worst thing I tasted in my life." Kai reeled in disgust just recalling the memory.


    "You should periodically remove everything in your storage, clean, and store it again. I''ve heard of infectious diseases caused by not doing so¡­ even potions struggled to cure them," Chloe added.


    "Okay, okay, let''s change the subject, also we should take food we can eat along the way. After that, we need to go into the forest. Do you think they will let us go into the southern area where we found the goblin den?" Logan asked.


    "I''m sure they have cleansed that area out. It was the first place we reported, and hunters still need to hunt game, so they can''t keep people away from the forest for too long," Chloe replied.


    "Well then, we have our destination planned. Let''s move quickly¡ªwe have at most three hours to go in and back out before night comes," Rubina said, haggard from the day''s events but knowing she could be useful in case something unexpected happened.


    The team hurried and bought what they needed for their outing. After doing so, they met James, one of the Rosengards'' drivers, and began to ride towards the Southern BeastClaw Forest.


    It wasn''t such a long trip, and Logan noticed that his usual car sickness didn''t happen anymore; he didn''t feel quite like himself, though.


    An outing just wasn''t the same without the rest of his tamed beasts. He wanted to hop on and feel the wind on his new raptor mount. He even missed his slime''s soothing touch as it hugged him from beneath his shirt, acting like a portable temperature regulator.


    They arrived in the same area where they had previously seen a lot of adventurers roaming about. Just like their previous visit, everyone was there, minding their own business.


    Some male Knights and adventurers stared at Rubina and Chloe, but Kai''s glare was enough to make them stop having second thoughts about approaching.


    Stopping to eat for a while before heading into the goblin den, they made sure to fill themselves to the brim, knowing it would take strength to reach the bottom of the cave.


    Entering the forest was probably the best part for his new serpent, which quickly rushed forth trying to find prey. Even Logan''s words did not stop the newly tamed beast.


    His new owl was still perched on his shoulder. It was a little heavier than Zephyr, but it seemed to enjoy riding on Logan''s shoulder.


    [Master, want to sleep,] it said, placing a wing over its face. Amazingly, it balanced itself on his shoulder throughout the journey with the help of its four strange limbs.


    [Ping] Logan suddenly heard someone level up. The only one that could have done so had come back slithering.


    Basilisk had returned, with a noticeable bulge in its body, moving slower than before.


    [Massster, ssatissfied,] it said, trailing behind everyone.


    [Alright, just still close this time, make sure you are with the team,] He warned his new reptilian tame.


    Chloe led the group to the area they had explored last time. It was challenging without Zephyr, but some landmarks, like distinctive rocks and peculiar trees, helped her remember the location, especially with the group pitching in ideas and memories.


    Soon they reached the area with a revolting stench; the place was as dirty as ever.


    "Okay, there is no doubt this is the place, but before we take one more step, I need to know why we are here again. I don''t think anyone is crazy enough to tame more than one goblin. Forgive me, Sir Logan, but I know you wouldn''t come here for that," Chloe finally asked, wondering if it was worth the effort to enter the wretched place.


    "About that, I think it will be better if you two see what is at the very bottom of this place, I won''t ask you to enter with me but do know it is something important for me." Logan said, not fully intending to have them trust him.


    It would be even better if both Chloe and Kai stayed behind and yet he knew that it would help if they also came along.


    "Fine, but if it''s not worth my time, I will be charging you for this particular protection, Logan¡­" Chloe decided to trust the boy; he had not done anything to prove her wrong yet.


    "I don''t really care if we go in, but at least tell me it isn''t for any of those pale blue monsters. I wasn''t expecting to fight today, and I don''t want to ruin my brand new shiny ceremonial sword," Kai begged, lifting his gold and silver sword to hug it.


    "Don''t worry, I did not encounter any beasts down there, and I doubt we will see any, as during our short walk we didn''t find any traces of mutations," Logan replied.


    "Alright, I will believe you then. Let''s go¡­" Kai said, using his fingers to pinch his nose.

 Chapter 58 - 58: Quick Rich Scheme

    "Wait, if Scorch could clean this place, so can I. Just make sure no goblins are around; I''d hate to make a mess in our plan," Rubina said as she began using fire magic to remove the waste, being careful not to damage the entrance of the cave.


    It was even faster and more precise than how Scorch did it, showcasing how someone with years of experience handled things, even against monsters whose nature was the manipulation of an element.


    "There we go, I think it''s a little more bearable now," Rubina said, clapping her hands together and rubbing them in satisfaction as if cleaning dust away.


    "Whoa, sometimes I wish I could use fire magic¡­" Kai said as he used dirt bombs to cover the remains of ash.


    "Let''s hurry, we have a long way to go," Logan urged them. The entrance was starting to fill with goblins who noticed the kids as they exited to see the commotion happening outside their burrow.


    Logan saw one particular goblin who appeared to be the queen''s guard and tried to signal with hand gestures that they needed to go inside.


    "I think it''s working!" Kai said excitedly.


    "Well, it pays off to have a goblin as a tamed beast. I have observed her way of acting, and they seem keen on specific body language," Logan explained, sharing how he was able to communicate his needs to the primitive creatures.


    [Can you stay out here and guard? You can also rest while you''re at it,] Logan told his basilisk. The creature seemed too full to move around and would slow them down.


    [Forgivess, I atess, much] The serpent apologized as it curled itself up and began to sleep under a bush, completely hidden from sight.


    [It''s fine just make sure you don''t do it again.] Logan petted the basilisk before heading down with the team.


    It wasn''t long before they were guided to the queen''s chamber. Unlike the last time, the place was filled with goblins; new small creatures filled each room, a testament to their breeding abilities.


    "Well, we''re lucky we knew one of the guards because I can''t tell any other goblin apart," Rubina said with mild disgust. The place still smelled like a pig pen.


    When they reached the large inner throne room, the queen goblin looked expectantly at Logan, but she noticed he did not bring her daughter.


    He tried to make it clear that she was okay and eating very well, and that he promised to bring her next time.


    Logan then tried to express his need to go deeper underground, which the goblin queen acknowledged. To reward them for their help this time, Logan took out from his ring foods that he had bought specially for the goblin tribe, with whom he needed to be on friendly terms.


    After presenting the food, the goblins showed a festive mood. Even though Logan made sure to bring enough, he didn''t expect so many new goblins to suddenly appear. He was second-guessing his choice as some got into fights for scraps.


    The queen showed her authority and made sure to punish those that got too rowdy, just as a mother would.


    She then ordered a few guards to lead them down into the tunnels. It was strange, but they seemed so accustomed to darkness that they did not need light to move.


    Yet he recalled that a few had been given tools before, which they used properly to light up the dark tunnels.


    There was a point where the goblins did not want to go any further. Logan didn''t know why, but he planned to bring his own goblin later to check the reason through their link.


    "So, are you going to tell us what is good about¡ª" Kai stopped midway, left speechless by the room in front of him.


    "So, what do you think about this place?" Logan asked as he walked into the large cavern. A large body of sparkling, mana-filled water stood in the center, and crystal-filled walls lit up the magical space. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "This is...the purest mana I have ever seen. To think it was under the kingdom this whole time," Chloe said, the others seeing her surprised for the first time.


    Logan''s inquisitive owl suddenly woke up, sensing the mana. It looked around, wondering where its master had taken it.


    [Mana, strong, mana,] the owl communicated, its feathers ruffling as it bathed in energy.


    "It seems some monsters react differently to mana¡­" Logan spoke just enough for Rubina to understand why he had done so.


    "Well, I think it''s because its main element is light. They seem to be more receptive to these kinds of places. Don''t you know why your slime has a healing effect? It''s not just a normal slime from the sewers," she pointed out, trying to explain the situation the boy''s owl was experiencing.


    "Don''t worry, though, it should go back to normal after it gets used to this place," she assured him.


    "Now...what were you going to do with this place, Logan? You know it belongs to the kingdom, right?" Kai asked, glancing at Chloe, who would be more strict with the policies when it came to her country.


    "Tell me, what would happen to the goblins and life that lives in this place if I did that? My slime came from here. Also, what is the kingdom''s purpose in sending me to some unknown territory and not the labyrinth with the others?" Logan began, explaining his reason for not saying anything so far.


    "It''s to keep you weaker than them, you should know that they fear you by now," Chloe answered. "But this place¡­ it could bring wealth back to this kingdom¡­"


    "Tell me, Chloe, what is the worth of money when the kingdom falls? As for what I plan to do, it''s just to take enough water to feed my slime as I go north to wherever they sent me." He paused, staring at the girl.


    "And also take a few crystals to sell. I was told a dragon would be expensive. Well, how many crystals do you think would be enough to buy one?" Logan looked at each one, wondering if any of them knew.


    "Well, it''s pure mana. I''m guessing around three large ones like that one would be worth a sack of your coins," Chloe said, with a hand on her chin, deep in thought as she tried to calculate the amount.


    "I guess that is about right, maybe even a little more depending on the buyer. They need about a crystal of that size to power up the defense arrays of the castle for a month," Kai pitched in.


    Logan began counting how many he would need and saw that at least fifty crystals were easily within reach.


    However, not wanting his greed to win him over, he only took thirteen with the help of Rubina, Chloe, and Kai, promising them one each for their help.


    "I hope you two will help me keep this place a secret. It might be the only way I will be able to train my strongest tamed beasts in the future," Logan explained.


    "Oh how is that possible?" Kai asked.


    "Like this..." Logan picked up water using his hands and gave his tamed bird a drink. It instantly sucked in the water as if it were a vacuum cleaner.


    [Ping]


    He heard a sound after the third handful. The owl stretched its wings, as if it had gotten stronger, and shrilled to express its newfound power.


    "There, he got a level up, meaning he got stronger just by drinking the mana-filled water," Logan explained, presenting his bird. Its worn-out plumage had changed to a radiant white.


    "Now, let''s go back. I think there might be something strong here. If you didn''t notice, the goblins seem to be scared of coming down here." Logan looked around suddenly feeling someone was watching.


    As the group left, a beast rose from the water. Its eyes shone like the crystals, and its body radiated energy like the diamonds covering the walls. The only recognizable feature was its mouth, which opened to better understand the scents in the now empty chamber.


    Its sharp fangs, like those of a saw, formed a fierce maw that closed before the great beast dived back in.

 Chapter 59 - 59: Short Trip Back

    The four youths took an hour to return to the carriage area. It was later than planned, as the day had almost ended, making it difficult to traverse the dark terrain.


    Thankfully, they had the owl to help guide the team with its useful night vision. It would rise into the sky from time to time and lead them towards the carriage area.


    The trip back in the carriage was quiet, as everyone was far too tired, with many thoughts keeping them busy.


    Chloe sat near the window, her thoughts shifting between her newfound friendship and her duty to the kingdom.


    On one hand, she worried about the future of the kingdom and the heavy financial toll the war was causing. On the other hand, she had her new responsibility as Logan''s knight and saw how helping him could potentially benefit the kingdom''s future, even if he wasn''t the most liked hero.


    She tried balancing the two, thinking about the report she would have to make in a few hours. As Logan''s knight, she had to stay with him and send back word via magical communication.


    She sighed a few times until she felt Kai, who was next to her, poke her cheek.


    "Why do you look so down, Clo? I know you like thinking a lot, but we need to show that we are enjoying ourselves at least," the boy said, trying to cheer her up.


    "I told you not to call me that," she replied, lightly slapping his hand away.


    "You didn''t have a problem when I used to call you that as kids," Kai retorted, reeling back his hand as if it were broken.


    "We are working right now. Let''s talk about this later," Chloe muttered, glaring at him. Then she noticed how the two youths in front of her stared back at her.


    "You know, we could have ordered another carriage for you two," Rubina commented with a smirk.


    "Why would we need that? Hmpf." Chloe turned back to the window.


    Logan tried to look away, feeling that both of his knights shared the same bond he had with Lisa. He sighed, trying to imagine what she would be doing at that moment and how he would not be able to see her once they went their separate ways.


    "I guess I will have to go back with the heroes, at least for today. Tomorrow, I will need to speak to my mentor about my plans for the next few days. How about you three?" Logan asked the group.


    "Well, I need to speak with my father about certain matters. I also hope this little one will hatch soon," Rubina said, hugging the small hatching device that emitted heat. She kept the fire mana stones charged using her own mana.


    "We will be provided rooms when we reach the castle, so that we are near you, Logan. Don''t mind us; we will be close enough in case of danger," Chloe explained, while Kai nodded in agreement as she explained their situation.


    "Okay, well, I will need to stop by your house first, Rubina. I need to pick up the tame beasts I can bring back to the castle. I doubt they will let me enter riding on Scorch," he declared, eager to return to his tames as soon as possible.


    "Sure thing," Rubina nodded in approval. "Why don''t you all stay for dinner and go back after Logan is done."


    "Woo! Finally, we will eat something other than quick meals. I am starving," Kai admitted, holding his empty stomach.


    "We just ate about four hours ago..." Chloe sighed, holding her forehead in exasperation.


    "What? I am still a growing boy. I have yet to reach my final height," Kai replied, bumping her with his shoulder gently.


    "Very well, we will accept your offer, Ms. Rubina," Chloe said with a slight bow.


    "You don''t need to do that, Chloe. Don''t we know each other from a long time ago? Just treat me as you would a friend," Rubina replied, feeling slightly sad.


    "Ugh, when will you stop being so cold to Ruby, Clo," Kai exclaimed, bumping against Chloe again.


    "Fine, sorry about that, Rubina. We''ll happily go then," Chloe did a retake, her voice more friendly.


    Logan couldn''t help but laugh as he watched the three teenagers interact. His new tame, the basilisk, coiled in the middle of the carriage, raised its head to see why its master was happy.


    "Sorry about that, Basilisk. We will let you rest." Logan petted the snake''s head, and it went back to sleep.


    "Don''t tell me you haven''t named her yet?" Kai observed, amazed at how Logan had completely tamed the beast. The large reptile still scared him, even though his father had a few at home.


    "I did not have the time..." Logan responded, thinking about the topic. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Oh, before you start thinking about names, don''t go calling the poor creature Basil," Rubina joked, trying to prevent Logan from doing the obvious.


    "Well, there go three names..." Logan whispered dejectedly.


    "Don''t tell me..." Kai responded, laughing.


    "Fine, what do you all suggest then¡­" Logan glared at them as if challenging them to do better.


    "Terra, Celin, Petra," all three voiced out at the same time.


    "Now then, let''s see which one she likes," Logan asked his tamed beast to face towards the person whose name it liked.


    It remained still for a few seconds, then raised its head towards Logan.


    [No goodsss, bad], it transmitted in a foul mood.


    "There you have it, none of them seemed to work," Logan chuckled.


    "Well, which one were you going to use then?" Rubina asked, feeling bad that Celin wasn''t liked.


    "Silis, of course, would have been my choice," Logan said, wondering what his creature thought of the name.


    [Sssilisss, like, muchsss], the serpent transmitted, wrapping the end of her tail around Logan''s leg as if thankful for its new name.


    "Well, there you have it, it will be Silis," Logan smiled, feeling good about his naming ability.

 Chapter 60 - 60: Class in Transition

    As always, the Rosengard Estate served a grand meal, which the four youths enjoyed.


    Logan offered the Earl money to pay for the hospitality, but the Earl reminded him that he was his sponsor.


    All he needed to do to pay him back was to get strong enough to protect his daughter.


    Logan took this to heart, feeling the kindness the Earl showed him¡ªit was even greater than what his father on Earth had done for him.


    He then visited his tamed beasts, providing them with food and pats as they welcomed him back.


    At one point, he could have passed as a monster, with two birds on each shoulder, a slime wrapped around his neck, a fox nestled on his chest (held with his right hand), and his left hand holding the tiny goblin''s small hand.


    Beside him was his serpent, who was to be placed with his best bud, Scorch. He was nervous about the interaction they would have, recalling the incident that occurred when his two powerful birds first met.


    About an hour or so ago, Logan was getting out of the carriage, Zephyr flew out of the window to meet him. The bird instantly noticed another occupying his favorite spot.


    [Master, who, shoulder] the bird chirped, seeing a new feathered beast settled in its spot.


    It used wind to try to push it off.


    [Hey Zephyr, don''t worry about our new friend. He will be going to Lisa,] Logan tried to intervene before things got out of hand.


    [Lisa, master, mate,] Zephyr angry but innocently replied while he landed on Logan''s other shoulder.


    [Ah, uhm, yes, Lisa, who was here yesterday,] Logan said, wiping the sweat from his brow.


    He could only imagine the ruckus Scorch would make after finding his new reptilian tame.


    They got close to Scorch''s enclosure, and next to it, there was another room where they could place the basilisk, Silis, for the night.


    Scorch, sensing his master''s presence, jumped out merrily. The large beast nuzzled his face against Logan''s stomach, sniffing all the scents the boy had on him.


    Two new smells, along with the stench of goblins, were imprinted on his master.


    He looked down to see a snake coiled up around one of his master''s legs. Upon seeing him, the basilisk extended its hood wide, as if not wanting to back down.


    [Not again, you two, chill. There is no need for hostility in our team.] The two beasts instantly calmed down.


    Another glare from Logan made them understand their place.


    "There we go. Silis, you will stay here. Scorch, you need to teach the new kids the ropes." The boy petted the raptor''s side, who understood what was expected of him.


    After leaving the two largest beasts behind after feeding them, Logan, Kai, and Chloe got ready to go back to the castle, leaving only the goblin behind with Rubina.


    The group traveled via carriage to the castle and, just before 10, reached the castle garden where they went their separate ways.


    On his way to the inn, Logan stopped by to feed his plant some mana. With enough water, it jumped two levels.


    It did not have any significant change, so he stopped there for the day.


    He was humming a song while heading to the inn. Along the way, he spotted a few classmates, various pairs of boys or girls with partners from this world, they seemed to have easily found love within a few days.


    Unlike his previous visits, he noticed that the group, which had only consisted of kids in the class, began to mingle with otherworlders.


    "Hey Logan, congratulations on your award and title! I hope to get one soon¡ªwait for it," a random boy called out. Logan turned towards him with a nod, not knowing how to respond.


    Others around him also began to cheer him on. He felt undeserving but accepted the praise nonetheless, knowing that doing otherwise might bring problems.


    Luckily, no one made a bigger deal out of it, as none in his class or the otherworlders took the time to shake his hand or ask for autographs.


    As soon as he got close to the inn, it didn''t go as smoothly.


    He felt clear hostility from three particular guys and the eight or more girls around them.


    "Look who is back, the wimp who doesn''t join training and yet has others do the dirty work for him," Brian sneered as Logan passed by.


    "None of his pets look particularly strong. I wonder if his mentor did all the work and just gave the credit to the loner," Jonathan added, pointing to his owl. The girls around him laughed, almost as if he had told the best joke of his life.


    Logan did the same thing he always had done when dealing with them¡ªignored them and kept walking.


    This angered them even more, but seeing that the loner did not play into their plan, they just laughed harder and let the boy go. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The boy entered the inn where there were fewer students than before. He looked around for his teacher, but it seemed she was not on the first floor this time.


    Not feeling hungry, he went back to his room. The other students either ignored him or praised him, and he responded with waves, nods, or silence, depending on their actions.


    As he settled himself, he heard his maid come out of her own room. She had a book in hand and glasses, which he rarely saw on others from this world.


    "Welcome, Master. I''m glad I chose to come here today. I sort of guessed you would, as the other heroes will be leaving for Dracone Ridge in a few days. It should be a safe journey for them, at least a little better than our own."


    "Why is that, Ruri?" Logan patted his fox while the rest of his creatures roamed the room to settle themselves.


    "We will have to travel about twelve days, mostly on uneven terrain. There will be a lot of beasts throughout the journey, and after all of that... you will need to improve the city. Or so I heard around the castle," Ruri told him the bad news.

 Chapter 61 - 61: Perfect Duo

    Logan''s heart almost shattered, especially upon hearing the time it would take to reach his barony.


    He was now second-guessing the decision.


    Although in reality, he didn''t have a particular choice here. He needed to go north to Highcrest, and it seemed impossible to go against the plan set for him.


    "Well then, Sir Logan, I will leave you for tonight. Will we need to get up early tomorrow?" Ruri asked, seeing that Logan was too busy thinking to speak with her. She also noticed how gloomy he had gotten with the news.


    "Oh yeah, one more thing, I have this for you Ruri." He brought out a storage ring and a communication amulet, the maid stood dumbfounded holding two very expensive magical tools.


    "But Master Logan, I can''t use magic well. I don''t think these items will be good for me," she tried to refuse.


    "I heard that it doesn''t need too much mana, just accept them, please. You know me and how I forget to tell you where I am; with this, you won''t have to worry anymore. As for the ring, it stores just the essentials, so it won''t drain too much of your mana." Logan tried to convince his maid.


    "Oh and one last thing, I placed a small mana crystal inside it, so it should help you maintain the mana that you lack," Logan added, thankful for the girl''s care so far. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The crystal Logan gave her was a small mana stone, just a little part of the large crystals he still had in his storage.


    Ruri left Logan after a few too many bows. The boy stood in his room, lost in thought, until a knock was heard at his door.


    "Who is it?" Logan asked, opening the door slowly, hoping no one was trying to harm him.


    "Logan, let me in quickly. I don''t want others to see that I am here," Lisa said, trying to be as silent as possible while entering.


    "What are you doing here, Lizz?" Logan asked while letting her inside.


    "Well, I thought I would visit you, knowing that you won''t try doing the same for me," she said jokingly.


    "Of course, it''s not right to check in on a girl your age at this hour," he said, imitating an old man''s voice.


    "Always worried about how others think, Logan. You need to be more proactive¡­ Anyways, it''s good to see you''re better. So, how does it feel to be a noble?" Lisa said while sitting on his bed.


    "Just like before, I guess. The only thing that has changed is the money I got," he said while sitting next to her, although not as close as he hoped due to shyness.


    "Well, that was a lot of money. I hope you didn''t spend it all," Lisa laughed, looking at a particular beast she had never seen Logan have until today.


    "Well, I did spend a little. I had things I needed urgently, and speaking of that particular subject¡­ it''s a perfect time to introduce you to someone I wanted you to meet," Logan said while lifting his hand for his new owl to fly to.


    "I wondered why you had a new beast. Was that the only one you bought?" she asked excitedly, petting the white, soft feathers of the bird.


    "I did, but this one in particular I bought for you. It might look strange with its four limbs, but I bet my whole bag of money that it will evolve into something amazing," Logan said while scratching the bird''s neck.


    "You mean like your raptor?" Lisa asked, having never seen how that particular beast looked before it became the fearsome dinosaur.


    "Exactly. Remember I told you it was just a little salamander about 10 or so centimeters long when I arrived?" He used his hands to show Lisa just how long he recalled the salamander being when it hatched.


    "Now that is real magic¡­ but why would you give me this little one?" she asked, still excited at the notion of having her own tamed beast.


    "I hope it will help you in your journey. I know the labyrinth is dark, so having this guy might help in that place. It is also a rare light magic beast, which should help you understand the light element. Based on my mentor''s teachings, it is good to have an elemental beast for reference to see how magic can be used," Logan said, placing the owl slowly on Lisa''s shoulder.


    "How about you try communicating with it using our link, but try sending it towards it instead," Logan suggested, noticing how well the two made a perfect duo.


    The radiance both of them showed even blinded him.


    "I forgot to ask you, but do you have a communication device?" Logan asked, trying to rush through the things they needed to talk about before relaxing.


    "I do, but I wanted to buy another. You know, you can''t be too careful with the things you are given," she said, placing the owl on her lap. The small creature made cute noises, loving the attention.


    "Then I guess buying this was correct. Here, it''s a ring with a mana crystal in case you ever run out of magic, a few vials of mana-filled water, and a few magical tools I thought you would need," he said, passing her a ring just like Ruri''s, which contained things he wanted to hand over to Lisa to keep her safe in her travels.


    "Oh, and also feed for this little one. It shouldn''t go bad since it''s just dried seeds, so don''t worry about having no food for it for a good while," Logan added.


    "Sounds like you already spent a good amount, but really, thanks, Logan. I did not want to ask the church for money and later worry that I owed them," Lisa said, holding herself from hugging the boy.


    "Well, I did add a few coins in there too. And don''t worry about owing me anything. I just want you to take care of yourself when you go to the labyrinth. This little one will protect you; just make sure it also gets some levels in when you fight," Logan said, finishing most of what he planned to speak about.


    "So I take it you''re not coming with us then¡­" Lisa looked dejected.


    "It''s not that I won''t, but I was told that I can''t. You should know why I was sent to some city up north instead of going with you all who are going south," Logan explained.


    "I knew it. I tried looking at a few maps in the library, and it all made sense¡ªthey still want to separate you. Well, it''s not like we could do much¡­ but just you wait. When we are strong enough, we will have the last word. So, don''t just stay up there and sleep. Train hard, Logan," she said, trying to motivate the boy, but also herself from the thoughts that made her wonder why everything was happening the way it was.


    "So now that I have given you that creature, how about I tell you about a serpent I bought¡­" Logan began, recounting his day''s events.

 Chapter 62 - 62: Bombs and Traps

    Logan felt like a mess; he had stayed up for far too long yesterday, thinking about his time with Lisa.


    They spoke for a good few hours before she left when the coast was clear.


    Ruri, as always, had shaken him awake and taken his dirty clothes to be washed.


    She had also placed clean water for him to cleanse himself, something he did only out of pleasure since his slime did a good job.


    "Well then, kids, let''s get going¡­" he said, while wondering how his owl was doing now that it had left with Lisa.


    It did come back twice last night, as he kept his window open, so it wasn''t like he wouldn''t see it anymore.


    Opening the window wider, he saw the sky clearing after a rainy night¡ªthe first time he had seen signs of rain in this world.


    The morning air was fresh, and the rising sun was giving him the energy he needed to go downstairs for food.


    Today, the chefs served a quick but nutritious meal wrapped in cloth to take to the training field.


    The sandwiches were convenient for the kids to eat, reducing the time it took to have their meal. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The meals were well-made and delicious.


    Logan took a few bites while walking to the field, throwing a crumb or piece to his tamed beast whenever he was about to finish a sandwich.


    As soon as he saw and heard the heavy armor of soldiers moving about, he began to feel like he had entered school.


    The morning hustle and the sense of his freedom being robbed weren''t pleasant for the boy.


    He quickly spotted his mentor, who was sitting in a corner eating her own quick meal.


    "You know how long I have been waiting, hero?" Valeria said, taking the final bite of her bread and rubbing her hands to remove the small crumbs that stuck to them.


    "No, I''m sorry. I did a lot of thinking last night," Logan said with a sigh.


    "Well, it doesn''t matter. I just wanted to say that. Let''s begin and get away from here. I need to teach you about traps, remember? I don''t think we will be able to go anywhere with the extermination groups cleaning the forests," she said, riding on her panther while Logan followed behind.


    "I would have thought you would bring your new mount?" she asked, wondering why the boy was walking.


    "About that, I don''t know where to put him in this castle. I would prefer he stay with the Rosengards when I''m not around to take care of him. Remember, he is only days old," he reminded her.


    "Oh yeah, it will take a little more to rear the kid, huh. Well, it won''t matter much today. Let''s head to the alchemy area; we will need to use our brains. You did buy all the ingredients, right?" Valeria questioned.


    "Yes, about as much as the store had. I even went to three others just to make sure I had enough," he answered.


    "That is good. You will probably destroy the first thirty or so before you get the hang of things," Valeria said, reminiscing about her early days.


    The place she led him to was not far; it was one of the towers where alchemy could be practiced.


    It had special arrays to prevent damage to the walls, so even a few explosions could be safely withstood within the rooms.


    "Well, here we are. Now take everything out, including the book. I hope you brought something to write with so that you can take notes. It''s important for you to write the process in your own words."


    She demonstrated how to make a few of each trap and three bombs within a few hours.


    It was probably one of the most difficult things Logan had ever done; using magic to make the traps'' mana crystals recognize a command was like charging a battery with your own hands.


    The mana stone had to have just enough power to activate the trap but also be strong enough to produce the effect.


    It was like taking into account voltage and amperage.


    It was difficult not only because of the new terms used to speak about magic but also because it relied on formulas that Logan needed to think about before putting them into practice.


    Four hours in, he had successfully made three bombs: one that caused detonations (the last one he was tasked with), one that produced a smokescreen, and another that made high-pressure needles shot out of a spherical device.


    For traps, their utility was to create a chance for Logan or his beasts to enter battle with a hindered enemy.


    The first of these was a standard spike strip that extended itself when magic was applied.


    Another of these was magical threads that came from a special spider beast that needed mana to be infused to be as strong as steel.


    This one required a type of ball that, once thrown, began unwinding the string. It was a very well-crafted tool, but the expensive string made it niche.


    Other tools included noise-producing pipes that, once activated, produced magic to create a deafening sound.


    One particular trap Logan was exempted from testing was the smell-producing cylinders, which emitted a foul odor that could make someone instantly wretch just by coming in contact with it.


    "Well, that is the gist of it, Logan. You will need to work on improving the time it takes to make and use them. Make sure you work on it until you can time the activation by seconds. These can not only save you from death but also keep some monsters alive long enough for you to tame them," Valeria said, finishing the day''s lesson.


    She was certain the boy would be able to handle each bomb or trap within a few weeks, so the next thing on her agenda was to teach him how to control his mana better.


    He was wasting far too much to produce so little, and it needed to be worked on before he could use any of the dangerous tools in combat.

 Chapter 63 - 63: From Buyer to Vendor

    "Well then, Logan, what is your plan for the rest of the day?" Valeria asked as they headed back to the field from the alchemy tower.


    "I will need to head out and restock my traps and bombs. I think I will need a lot more before going up to my territory. I also want to visit my beasts in the Rosengard Estate. How about you, mentor? What do you do when you''re not teaching me?" Logan asked.


    "I will be tending to my tames just like you. I need to visit my mount, who is probably starving, so I will see you tomorrow," she replied.


    "Sounds like a plan. I will be here at the same time," Logan said. He thought about extending the time to go north after finishing everything he wanted to do in the capital.


    As he began to leave the training area, he saw two youths sparring at a distance.


    He knew them well, as they were his newly appointed knights.


    Chloe and Kai were having a fierce practice fight, showcasing their powerful moves.


    They mixed earth magic to create pillars and weapons almost instantly, each one directed but never intending to hit each other''s vital points.


    They continued for about five minutes, during which Logan used the time to inspect each of his knights. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chloe used fluid movement to dodge Kai''s well trained swordplay, he would change between blade and spear showing how he could use a variety of weapons.


    It wasn''t long before they finished, heaving heavily.


    Logan got closer and passed each of them a vial of mana water, which he now knew was safe for others to drink.


    He and Lisa had done a few tests last night, since she was a healer and could inspect his body in case the water did any damage to him.


    It turned out that, just like with monsters, it would heal humans and provide them with extra mana, not only to recover what they lost but also to add to their body just as experience points from monsters did.


    It was a miracle elixir that Lisa said only she had the pleasure of drinking, as the church refined water using a special method to produce the same magical water.


    After both of his knights seemed refreshed, Logan only had to wait a couple of minutes for Kai and Chloe to join him in shopping.


    The boy knew they would need to visit a caf¨¦ or a good restaurant before they started shopping.


    He was beginning to feel hungry and didn''t want to return to the inn to be with the other heroes.


    As soon as his two knights returned, they departed for the bustling town.


    The town looked more lively as the news of Logan''s achievements spread.


    Logan was no longer able to walk without his face covered, especially since most of the people knew that Chloe and Kai, two prominent figures who safeguarded their town, were now his knights.


    The three ate in a place Kai had chosen for them, a comfortable caf¨¦ that didn''t mind Logan''s popularity.


    The owner was a kind old man who served delicious meals.


    "Well then, where is our next destination?" Chloe asked, ready to lead the group.


    "I want to go to the merchants guild to try selling some of the mana crystals. I am sure they will be willing to buy them for a good price. After that, I want to buy ingredients for my traps. Oh, and Chloe, do you think it would be good to also sell some crystals to the treasurer to keep the kingdom happy?" Logan asked, wondering if his idea was worth considering.


    "I think it will help your standing. I thought about it, and the best course of action would be to tell them that Ferra, the Guardian of the Forest, provided you the crystals. That way, they won''t make a big deal out of it since no one is willing to fight with the divine beasts," Chloe said.


    Her goal now was to help Logan''s standing to make her work easier. She placed her bet on the boy''s power, and he did not seem dangerous, at least for now.


    "Very well, let''s get to it. We have a long day ahead of us, and I also want to visit my beasts before the day ends," Logan ordered.


    Being in town, it was easy to find the shopping district where they had previously visited the day before.


    The only problem was the difficulty caused by people who spotted Logan and had to stop to address him.


    Logan''s mentality was about to collapse before even reaching the first stop, where an old lady greeted them.


    She was a great alchemist that Chloe knew.


    The old lady treated the girl as her granddaughter and always had sweets to give out.


    The charismatic seller also sympathized with Kai and his display of affection for the girl.


    Pulling him aside, the seller planned various strategies to help Kai connect with the oblivious tomboyish girl.


    "Well, we can cross the first thing off our list. I think I have everything we came for. Are you two sure there''s nothing else you want? I feel bad being the only one getting something," Logan spoke out after exiting the shop.


    "Don''t worry, Logan. We are nobles and, being honorary knights, we are getting handsomely paid by the kingdom to take real good care of you," Kai informed the boy.


    "Okay, so now we are going to the merchant guild, right?" he asked Chloe, who always took the position of leading the group.


    "It should be in that direction. It''s not hard to find; you can even see the building from here," Chloe said.


    Logan looked at a three-story building that rose above those around it.


    Most of the houses and stores occupied the first floor, with two floors typically reserved for residential use where most of the population lived.


    When they got closer, Logan thought the building was a bank. People exited while holding notes instead of coins, indicating an established monetary system.


    Coins were far easier to keep on hand, while notes were for those who wanted to store and invest their money within the guild.


    As they entered, they saw how busy the place was.


    People were seated or standing in line, while others were tending to those who brought sacks of coins and began placing them behind two large metal doors.


    Only by using his name, he was brought up to the second floor where a stout man, who reminded him of the Monopoly Man, met him


    The man even pushed his assistant aside, knowing the hero wasn''t here for simple words.


    It was as if he smelled business from a kilometer away.

 Chapter 64 - 64: Sealed Deal

    "Come in, hero! You are always welcome here," Guildmaster Harold greeted the hero with a handshake and invited the boy and his two knights into his office.


    "Jen, bring us some tea, dear. The best we have, if you will," he ordered his secretary. After doing so, he signaled everyone to sit.


    The chairs in the room were neatly arranged and seemed soft enough to make one fall asleep instantly.


    As Logan sat, he was far from feeling sleepy.


    He was going over what he would say in his head, nervous about undertaking what was probably the biggest deal of his life.


    He breathed in and out slowly, trying to calm his thoughts, and finally, he was able to speak normally.


    "Well then, I have a deal I wanted to speak with you about, Sir Harold." Logan began with a cough to get everyone''s full attention.


    "I came across¡­ these crystals provided to me by the guardian of the land¡­" He knew he should not say more than that. He wasn''t the best liar and decided to simply take out a large crystal from his storage and show it to the merchant.


    The middle-aged man''s eyes almost popped out at the sight of the large, pure crystal. It was mouth-watering for him; he knew how much each kingdom, and even the empire, would pay for this.


    It was worth nearly the price of the smallest kingdom. If this boy wanted, he could be a king.


    "This¡­ Is this the only one you have?" Harold asked, trying not to bite his tongue.


    "For today¡­ yes. So, how much are you willing to give me, Sir?" Logan began, attempting to bargain. Using words for negotiation was not his strong suit so he went with a direct approach.


    "Whoa, I am sorry, young hero. I don''t think we can afford this, Sir Logan. What we can do is sell it for you¡ªthat would be much better. I don''t think this kingdom would be able to afford such a gem¡­ to think the guardian gave you this..." The merchant, seeing his secretary come in, told her to call someone else.


    "Please be patient for a little while. Let me know if you need anything while you wait. I will bring a specialist to inspect this carefully. After that, I will give you a price we can try selling it at. How about we split the sale 90/10 for the first time?" The merchant said, trying not to jump for joy.


    Logan turned towards Chloe, who looked just as shocked as he did.


    "Alright, I think that would be good. As for the wait, I don''t mind¡­" Logan tried to get himself comfortable.


    "About that¡­ do you think I could get some pastries with this tea? That would be lovely," Kai said nonchalantly.


    "Sure, right away, Sir Kai. Sorry about that; I thought the talk was going to be shorter," Harold replied, offering his guests the best the guild had to offer.


    It wasn''t long before a spectacled individual arrived and carefully examined the crystal.


    He used various tools and even his personal magic, then nodded towards the Guildmaster before leaving.


    "Well, I have confirmed it. This is real and very pure. If anyone is going to pay good coin for this, it will be the empire. Should we have it flown over there and try selling it, hero?" Harold paused before continuing.


    "The money would be sent to wherever you will go. It will take at least two weeks before we can pay you, though," the knowledgeable merchant leader said.


    "And how much do you think they will offer?" Logan asked, trying to figure out how much he would need for a dragon.


    "About that, it should be¡­ forty thousand gold coins, minimum. But with the war going on, it might be raised a little more to keep the defense arrays up," the merchant said, trying to calculate a fixed price.


    Logan wondered how much he was given; it would probably be around five to ten thousand by the king this morning, so this amount was extraordinary. And to think he still had around ten of these crystals.


    "Uh, that is fine, but I will probably be heading to my lands north of here, so I hope you can take the money there¡­" Logan tried to explain his situation.


    "Yes, don''t worry. We know about your new barony. If possible, we would like to establish a branch of our guild there soon. I hope you can welcome us in your new territory," Harold said, knowing that staying close to Logan would be beneficial, especially with the potential to obtain more of these crystals.


    He instantly thought about establishing a small store in Highcrest, a distant but small city. Doing so would be a good way to keep in touch with the hero.


    "So, I guess we will be taking this for today, hero." The merchant placed the large crystal inside a small bag that looked normal to anyone, then called someone to take it.


    "It will be sent as quickly as possible, using the fastest routes we have for merchandise of this level," he assured Logan.


    With nothing more to add, the trio bid their farewells and headed back to the castle.


    It was time to finish shopping before speaking with the treasurer.


    Logan thought about what he would say to the strict man of few words. At least he knew he would not need to say much. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He now understood that the kingdom would probably not buy his crystals for the same amount as the empire.


    However, if he did sell them, he could possibly earn their trust by offering something precious at a lower price.


    "Let me guess, more shopping?" Kai said, looking at Logan with repulsion clear on his face.


    "Yes, but it shouldn''t take more than half an hour. We just need to restock ingredients in the nearby magic tool shop," Logan said as he hurried his knights.


    Chloe kept quiet for some reason. Logan guessed it was because she had previously underestimated the value of each crystal.


    He remembered that he had previously given everyone in the team one crystal each.

 Chapter 65 - 65: Hard Bargain

    "So, you are telling me you want to hold a meeting, Hero Logan¡­" Treasurer Golman asked the young boy who had suddenly shown up, his two knights following behind.


    He did not seem to have wasted his money on fancy clothing or jewelry, which made the treasurer see the boy in a better light compared to his peers, who had instantly spent the kingdom''s gold on riches as soon as their first wage was given.


    Three particular boys came to mind who wasted so much on useless mounts that could have easily been provided by the castle''s stables.


    And they were not the only ones wasting money.


    Many of the girls wore fine magical clothing, whose only function was to always remain clean, as if they didn''t have maids to wash their clothes.


    His worst assessment was reserved for those who didn''t even buy practical items, opting instead for jewelry with no special use or magical endowment.


    It was a pity, but most of the heroes were just kids with power. He had yet to be impressed.


    He stared at the boy and then welcomed him into his small but comfortable office, furnished with only the essentials the treasurer needed¡ªnothing more, nothing less.


    "You will have to forgive me, Hero, I only have a seat for one. You see, my job does not require much company," Golman said while sitting behind his desk and looking at papers, as if telling Logan he had other matters to attend to.


    "I will be quick then. Thanks for making time for me. Now, with the help of the Guardian of the Forest, I was given a particular gift that I think you will need. I was wondering if I could sell it to the kingdom..." Logan began to explain his lie.


    "What could you possibly have, boy, that we would need, especially when we are low on funds?" Golman replied.


    If not for the boy''s status as a hero, he would have already sent him away.


    "About that, Sir... I think it would be easier to show you than to say any more," Logan said, summoning the crystal onto the treasurer''s desk.


    The weight of the item was enough to make the cheap wooden table''s legs give out.


    "What in the world..." Golman let his jaw drop as he felt the pure magical item''s radiance reach him.


    His slight headache even seemed to disappear near the large, meter-and-a-half-long crystal.


    "Well, that''s the item I wanted to sell to the kingdom. You know its value, right, Sir?" Logan almost laughed at the man''s reaction.


    It even felt good after the way the guy had been treating him.


    "Indeed¡ª" He was about to say something when he felt someone enter his room unannounced.


    "Golman! What... what is this!" Aldric Spellweaver, the castle''s Archmage, exclaimed as he entered.


    He was an elder but a very wise mage in charge of the kingdom''s Magic Guild.


    The old wizard should have been busy training the magic-based heroes at this time, so Golman did not know why he had interrupted him so abruptly.


    "Where did you get your hands on this, Golman? Do you know the value of this crystal? It''s four times larger and so much purer than the one we use to provide the capital''s energy..." Aldric, who had forgotten about the others in the room, began to caress the crystal as if it were his own child.


    "What did you just say, Aldric? Do you know how much our own crystal cost us? You know better than anyone how much we have to pay the empire to get those," Golman told the wizard.


    "Now, Hero, do tell me everything in detail, please. I promise to listen to your story," Golman asked Logan in a different tone than the one he had used earlier.


    "I would also like to hear this," Archmage Aldric said, retrieving three seats from his storage and offering them to Logan''s knights.


    Going over the same details as before, Logan outlined the main points of his lie and waited for both elders in the room to speak.


    "Well, that is amazing. How much are you willing to sell it for?" the elderly mage asked, his piercing gaze fixed on Logan.


    He seemed willing to sell his soul to acquire the large crystal.


    "I wanted to speak to Sir Golman about that..." Logan made it clear that he intended to sell it to the kingdom, demonstrating his value to them in the future.


    "Well... if it''s as Aldric said, when compared to what we pay the Empire... I would say... twenty thousand gold coins..." The treasurer rubbed his chin, trying to maintain the best poker face he had ever made in his life.


    Everyone in the room, including the mage who didn''t have that kind of money, knew the treasurer was blatantly deceiving Logan.


    "You know, I just returned from the Merchants Guild... but I am willing to give it to the kingdom for twenty thousand coins, even though I know the real price." Logan did not appreciate the manipulation, especially since he knew the true value.


    "If I knew you had this... I wouldn''t have given you that huge sack of coins..." the treasurer mumbled, tapping his fingers on the desk.


    "We can afford... ten thousand in cash. You will be allowed to expand your land, which is currently thirty-four kilometers. We can increase your land to three times the size and send some workers to help with infrastructure for half a year," Golman said, thinking that was enough for the young hero to accept.


    "Surely you jest, trying to give only that much to the young hero, Golman. Think about it¡ªdid he ever say this was the only one he had?" Aldric tried getting on Logan''s good side.


    He knew he did not have enough for this particular crystal, but maybe the boy had a way to provide one even a tenth of the size to study and use.


    "Fine, tsk. We will also give you one artifact from the royal treasury of your choosing. This will be on a later day, and we will only present those that might be suited for you," the stingy man said, wanting to toss the elder out.


    With the deal completed, Logan exited the room, accompanied by his two knights.


    The elderly mage, who seemed eager to speak to him, followed closely.


    "Here, sir, I thank you for your help." Logan anticipated what the old man wanted and handed him a piece of the crystal, just as big as a palm.


    "Wait, how much..." the old man began to say. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "It''s on the house," Logan said, making his intentions clear.


    He knew he could use the old man for help later, just as he did with Golman.


    "Thank you, Hero. I will remember this," the archmage said with joy before teleporting out of sight.

 Chapter 66 - 66: Bonds and Confidence

    Ten thousand coins heavier than before he visited the castle, Logan and his two knights were now debating on their next course of action.


    Logan would need to return to the inn where he had left his other pets, except for his slime, which was always with him.


    "Now that we have finished the day''s events, I think I will spend the night in the Rosengard Mansion. What do you two plan to do?" Logan asked his knights as he headed back to the inn to pick up his tamed beast, which he had left in his room.


    "I will head back home for today and meet you at the mansion tomorrow," Chloe said before stopping at the entrance of the Heroes'' Inn.


    "Seeing that you will be busy, I will also head home. I only have a few days with my family before we head north, so I want to make good use of my time," Kai replied afterward.


    "Well then, call me if anything happens," Chloe waved before leaving.


    Kai, who saw the girl walking off, followed while awkwardly making a peace sign towards Logan.


    Logan laughed inwardly, noticing that the people of this world were rapidly learning certain things from the heroes.


    He went back to his room without much difficulty, the inn was empty; no one seemed to be there.


    Considering the time¡ªaround five in the afternoon¡ªLogan guessed they were either training or out in town.


    [Hey everyone, how was your day,] Logan opened his door and spotted Ruri feeding his baby fox.


    "Hi there, Ruri. Thank you for taking care of my little one," Logan spoke gently, trying not to scare the girl.


    It sort of failed as she jolted up, holding her chest. "Oh, hey, Master Logan... I know it''s your room, but please at least knock once."


    Logan smiled as he watched the teenage girl fidget.


    She fixed her hair back in place and tried to normalize her breathing.


    "Sorry about that, Ruri. How about you sit and cuddle that bundle of joy while we talk?" Logan suggested.


    "Talk about what?" Ruri asked, a little scared, almost as if she would be fired.


    "I just wanted to finish talking about what we were discussing yesterday. I wanted to ask what you wanted to do. I haven''t had the chance to do so yet, as you know I will be heading north," Logan began to explain.


    "If it''s about that, I don''t mind going. My family is not in the capital, and I doubt I will see them for some time. It''s just a normal part of living as a castle''s maid," Ruri told the boy, understanding what he was trying to say and feeling her prior nerves ease.


    "Well then, we will be heading out as soon as the heroes leave for the labyrinth south of here. Tell me if you need anything, Ruri. Also, here, I forgot to give you this." Logan handed Ruri some money, having previously provided her with the essentials but forgetting to include funds.


    He handed her a normal bag with extra money in case she needed to send some home before their long trip.


    "I will be going to the Rosengard Mansion. Are you coming with me?" Logan asked his maid before she began thanking him nonstop.


    "Of course! I don''t have much to do here anymore. The room is too small for me to take long to clean," Ruri said while cuddling the small fox, who cutely barked for attention.


    Both youths left the castle and headed to the Rosengard Estate. It was now something normal for Logan, who would use the carriage two or three times per day.


    He and Ruri seemed to be closer these days and would chat normally, unlike before. He noticed a small change in his way of speaking. After being made a baron, even unwillingly, he felt that he had gained a bit more confidence.


    "We are here, Master Logan," the girl said, waking Logan up who had begun dozing off halfway through the trip.


    As they exited the carriage, it was one of the few times they weren''t greeted or waited for.


    Suddenly, Logan felt his communication device react within his pocket. It pulsed with mild heat while producing light.


    He held onto the carefully made device, having only tested it once before while in the magic store.


    He felt like he had his cellphone once again, only this device used magic to send mental images and sounds directly into his head.


    [Logan, where are you? My bird is about to hatch! I need you to mark it,] Rubina communicated.


    [Good timing. Guess where I am,] Logan responded.


    [I can''t see, it''s dark around... wait, is that my entrance?] Rubina replied.


    Logan suddenly heard the door open, and one of the maids he knew quite well, Ms. Hestia, opened the door for him and his company.


    "Hero Logan and Miss Ruri, it''s good to see you both. Lady Rubina is waiting in the usual tea room. Please enter."


    Logan swiftly went to see the new monster he had yet to meet.


    As soon as he entered the room, he spotted Rubina with her usual long, flowing hair styled in a bun. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She wore light indoor clothing, tasteful enough to step out at any time.


    "What impeccable timing, it''s almost as if you read my mind," Rubina said, all her focus on the young chick pushing itself out of the egg.


    Its newborn sticky body made the egg shells hard to remove, so the girl helped as gently as possible to avoid hurting it when removing a shell.


    "By its strong red color, I can say it''s a boy. It''s one of the few newborns that have such distinguished coloring by gender," Rubina said, putting more mana into her crystal.


    "You know, that mana crystal you gave me worked wonders. I gave it to my father, and he has been testing it on a few creatures," Rubina began to explain.


    "But he told me to keep the largest part. He said it would be better to use it on this little bird to help it grow, as the mana crystal will be enhanced by your taming ability." Rubina then cleaned off the red-skinned chick, using fire to dry it.

 Chapter 67 - 67: Aurolious Fowl

    In no time, it began chirping while looking for food, which Rubina had ready nearby.


    "This is my favorite part of helping my father¡ªwatching new life being brought into this world, especially something so cute," Rubina explained in excitement, petting the palm-sized bird on the head with her index finger.


    Not knowing if the little bird imprints, Logan decided to stay a few feet away, giving the two space to get to know each other before he marked the small creature.


    "Come, it should be enough with this. Make sure you make it somewhere meaningful for me," Rubina beckoned, almost pulling him by the arm.


    "Well, where do you suggest then?" Logan said before he heard a voice from behind.


    "I am sorry for being late, kids. It seems our new beast beat me in arriving. Let''s see, it''s a healthy male with quite a strong color," Earl Rosengard said stealthily. He knew the hero was getting friendly with his daughter, something he appreciated but also loathed.


    "Earl, good evening, sir. We were just thinking of where to mark this little beast." Logan replied while looking at the owner of the mansion who just arrived.


    "Well, knowing the Aurolious Fowl, a good spot should be under its wing. Remember, it''s a good idea to mark areas where it won''t be easily seen or targeted. Who knows what would happen if a mark gets damaged, and I don''t think you''d want to test that," the earl reminded Logan, urging him to be more careful.


    "That sounds like a great spot, Father. Is it possible near the side of the heart?" Rubina lifted the small bird and showed Logan the spot.


    "Alright, I guess," Logan said, using a small knife he had bought for these exact situations.


    It would be a scalpel if it were smaller, but the sharpness was what made him buy it.


    Just a graze from the enchanted knife split open his skin, causing a small drop of blood to exit the wound.


    He then placed his finger where Rubina was pointing and finished the binding.


    [Food, food, food] He suddenly heard.


    It was constant and noisy, making him instantly regret the procedure.


    "Please stuff his mouth! The small creature is begging to eat!" Logan tried to cover one of his ears in response to the cries but forgot the noise was actually within his mind.


    "Sure, no problem. Here, little one, we have lots of treats for you," Rubina said, quickly giving it various foods to calm it.


    Logan sat down a little away, trying to clear his headache. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Now I know not to try getting eggs to tame..." Logan said, watching the tiny bird easily eat most of the food presented.


    "Sorry about that, fire beasts need more to eat since they waste a lot of mana just to keep their bodies at an ideal temperature," Rubina explained as she watched her little bird eat even more, as if its stomach was a furnace incinerating all the food she gave it.


    "I think I have just the solution for this. Rubina told me that you had mana crystals, correct?" the earl said to Logan.


    "Yes, here is one if you need it, Earl," Logan replied, bringing out a mana crystal and wondering what the earl had planned.


    "Well, let''s begin testing. It''s a good thing Rubina is also a fire user; we could try having her do the experiment. You see, I am an earth user but with very weak power. I can also use a little light magic, so I can''t do this on my own," the earl began explaining.


    His daughter, Rubina, had an inkling of what her father wanted to try.


    "Mana crystals are far too rare for this to normally be done, but with you having a few large ones of very pure quality, it will be a very good test, I hope. Now then, Ruby, please place one hand on the crystal and the other on the small bird," the earl began explaining.


    "You will need to start infusing the creature with the mana inside the crystal. You will be the one forcing it through your core and then into the small animal," the earl instructed.


    "Like this, Father?" Rubina asked, following his instructions.


    Warmth radiated as she transferred the mana through her body and into her new creature.


    "You need to keep it stable and slowly at the beginning so it does not overwhelm the creature," the earl instructed.


    The small bird glowed red, showing no signs of pain and seemingly accepting the mana with joy.


    [Ping, ping, ping, ping¡­] Logan, who was spectating with fervor, heard four pings as time went by.


    The small creature suddenly seemed energized, its body appearing unable to absorb any more mana.


    Its skin began to radiate red particles, soon dyeing the room with a blinding light.


    Just as Logan had witnessed his Scorchwyrm evolve, the small creature''s limbs also grew.


    Its skin was quickly covered with radiant red feathers that emanated heat.


    Only Rubina, who used the same element, was able to stand close to the creature.


    "Fascinating, to think your power does so much for a creature. Seeing this a second time makes me wonder just how much a monster can change," the earl appraised the fully grown bird.


    It looked like a peacock with red feathers, majestic and a perfect fit for Rubina.


    Sadly, being almost a meter long, it was difficult for her to carry the bird on her shoulder like he would his falcon.


    "Kuuaa," it called out in a loud voice.


    "It''s just what I wanted," Rubina said as she hugged the bird.


    Her dad kept checking the new form of the creature and the crystal, which still radiated a good amount of energy.


    "How about you try this with your viper tomorrow? I doubt it will evolve, but it should get stronger at least," the earl suggested, signaling for Logan to put away the mana crystal.


    "I believe this only happened because it was an infant. It only reached its maximum form while remaining as the same species. As for the Scorchwyrm, it changed after absorbing a larger amount of mana," the earl concluded his inspection, having nothing else to add.


    "So, what will be its new name, Rubina? I want to try communicating with it to see its nature," Logan asked, watching the girl who kept petting her new Aurelius Fowl.


    "Uriel," she suddenly called out, as if it had been thought out with time.


    "Hey, didn''t you give me a hard time when I came up with a name that came from my monster''s species?" Logan glared at her.


    "That is exactly why. I thought about what you would name it and what I could accept, hehe," Rubina snickered, trying to hide her embarrassment.


    "I see. Well, it''s yours now; I don''t have a problem either way..." Logan said as he got closer to the bird and petted its feathery head.


    [Welcome to the team, kid. You sure are the most beautiful of my creatures so far,] Logan praised the bird, who radiated pride.


    Its tail extended to all sides, as if to show off its beautiful plumage.


    [Beautiful, only, me,] it announced as it danced over the table it had been born on only half an hour ago.

 Chapter 68 - 68: Danger Ahead

    Four days passed after the birth and growth of the Aurolious Fowl.


    Logan had been busy caring for his own creatures, and Chloe had even helped him level up his Basilisk using the same method Rubina had used.


    He even told Lisa about the method one night, yet in both cases, nothing happened.


    The two monsters were far too low-leveled to get any real results, but it did help them improve overall. The only problem was the amount of crystals Logan had at hand. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Earlier today, Logan received a notice that the class would go south the next day.


    He knew what this meant, as he was later given news that he would be guided north.


    He would go with four carriages, ten soldiers, a group of magic builders and workers, some maids including Ruri, and his mentor.


    He was thankful that at least they would send him with people who would protect him.


    Kai and Chloe expressed that they would go on their mounts and did not need anything more for the long journey.


    Due to all this, Logan had gotten the group together and rode on Scorch to practice moving next to a carriage.


    His tamed beast did not tire easily and was even happy to run faster than the cart a few times.


    [You sure do like speed, huh?] Logan commented as he held on to the spikes on his tamed beast''s back.


    His saddle was fixed by one of Rosengard''s best leatherworkers and fit his beast perfectly.


    Scorch could run at top speed, and Logan wouldn''t feel a thing. This was because his falcon helped by reducing and guiding the air current, aiding them instead of working against them.


    The boy felt as free as he could possibly be. He saw the carriage being left behind and then stopped Scorch, who could not get enough of being let free from the small room he was placed in.


    [Alright, calm down, we need to wait for the others.]


    [Boring, want, run,] Scorch said as he breathed flames into the sky in a rebellious attitude. It was like a child''s tantrum, but he was easily calmed with a pet.


    [Don''t worry, we will have you walk until your feet fall off soon, then you will want to be as bored as today,] Logan explained as he looked back. The carriage was closing in, and he spotted Rubina''s pet riding on top of the carriage.


    Today, they brought the whole team, including his goblin, who would probably be the most useful.


    They would be heading into the cave to have Krexa visit her mother before they left, and Logan wanted a few more crystals for himself and even more water.


    It wasn''t long before they reached the forest, and within half an hour, they were near the goblin dwelling.


    As always, someone would burn and hide the dirty entrance. The goblins didn''t bother to check who did that after the third time.


    They let themselves in, spotting only goblin warriors protecting the entrance with weapons they had given them before.


    The warriors smiled as the youths passed through and greeted Krexa, who was happy to be home.


    They were relaxed, and with Krexa''s help, no one bothered or stopped them.


    Other than those who wanted to meet the goblin, they seemed curious about why she was dressed differently now.


    She wore her frilly dress that the maids made for her, showing it off while acting like a high-class girl.


    Some of her actions seemed to mimic Rubina as she walked.


    "Don''t tell me she is mimicking me..." Rubina exclaimed, pretending to be offended.


    "It does look like something you would do. It''s adorable the way she walks," Kai added, trying to stop himself from laughing.


    "Don''t laugh at her; she is trying hard," Chloe pointed out while watching from afar.


    "Let''s keep going, we have to be back early," Logan cut them off, feeling pressured by the events that would come.


    As they went further down, the crowd of goblins cheered even more. This grew even greater when Krexa spotted her mother. She bowed politely, as any human would to a royal, mimicking human customs.


    The queen mother of the goblins seemed overjoyed at the intelligence Krexa showed.


    Her confidence had skyrocketed compared to before when she would only follow her mother.


    Krexa hugged her after showing how much she had learned.


    "As before, I have brought food for all to enjoy," Logan began, bringing out more food than last time. He was prepared for there to be even more goblins, but this time the tribe seemed to be fewer than the previous time.


    [Krexa, where did the other goblins go?] Logan asked with a worried expression, thinking another tragedy had happened to the tribe.


    [No, worry, left, they go,] she tried expressing. Logan understood and realized that it was a rough life for goblins. In mere days, they would grow and leave the nest.


    As the goblins enjoyed the banquet, the youths left and went down to the crystal cavern.


    Logan, as before, noticed that none of the goblins wanted to head down. This time, he had Krexa to explain the reason.


    [Master, no, danger,] Krexa called out after a certain distance.


    [Danger from what? I haven''t seen anything yet,] Logan said, stopping the group who kept going down.


    [Crystal, beast, sharp, fang,] the small goblin said, trembling.


    Logan looked towards his tamed beast, who shook in fright. He then told everyone what Krexa had said.


    "Well, we could try to get the nearest ones for now while trying to see what lurks there," Chloe responded, holding on to her weapon.


    "Yeah, I came prepared to fight today. We should at least see what we are up against. It''s not like anything happened so far," Kai added.


    "I kind of want to see what my bird will do..." Rubina said as she petted the Aurolious Fowl, who was always by her side.


    Seeing that no one wanted to back down, Logan marched forth, entering the crystal cavern.

 Chapter 69 - 69: Bitter Defeat

    Deciding to go ahead and enter the crystal cavern, Rubina, Kai, Chloe, and Logan, along with his raptor, falcon, slime, fox, fowl, and viper, ventured in.


    His goblin was too scared, and while the raptor didn''t really like the enclosed space, it made an attempt to follow and help its master.


    The cavern was just like before: rather chilly, mystical, and invigorating.


    "Well, I don''t think we have been spotted. Do you think we should try getting water or go for the crystals first?" Kai asked, and like the others, stared at the water to see if they spotted anything.


    "I don''t think I see anything either, but let''s try getting the crystals that are around the entrance. I don''t want to go near the water," Chloe replied, as everyone nodded to her suggestion.


    [Hey Kryst, do you know what lives in the water?] Logan asked his slime.


    [Hii, hiii, hiii,] it replied, unable to form words even through his link.


    [Is it dangerous?] Logan asked again, trying to sense its intention instead of understanding speech directly.


    [Hii,] it shook, trying to communicate.


    [Guess that is a yes...] Logan continued to mine, trying to push along with Kai to separate a crystal from the base, just enough so it could be considered an object that can enter his storage.


    "Well, this will be a little harder than last time. These are even bigger. I just hope it helps your beast evolve. I really want to see what your viper changes into," Kai commented, wiping his brow and breathing roughly.


    "I... I know, right? I also want to see that," Logan said, almost falling from exhaustion after the second one.


    Luckily, his raptor was around and was busy pushing another one carefully with the help of the girls.


    "I think we should just get these. It''s already making a lot of noise just to bring them into storage..." Rubina said, trying to be as quiet as possible.


    "Uhm, guys, I think I just saw something," Chloe said, looking towards the lake.


    "Are you sure? I don''t see anything," Kai asked, pushing the seventh crystal with Logan.


    Logan rushed to put away the crystals he saw on the floor and turned to his tamed beasts, who did not seem to have seen anything yet.


    "It was a large... shadow, yet it did not have any color. I don''t know, maybe I was seeing things. Let''s hurry," Chloe said as she helped Scorch with the next crystal. As it fell, they felt a rumble.


    "I don''t think that was the crystal..." Rubina said, looking at the water.


    "Look, something is there. It''s just hard to see," Logan exclaimed as he saw his fox''s back stand on end.


    Before they had a chance to exit, they saw a fearsome beast emerge.


    It was like a crystal-made leviathan, its serpent-like body appearing out of the water.


    Adorned with large spikes throughout its body, it looked as if it was part of the cave.


    Its scales¡ªor should I say crystals¡ªperfectly camouflaged the beast with its surroundings.


    "No wonder we never saw it. Do you think we were spotted when we came here before?" Chloe said, trying to tell everyone to back off with hand signals.


    The large beast roared from a distance. It did not know who to attack first, so it waited to see who would move.


    "I think we are in a stare down..." Kai said as he readied a large sword.


    "We should all back away at the same time, slowly," Logan told them.


    He explained the plan to his creatures, and everyone began walking back slowly together. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I believe it''s working..." Kai mumbled as they saw the beast stay still.


    Seeing that no one showed fear, the large thirty-meter beast decided to go for the closest prey.


    It roared before using its powerful body to propel itself forward, with Rubina in its sight.


    "Watch out!" Logan yelled as both Kai and Chloe cast barriers of earth to slow the creature down.


    Logan used this chance to pull Rubina away while her beast took to the sky, releasing powerful bursts of fire. His raptor did the same.


    Both attacks did not faze the monster.


    Its crystal body shrugged off the flames, as there was nothing for the fire to burn, but it did feel the heat through its shining scales.


    [Luna, try using ice magic where the flames hit!] Logan told his creature, hoping something like out of cartoons or novels would happen when heat met cold.


    However, it only made the beast roar and become enraged.


    "My barriers are being torn apart like thin ice. I''m wasting too much mana here. Let''s get out now!" Kai yelled, too busy creating wall after wall to see everyone''s position.


    Suddenly, he saw a tail emerge from the water.


    It had a fin at the end and was ready to strike Chloe from the side.


    "Get back, everyone!" Kai shouted as he ran to intercept the incoming blow.


    It was coming from the left in a side sweep.


    He pushed Chloe back, causing her to fall, and used his large sword as a shield.


    "Ugh!" he cried out as his body was tossed aside, blown a few meters back.


    He felt his grip on his sword loosen and a few broken bones on one side.


    "Kai!" he heard a girl call out, blood dripping and covering one of his eyes.


    Logan, who witnessed the hit, was struggling now that no one was creating walls.


    His viper was busy producing spikes of earth and tossing them after spraying them with venom.


    It was a unique way of creating deadly weapons, but the only problem was the aim¡ªmost of them missed.


    [Silis, create barriers, we need cover,] Logan ordered, taking out various traps to toss.


    He threw out bombs of various kinds, hoping one of them would stop the onslaught.


    Rubina joined the other two beasts, using fire arrows.


    Her target was the only part that could be damaged: the beast''s eyes, which seemed to be the only flesh visible besides the inside of its mouth.


    Seeing they had no chance, Logan took out twenty smoke bombs, ready to blind the beast.


    "I will smoke the place. Everyone get ready to retreat, hurry!" As soon as he spoke, he threw all twenty bombs into various areas.


    Within seconds, they began to release a dark haze that covered most of the cave.


    Everyone had already moved to leave.


    Silis the basilisk and Chloe were the last, as she carried Kai on her shoulder.


    The boy had already taken potions but was far from a full recovery.


    Seeing everyone exit safely, Logan placed one last crystal in his storage before running back with the others.


    His exploding bombs caused enough chaos to keep the beast at bay.


    "Is everyone alright?" Logan called out, noticing one of his hands bleeding from a piece of the beast''s skin that had flown out when it bashed its face trying to eat him.


    "Everyone but Kai. Although he is slowly recovering, we should go back for today. I doubt we will be able to get any more for some time," Chloe informed, as she placed Kai over Scorch''s back.


    "I should be fine soon," Kai said, knowing he would need to visit a church.


    His broken bones made him almost want to cry from the pain.


    "Don''t move, you will be needing a healer," Chloe warned him, looking hysterical and losing her usual calm, uncaring demeanor.


    Everyone, including Logan, just followed her lead and tried not to agitate her further.


    "Glad we escaped. That thing is probably a dragon subclass. Its armor is one of the strongest I''ve ever heard of or seen," Rubina pointed out, using a piece of mana to show everyone the way.


    "At least we got six more crystals. That should hold out for my future training. Thank you, everyone. I am sorry about what happened," Logan remarked.


    He felt awful about Kai''s situation but was glad they were able to escape without anyone dying.


    "I think it was worth it, even if I look like this..." Kai said, as he lost all his strength.


    The adrenaline leaving his body caused the pain to hurt even more.


    "If I knew, I don''t think I would have come even if they offered twice the amount of cash," Logan told the team.


    They soon got to the area where goblins gathered.

 Chapter 70 - 70: Perfect Spy

    After having Kai receive treatment in the church, the team was back together, this time in the Rosengard Mansion.


    It would take a few days for his bones to be fully repaired, a process that needed to be done slowly to ensure they didn''t set incorrectly.


    They were busy discussing their plans.


    Today would probably be his last day in the capital, as he needed to leave early the next day.


    "I have all the food I need for my beasts for a good while. Thanks for the help, Rubina," Logan said.


    He took the time to thank her more formally than usual, as he had yet to learn her plans.


    "Well, about that. I spoke with my father, and it seems I don''t have much to do here..." Rubina paused, trying to gauge Logan''s reaction.


    "So then...?" the boy asked, looking straight at the red-haired girl. She wore a red dress with blue sapphire-colored accessories¡ªa combination that made it impossible to take his eyes off her.


    "It means that I will also go. You need someone who knows about various monsters, their food, and care, right?" she tried to convince him, worried about being rejected.


    "That is good news, then. I will have an easier time," Logan smiled, petting his little fox Luna, who seemed to never want to grow.


    Zephyr was perched on his shoulder, one wing over its face as it slept.


    "You know, we are here too... and it''s nice to have you with us, Lady Rubina," Kai said, lying on a bed with half his body bandaged but otherwise fine.


    "We will need your expertise. I think it''s a good choice," Chloe added, sitting next to Kai. She watched as the boy struggled to pick up a glass of water and got up to help him.


    "I bet you''re glad you won''t be the only girl now. Anyways, what do you need to do, Logan? I am sure you are heading back to the castle today," Rubina commented, noticing the boy''s unease.


    "Sorry about that. Yes, I will go back. Tomorrow we will be leaving two hours after sunrise. It will be the last night I see my class for a while," Logan said, feeling sad and anxious.


    "If it''s like that, I think it''s the best time to leave. As for your knights, they should stay here so Kai can let his wounds heal faster," Rubina suggested, knowing the boy needed personal time with his class.


    "I will do that then. I will come back early tomorrow. I''ll see you all tomorrow." Logan got up and exited the mansion, taking only his smallest creatures with him.


    As soon as he arrived at the castle, he fed his plant, thinking about what he would do with it.


    The beautiful rose could not speak, but it sensed its master''s feelings.


    Using more water than usual while thinking about his upcoming conversation with Lisa, Logan heard a few pings.


    The plant''s level had grown, but this time it did not just end with a chime.


    As with his other beasts, he began to see a change with Scarlet the Crimson Majesty.


    The plant began to change, it did not grow but instead produced a large bulb, the plant radiated as with his other beasts, it was shining red and green until it finished.


    "What happened, where is the change¡­" Logan mumbled as he inspected the plant, the bulbs was the only real change along with the growth of many other flowers.


    As he touched the bulb this began to open slowly, withing it a small seed emerged, only that it wasn''t a seed, it was a part of the same plant.


    [Name: Scarlet / Species: Greater Crimson Majesty / Level: 9 / Blood Mark: Right Ankle / Loyalty: 19/100]


    Str: 1 / Agi: 1 / Dex: 4 / Con: 4 / Int: 5 / Char: 14


    Scent of Serenity: Emits a calming fragrance that soothes those nearby, reducing stress and attracting prey.


    Hyper sense: Detects nearby presences through vibrations and movements around the plant.


    Thorny Defense: Protect itself using thorns found in its vines if attacked.


    Splitting Blossom: Can detach a small portion of itself in a form of a bulb, which retains a connection to the main plant. This fragment can move independently, gather information, and relay it back to Scarlet.


    Whispering Petal: A detached petal from Scarlet can attach itself to a target and transmit audio and visual information back to Scarlet. This petal can blend into the environment, making it difficult to detect]


    The truth was that it did not change much; it only gained the ability to make a part of itself portable.


    As Logan''s hand touched the bulb, it detached itself from the plant, growing new vines that gently ensnared his arm.


    It became a sort of bracelet that he could wear.


    "So I guess it''s true; the evolutions try to take on a form that helps me..." The boy welcomed the change, as he always thought of what he would do with this plant.


    It was in a perfect place to spy on the kingdom as he left, and with its new skill, Whispering Petal, it could use its petals to check on those it got attached to.


    Although it was not yet time for it to shine, its intelligence was still lacking as a plant organism, only producing bzzz noises he felt through his link.


    But one thing did change.


    Instead of speech, it produced a type of video replay as he felt something strange with his link.


    He closed his eyes and saw himself¡ªa petal in front of him was sending him live feedback of what it sensed around it.


    It was not in color, nor was it a video anyone could see normally.


    It was what the plant detected around it, sort of like sonar, or so Logan imagined.


    [Looks like you wanted to come with me, Scarlet,] Logan said as he petted his new bracelet. He noticed how the plant in front of him shook a little in reaction.


    "That is good, I will need you also..." He then thought of what else he could do. Suddenly, an idea came to mind.


    He wondered what would happen if he buried a few shards of mana next to his deep red flower. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He began gently clearing a part of the dirt and placed a few shards next to the roots of the plant, knowing that today would probably be the last day he could feed it, or at least the main body of the flora.


    As soon as he finished, he saw how the roots were wrapping around the crystals, as if hiding them from the roots of the other vegetation.


    Logan petted the pedals of his flower one last time as he left the place.

 Chapter 71 - 71: Everchanging Class

    Happy with what had happened with Scarlet, Logan went back to the class''s inn. Unlike the previous time when he saw many couples around, this time he felt that some were saying their farewells, as silence and sadness permeated the area.


    They did not notice his presence this time and focused on their own problems. Some were crying, some fighting, and others still hugging each other.


    He kept walking, trying to avoid those who might cause him problems. He noticed that today they were as merry as ever.


    The kids were near the entrance, talking amongst their groupies. Logan decided to take the long way around; he would need to go through the back door where the maids usually entered. He didn''t want to deal with their antics and ruin his mood.


    As he passed through the back, he noticed that the maids were also packing. Some whispered that the journey south would be long and that they didn''t know what they were going to do.


    Through the kitchen area, he saw that the chefs were clearing out the food, placing most of it in storage containers and leaving the place spotless.


    It had only been a few days, but their new home was going to be empty.


    As he headed towards the dining area, he saw the one person he had neglected to communicate with¡ªhis teacher, Ms. Claire, who was busy with paperwork.


    "Hi there, Ms. Claire..." Logan sat in front of her, taking one of the sheets of paper to see what she was writing.


    It showed a detailed description of a particular classmate, including his strengths and weaknesses, his skills, and his growth as he leveled up.


    "You know, that''s classified information. I only got it so that I can help them when we fight using my class as Orator. You should put it back, Sir Logan, hero who doesn''t show." Ms. Claire then placed all the documents down with care.


    "So tell me, great hero, what have you been up to?" she said, looking a bit better than before. She appeared well-rested and less worried about those she couldn''t control.


    "As you might have guessed, I was sent to my newly given land. You should know it was basically ordered for me to go there," Logan began to tell her.


    "Before you continue¡­" the teacher took the same device the earl used to create a barrier of sound.


    "Now, let''s speak, Logan. I know what they are doing. You should be careful. I can''t stop this from happening, but they will probably use you as a scapegoat to attract attention away from us who are going south," she began to explain.


    "I thought about it as well. They tried to place me as an important asset; my feats were not as significant as they made them out to be... but don''t worry about me, Ms. Claire. With my beast and two knights, I think I will be safe," Logan replied.


    "So tell me, what is your plan? I want to at least know you will be safe by yourself. I now know that everyone decided to do their own thing, and as a teacher, I have given up on controlling your lives. I will only help those who want to return safely and try to keep everyone together," she said, trying to keep herself composed.


    "Ms. Claire, I might not be there with you all, but I will be with you when you need me. Until then, I will get stronger. I won''t just be sitting idly; I will be training my beasts. Recently, I even got a raptor. I''ll try to show it to you tomorrow¡ªmaybe you''ll have more confidence in my abilities," Logan commented, trying to assure his teacher.


    "Well, I hope it''s better than Brian''s white horse. I swear they bought it only for looks. I, myself, ordered one of those large birds from the stables. It''s faster than any other, and I named it Gale..." Ms. Claire smiled, one of the first smiles Logan had seen from her since arriving.


    "You know, I can tame that bird, use one of my abilities, and it will get stronger. It will eventually evolve into something helpful. My small lizard turned into a raptor, so I know your bird will help you in any fight or difficult situation." Logan thought about helping one of the few people he cared for or who meant anything to him in the class.


    "That would help me, Logan. I will introduce it to you tomorrow before we leave. Well then, I think I will retire for the night. Young man, make sure you don''t stay up too late. We may have medicine to help our bodies, but our minds still need to rest." Ms. Claire picked up her papers, and Logan helped her with some before she left the dining room.


    Logan waited a few seconds, reflecting on what had been said.


    After he was sure his teacher had left, he took out a device¡ªa communication tool that would allow him to speak with others.


    He began trying to contact Lisa.


    She took a few seconds to pick up, and Logan imagined that, like him, she did not have much experience with the device.


    [Logan, I wonder who would be calling. I only have you and Alma to talk to, and I am...]


    [Taking a bath¡­ you know you could have ignored it,] Logan said in shock, staring at the water in front of him and the bathroom. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [I could have, yes, but I am almost done. Let''s talk in your room like last time,] the girl said before the call was cut off.


    The boy opened his eyes; he didn''t get the chance to see much, but he did notice feet under the water.


    Well, I guess she could still have worn her storage ring in the shower, he thought, wondering why she would answer him in such a state.


    Inside the girls'' bath, Lisa placed her device back into her storage ring.


    She was equally as shocked, thinking her friend Alma had called her. Alma had gone out with a boy, and Lisa thought she was trying to call for help.


    Alma always found herself in dangerous situations. She loved risks and even dated a pair of brothers once, causing both to fight for her attention after discovering they were dating the same girl.


    She was lousy as a person but a great best friend who had always been there for her. She reminded Lisa of a boy she knew when she was a child¡ªa boy who loved excitement, quite different from the person he is today.


    Lisa then thought back to the call.


    She couldn''t see Logan''s face but knew he had been shaken by seeing the girls'' bathroom she was in.


    Luckily, the device did not show the other person their face unless they looked at a mirror; it only showed them a perspective, and she made sure he didn''t see her body.

 Chapter 72 - 72: Light Grimoires

    An hour passed before there was a knock on his door.


    Logan knew who it was and wondered why the girl entered dressed in a long robe.


    "Don''t ask. Sometimes girls wearing this kind of clothing enter boys'' rooms. You tell me why that is¡­ and if so, have you invited one?" Lisa asked while taking off the robe.


    "What? No, I don''t know the reason or care, you know I am not the type¡­" Logan, who had learned something new, took a seat on the couch, leaving the bed for Lisa to sit on.


    He was surprised when she pushed him aside and sat beside him.


    "I hope you have brought tea or something, at least," Lisa said, trying to start a simple conversation.


    "No¡­ but wait, I do have this¡­" Logan took out two containers with a type of juice.


    He thought about offering her mana water, but now that he knew a beast swam in that water, he kept the vials for emergencies.


    Logan also took out some snacks he had stored in case he wanted something during the long trip; it was a type of French fry.


    The student, who had the class name "Hero," recreated a few foods from their world using ingredients from this one.


    This particular dish was one of the favorites, as it used a fruit with the consistency of a potato.


    It was naturally salty, making it a good substitute since it didn''t need condiments.


    Ketchup was also introduced.


    Logan even heard that the girl was busy working on creating a burger chain and gaining wealth by copying a certain fast-food joint from Earth.


    "Karla''s reinvented food, huh? I''d also like to visit the original place. You know, you should try getting food from her directly¡ªit adds bonuses to stats, making you strong for a limited time," the girl explained.


    "Buff food from games¡ªwhat will they come up with next, a save and load system?" Logan joked, knowing Lisa would get the reference.


    "It does seem like a world from a game," Lisa added as they laughed for a little while.


    "Logan, I can''t understand how much you have changed... I can''t believe you''re the same person, and I like this version of you more," Lisa stated as she watched the boy, who was still laughing, from the side.


    "Maybe a little. It''s mostly with those I know around me. I''m still not good with crowds; you could say that this world just gave me other opportunities." Logan laid back, thinking about everything that had happened so far.


    "So, are you ready to go to the labyrinth?" the boy asked, feeling comfortable.


    Luna took the chance to jump from the bed where she was sleeping to his lap. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "To tell you the truth, no¡­ we are being rushed since we can''t keep killing the beasts around here. It''s not something I liked doing, but now that we are forced to go, I don''t feel safe like I do here." Lisa looked down after the change of subject.


    "The worst part is that you are not coming. You know how hard it is to be in a team with Brian? He bosses everyone around, thinking he is the sun, and since he knows I will heal him, he gets even more reckless. Ugh¡­" She then began to get mad.


    "Seems you haven''t changed though; you switch emotions on the fly. As for the three stooges, try to get the little owl stronger. I am sure he will help you with healing." Logan then looked at the window and noticed the very one he was talking about had entered.


    "Why look who came to visit, just as we were talking about you." Logan watched as the owl nestled itself beside Lisa. It seemed to have sensed her distress because it kept close and nuzzled near her shoulder.


    "Yes, he is very kind and helpful. Thanks again for giving me Orus," she said, petting the small bird.


    "Well, I will take this as a sign that it has gotten late. Before I leave, I wanted to give you this, Logan¡­" Lisa handed Logan three books.


    "I am sorry, but these are all I could get from the church; as you know, they specialize in light magic¡­" Lisa said, noticing the boy''s confused reaction.


    "I think you forgot, but you were blessed by both darkness and light to get your powerful ability," she began to explain.


    Logan picked up one of the very lightweight books; he could bet anyone that it weighed a tenth of what it should. He opened it, only for it to disappear as soon as he read the first word: [Heal].


    "What in the¡­" Logan exclaimed, staring at the particles that dispersed into his body.


    "How is it? I think it worked. Now open the next two!" Lisa laughed, seeing the boy''s reaction.


    It was the same as hers when she first opened one of these books.


    Logan nodded and opened the second book; its word was "Cure." He then opened the third book, and its activating word was "Light Barrier."


    "Wow, to think I could learn magic this way! You have given me very interesting things, Lisa. Thank you!" Logan said, not waiting to use his new Heal spell. He tried to cure the scab he had made on himself while marking the Aurolious Fowl.


    The wound healed instantly, but Logan also felt a tiny bit tired.


    "Seems you need to level up. Your mana gets drained with each skill use, so do be careful," Lisa reminded him.


    "Does the church have any more?" Logan asked, wondering if he could buy more.


    "Yes, but they don''t sell grimoires for money. They require a point system to keep the healers within the church," Lisa explained, shutting down his plan.


    "Does that mean you used your points on me? Thank you again, Lisa, this will really help me." Logan rubbed her shoulder, overflowing with joy.


    "You''re welcome, Logan. Just please take care of yourself¡­ don''t do dangerous things, please." Lisa grabbed his hand and held it firmly to make her point.


    "Fine, I won''t." Logan returned to normal, wondering why he had rubbed her shoulder like that. But now, feeling the warmth of her hand, he felt butterflies in his stomach.


    Lisa stared at the boy who did not react to her touch as she had hoped.


    She stood up, but Logan''s hand did not let her move far.


    "Lizzy, please take care in the labyrinth. I don''t know what I would do if something happened to you," Logan said, trying to keep his face from flushing as he let go of the girl.


    "I will. Just hurry and train yourself; we will need to meet later for the fight with the demons, right?" Lisa smiled and then left the room.


    She felt her face turn red after seeing Logan''s serious expression; he even pushed back the ever-present strands of hair to look at her clearly.

 Chapter 73 - 73: Farewell Caravan

    Logan, as usual these days, slept very little.


    The thoughts about the next day''s events, the long trip, and Lisa''s visit gave him a lot to think about.


    He didn''t even need Ruri''s help to awaken; he stood up with the sound of his falcon''s wings flapping as it exited the room in the morning.


    The falcon would fly to hunt something for breakfast even before the sun rose.


    As soon as he got up, he went down to take a quick bath, one of the last he would have until they reached his territory.


    Luckily for him, his maid had placed a set of clothes aside the night before, thinking of her master''s needs for the next day.


    In no time, he was clean.


    He spotted some kids in his class who were up and as restless as him.


    They were either busy talking to others or packing the last of their remaining items.


    The breakfast for everyone was simple sandwiches to avoid needing plates or dishes to wash.


    Everyone hurried, knowing the day was going to be long.


    Ms. Claire was hurrying up those who were late; she had been told the class needed to be out by 9, and everyone needed to be ready to board the carriages that would take them to a teleportation array.


    This array would take them to a city closer to Dracone Ridge, the labyrinth city.


    The place was hectic.


    Logan himself wanted to follow them and see them off.


    His own caravan would be nearby the other carriages and would split off to go north during a certain section of the road.


    "Is everyone ready? We need to leave. Start getting in lines; we will be heading to the carriages. Anyone who has mounts needs to get them before we leave, so hurry up," Ms. Claire said sternly.


    The main butler, Mr. Alric, wouldn''t be going with the class but did help most of them with what they needed to hasten the departure.


    Within an hour, everyone had settled and began moving.


    Logan, as always, went to the end of the line, knowing he didn''t have to but felt it was right, at least for one last time.


    The class walked through the garden and into the carriage area, where twenty or more carts were parked, each one with different monsters.


    Standing next to them, the two princesses wore their luxurious dresses.


    Their own cart was not the Pegasus-led wagon, but a normal cart pulled by powerful golden birds that stood in wait.


    Logan had not seen them since the day they arrived.


    "Welcome, heroes. We will be going with you on this journey. I hope this trip will strengthen our bonds and hopefully make you all powerful enough to crush those demons," the older princess Vianell said, as graceful as always.


    The class cheered, knowing they could now get stronger.


    Some were addicted to the sweet feeling after a good few level-ups, while others now had someone to fight for.


    Logan stared at Lisa while everyone was getting ready.


    The young girl seemed to be doing better than him.


    The owl perched on her shoulder gave him the confidence he needed to send her off.


    [Guess this will be where we part. Please have a safe trip and make sure to communicate if you need anything,] the boy used his link.


    The girl, who heard the familiar voice, turned back to spot the boy. He nodded and smiled before she returned her attention to her friend Alma, who was talking.


    [You too, Logan. Please stay safe.] She tried to hold back a tear and continue her joyful talk with her friend as she saw the boy walking off.


    Logan, who was about to leave, saw that his teacher, Ms. Claire, was coming back while riding on a large bird. It was the same species as Chloe but with a deeper green color.


    He waved to her before she got close to the others, not wanting them to witness his special way of taming.


    "What is it, Logan? I should be with the class," Ms. Claire asked as she jumped off the bird with skill, demonstrating that she had trained.


    "Well, about that, I wanted to do what I said yesterday¡ªthe thing about making this monster stronger," Logan said while petting the beast


    He had already secretly made a cut to hurry with the procedure and was petting near the large wings under the right side of the monstrous bird''s chest.


    "There, it''s done," Logan said as he felt the mark begin to manifest on his right side, corresponding to the place he had touched.


    "That was quick. I thought it would have taken longer. I don''t know what it does, but I hope, like you said, it makes this kid stronger," Ms. Claire said as she petted the bird and got back on.


    "Logan, stay safe. I hope we see each other soon," Ms. Claire said, staring at the boy for a while before fixing her hair.


    "I will, teacher. Please keep the others safe. I know we will see each other soon, so hurry and get stronger," Logan replied, waving to her after she kicked off the bird''s side.


    [Ouch, too hard, moreee!] he heard the weird bird say. It seemed something wrong had happened to the strange beast.


    Logan chuckled as he saw a few carts coming from the road.


    One of them had his unique beast walking beside it.


    It began running to him with great speed.


    [Free, master, freee,] Logan heard Scorch roar. Some of his scales radiated a red glow as he shot fire into the sky in excitement.


    He heard the class behind him begin to stir, and some called out as the raptor ran towards the boy.


    With a strong jump, Scorch reached Logan and began nuzzling his face against Logan''s chest like a dog. Soon, most of his other pets arrived.


    Ruri had his fox nestled on her well-endowed chest, the small creature deep asleep. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His falcon perched itself on his shoulder, his slime was as always under his shirt.


    His goblin exited a carriage and ran to hug his leg, while his basilisk slithered out from the same carriage to hug his other leg.


    As for his plant, Scarlet, it sensed the other beasts and tightened its grip on his arm, as if to signal her presence.

 Chapter 74 - 74: Three Artifacts

    "Do you always have to hug your beast in broad daylight?" Rubina said from afar, a little jealous of the display of affection the boy showed his beasts.


    "Why not? It''s hard to ignore their loyalty," Logan replied, patting his creatures one last time.


    After doing so, he took out the saddle and placed it on his raptor. The creature was overjoyed that it would not go back to the small room.


    Before he could move, he was called. It was the treasurer, Golman, who had come via warp portal, with the elderly Archmage Aldric beside him.


    "You don''t think I would forget, right?" the merchant said while taking out three objects from a storage tool.


    "Now then, let''s hurry, as I know you have a long road ahead of you. From these, you can only have one, hero. I only brought three because I know a sword would not help you, but one of these tools has to be good enough for you." The archmage helped create a hovering disk that let the treasurer place the three items on it.


    One of them was a small badge that resembled a shield.


    The second was a pair of glasses that looked normal, but the part where the lenses should have been was strangely empty.


    The final item was a small lantern that must have some kind of function.


    "I guess you need an explanation. The first is an Evershield Badge. Using mana, it can grow in size and partially reflect magic," the merchant explained.


    The treasurer picked up the badge and fed it a bit of mana, allowing it to grow to the size of a small dish in a matter of seconds. He then placed it back, and after leaving his hand, it returned to its small size.


    "The next item is a pair of glasses that let you see information about the item you concentrate on. I thought, as someone not from this world, it would be a helpful tool for you." Golman signaled for Logan to put them on.


    The glasses adjusted themselves to his features, and as soon as he saw through them, he could appraise things with ease.


    However, he needed to be careful about what he was looking at, as checking too many things at once overloaded his mind, causing a headache.


    He took them off and looked at the final item with expectation.


    "The final one is a lamp. It lights the way," the treasurer said, as if it held no importance.


    "Don''t be like that, Golman. That last one lights the way one should take, as if guiding them to a destined event or item," the Aldric added with a wink.


    "Why do you have to talk¡­" Golman remarked angrily, but huffed and returned to trying to act normally.


    "Now then, which will you choose?"


    Logan thought hard about his choice. He sort of needed all three; the shield was amazing, the glasses would help him as someone not from this world, and the final item sounded like a must-have.


    "How much would all three of them cost¡­" the boy tried to negotiate, staring at the three items carefully.


    "I am only giving you one to show our intent, kid. If we were selling them, I would ask no less than one hundred thousand for the three." The man looked at Logan as if his time was being wasted.


    Logan thought hard. Would the guy yield for two crystals more, but then ask questions?


    He turned to Rubina, who knew how many crystals he had and could help him make a decision.


    She only knew the old guy from afar, but even for her, the offer of the three artifacts was impressive.


    Rubina even thought about how the glasses would help her dad, who researched many things.


    The girl nodded, and Logan came to the same conclusion.


    "You know¡­ I have another crystal... How about a trade for all three items," Logan whispered, trying to keep his voice low enough for only the treasurer to hear.


    He saw Golman''s eyes twitch, showing he was tempted, but his overall features remained unmoved.


    "Fine, two, one is nearly the size of the one I gave you and another my last is smaller by a third." Logan tried to negotiate.


    The Archmage Aldric Spellweaver wanted to cry, but he was unable to join the conversation since he had wasted his money on research.


    It was now the treasurer''s turn to turn to his helper, who showed a wide smile and nodded.


    "Fine¡­ fine, take them. Now give those here," he said, ordering the mage to cast a visual effect spell that concealed the items.


    Logan quickly took out the crystals he intended to give the treasurer and picked up the three tools.


    He tested the badge as soon as he got it. It was lightweight, but as it grew in size, it equally got heavier.


    He tapped it and heard the sound of metal. It was wonderful for the boy who would be in the rearguard.


    He made it shrink again and placed it on his chest as if it was a button. It had a small pin that let him hold it when it got big and adjust it in his shirt when it was small.


    He then picked up the glasses and put them on, causing a headache but helping him identify his final item. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Lantern of Destiny: lights the way to a spot ideally chosen by destiny. It can be either good or bad for the user, but it is where fate has chosen for you to go.


    Logan smiled as he picked up the last item, transferring mana to see its reaction.


    The light pointed him north for some reason, producing a white radiant light that strangely curved towards that direction.


    "Well, at least I will be heading the right way," Logan said to those present. They all nodded in agreement, seeing the direction the light was pointing towards.


    "We are done then. I thank you for the successful trade. Hope you find what you are looking for. Bye, hero," Golman said as he turned to the Aldric to make a portal.


    The Archmage Aldric turned to Logan, hoping to get a crystal-like last time. He then took out a book. "How about it, hero? You must have another part of a crystal. I think it would be a fair exchange for this¡­"

 Chapter 75 - 75: Long Road Ahead

    Logan took the book to see the title.


    He knew it¡ªit was a grimoire, magically light like those that Lisa gave him.


    Dark Arrow, Logan read the title. It was easy to understand that it would be beneficial to him, and he did have a few small crystals that he could give the man.


    He took out four small pieces of crystals, knowing it was more about befriending than making money with the archwizard Aldric.


    "I thank you, hero. If I find anything that will help you, I shall contact you," he said before leaving.


    "That went well," Rubina commented after seeing Logan use the grimoire, which disappeared into particles that entered his body.


    "Yes, I think it was. Do you need any of the tools?" Logan asked before putting them away.


    "They are yours; I wouldn''t mind having a spare of those glasses though, but don''t worry about that for now," Rubina replied.


    "Well then, let''s get ready to leave." Logan looked towards Rubina, who, like him, had brought a mount to use and had settled its saddle while he talked. It was a large deer-like creature, its majestic horns glowing.


    "I''ve never seen that monster; I didn''t know you had it," Logan remarked.


    "Yeah, it was my father''s mount. He told me to bring it as it''s strong and fast, probably enough to beat your raptor for now." She paused, comparing the two beasts.


    "For now¡­" Logan said with a competitive glare.


    "Yes, yes, let''s just get ready. Tell your pets to enter the carriage; the heroes seem ready to go," Rubina said, pointing at the carriages, which seemed packed.


    Logan''s caravan was also behind those, and two of Rubina''s carriages were there to hold his beast and her own personal caretakers.


    Suddenly, he saw his mentor riding a large, four-legged bison-like monster with a thick stone hide.


    It was huge, almost the size of one of the carts. Her panther was right beside her, and her crow was flying above.


    Behind her, a man on a breeze roc approached.


    His stern military demeanor and the badges on his chest made Logan understand he was the one who would be leading them.


    "This is Lieutenant Biron. He will guide us north and oversee the situation in your land. He will stay with us only until we reach our destination. After that, he will return to the frontlines, so be thankful that we have someone as experienced as him leading us." Valeria presented the man. He nodded slightly, revealing a balding part of his head.


    The rest was short and blue, radiating a blue hue that few showed, indicating he was probably a water user.


    It was not as defined as the princess''s lady knight.


    Logan, needing to make things brief, nodded towards the man and hurried to settle his creatures.


    Leaving Luna with Ruri, Logan asked all his beasts to enter their cart.


    After all that the boy began speeding up a little as his raptor went ahead and rushed out of the castle gates.


    Rubina was close behind, and they stopped to see the castle one last time.


    The magnificent fortress had been his home for less than two weeks, so he did not feel too bad leaving it behind, but he would miss the safety it represented.


    Now that they were embarking on a long journey, Logan knew that he wouldn''t be as safe. At least he had all his beasts to help him in case things got bad.


    "Logan, don''t go off alone! Stay with your caravan!" he heard his teacher yell from afar as they got closer.


    "Don''t worry, I will. Scorch just wanted to stretch his legs," he called out loudly enough for her to hear.


    As he looked at the large train of carriages, he spotted a few of his classmates with their own mounts, yet none of them compared to his own.


    He noticed Brian looking especially angry, and this brought a smile to his face, which he made sure to show him.


    He knew that with Scorch, not even Brian would dare try attacking him.


    His raptor was just that fearsome; it wasn''t like the beasts they had used to level up with.


    They passed through the city, which readied itself to send off the heroes.


    It was not as lively as the day of the parade, but everyone present waved as the carriages passed.


    Some were impressed with how Scorch looked, especially the kids who called his monster a dragon, pointing it out with excitement.


    Logan did not feel good with such a crowd around him but tried his best to look good for the children.


    It wasn''t long before they reached the edge of the city and entered the forest.


    Logan and Rubina moved next to their own caravan to avoid conflicts with the other heroes, now that they didn''t have as many eyes on them.


    The point where they would separate paths was an hour away at their current pace. It was in a city with a large transportation array used to teleport carts like theirs.


    The city was specially chosen as it was near a large mana vein, meaning they wouldn''t need to waste money on crystals, as Rubina explained.


    "There you have it, that is the place," the girl said, showing Logan a medium-sized fortress with four towers at each corner.


    Each tower would light up and direct a beam of some kind to the center, out of view''s reach.


    "Every time those light up, they activate a teleport array to send off a group to some city.


    There are smaller ones inside for individual use." Logan could not hide his amazement.


    This reduced the need for airplanes or long-distance travel.


    He wondered why humans did not achieve this level of population movement on Earth. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As they got closer, the carts were exempted from being in line.


    Many merchants, curious about the new arrivals, got off to see the small, military-protected caravan.


    They were led to two large gates, just big enough for a large truck to enter.


    The first part of the caravan, consisting of the heroes who were heading south, entered while Logan and his group were made to wait.


    He watched as those who entered stood on a long platform that enclosed them in a large magical dome.


    Then, the four towers sent a powerful light of mana, making everything inside disappear.


    "I bet they weren''t warned to avoid scaring them, but the first few travels are rough. I hope you''re ready," Rubina warned him as the gates opened again.


    Everyone from his group¡ªknights on top of mounts, and five carriages¡ªbegan to move forward.


    One of the carriages was for the maids and servants, another two were Rubina''s, and the remaining two had workers and more soldiers.

 Chapter 76 - 76: Cold Horizon

    Lieutenant Biron ordered his small unit to move.


    Rubina, his mentor, and Logan followed behind, and finally, each of the carts passed through.


    Logan was tense after what Rubina said, imagining that the journey would be rough, especially when the towers zapped the barrier to activate the array.


    Soon, he felt that he could not move.


    This happened as the barrier lit up, and suddenly he could move again.


    Yet, the place was different.


    The scents were more like pine trees, the temperature was cold, and there was even ice around the top of the nearest building.


    Scorch, who felt the drop in temperature, regulated his body. A few of his scales radiated a little heat to warm Logan up.


    "I forgot to warn you, sorry," Rubina said. Like Scorch, she could maintain the temperature around her warm.


    "It''s fine, my bud here has me covered," Logan replied, tapping his beast''s back. As everyone was guided out, the small fortress saluted the Lieutenant as they exited.


    Just like before, they did not have time to wait as other groups entered and exited the magical buildings.


    The defenses seemed top-notch, with more than fifty marksmen and mages ready to eliminate anyone who posed a danger to the structure.


    "We have a long way to go, so let''s move. If we hurry, we should be there in ten to twelve days, depending on the terrain and weather," he informed everyone, checking the destination ahead on a map.


    Logan decided to sit back.


    Since he would not be the leader of the group, he tried his best to stay out of the way of the knights.


    The now smaller-sized caravan followed a road that was only wide enough for one car to pass through.


    The path ahead seemed long, with a forest and mountains visible in the distance.


    The barren land around them ensured the teleport array had a good line of sight.


    Logan was given a coat by Ruri, who called out to him.


    He felt like a kid who needed to be taken care of, but he did not hesitate to put it on.


    The boy wanted to remain on Scorch''s back throughout the journey to see where they were taking him.


    Soon enough, they left the fortress behind.


    It looked like a speckle as soon as they entered the forest.


    The morning had passed by then, and the two suns were overhead, radiating a warmth that helped reduce the chilly morning''s ice, but not enough to make Logan remove his jacket.


    The breeze that passed through still made him shiver at times, but as soon as Scorch felt it, he began radiating warmth like a car''s air conditioner.


    No one spoke throughout most of the journey.


    Being in these woods alone made it possible for attacks to happen at any time, or so Logan was told by the commander.


    Three scouts were sent forward, cycling every few hours to keep a watch out for danger. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They had wind magic, which let them fly just enough to glide over the trees like ninjas in some movie, and walk around to check the area.


    So far, they had only encountered small creatures that wouldn''t even be enough for his viper to feast on.


    This particular beast was bad with the cold and kept itself within the carriage, making a small stone dome around itself to stay warm.


    The journey continued like this until they stopped to rest for the day.


    It was around six in the afternoon when they settled to make camp, using the carriages as housing in a circular formation to keep the cold out.


    They made a fire at the center of the circle, where maids and a cook busied themselves making food.


    Scorch rested while his meal was made, while everyone else huddled around the campfire.


    This was a new experience for Logan, who was getting used to food being made for him in lavish tableware.


    "Well, that went better than I expected. You''ve gotten used to riding and being inside carriages now. It makes me wonder if you were only acting at the beginning," Rubina said as she sat next to Logan''s right side.


    To his left, he had Kai and Chloe, who were tending to their equipment.


    "I don''t know how, but yes, it got better. I also have a new skill to help with that," Logan said, recalling how he used Cure a few times during the day. It helped, especially when his bottom hurt.


    It wasn''t damaged, but the pain seemed to be something the spell could cure.


    "I didn''t know about that. Could you use it on my back? It seems to be aching from the rough road," Rubina said as she turned her back towards him.


    She was wearing normal clothes without a coat, a frilly white top that exposed her arms, and beige-colored pants that stopped below her knees.


    "Sure, give me a moment," Logan said as he gulped and placed his hand over her back.


    "It''s a bit lower than that, Logan," Rubina said, moving her hair to the side.


    Logan lowered his hand by a few inches and began casting the spell, trying to hurry to keep sweat from forming on his palm.


    "Does it feel better now?" he asked, trying not to move his hand.


    "Yes, it worked! It''s good that you learned it before our trip. I don''t think I could have slept well with the pain," Rubina said, returning to her spot and trying to keep her flushed face from showing.


    Kai and Chloe did not say anything as they kept to themselves. Kai was busy polishing his shiny golden ornamental sword, while Chloe was sewing her breastplate that had been damaged by the crystal serpent.


    His mentor suddenly sat beside the group and stared at Logan, making the boy feel uneasy.


    "That, I will be needing that treatment also," she stated, making Kai move a little bit as she sat down and moved her hair away.


    "Sure, I don''t mind," Logan said, concentrating on the spot where he helped Rubina just a few moments ago. He felt his mentor shudder a little since his hand was cold.


    "Anyone else?" he asked before putting on some gloves. He noticed snow was beginning to fall, making the night cold.

 Chapter 77 - 77: Raid Pt. 1

    Seven days were spent the same way, uneventfully.


    The caravan only stopped a few times during the day, and at night they settled to eat dinner and sleep.


    The mornings were probably the worst as the men had to sleep outside.


    Logan was given a tent that helped him avoid the cool outside breeze, but the rest of the soldiers, who took turns keeping watch, did not.


    He tried to make himself useful by using his magic to help them in the mornings.


    His Cure spell became the most loved skill among all the mages present.


    It could cure drowsiness, headaches, back pain, and even hangovers.


    For Logan, it was essential as he still occasionally had an uneasy feeling from being away from civilization.


    It helped with his depression, making him wonder again how this world was so far behind Earth with such amazing magic existing.


    The care he showed for his troops quickly made him approachable by everyone. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even the cook, who accidentally got burned, sought him out and welcomed him with pancakes the next morning, which he enjoyed.


    The road today was difficult to navigate as thick snow slowed the vehicles'' progress.


    His mentor used her bison to lead the caravan, employing a skill that allowed it to act like a snow plow, pushing snow aside with ease.


    However, the bison would tire at times, requiring Logan to use Cure on its feet to prevent frostbite.


    It was then that Scorch would go forth and use bursts of flames to melt the snow in front of them, turning his scales to maximum heat to keep the ground dry and prevent ice from forming.


    This only made the monster hungrier, but it did not seem to affect it much; it fared better than the bison.


    Scorch even let Rubina ride on his back while she helped by transferring mana from magic crystals to keep him strong, just as she would with her bird.


    He was slowly getting stronger by the day, allowing the group to move normally once again.


    Lieutenant Biron spoke to Logan only three times during the journey.


    The youngster felt that the grown man was probably like those who hated him for his class, so he kept his distance.


    The leader of the group busied himself with reports from his spies and even told Valeria to help, as her crow seemed more experienced than Zephyr at keeping watch from above.


    Zephyr would use his own time to hunt and bring prey back for the monsters to eat, especially the Viper, who would call out to be fed multiple times during the day.


    Today, Logan seemed to enjoy sitting on the roof of a carriage while looking at the sky.


    He was tired from using his latest skill, Dark Arrow.


    He could only use it twelve times before his mana ran out, making it vital for him to keep his mana filled before a fight.


    The magic would create black arrows midair, their size dictated by the amount of mana he spent on them.


    It was better to keep them as small twenty-centimeter arrows; any bigger and they would not fly far, and any smaller and they would disappear before they hit their target.


    Those that did hit when he tossed them at trees would create a small but deep hole, showing just how good the penetration power was.


    It was exhausting in the end, as the boy had to calm down and wait for his mana to return.


    Suddenly, he felt the carriage stop abruptly, and he almost fell down if it wasn''t for the rail that kept the baggage on top.


    Logan, like the rest, tried to see what the commotion was about.


    He stood up slowly and suddenly noticed the disturbance: at least twenty individuals or more were in front of them, clad in armor with their faces covered.


    Three of them had bows, while some were trying to cast magic.


    One figure stood in front, as if commanding them.


    "Who are you and what are you doing in our path?" Lieutenant Biron yelled, having his soldiers stand ready. From his height, Logan saw two other figures standing above the trees as if to spectate.


    "I repeat, what are you doing standing in our way?" Biron yelled out with more force.


    Logan took out a crystal from his storage, one already half-used, and quickly drained as much energy as he could, feeling the tension that was occurring below him.


    It wasn''t long before a shot was fired from Biron''s group to make the others move, yet the warning shot hit a barrier and dispersed.


    "Everyone, to arms! These guys aren''t here to play," Biron called, summoning everyone who could fight to surround the carriages.


    As soon as Logan witnessed this, he jumped down and mentally called for Scorch and Silis.


    Both of them together were tasked to protect the rear, where the two people standing above the trees had dropped.


    Sounds of fighting came from the front, with each side repelling and tossing spells and projectiles.


    Without thinking clearly about what he needed to do, Logan got on top of Scorch, ready to defend.


    Chloe jumped out to assist him, while Kai went forward to provide support at the front.


    The two in the back noticed who he was and began trying to fight him without declaring their intentions.


    They were well-coordinated, but with Logan speaking mentally to his beast, it seemed like child''s play.


    Scorch ran forward with Logan and Silis on top of him.


    Silis created spears of dirt, while Logan tried his new skill, Dark Arrow, aiming and waiting for one of the robed individuals to make a mistake.


    It wasn''t long before one did, as Zephyr entered the fray from behind, catching them off-guard with a strong gale that pushed them forward.


    One got pierced through by the spears, which left Logan to make a shot on the second one.


    Logan only wavered for a second before letting the dark arrow shoot into the man''s chest.


    He could not waste the chance given, allowing those attacking him to hurt his comrades or the innocent maids he had gotten to know during the trip.


    Scorch jumped forward, ensuring he ended the lives of those his master could not yet do with his own hands.


    Taking a look at one of the corpses, Logan saw blue skin like the demons before.


    He quickly told Scorch to incinerate the bodies as they could still explode.


    They then moved towards the front where the fighting was still going strong.


    "Logan, get back! They are using strong spells. They are experienced, unlike the beasts you have fought," Kai yelled as Chloe and Rubina joined from behind.

 Chapter 78 - 78: Raid Pt. 2

    Only two of Logan''s new soldiers were wounded, while the rest were battered.


    Luckily, no one died, thanks to Kai''s earth magic, which disrupted the landscape and neutralized the opposing side''s powerful spells.


    The demons in front of him appeared more experienced than the two he had dealt with before.


    The tallest demon, standing in the center, was likely the one casting barriers, while the others focused on ranged magic.


    The soldiers were also trying to create barriers of their own, but Logan could see which side was better suited for battle.


    He took off his shield that was as small as a button and began infusing mana into it while waiting for orders.


    Not being a combatant, Logan, like the others, turned to Biron, who was busy thinking and giving instructions.


    His mentor was the only one doing her own thing, casting dark spells to create a haze that obscured the battlefield, giving their side a few moments of respite.


    Logan did not waste even a second.


    He also took out his traps; it was a good thing he and his mentor had not been idle these past few days.


    During the long trip, he learned and practice even more not letting a day pass without being taught new tactics.


    As a result, his aim with his bombs became more precise.


    Logan tossed a few smoke bombs to keep the effect active while readying his other spells.


    It took only a few moments to absorb mana from a crystal before he began ordering his beasts.


    Luna stepped forward to help, turning the snow around them into ice and making it hard to walk.


    Scorch waited patiently for a chance to create an inferno.


    Within a minute, the barriers formed by the weakened soldiers gave out.


    It was time to act, and everyone received an order.


    Logan was to stay back this time as soldiers, his mentor, and Biron set up spells to release as soon as vision was restored.


    Chloe and Kai were ready to create earth barriers at the sight of a deadly spell, while Rubina was setting up various fire magic and began charging her mana into them.


    Her flaming bird was also present in the sky, waiting for the chance to burn anyone.


    As soon as the barriers failed, wind magic was unleashed, and spells flew in every direction.


    Logan expanded his shield to its maximum size, trying to protect himself and those around him.


    Ice spikes and stone lances were hurled their way.


    Other, more dangerous spells were reflected by his shield, causing some to return like a mirror.


    It was a nifty effect, but it cost Logan quite a bit of mana.


    His side returned fire as soon as they saw a chance.


    More stone pillars were created on each side, but with three fire users, they were quickly blasted away.


    Scorch caused most of the damage, while Rubina''s arrows tore through the stone barriers blasting them like bombs.


    Wind blades tossed by Zephyr made the fire hit the demons'' barrier with two great slashes of wind mixed with fire.


    It was a perfect combination of elements that tore through the protection array like glass.


    Yells rang from both sides as Valeria tossed in bombs and traps while using bolts on a crossbow imbued with mana to snipe the exposed demons.


    Logan tossed in more bombs but encountered trouble when an arrow pierced his arm, causing a nasty wound that tore through his skin.


    The injury was quickly healed by the slime, which wrapped itself around the wound to keep it closed while it healed the cut.


    "Don''t stop, keep firing," Logan heard Biron command as he threw large ice spikes through the air, two of them landing on a single demon, piercing it in the chest and leg.


    Chloe and Kai helped Silis create barrier after barrier to protect the team while pulling the injured from the field.


    "Logan, we need to do something. They have more people than us; we are losing," Rubina called out from behind.


    "I know, but what¡­" Logan thought as he witnessed one of the carriages catch on fire.


    Luckily, the civilians ran to the back. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Get on your ride, Logan. We need to clamp them," Valeria whispered, mounting her panther and quickly running to the side.


    Logan passed Rubina the shield so she could keep those behind her covered and rushed to jump on Scorch.


    With powerful legs, Scorch leaped to the side and then ran forward to get into a good position.


    Logan tossed more smoke bombs to keep his position hidden and regular explosive bombs to cause chaos in the field.


    Suddenly, he jumped into the closest one, his raptor pulling him by the arm to drag the demon away.


    Logan tossed a few dark arrows at the surrounding demons to keep them focused on his position.


    From the opposite end, he heard a similar cry, likely his mentor doing the same.


    His other monsters were busy using their own skills, and he heard a few pings, signaling they had also managed to get some kills.


    Soon the battle calmed.


    The smoke cleared with a gust from the three birds.


    The group of twenty-something strong demons was reduced to a third of its size, most of them mana-spent, making Logan wary.


    Those who remained did not look like they wanted to back down.


    Logan returned to Rubina, who needed Kai and Chloe to help maintain the large shield.


    "What now?" Kai said, breathing roughly.


    "A final all-out attack. They seem to be trying to do the same. Look!" Chloe called out.


    Logan took a peek and saw one of the demons holding up a stone.


    It was a mutation crystal like the ones they had witnessed before.


    This time, it was being used to empower the wielder.


    "Looks like we have no choice," Logan said, feeling like he was about to faint from all the movement and mana exhaustion.


    He let Scorch move by himself this time and threw out all his bombs at once, setting their reaction time to a few seconds.


    Logan heard grunts and yells after they activated.


    And yet the boy couldn''t kill the empowered beings, but it seemed not all the demons used the stones to transform.

 Chapter 79 - 79: Raid Pt. 3

    That was when everything went wrong.


    His little stunt only slowed down the process of transformation, but it did not kill the four that withstood death and began to charge forth in fury.


    One of them knocked his shield back along with Logan, who was still hanging on to it, while another went for his mentor, who jumped away on top of her panther.


    The last two went for Kai, Chloe, and Biron, each one with the power of a truck.


    Even three full walls made by both Chloe and Kai couldn''t stop the charge from the leader of the group of demons they were facing.


    Logan had no more bombs, but his beasts were still going strong.


    As for his mentor, her bison entered the battle, covering itself with armor by absorbing dirt from the floor and condensing it as hard as stone.


    Its horns also grew in size, making them two deadly spears that it placed forward to impale the crazed demon attacking its master.


    Scorch also used the last of its flames to enchant his tail, which he used to slam the demon who bashed through Logan''s shield.


    It not only seared the man but blew him back a great distance.


    Silis, on the other hand, helped Kai and Chloe stop the demon giving them trouble, each one making earth cover the man''s body until he stood like a statue.


    Biron had the toughest job.


    He used all his military training to try and dodge the blows and incoming magic.


    Logan quickly told Zephyr and Uriel to help the man out, as they could combine their two elements to create a fire tornado, sucking the man up and sending him into the sky.


    Everything seemed like it would conclude as his mentor''s large beast finished the crazed man, and Silis pierced the statue of their own enemy in the heart.


    The one Scorch dealt with was dying from the large wound it had received as well.


    "I think that is all of them," Logan said, looking around before picking up his shield that had transformed back into a button.


    "Watch out!" he suddenly heard as Rubina pushed him away.


    The boy only had a moment to see what happened as he saw her being pierced in the chest.


    He did not even make it to the floor as he used his hand to pull himself back to catch her and look up to see what caused the injury.


    Three new enemies emerged.


    None of them had been present in the previous battle, as they showed no signs of damage, their robes fully intact and clean.


    Logan formed his shield while pulling his slime, which was still trying to heal his hand.


    Ignoring the wound and the blood that still spilled, Logan focused on healing Rubina. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Holding onto the spike plunged into her chest, Logan directed the slime to cover the injury.


    Then, taking out two crystals, Logan hurried to absorb as much energy as possible.


    Logan kept transferring all that mana into his slime, which was healing Rubina while trying to close the large wound as he pulled the spike out.


    Rubina was coughing blood with a hand reaching out to Logan''s own. Logan felt her shiver, trying to maintain her human appearance.


    "Hang on Rubina, hang¡­" Logan quickly took off his sweater and put it over her to hide the small wings and horns that were trying to appear.


    Without stopping, Logan kept pouring mana into his slime, draining one crystal and starting with the other.


    The injury was slowly closing, but being in a vital place, it was not only the skin that needed to be healed.


    [Mii, miiii] Logan heard his slime call out, as if trying its best, knowing Logan needed him the most at the moment.


    "You can do it, please try your best," Logan said as blasts and more spells were being thrown around him.


    Drops fell on Logan''s cheeks, but he did not stop empowering his beast.


    At one point, Logan felt his beast could not accept any more mana, but it was not a bad thing.


    A shudder came from his monster, then a glow.


    The process of evolution began, and his beast moved out of the way, making Logan place his hand directly on Rubina''s chest to continue healing.


    Using heal and cure spells, one with each hand, Logan continued to observe his slime, which finally finished its transformation.


    This time, the small spherical monster grew in size; it looked exactly the same except it now had what seemed to be two cores.


    The slime left Logan''s side and began using its body like a rubber ball, quickly jumping to the nearest demon body and absorbing it into itself.


    It then did the same for the others.


    When the slime was about to go for a soldier, Logan stopped it, as he did not think it was right to do the same for one of their own.


    After doing so, the slime came back and enveloped Rubina.


    Logan thought it was going to devour her like the rest, but it did not.


    Instead, it encased her and glowed white, also eating the two crystals even if one was empty, and devoured those before returning Rubina, who coughed a few times.


    "That was nasty, but I feel¡­ even better than I did before¡­ What happened?" she said while quickly covering her chest area.


    The wound did not reveal her important parts, but there was a tear that could continue if she moved too much.


    Logan was happy but also angered by what had happened and hugged her.


    He got up quickly and passed his shield to Biron, whose leg was in an awkward position.


    "Take this and start transferring mana to my fox. I don''t think it can continue like that," Logan said while also patting a crystal to empower Luna, who looked worn out and unable to stand.


    His slime, having finished helping Rubina, quickly went over to heal Biron, who was panting with a face showing the pain he was in.

 Chapter 80 - 80: True Power

    Logan felt anger well up like never before.


    All his beasts, who had been fighting nonstop, used this chance to come back next to him.


    He passed Rubina another crystal.


    His storage was running out, but he didn''t care¡ªhe needed Scorch in top shape.


    As weak as the girl was, she knew Logan''s plan and quickly got on the raptor to pass it energy.


    His hawk was doing alright; it had yet to be hurt but seemed tired from all the aerial maneuvering.


    The three new demons were being held back only by Valeria, Kai, and Chloe, who were already at their last bit of strength.


    Most of the soldiers were either injured or dead.


    Logan looked at each one and gritted his teeth.


    Everything looked to be going bad for the boy.


    He imagined the same thing happening to Lisa, and his anger rose even more.


    Biron, who saw how the boy had transferred energy earlier, quickly did the same towards the little fox who kept her eyes on the hero.


    Its small body was recovering quickly but did not move from the spot.


    It seemed to be sucking in the energy he was transferring, as if wanting to get stronger.


    As for his leg, he had popped it into place.


    The strange golden slime began to heal it, and he was thankful for the boy, as that wound would have been permanent if no one healed it in time.


    He did his best to follow the boy''s instructions.


    Soon, he felt a large amount of mana radiate before him.


    The boy had a crystal beside him, using his left hand to hold on to it while his right hand created three or more spells.


    Wind, ice, light, and darkness began to mix into a vortex.


    The boy had never shown this kind of power before.


    In his travels, he would have only used small darkness arrows, but now he was mixing elements that made even the wind stir.


    "No, Logan, don''t use so much mana!" he heard the Earl''s daughter yell, as she was doing the same thing as Biron transferring mana to recover the large lizard''s fire mana.


    Soon, he heard the boy call out.


    "Move!" he ordered as his serpent used its tail to pull Chloe, who was in front of the radiant yet dark orb quickly rushing forward.


    As soon as the orb passed, it pushed everyone forth by the force of wind it carried.


    Logan, however, was pushed back by the immense recoil from the spell.


    In front of him, the three demons began casting barrier after barrier, yet none of them seemed to stop the strange orb filled with various elements moving towards them like a cannonball.


    Biron used the shield to keep himself in place.


    The impact of the sphere did not directly hit the demons but rather behind them, and yet they were instantly sucked up before being pushed back.


    Their remains did not look the same.


    The power of those elements devoured, slashed, burned, and disintegrated each one differently.


    At the point of impact, there was a large crater that showed just how powerful the energy of the orb had been.


    No one wanted to get close, as the mana radiating from the spot was enough to make one sick.


    It was an abomination of a spell that should have never existed, as opposing elements were almost impossible to combine.


    Everyone turned back to its caster, who seemed to be sitting, until they saw the blank look in his eyes.


    "Mana depletion! Hurry, bring that slime back. We need it to transfer mana back into the boy before he dies," Valeria called out.


    Rubina, who did not have to keep pumping mana into Scorch now that the enemy had been dealt with, rushed to the slime and placed it on Logan.


    The boy had been laid down, his slime trying its best to heal him.


    No one had noticed the midsized fox with two tails that created a dome to keep the cold air and mana from pulsing in their direction from the impact zone.


    "To think a hero had this kind of power," Biron muttered as he tried to stand up, checking on the kid who had fainted.


    He looked around to see that four of his ten soldiers had fallen, while the others were badly injured but would make it if healed later.


    The tired lieutenant placed each of his fallen comrades inside his storage and stared at the mess before him.


    The kids were crying, the boy''s mentor doing her best to maintain the situation.


    His beasts were either showing hostility or worry. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Biron knew that the task given was a suicide mission and had kept to himself for the past few days.


    While the heroes were sent to a random location that no one could guess, this kid''s teleport destination was given away easily.


    Those who planned everything either wanted the demons to go after the sole hero, whether it was to kill off the taming hero or to make him the target of the demons to keep the others safe.


    One thing he did know was that the boy showed just how powerful and necessary each hero was.


    It was not long before everyone settled as the boy was breathing normally.


    He seemed to be doing better, yet his veins showed otherwise; they were burned out, a symptom shared by those who used too much mana in a short period of time.


    "Well, we did it, I think," Biron said, trying to get everyone''s spirits up. It was an hour after the attack, and everyone worked to get the caravan moving.


    One of the carts had been quickly repaired by the workers, while those who could cast magic tried to cover the crater which still leaked mana.


    "We should hurry, as we don''t know if demons are still here in wait. A fort should be about a day away, and I have already called them to send reinforcements. I don''t think they will try attacking after failing like that," Biron told Valeria after everyone settled.


    As before, one of the two monsters would use their powers to keep the caravan moving.


    "I don''t think we should stop moving until we reach the fortress then," Valeria pressed on.


    They needed a place to rest, and she did not feel safe outside anymore.

 Chapter 81 - 81: Long Road to Recovery

    Logan felt the buzz from his communication device, but he couldn''t take it out.


    The pain of feeling mana course through his body made him instantly give up.


    He was bedridden; he didn''t know where, but it was cold.


    Logan could see his breath as a small light entered from a window.


    Even breathing hurt, but then he felt relief.


    He saw his new golden slime trying to heal him.


    It couldn''t cure his problem, but alleviating the pain was now easy for the creature.


    "I see you''re awake, Master Logan. It''s good timing, since this will probably be your bed for some time," Ruri said as she stood next to him.


    It was a new, weird angle Logan wasn''t used to, but he couldn''t do anything about being unable to move his neck.


    Soon, he heard another voice as Rubina entered the room.


    "Are you finally awake?!" she called out, grabbing his hand.


    "Yesss," he tried to answer, but like everything he did, it failed.


    "Don''t try moving, you need time to recover your mana conduits. You should never try that again, Logan¡ªyou could have died, idiot!" He saw her tear up, something he was not used to seeing others do for him.


    "Srri," Logan struggled to say before losing consciousness from the pain.


    Logan suddenly opened his eyes again.


    He noticed the others were not in the room at first, and beside him, a candle illuminated his surroundings.


    It was when he slowly turned his neck that he saw Rubina who sat sleeping while holding his hand.


    He did not know why she slept that way, but he felt good that someone cared for him enough to sleep uncomfortably for his sake.


    He tried to move his other hand to see how badly it would hurt.


    It was less pain than in the morning but still strong enough to leave him reeling on the floor, rolling in pain if he could move.


    He could do nothing but try to sleep again.


    It wasn''t long before he awoke again.


    This time the sun was just rising, or so he guessed, as light hit the left side of his wall.


    It was weak but helped at least to make Logan feel that heat was entering his room.


    Logan only felt his slime around him; this time Rubina was not by his side.


    He could at least try to get up¡ªthe pain was not so bad as to keep him down this time.


    The medium-sized creature suddenly engulfed his body.


    Logan quickly took out water from his ring to feed his squishy pet.


    It was hard to know when it finished drinking, as it would not stop devouring the water.


    Its size also grew, which made the bed creak and Logan feel crushed under all the weight.


    [Mii, full] It jiggled, now being able to send a word when communicating.


    [Alright buddy, now get off me or do something about your weight, you''re crushing me!] He felt his slime try to heal him.


    It helped alleviate both the pain and the weight, as spending mana made it shrink.


    What happened to you? Let''s give it a check.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Kryst / Species: Greater Mana Crystal Slime / Level: 12 / Blood Mark: Right Sheen / Loyalty: 39/100]


    Str: 2 / Agi: 8 / Dex: 4 / Con: 19 / Int: 12 / Char: 6


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Greater Healing Touch: Heals allies by transferring mana through physical contact. The amount of healing depends on Kryst''s own mana reserves.


    Mana Absorption: Absorbs mana from the environment or fallen enemies to replenish its own mana reserves.


    Purifying Light: Emits a bright light that purifies toxins and curses from allies within range.


    Devour: Kryst can consume various forms of matter¡ªbe it organic, inorganic, or even magical substances¡ªand convert them into mana.


    Greater Cure: Kryst channels its considerable mana reserves to cure ailments such as poisons, curses, and diseases.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Logan was happy with how his slime turned out.


    He recalled what happened and why it turned out this way.


    As with all his beasts, it seemed to evolve in a form that best suited his needs, something he could not explain but was grateful for. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With the healing his monster did to him, he was finally able to move a little more and try sitting up.


    No one was in his room, but the door was open, so he thought that someone would enter soon.


    He tried getting up, holding on to the edge of the bed to see outside the window.


    He was in a two-story building by the look of things.


    His room was pretty simple for an aristocrat, likely without much furniture.


    There was only a desk and his bed.


    The wooden floor creaked as he tried walking on it, while the walls were clean yet old, indicating his maids were already cleaning up the place.


    He finally reached the window and saw the old frame needing a repair, its window patched in a few areas.


    Outside, he saw a snow-covered field.


    It did not look anything like what a Baron would have¡ªit was just a flat, endless field filled with snow.


    No statues, no ornaments, not even trees.


    "Just where did they send me," Logan shivered, his only solace being the sun hitting his upper part exposed by the window.


    He heard someone coming into the room; the red hair made it obvious who it was.


    "Already excited to see your new mansion, huh¡­" Rubina commented, standing next to him.


    "Yeah, but tell me the truth, it''s just a small house, right?" Logan said as he slowly turned his head to look at her face.


    "Well¡­ I can''t lie, it''s what we would build for our servants¡­ but the builders are already working hard to renovate most of the place. They just weren''t working on this side of the house to not wake you up," Rubina said as she held one arm out so Logan could hold on.


    "Are you ready to move or should I settle you back into bed?" Rubina asked while looking at the old mattress.


    "No, I don''t think I could sleep even if someone cast magic to try making me," Logan replied, carefully grabbing on to her arm like a crutch.


    "Let''s go steady then; you should really see your new house." She guided him outside the room, his beasts soon came to greet him.


    He saw that his fox had also changed¡ªshe had grown a lot, now the size of a mid-sized dog with two tails.


    "I am going to miss your cute form, Luna," Logan smiled as the fox got close to him and licked his hand.


    [Safe, master, good to see.] The white fox communicated while controlling the temperature.


    Although being next to Rubina already helped him with the cold, he noticed that Luna''s presence made even the ice outside the window fall.


    "Show off¡­" Rubina said while radiating more heat, which made Silis, who was sluggish, get near the girl in a hurry to enjoy the warmth.


    Logan took another look at Silis.


    She was even longer and, although she had not changed significantly, she could have possibly sped up her growth to her full adult form.

 Chapter 82 - 82: Poor Cold Village

    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Luna / Species: Twin Tail Glacivulpes / Level: 19 / Blood Mark: Inner Left Elbow / Loyalty: 41/100]


    Str: 7 / Agi: 16 / Dex: 12 / Con: 9 / Int: 15 / Char: 14


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Ice Shards: She can shoot small shards of ice from her tail, used both offensively and defensively.


    Cryo Shield: Generates a shield of ice around herself or an ally, providing temporary protection from attacks.


    Frost Strike: Luna channels a chilling power into any strike or bite, causing instant freeze at the point of contact.


    Glacial Veil: Luna envelops herself or an ally in a mystical veil of frost, enhancing water and ice abilities, obscuring an area, and providing greater protection.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Logan took a moment to check on Luna, who seemed stronger.


    She had gained two new skills that could potentially help him in battle, and he wanted to try them out since he could use both with his shared linked powers.


    Unfortunately, he could not even attempt to use the weakest of his spells, as his mana still seemed unstable.


    The two youths walked towards the stairway, where Logan saw workers using magic in combination with their storage devices to remove, repair, and replace wood.


    It amazed Logan to see them standing on magic disks to fix even the highest areas of the ceiling.


    "How is it, Ms. Rubina? I hope it''s to your taste. We have followed your instructions to the letter," a worker waved at the girl, who now felt awkward with Logan beside her.


    It looked like she was the wife, and the worker wanted to make an impression to make Logan feel happy that he was doing what his lover wanted.


    "Sorry about that, Logan. I just thought you would like it that way¡­ and they needed someone to give them instructions to begin renovating¡­" Rubina whispered near his ear, trying not to lose face.


    "Ah¡­ well, it''s fine. I would have asked your opinion since I have no clue how a house should look. Thank you, Rubina," Logan replied while nudging her to go to change the awkward atmosphere.


    "You heard it, everything is looking great. Please continue," Rubina smiled to the workers while going down with the weakened boy.


    Kai and Chloe heard a familiar voice and hurried to help Logan go downstairs.


    Kai almost picked him up to hurry the process.


    "Thanks, you two. Glad to see you both are fine," Logan said, looking at the duo who wore a type of military outfight.


    They seemed to have been eating, as Kai had some crumbs near his mouth, which he quickly licked away after being pointed out by Chloe.


    "I am also starving, why don''t I join you," Logan stated as he followed everyone into the kitchen.


    He noticed the lower part of the house was already finished, with many decorations set up and tasteful furniture that gave the place life.


    Two maids could be seen fixing areas that still needed adjustments, which made Logan smile.


    He was finally starting to feel that unique sense of being a new homeowner while appraising each part of his new home.


    The meal served by the maids was simple yet satisfying.


    Logan enjoyed himself and even ordered double as his stomach was as empty as a bottomless pit.


    Strength seemed to have returned after a good talk with his friends and Ruri who joined in after doing laundry.


    Logan thought about gifting her a particular pet to help her with her everyday chores, he shoved the idea for things to do.


    "Well then, tell me, how is this town, I only remember waking up a few times but being so weak I don''t even know how I got here." Logan told his friends to begin understanding his new land.


    "Well¡­ it was pretty much abandoned, you have at least¡­ thirty towns people and well, it''s a bit rural." Kai began to explain.


    "This is the biggest house and it was in pretty bad shape when we arrived, we had to even sleep on the floor covered in blankets." He informed Logan while laughing and recalling the memories that happened just a few days. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "It has been a week since we arrived if you did not know¡­" Chloe said while sipping on hot tea.


    "Wow, I did had no idea¡­ how about the soldiers and my mentor?" Logan asked.


    "They are making rounds, it is necessary to keep the area safe since you are still badly hurt, we don''t know if those demons have plans to attack, we got a few other soldiers to join from a fort so we should be fine in numbers at least.


    "How about those that¡­ did not make it?" Logan question with a knot on his throat.


    "They have been sent back with the help of the fort. They will be given back to their families, who will be compensated. Don''t worry about them¡­ it''s a matter the kingdom will take care of," Rubina answered while rubbing his back.


    "As for your mentor, she was helping your creatures train. She is currently with Scorch, trying to find creatures in this land. She should be back before nightfall."


    [Ping]


    "Speak of the¡­ one of my monsters just leveled up." Logan chuckled as he checked his stats, he noticed his raptor was already at level 24 which was pretty high compared to before.


    "It seems their isn''t many monsters since the cold drives them into hibernation or hiding, but some do try to steal livestock from the farmers so hunting those will be helping the villagers.


    "So give it to me straight, how is this land¡­" Logan finally asked, wanting to piece together everything said so far, the picture in his mind was already eighty percent finished.


    "It''s a very small, poor, cold village at the edge of the kingdom, it will take a lot of work and money to make it a proper town." Chloe nonchalantly answered being as biased as she could.


    Logan sighed, he felt betrayed as they made it out to be a place worthy for a hero, but it was his new land, somewhere only for him.


    He shrugged and finished a piece of toast that he had left from being so full.

 Chapter 83 - 83: Planning Ahead

    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Logan


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Class: Soul Bound Tamer


    Level: 19 / Health: 126 / Mana: 102


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Attributes:


    Strength: 21 Agility: 18 Dexterity: 14 Constitution: 24 Intelligence: 22 Charisma: 21


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Skills:]


    Taming (Rank: Intermediate): Forms a permanent bond with a marked beast or being using the masters blood; the being must be willing to form a pact and cannot be of higher rank or level than the master. (Max Beings: 11/20)


    Empathic Link (Rank: Beginner): Establishes a mental connection with a tamed creature, allowing for silent communication and understanding of their emotions and thoughts within a certain distance. (Max distance: 38 meters)


    Beast Synergy: Logan achieves a synergy based on the loyalty of his tamed creatures, allowing him to harness their abilities as extensions of his own power. (Max abilities: 9)


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Abilities:]


    Tamer''s Bond: Allows the hero to form a soul bond with creatures, making them permanent allies.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Tamed Beings:]


    Greater Crimson Majesty [Level 9 / Blood Mark ¨C Right Ankle] Loyalty 19/100


    Error [Level ? / Blood Mark ¨C Ring Finger] Loyalty ?/100


    Inferno Raptor [Level 24 / Blood Mark ¨C Neck] Loyalty 2/100


    Everwind Falcon [Level 18 / Blood Mark ¨C Vertex] Loyalty: 28/100


    Twin Tail Glacivulpes [Level 19 / Blood Mark ¨C Inner Left Elbow] Loyalty: 41/100


    Greater Mana Crystal Slime [Level 12 / Blood Mark ¨C Right Sheen] Loyalty: 39


    Goblin [Level 12 / Blood Mark ¨C Left Shoulder] Loyalty: 38/100


    Tri-horn Basilisk [Level 14 / Blood Mark ¨C Right Upper Rib] Loyalty: 22/100


    Lumos Northern Owl [Level 17 / Blood Mark ¨C Right Abdomen] Loyalty: 9/100 S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Aurolious Fowl [Level 14 / Blood Mark ¨C Left Upper Rib] Loyalty 9/100


    Breeze Roc [Level 12 / Blood Mark ¨C Right Lower Rib] 4/100


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Experience Points (XP): 526/1564]


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    After eating, everyone had gone their separate ways to do their own things.


    Logan took this time to rest a little more.


    The boy checked over his stats while he sat on a comfortable couch.


    He was tired of his bed and also tired of laying about, but he could not move.


    Logan wanted to call Lisa, but even that was painful, and he did not want to bother anyone else, so he left it for later.


    He counted all his tamed beasts and their information, memorizing their skills and stats for future battles.


    The teenager hadn''t needed to do this before, but now that demons were aiming for his life, he needed to think about future battles and how he could use everything he had to prevent what had happened on his long journey.


    Logan then thought about his land and its future growth. He needed to strengthen the security and create walls to protect his new fief.


    He imagined a place with large walls like those in the capital that kept the castle safe.


    The boy then recalled the problems the place was facing.


    They had no wood, as trees were basically nonexistent in his cold, dreary surroundings.


    If he could tame Scarlet, maybe he could do the same with a type of tree that would grow quickly.


    It would be even better if that tree could remove parts of its body to provide firewood or timber while also acting as a type of guard.


    He had many ideas but first needed the ability to walk to make them happen.


    If the problem was the economy, how about looking for particular beasts that like to dig and try to find minerals, crystals, or something they could use for trade?


    Work animals would also be necessary, whether to clean the fields or help the builders with construction.


    Soon, the boy was too tired to even think and took a nap to recover faster.


    "Master Logan¡­ wake up¡­" a soft voice called as he felt soft fur next to one of his hands.


    As he opened his eyes, he petted his fox, who yawned as it woke to his touch.


    "Thanks, Ruri. I think my back would have ached if I stayed here any longer¡­ What time is it, by the way?" He tried clearing his eyes with his hand.


    "About that¡­ it''s time to eat dinner. You slept for about four hours. Also, your mentor, Ms. Valeria, just arrived. I think she wants to speak with you." Ruri tried to help him up.


    She was anything but strong, so she struggled during the process.


    "Then let''s get to it. I am starting to feel hungry." Logan grabbed her by the arm and walked to the table where everyone was sitting in the dining room.


    "Good to see you up and about, boy. I have a few things I want to speak to you about. How about we talk before eating, as I want to quickly finish to get cleaned and rest?" Valeria was sitting on the left side of the long table with eight well-made wooden chairs.


    Based on all those he had seen so far, it was small, but for his needs, it was perfect for the boy.


    "Sure, please tell me all you have seen." He replied as Logan sat next to her.


    The rest were already prepared to begin eating as everyone waited for him.


    "Well then, first off, we had a good hunt and managed to bring back quite a good catch that I passed around to the villagers. They will be grateful for the meal provided, at least," Valeria began as she prepared her soup with various seasonings she had in her personal storage.


    "As for the monsters around here, they are on the strong side, which is good for you at your current level. The only problem is the distance you will have to travel to find them. Most are wary of being around humans, so at least the village managed to stay safe because of this." She paused to take a sip from her soup to test the taste.


    "Sounds like good news. I was thinking of going hunting as soon as I get better. I have to make traps once I recover; I think I could try making the simple ones tomorrow," Logan commented.


    "Yeah, as you know, trees around here have been cut excessively. It will be a problem if you plan to expand, but knowing your power, I brought a few samples of plants I thought you could use. Let''s try working your magic on them tomorrow since it''s freezing outside," Valeria paused again to finish what she wanted to say before digging in.


    Logan chuckled as he thought about the same thing during the afternoon.


    "Guess we are on the same page. I was thinking about doing that earlier. Great minds think alike, or so the saying goes," Logan commented before focusing on his food.


    Everyone else was too busy eating to say anything, as the cold day had intensified their hunger.

 Chapter 84 - 84: Forestry Pt. 1

    The next day, Logan stood outside on a patch of land cleared of snow.


    The readied terrain, adjacent to the house, was where the youths planned to build a small shed with sturdy earth walls.


    The top would be made of wood, as well as the door, as they only had enough of this material for those two components.


    For now, the shed would house Logan''s raptor and viper, as well as his mentor''s tamed beasts while she stayed on his land.


    With Chloe, Kai, and his eager viper each creating one wall, the shed was completed in less than three minutes.


    It took longer to cast the complicated spell that would raise the large three by ten-meter walls, which would hopefully shield his future pets from the harsh weather.


    After finishing the task, they took a break while the workers prepared to complete the rest.


    "I am ashamed to say it, but your basilisk did better than me¡­ I think my wall is a little curved," Kai said, pointing to his work. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Its fine, it''s only temporary," Logan tried to encourage his knight while watching the others hard at work.


    "Now then, let''s hurry. I am eager to see what will be produced with the plants your mentor brought," Rubina said, pointing to Valeria, who was busy brushing her bison.


    "Yeah, I think I can use just a little bit of magic today. Hopefully, it won''t be needed¡ªwho knows," Logan added as the group walked to where Valeria was.


    "Morning, Logan. I see your group is done with the building. Hopefully, you made room for Teria here." Valeria petted her beast, which responded with a friendly grunt.


    "Sure thing, you don''t even have to ask¡­now then, can we get to checking those plants you were speaking about?" Logan asked, trying not to seem too impatient.


    "I already planted them. Try checking which one you see as a worthy candidate. There are a total of six different plants native to this region¡ªthree are small shrubs, while the others are saplings I thought would be interesting," Valeria commented as she guided the kids to an enclosed area to keep the other beasts from eating the plants.


    "Well¡­ which one do you think is the best candidate, and what makes the others worth bringing here?" Logan asked, taking a look at the six plants that were carefully planted recently.


    The smallest of the bunch looked like a regular bush, yet when someone placed a hand near it, it would defend itself by pointing its sharp, needle-like branches toward the intruder.


    "As you have seen, the first one has a type of reaction towards anyone who tries to get near it. It was difficult to bring without breaking it, you know. Good thing my bison''s earth ability was able to pull it along with the dirt around it. Just don''t ask me how I brought it here after that," she said, showing a finger that still showed signs of a wound.


    "Just help me heal this later. I know you''re eager to learn about the next plant. As you can see, it''s a rare gem in this area. It might be short, but its flowers radiate heat. Notice how no snow surrounds this particular shrub." Valeria placed a handful of snow near the flower, which quickly melted, the drops of water enjoyed by the plant as it was showered with them.


    "Looks interesting, I can see why you brought it," Kai stated, while everyone nodded in approval.


    "The one after that is also a type of shrub. I didn''t see it grow large, but let me tell you, it has some sort of healing ability. It regrows almost instantly. I had my bison feed on a few of them in the wild, and they didn''t dwindle in size. It''s pretty resilient, but it does erode the ground around it, so that needs to be taken into consideration." Valeria pulled a few leaves, which were quickly replaced by new growth.


    "I did see a few nuts of some kind grow from a few mature ones, and I think they are edible, based on what some villagers said. So, it might help alleviate any food shortages," Valeria added.


    "I think I saw a few kids eating some of those in the afternoon that we arrived here," Chloe remarked, recalling a recent memory.


    "As for the saplings, this one can move. As you can see, I had to tie it with a few rocks. The next one, like the shrub, can regrow limbs, just at a slower pace. As for the last one¡­ that one is very special. I don''t even know how I was able to find it, even with Night''s help," Valeria said, petting her black crow with pride.


    "What is it?" Logan questioned, trying to figure out what was so special about the last tree¡ªit just looked normal to him.


    "Well, it''s hard to point it out without having something like this around¡­" Valeria suddenly took out a few branches from different trees and began poking the tree with one of them.


    "I think I know what it does," Rubina said with excitement.


    "Let''s have the boys guess," Valeria grinned as the plant began to change to look like the tree that the branch should have belonged to.


    As soon as it transformed, Valeria poked it with another type of branch, causing the tree to mimic the color, shape, and even the smell of the newly introduced branch.


    "Now that is amazing¡­ don''t tell me that would also work with fruit trees or something like that." Logan smiled widely, thinking about all the possibilities this last sapling could bring to his territory.


    "Honestly I have no idea, but I am glad you approve. It took a while to find and bring each one. I think if we can understand their nature, we can find even more and soon grow a forest to help your land, or at least that''s my idea," his mentor said, waiting for Logan to work his magic.

 Chapter 85 - 85: Forestry Pt. 2

    Logan took out his small dagger for this occasion. He pricked his finger and let a drop of blood fall on the small sapling in front of him¡ªthe one that could mimic other plants just by touch.


    As soon as his blood touched the stem, it began to shake a little before returning to its original form.


    The sapling''s link was created, yet it was not as lively or as exciting as his rose.


    The stats showed his new plant was called a Mimic Birch.


    Its only skill was Mimic¡ªa simple ability that allowed the plant to take the form of another plant for a short while before returning to its original form.


    Feeling a little devious, Logan placed his bracelet close to the plant, and it soon took the form of the Greater Crimson Majesty.


    That was until the petals felt the cold and it reverted to its original form.


    The cold seemed to affect the plant negatively, causing it to lose a bit of HP just from the attempt to turn into a flower.


    Logan petted the plant and placed a small crystal next to its root as a form of apology before moving to the next tree.


    The next plant wiggled, trying to free itself from its restraints¡ªit was almost like watching a criminal attempting to escape their cuffs.


    As he had done with the previous plant, Logan held on to it and let a drop of blood splash onto a branch.


    Contrary to everyone''s expectations, the moving plant stopped as it formed the link and remained still for a while.


    Logan took this moment to check on it.


    "Wanderwillow, it only has one skill¡ªthe ability to move to find a good spot to grow," Logan said loudly enough for the others who were interested in the process to understand the new plant.


    The third sapling''s name was quite mystical: Phoenix Redwood.


    It had the ability to regrow its limbs and combust parts of itself to keep predators away.


    It was resistant to extreme temperatures, as it could generate heat within itself, making it bad for firewood but good for insolation and building material.


    As he got to the shrubs, Logan started with the Quillbush.


    This plant had three attacks: it could throw spikes at nearby opponents, inject a mild poison on its spikes, and use a sensory skill to identify predators.


    Logan threw drops of blood at the shrub from afar, hoping it would work.


    After the link was formed, the small plant became as friendly and delicate to Logan as his Scarlet, but it remained wary of others.


    The Pyrothorn was the hardest to mark, as it sensed the blood was a type of toxin and instantly evaporated the first drops Logan tried to mark it with.


    He had to keep pouring blood in order to mark it, which tired him, but it was rewarding to identify the plant and gain its trust after doing so. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The final one, probably the easiest to interact with, was the Regen Hazel Brush.


    Its fruit had slight healing properties that helped create low-quality healing potions.


    Placing crystals around each plant, Logan noticed through his link that they loved the mana being provided to them.


    He even watered them for a good amount of time until he felt they were satisfied.


    None of them could communicate with him, but Logan was becoming sensitive to their feelings.


    Having taken so long, Logan noticed the others had left.


    The only ones near him were Scorch, who helped him through the cold, and Luna, who did not mind sleeping on top of the snow.


    Logan checked his beast, noticing a few scratches that needed healing.


    [Need stronger, no more master hurt,] he heard his beast say as Logan pointed to the cuts.


    [Scorch, don''t try so hard for my sake. Let''s get stronger together, buddy. Don''t do dangerous stuff,] he communicated while having his slime heal the torn scales and damaged skin.


    Although he didn''t get an answer back, the raptor gently placed his large head over Logan''s shoulder, seeking a neck rub.


    "Big baby," Logan laughed.


    He heard a whistle from afar and saw that Scorch''s new house was finished.


    "Well then, let''s go check out your new home, bud. I hope you like it," Logan said, using the raptor to help him get to the new barn.


    The barn was filled with hay to pad the floor.


    With Scorch entering the small house, it warmed up enough for Silis to enjoy its new home.


    As for the bison, it started feeding on what would be its bed, making Valeria bring food to keep it from eating the hay.


    As soon as they exited the barn, Logan spotted a group of ten or more people approaching the estate.


    They looked poor but had smiles on their faces.


    Among them were two kids, while the others were a mix of elders and adult men.


    Logan saw his mentor, Valeria, wave to the strangers, and he tried doing the same.


    The two kids soon got close enough to run to his charismatic teacher and hug her legs.


    "Well, meet your villagers, Logan. This is little Lily and Finn. I gave them fur that your Scorch helped hunt, so you can say you had a part in their new coats," Valeria introduced the kids. The small girl, Lily, spun around, trying to show off her new wear.


    "Scorch even helped with the tanning. His precision with flames helped cure the skins faster than they otherwise would have," she praised Scorch, who showed his face through one of the barn''s windows as his name was mentioned.


    "Thank you, Lord!" Lily, the young girl, said while hugging Logan''s leg.


    Logan patted the girl''s back and nodded.


    As for the others, they soon arrived with various gifts and foods.


    "You must be the new lord and hero¡­ please accept these. We hope you are doing well," an old man introduced himself.


    Judging by how others treated him, he was probably the acting village elder.


    "Yes, I am the appointed lord. I hope we can work together to improve this land," Logan replied, extending his hand.


    "I forgot you southerners do this. My name is Liam, a bailiff of sorts¡ªor at least that''s what they called me before the previous lord died," the elder said with a smile, offering an awkward handshake.


    "Well, I don''t know much about leading a village, but I do believe what I have planned will help improve the lives of the residents here," Logan stated, trying to assess the others who had come.


    "I am Tobin, the head hunter of the village. I thank you for helping Finn with such a fine fur coat. Even in my years of slaying beasts, I find it difficult to procure such goods," a burly man introduced himself.


    "Nice to meet you, great hero Logan. I am Nolan, a merchant. To be frank with you, my father sent me here to get close to you. I hope we can make good business. Ask, and I will bring you even the freshest Oapan from the southern seas," the merchant Nolan said, extending his hand.


    He was the only one in the group who didn''t seem to fit in, his clean and proper clothing instantly gave this away.


    Nolan was likely the first thin merchant Logan had encountered in this world. At twenty-four years old, he looked like the young son of a wealthy tycoon. With short, neat blond hair and strikingly handsome features, Nolan had the refined appearance of someone from a prestigious background.

 Chapter 86 - 86: Dracone Ridge

    It took two warp gates for the class to reach the labyrinth city, Dracone Ridge.


    The large city was built around the labyrinth, with adventurers and merchant guilds surrounding the massive stone entrance, which was protected by a defense array.


    The array formed a huge bubble that prevented monsters from escaping and reaching the town.


    This happened several times a day and became a sort of spectacle for the common people who dared not enter the dangerous place.


    Knights and top adventurers were sent to kill these monsters, displaying flashy skills.


    As soon as they arrived, they were confronted with five chained beasts that had managed to escape.


    Brian didn''t waste time asking why and quickly forced Lisa and two others to join him in the fight.


    "Let''s go. It looks like we will finally have some fun after being without prey for so long," the blond boy smiled, though the tips of his hair were beginning to look as if they were dyed red as his power rose.


    Lisa had no choice but to follow the kid. She knew he was her ticket to get stronger, even if she hated his guts by now.


    As Brian got stronger, he became more cocky.


    This time, it showed as he backflipped into action¡ªan unnecessary move that put him in danger while his team wasn''t prepared. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Lisa had yet to cast defensive spells on everyone to shield them from damage.


    Their tank had yet to don his full armor, and the mage had was only now starting to cast a spell that would work against the fast creatures they had to face.


    The beasts they were fighting were bipedal, goat-like creatures with muscular torsos, large arms, and very sharp horns.


    Three of these monsters were stomping about, readying their posture to charge and headbutt different members of the party.


    Brian managed to land a kick on the back of one of the creatures, causing it to tumble.


    However, the beast used earth magic to create a spike of earth to hold on to, while one of its companions helped peel Brian off.


    The third beast charged toward the party''s tank, Chris, who held up a sturdy shield.


    He was only pushed back five centimeters, while the mage Mia finally readied a penetrative wind spell that could pierce through steel, breaking even the sturdy earth walls the goatman created like thin ice.


    "Let me add another layer of barriers, Chris. The ones I cast broke," Lisa yelled to the tank, who looked at the two markings on his shield from the goat''s sturdy horns.


    "Thanks, Lisa. I will be needing them. Those horns look dangerous. Let''s hurry and help Brian," Chris replied while bashing his shield and activating a provoke skill.


    "Please give me time to cast. I need to focus for at least a minute; any less and their shield walls will render my skills useless."


    Brian was still dancing between the two other goatmen. His punches easily broke off pieces of their horns, but they grew back as quickly as they broke off, created by earth magic instead of bone.


    "Alright, let''s stop playing," Brian suddenly jumped in the air and cast two spells that let him soar even higher, using fire to propel himself. He did the same as he descended, and with the momentum, rushed into one of the beasts like a comet.


    "Well, there goes rocketman, never fears hurting himself with you here, Lisa," Chris said while watching the destructive power the flames caused.


    "Guess he will be needing new gloves¡­ I don''t think this kingdom will be able to afford making him new mithril gloves every time he breaks them," Mia said, stopping her casting.


    "And so¡­ this battle is over. Did anyone level up at least?" Lisa asked while putting her staff away, which helped quicken her casting speed.


    As soon as the battle ended, everyone returned to the class as they heard the crowd cheer.


    Brian, who never shied away from attention, raised his hands and let bursts of fire flow like sprinklers.


    "Show off," Chris said as he placed his equipment away.


    "Are you all okay? Thankfully, nothing serious happened. I will have to talk to Brian about his actions," Ms. Claire angrily commented as she saw how the boy had dragged his team into a fight unprepared.


    An hour later, the class was guided to a small inn.


    Some of the guys stayed on the bottom floor, where merchants began to offer them gear and rare items while crowds began forming to see the heroes.


    Lisa used the rest of the time to try to contact Logan.


    During the trip, her owl Orus showed signs of distress; she thought it was due to the change in temperature.


    The warm southern region was arid and always sunny.


    But after days of nonstop shaking, her owl still seemed sick.


    Lisa tried using every spell she knew and even potions, but the bird wouldn''t move, staying in its cage without making a sound.


    Worried about Orus, she realized that during the trip, she had also felt somewhat sick.


    Since many others felt the same after seven days in carriages, she assumed it was a normal reaction.


    And yet, the marking on her finger had begun to fade, which brought her doubt about Logan.


    The boy did not contact her.


    She sighed once again after her communication attempt failed and looked at her bird, who was beginning to eat.


    She then glanced at her finger and saw that the marking was just like before¡ªthe red tattoo glowed a few times as it had done previously.


    [What do you think, is Logan doing fine?] Lisa communicated with the bird.


    [Fine, good, more seeds] It communicated while stretching its wings.


    "Alright, let me bring more. It''s good to see you''re doing better now." Lisa smiled while trying to put the communication device away.


    Just then, it glowed brightly, signaling someone was trying to contact her.


    [Who is it?] She closed her eyes to concentrate.


    [Sorry I did not talk to you sooner, hey there Lisa.] She saw Logan smiling while looking at himself in the mirror.


    [Good to see you''re doing well, what took you so long, idiot!] She mentally took a jab at the boy, trying to avoid looking at a reflective surface.


    The young lady hadn''t expected the boy to call and had forgotten to changed out of her dirtied attire, ruined by the afternoon''s battle.


    Both youths then began speaking to each other.


    The owl, having finished eating, stared at its master who lay on her bed, rocking her feet.


    Happiness radiated from her every action.

 Chapter 87 - 87: Full Recovery

    A week went by before Logan recovered his full strength.


    The markings his veins had left on his skin faded, and mana finally coursed through them as before. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The day was as cold as ever, but he was happy to have a good meal.


    Eager to see his plants'' growth, he went outside wearing a large coat made from a creature that Scorch had hunted and a villager had pieced together to fit him perfectly, with Ruri''s help.


    He felt good now that he was ready to face the cold and his strength was back to its peak condition.


    The boy felt even better today since he was finally able to speak to Lisa, who had tried to contact him for a few days.


    Reaching his first plant that had been placed near the house, he saw that the small sapling was now a full-grown tree.


    It had drained a third of his mana water, but with it, all the plants had grown to their mature state.


    "What form are you taking today..." Logan wondered as he looked up to see various nuts on the underside of the tree''s green crown.


    The mimic tree had not only perfected the art of mimicking other trees but also the ability to grow their fruit permanently and maintain a certain shape for much longer.


    It had taken the form of a hazelnut-type tree that thrived in the cold tundra plains for the past week.


    It was perfect for this weather and even dropped its fruit when Logan asked for it.


    The next tree he checked on was the Phoenix Redwood, which was placed near the entrance of his estate.


    This location was to prevent fires, as the tree loved to keep itself warm.


    Its body would burst into flames at times, making it dangerous to keep near the house or fields, but it made for a perfect guard.


    It would light up the place at night, giving the night watch visibility whenever someone approached the gates.


    Its wood would also be given out to keep the villagers warm.


    The third tree, however, was a problem; he had to search for it every morning.


    With his power to enhance his tamed beings, the Wanderwillow grew fast, but instead of becoming a huge tree, it remained thin and long, like a palm tree.


    Logan had no idea what to do with this tree yet.


    Its ability to move was probably the only thing that attracted him to make a pact with it, but other than that, it was just like a child playing tag¡ªit needed to be chased to be fed.


    The shrubs were next on his agenda.


    The Regen Hazel Brush was probably everyone''s favorite, as the sweet fruit it provided not only made for good medicine but produced so much fruit that Logan was able to send some to the villagers so they could eat.


    Nolan the merchant constantly nagged him about selling the fruits, but Logan told him he needed to find a way to feed the villagers first.


    What he did give the merchant was the leaves that could be made into a tea that would have great medical properties.


    Unlike the trees, which grew tall, each of the shrubs spread out to the sides.


    The Quillbush had grown wide enough to cover most of the backyard fence.


    Just as the Phoenix Redwood protected the front, the Quillbush protected the back.


    As for the large field, this was the Pyrothorn territory.


    It had learned to distinguish between friend and foe and did not harm those that Logan introduced to it.


    The good thing about the Pyrothorn was the warmth it emitted, which warmed the fields enough for crops to grow.


    A villager skilled in farming began using them to start producing food.


    Logan decided not to meddle with the process or try taming these plants, giving the villagers work for which he paid them.


    After finishing today''s duties, Logan got ready to go with his mentor.


    Today, they would be looking for a particular animal that Logan needed.


    Unlike before, when Logan did not worry about the creatures he would tame, he now needed to be more selective with his choices.


    He had ordered for farm creatures to be brought.


    Spring would soon come, and they needed animals to tend the fields.


    Logan ordered poultry, horse-like beasts, cattle, and other creatures from this world that would be good for the rural village.


    However, something urgent came up before all this: the need for more mana crystals.


    For this, Logan needed specific monsters capable of finding any mana mines that might be in his territory.


    He thought about the large tunnels created by earthen moles in the capital and how, with their help, he was able to find the underground passage into the mine.


    "You ready, Logan? We will be heading to some old mines. There should be creatures you probably need there," his mentor said, leading the small expedition.


    Valeria had already explored more areas of his vast land compared to the soldiers.


    As soon as the day''s plans were discussed, everyone in the group wanted to join.


    Yet his mentor reminded them of the amount of work that still needed to be done on the new estate.


    New goods were arriving that needed to be checked, and the planned outer walls that would surround the town were already mapped out and ready to be built.


    With Chloe and Kai helping, the construction was going faster than ever.


    Silis the Basilisk, who had been trained and was almost ready to evolve, also pitched in whenever she felt like it.


    "The old mine should be around here. It''s an open-pit mine, so it''s not like we have to enter a cave or anything like that," Valeria said, pointing to a crater in the ground that was dug out in layers.


    The center of the pit was teeming with various creatures that feasted on minerals. Some looked like moles, while others seemed to be a type of worm.


    Logan wasn''t sure how long it would take to get down there, but it needed to be done stealthily since he saw how easily the beasts could dig their way to safety.

 Chapter 88 - 88: Old Mine

    "Well, there are a few ways we can try doing this. First, we rush in and hope one of those beasts doesn''t run away¡ªnot the most likely choice to tame one. Second, we sneak in as close as possible and try trapping one using a type of lure. Or our third option, we make them surrender by throwing in as much power as possible, hoping one gets caught in all the action," Valeria said, waiting for Logan to answer. She was just here to help, not to make the choice.


    "Let me guess, the correct choice is trying to lure them... They love stone, so maybe using a mana crystal will suffice. I guess we''ll be leaving the mounts and larger creatures behind and start descending slowly then," Logan answered, hopping off Scorch to look for a section in the pit where they could start descending.


    "Well said. Let''s go then. We will need wire traps, and as soon as we get close, you will start tossing a few of those fragments to lure them," Valeria instructed, pointing to the section she deemed best before beginning to climb down.


    The pit was large, carved in by magic. It took a considerable amount of time just to get halfway down.


    They knew going back up would probably take the rest of the day if they didn''t hurry.


    There was no time to waste; the task of taming needed to be done today.


    Fortunately, paths had been created, and large rocks littered the place, providing cover.


    As soon as they reached the bottom, they saw three large worms eating what looked like iron ores, while some moles popped up every now and then to take some for themselves.


    "So which of the two do you think I should tame?" Logan whispered as he took out various crushed crystals, the last of the ones he had.


    As for the big crystals, he only had three left, which he kept for emergencies.


    "Both are good. You may want the mole since it''s not as creepy, but those worms dig far faster and deeper underground," Valeria replied while preparing traps, making the string invisible using dark magic.


    She tied the crystals with the thin strings and began throwing them in obvious spots where the monsters would gather.


    Sensing strong mana around, the closest mole sniffed the air as it closed in.


    It was a little small in size, which was perfect for what they needed.


    "You will be in charge of reeling it in. I will shoot it to make it sleep. It will be rough, but you will need to heal it after," Valeria instructed.


    Valeria began taking out her crossbow and placed thin bolts while adjusting them to shoot.


    "Wait, you''re going to shoot it? What if you kill it?" Logan tried to keep his voice down.


    "Well, of course. How else do you think we will get it to calm down? If we just come out and try catching it, it will alert the others," Valeria replied.


    "Don''t worry though, it''s just a mild paralyzing dart. It produces a small electrical current which will stun it," she added while sniping the creature as it got close.


    Logan readied himself, trying to ignore the weird method of taming.


    At least he didn''t need to whittle its life dangerously low and use a ball to capture the creature.


    As the earthen mole bit into the crystal, he saw the bolt fly and hit one of its arms.


    As soon as it convulsed a little and fell to the floor, Logan began pulling the string given to him.


    It sort of worked until the creature''s claws got stuck next to a large rock, and Logan had to reposition himself.


    "Say, teacher, what if we have to break the line because the crystal is stuck in its stomach or something?" he questioned as the mole got closer to them.


    "Logan, they eat rocks. Do you really think a small amount of mana-filled string will hurt them?" Valeria told the boy the reality of the situation.


    Soon, the creature was close enough that they could pull on one of its arms. Luckily, it remained stunned enough not to fight them.


    Before it could get up, they took the dart, which still pulsed with electrical currents, and tied the mole to pull it away into a good area with cover.


    "Well then, heal it and do your magic. We should try catching a worm next. I think it would be better if we have both; maybe you''ll get what you want that way," Valeria stated while keeping lookout.


    Logan took out his slime to heal the mole, then placed a few drops of blood on its back before it could fully recover.


    It seemed to not like the first few drops of blood and ignored the taming, so Logan teased it with a big crystal and tried more drops of blood.


    That got the creature''s attention as it let the mark form.


    [Hey there, I am sorry but you won''t be able to have all the crystal, kid. Take a few bites before I put it away though,] Logan said before he placed the crystal back. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He was amazed the crystal was a third gone after just eight bites.


    "Are you done yet, kid? We have to hurry, the climb back will be tough otherwise," Valeria reminded him.


    "Sorry about that. Who is the next target?" Logan said as he gave orders to his mole to stay back so they could continue.


    "Let''s go for that large beast there. I was thinking about just going for the biggest one. I''ve been observing the worms, and the bigger they are, the slower they react to stimuli," Valeria said, pointing to the biggest worm, which surfaced a few times to eat whole stones half a meter wide.


    "If you say so, teacher. How will we do this? I don''t think a small string will work with those," Logan asked, hoping his theory was wrong.


    "Well, you have half of a crystal or something like that, right? Offer it up. Let''s put it next to where the creature last surfaced and hope it comes up to eat it. While it struggles to swallow it, you go in and do your blood trick. If that doesn''t work, you may have to give up another one of those," Valeria said, not considering the amount of money Logan would have to waste just feeding the creature.


    "Well... it will let me look for more crystals, hopefully... so why not?" Logan agreed, waiting for the large creature to surface.


    They already had an idea, as the last rock it gobbled up was ten meters from where they now hid.


    "I suggest you place the mana crystal... there, and get one of those fingers ready to bleed because it''s fast," Valeria explained, staying back this time.


    Logan rushed to place the already-bitten crystal and tried to run back, but he was only able to take two steps before feeling a rumble beneath him.


    He recalled the beast that should have come out of the hole, realizing it had to be large to cause the earthquake he was feeling.

 Chapter 89 - 89: First Clue

    Unable to walk any further as the ground shook violently, Logan stumbled and tried his best to stand up and run. He did not care about losing the crystal if it meant saving his life.


    But it was for naught as he saw rows of teeth surrounding him.


    The creature''s mouth was at least three meters wide, and he was within the center of its gaping maw.


    "Damn this idea!" Logan cursed as he was sucked inside the mouth like quicksand, before being trapped within the large creature''s maw.


    It seemed like a tunnel that shook violently.


    He could not distinguish top from bottom, but he knew he had to try something before he was swallowed up.


    He began pressing his bleeding finger frantically as he felt the form of a tongue beneath him.


    Pressing his finger on it, he felt a shake, indicating he was doing something right.


    "Ah, to hell with it!" Logan exclaimed as he saw the sharp row of teeth.


    As the mouth opened for a few seconds, he pressed his finger on it to make the wound larger.


    The razor-sharp teeth almost cut his finger off, making him regret the choice. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The place quickly became messy as the monster struggled with the force link being made.


    "I wonder if the damn tattoo will be on my tongue after this..." Logan tried to settle his mind with a joke as the monster shook even more.


    "Come on!! Accept to be my tamed beast!" Logan shouted, frustration mounting.


    He knew he had to take a drastic step and, reluctantly, he took out a new crystal¡ªone of the only two he had left¡ªand sent it down the large tunnel, leaving the powerful mana in the creature''s mouth.


    "There, now let me out!!!" Logan yelled in anger.


    Suddenly, he felt the strangest link he had made so far¡ªit was unlike any he had created before.


    He felt the power of his new creature through this link, as if instead of Logan sharing his energy with the creature, this time the creature had to send energy back to Logan.


    Logan felt invigorated.


    Taming the beast gave him four whole level-ups, something he had not experienced before.


    [Let me out now, I know you can hear me!] Logan commanded, feeling the creature accept his order.


    The mouth soon opened, and Logan saw the light of the sun again.


    His mentor and even Scorch were present, ready to fight.


    "It''s fine, it''s fine. I finally got this kid under control," Logan said as he walked out of the large beast''s mouth.


    "You are seriously crazy and very lucky, boy. How are you alive with all the stuff that happens to you?" Valeria yelled as she placed her weapons away while calming her large panther, which looked on edge.


    "I''d rather call it bad luck," Logan said as he stepped away to check on his new tamed monster.


    He walked and kept walking trying to get a full view of his new creature.


    The large worm was huge.


    The three-meter mouth should have been enough for one to imagine, but just looking at its face, he could estimate the beast was at least thirty or forty meters long.


    "Well, it''s almost the size of my dragon... and that kid''s still growing," Valeria said, petting Logan''s back.


    "Do you think it will be like the rest of my creatures? I got stronger just by taming it," Logan asked while walking back to pet the large worm, which seemed expectant.


    "Don''t think I will give you another mana stone¡­ you just ate what someone would take a lifetime to make in cash," the boy joked while his mentor inspected the worm from all sides.


    "Well¡­ I think I know why it was a tough monster to tame. Do you remember that forest keeper back before we fought the demons?" Valeria pondered, rubbing her chin.


    "You mean the snake with horns who had a mutation stone in its belly?" Logan replied, trying to remember the creature.


    "Precisely, that one. This monster is the same¡ªthe most powerful beast of this part of the land and its guardian. It''s nothing compared to Ferra, but at least with this kid around, you won''t have to fear other creatures. Think of it as the king of this zone," Valeria pointed out the other worms and moles, who acted like they were waiting for orders.


    "I guess that explains a lot¡­" Logan replied as he tried commanding one of the creatures he had not tamed.


    This one did not follow his orders, so it seemed only his tamed beast was able to understand him.


    Logan then took out his crystal, knowing he had to try something before they had to leave for the day.


    [Hey, do you know if there are crystals like these around here?] He communicated his intentions to his new beast.


    [Food, hard to find, only big mountain, Grav Territory, be mad if take.] Logan pieced together the information but did not know who Korro was.


    As for the biggest mountain, he remembered it was at a considerable distance with snow on its peak.


    "Say, teacher, do you remember the large mountain with snow at its peak?


    Well, this creature tells me there are crystals over there¡­ it''s just that it belongs to someone named Grav¡­" Logan asked, wondering if she knew the name or if it was some bigshot like Ferra.


    "Never heard of it. How about you ask your beast what kind of creature it is?" Valeria suggested while dusting herself off.


    [So tell me, who is this Grav? Can you describe the creature?]


    [Grav is Grav, big, made stone, can''t eat, walk two legs.] The beast tried to describe the creature, but with its limited vocabulary, it didn''t give Logan a concrete answer.


    "Well, it seems to be a type of golem based on this kid''s description," Logan explained.


    "Let''s go back and ask around. Maybe someone in the village or the fort nearby knows something," Valeria suggested.


    Before they started to climb back up, Logan pitched an idea. He told the whole team to get on top of his new earthworm and used it as a ride to get to the top of the mine. With its huge size, the beast took them up as if it was swimming in water. In reality, it was eating all the dirt in front of it, leaving a huge trail behind.


    As soon as they got to the top of the mine, they got off the large worm and tried looking for the mountain mentioned.


    North of them, they spotted the snow-covered mountain. It was large in size and would be a difficult climb. However, now they had a train to ride on, as Logan petted his new tamed beast.

 Chapter 90 - 90: New Guild Branch

    Leaving the huge earthworm near the mine so Logan did not have to worry about its need for food, he, along with his mentor, was about to reach the village on their mounts.


    His mole had to be placed behind Scorch as it was slow.


    As for Zephyr, he kept an eye out from the sky along with Night the crow.


    As he entered the small village with wooden houses that resembled huts, he was greeted by the inhabitants who now knew his face.


    Besides Lily and Finn, there were three other children in the village of various ages.


    He knew there were also babies, as he could hear their cries from one of the houses, but he did not know whose they were yet.


    As soon as they got close, the kids ran towards them and began petting their beasts.


    The first time this had happened was a few days before, and Scorch welcomed the attention of the kids. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan got off while preparing treats to give out, having ordered food from Nolan.


    His goal in visiting the village was to see if it had arrived.


    Soon enough, the merchant ran out of his own little hut, which was expanded with the use of tents, and began calling to Logan with a wide grin on his face.


    "Valeria, are you going to join me, or will you take off here?" Logan asked, knowing his teacher liked doing her own thing after hunts.


    "You know me, Logan. I have a lot to prepare, so let''s meet up later tonight¡ªhopefully with better food," Valeria smiled as she began walking off with her beasts.


    [Scorch, I will be busy for a while. Try playing with the kids, just make sure you don''t hurt anyone!] Logan communicated as he left Scorch.


    The mole quickly dug a hole to hide and escape the rowdy atmosphere, while Zephyr flew off to find small prey.


    The village was not large, with every building within half a kilometer of each other, except for the farmers who had medium-sized lands for their work.


    It wasn''t long before Logan arrived next to Nolan and shook the eager merchant''s hand.


    "Great to see you today, Baron Logan. I have already sent the creatures and food you ordered to your farm. Miss Rubina and Miss Chloe took the animals and food in magic crates so you can place them in the barn," Nolan began to explain as he led Logan inside his small shop.


    "That is good. I hope everything was easy to find, and great work with the fast transportation. I doubt it was easy in this cold weather," Logan replied, now more versed in speaking to the trader.


    "No problem. Luckily, our neighbors had a surplus of the creatures, and their farmers were willing to sell the food to help your cause," Nolan said as he sat down, while one of his assistants began brewing tea.


    "That is good. Now, what was so urgent that you wanted to talk to me about?" Logan asked as he settled himself in front of the young merchant''s desk.


    While the tea was brewing, they made small talk.


    Logan took a moment to admire Nolan''s tidy fashion sense, which he seemed to change every time they met.


    The charismatic merchant always managed to look impeccable.


    He noticed the merchant could not stop grinning today, which creeped Logan out, making him want to leave as soon as he finished his tea.


    Soon enough, two cups were served.


    Logan was given a small plate with a pastry to eat while drinking, which he welcomed.


    "Now then, let''s speak. I hope you don''t mind if I go first. I was contacted by the great Guildmaster Harold a few hours ago... At first, I was surprised at the request since he sent a storage container..." Nolan paused while giving Logan what looked like a very small jewelry box.


    "You should know what it contains. I assure you, no one has opened it. As for the magic lock, here is a key for that..." The young merchant passed an envelope with what felt like a small metallic key inside.


    "As for what I wanted to speak to you about... it''s a request I hope you accept. You see, Guildmaster Harold wants to make a guild branch here and wants me to be the one to lead the shop. It will be great for this small village, as I will be in charge of the northern part, which includes the three other cities next to this one." Nolan stood up as he announced this, bashing his hands over his desk.


    "Ehem, sorry about that, Baron Logan... so for this to take effect, I hope you accept it so I can send word back. After this, they will send in a group of workers, adventurers and merchants to begin constructing routes," Nolan continued, nearly turning pale from lack of oxygen. "Well... sure, I don''t mind you being the one to lead the branch... will I have to do anything?" Logan asked, trying to understand the extent of the situation.


    "Thanks, Sir Logan! You won''t have to worry about a thing. I will make sure everything goes simple and quick," Nolan replied as he began writing a response letter without waiting for Logan to leave.


    "Knowing infrastructure costs money and wanting the best for my new land... here, take this. Make sure you use it to restore this place. If possible, bring more workers as I want a large wall before next year''s winter," Logan said, handing over the large sack of coins he was given by the king.


    It was useless for him to carry such a bag, which was given only to display his wealth.


    "Wow! No wonder the great Harold wanted this to go through. I will have the best artisans here in a few weeks, Sir Logan, to begin working on those walls and new houses. And while we''re at it, if you need your mansion rebuilt, please just tell me!" Nolan placed the sack of coins in his storage.


    His handsome face looked like it was trying to hold back maniacal laughter.


    "No, that''s alright. If anything, I will be needing workers for my fields. Try putting up notices for work within the village. I want those who live here to be given top priority. If possible, try to invest in equipment for them, whether it''s farm or hunting tools. I want this village to thrive before people start coming," Logan added, thinking about immigration, which Kai and Chloe had informed him about. Come spring, people would probably flock to his land in an attempt to change their lives.


    "Sure thing, Baron. We have only about forty days of snow left. After this, the heavily snow-covered roads will clear, and trading and travel will resume back to normal," Nolan stated as he began to calm down.


    "Well, I guess we are done then. Please make sure everything is ready, Nolan. And as for Guildmaster Harold, please give him my regards. He has kept his part of the deal, and I appreciate that." Logan stood and excused himself as he heard a joyful cheer behind him.


    Back outside, he hugged himself as the evening breeze hit his shoulders and spine. He quickly went to gather his beasts to head back to his estate.

 Chapter 91 - 91: Farm Animals

    Riding alone through the snow-covered road, Logan took the time to enjoy his land.


    The heat Scorch produced was enough to keep him warm.


    Even Zephyr, who roamed the cold skies, took the time to rest on its back.


    [So what do you guys think, do we have a good land or what?] Logan asked, wondering what his beasts thought.


    [Bad, cold, no food,] Zephyr whined.


    He had only managed to catch a small rodent, which did not fill his stomach.


    [Cold, waste heat, hungry,] Scorch replied, and Logan knew where this was going.


    [Cold, no stones...] his new mole chimed in. Unlike the others, the mole only cared about rocks to eat.


    [Alright, alright, let''s hurry. I am also starving. I hope this freezing weather ends soon...]


    Feeling a strong current that even Scorch could not block, they rushed back to the estate. It was less than a kilometer, but with Scorch''s speed, it was quick in sight.


    He noticed Rubina was waiting near the entrance alone. He found it strange but knew she had news for him if she took the time to wait for him there.


    "Rubina, you shouldn''t be outside. Why didn''t you wait for me in the house?" Logan asked as he got close enough to speak to her.


    "Hurry up, we need to get these new beasts settled. I know you want to see them," she yelled back, trying to speak over the sound of the strong wind.


    Logan commanded Scorch to pull up next to the girl and helped her up behind him to speed things up.


    The entrance was at least forty meters from the barn, where he imagined the new beasts were placed.


    "Thanks, Logan. With Scorch here, I think we won''t even need a coat in this cold weather," she laughed as she held on to his waist while sitting behind him. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You''re right, I feel like I''m sweating already¡­ good thing with Scorch it will only take¡­ I didn''t even get to finish," Logan replied as Scorch took two great leaps.


    [Sick, need get down,] he heard his mole say from the back, where it was made to hold the start of Scorch''s long tail.


    "Sorry about that. Please help our new buddy Digger, Kryst¡­" Logan had to almost drag the greater slime who did not want to leave his embrace to heal the earth mole in the cold windy night.


    "I guess that''s your new beast, but¡­ isn''t he a little small for, you know," Rubina questioned as she waited for Logan to finish.


    "Oh, he is just one of two. The other beast was way too large to bring. He''s a Tunnel Burrower, the biggest of its kind... I wouldn''t know how to feed it if I brought it here," Logan explained.


    "That is perfect, just as I imagined. I just didn''t think you would go for one of those... just please don''t show it to me yet, as you know..." Rubina shivered before finishing her sentence.


    "I know you hate insects or any creature that resembles them, ha," Logan said, returning Kryst back to its place and placing the Mole next to the barn. The Mole didn''t care to go inside and started making a hole to hide itself from the cold.


    "Guess it didn''t need the shelter... Now then, please tell me what we have, Rubina." Logan opened the barn''s door to let Scorch in. As his raptor entered, he saw various creatures already resting, some in hay, including his master''s bison.


    Others were kept in partitions, resembling chickens, roosters, and ducks. There was even a type of bird that resembled a turkey, but with more colorful feathers.


    "Well, as you can see, we received quite a good variety of beasts. As for the ones you need to worry about taming, it''s only the Dustfoot Horse and Starhoof Cattle. We got two of the former and four of the latter. As for the Silkmane Sheep, they can wait. I would suggest you tame... two Dustfoot, the Starhoof Bull, and at least one Silkmane Sheep to test," Rubina pointed out the animals as she named them.


    The large work horses looked sturdy and were placed within a wall between the bison and the cattle. Logan noticed the interior of the barn had to be extended to fit all the animals.


    Taking out his trusted dagger to cut his finger, he began with the two large animals as pointed out. They accepted the bond, neighing only when he first got close.


    The other creatures made a ruckus that ended when Logan finished with the Silkmane Sheep, whose wool felt like cotton candy.


    "You know¡­ that is premium quality material. I can''t wait to see what it will evolve into and how its wool will improve!" Rubina said while hugging another sheep, which was busy eating hay.


    "That will take a while, as they don''t look like they would put up much of a fight. But¡­ yes, I also wonder what they would evolve into. For now, my head is hurting just thinking about what to name them. I already have the huge worm''s name to think about, and I didn''t even name the trees¡­ What will happen when I have to name hundreds or thousands of creatures," Logan scratched his head in agitation while considering using numbers to help speed things up.


    "It''s not like you have to name each one, right? I''m sure the workers and others will help us... You also won''t be seeing these creatures with your busy schedule," Rubina reminded him as they wrapped things up.


    "True. Now let''s go. I''m starving and feel sort of dizzy from not having enough calories," Logan said, while Rubina tried to guess what the last word meant.


    "It''s like mana... that our body uses to produce energy..." Logan tried to explain as he hurried the girl, who still looked confused, by pulling her arm.


    "Okay, forget it, let''s go!" Rubina smiled deviously as she pulled her arm up, making Logan''s hand hold onto hers, and dragged him away before he had a chance to react.


    "Wait, let me!" Logan tried to tell her about the barn''s door, but a nearby soldier already rushed to close it, waving to the two teenagers with a smile.

 Chapter 92 - 92: Hunting Pt. 1

    "No one knows what''s on that mountain. I have tried speaking with all the villagers and the soldiers. It seems the previous baron did not even try exploring his territory," Valeria stated as everyone finished eating dinner.


    "So, what do you suggest we do, mentor? If my large worm monster does not dare to eat those crystals from fear of the golems, then I don''t think we have a chance," Logan replied, leaning his chair back to think.


    "Well, you will have to train. I have taught you about traps and tactics, but now you have to gain experience using them in the field and not just when danger happens. You also need to finish training the rest of your monsters. Scorch is powerful, but it is not your only strong point. Having various monsters with different skills will be for the best," Valeria added while the rest nodded in agreement.


    "For now, I think you should work on Luna and Zephyr. Silis will have a hard time out in the cold, so it should be left for last," Chloe commented.


    Luna, who heard her name called, turned to face the group as she was eating from a bowl away from them.


    [Want fight, stronger,] Luna, who still had some crumbs on her snout, ran to Logan, wagging her two tails.


    "Sounds like a plan. I will bring Scorch just in case, but it will be good exercise for us," Logan agreed with the plan.


    With nothing else to do, the team went to sleep early.


    It was nights like this that Logan missed his smartphone, but with everything that had happened, finding sleep was not difficult.


    The next morning, the team of two set out while everyone else went about their tasks.


    Rubina had promised to help with the animals as some villagers came by to begin working on the fields using the large horses. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Others came to start building fencing for the cows and sheep.


    As for the poultry, they needed their own pen.


    Their noise had disturbed Scorch, who had barely restrained himself from burning down the whole barn that night.


    "Well then, mentor, where will we be hunting?" Logan asked.


    Luna was sitting behind him, still a little on edge from being on top of Scorch, while Zephyr was high in the sky scouting.


    "When we went to fight beasts with Scorch, the best training area was at the start of the mountain chains to the north. It shouldn''t take more than two hours at normal speed, so that is why we left early," Valeria explained, guiding the group.


    Her own bird, the large raven, followed in the sky, her bison charging forth at top speed, and her dark feline alternated between riding on the bison''s back and running when it spotted a quick meal nearby.


    "What kind of monsters did you find?" Logan asked, anxious to know about the creatures they had seen.


    "Many normal small creatures. As for the big ones, a type of large deer¡­ a few bears, and some boars. The boars were probably just like those we saw in the southern kingdoms'' nearby forest," Valeria commented while making her bison rest after a long sprint.


    "You mean the Stonehide Boar? That thing scared me, but I think we can take a horde of those now that we have Scorch," Logan yelled as the speed made talking harder.


    "Yeah, now let''s concentrate so we don''t bite our tongues. We should hurry, as this weather is unpredictable," Valeria said, pulling on the reins of her beast after a few minutes of rest.


    Within an hour and a half, they reached the beginning of the mountain range.


    The forest grew thicker in this area, filled with white snow.


    Only some trees managed to shrug off the snow; these were probably magic trees like the tamed ones back on Logan''s estate.


    Since he had limited spots for new creatures, he decided to ignore them.


    "Alright, have Scorch stay behind this time with my bison. We will be careful today to avoid attracting the stronger beasts. Today, you should focus on the others," Valeria instructed.


    They began moving through the forest, trying not to bump into branches that would shower them in snow, and proceeded silently.


    The sound of birds and deer mating calls could be heard in the distance as they ventured half a kilometer inside.


    It was good that Logan had brought boots this time, as the snow almost reached his knee in some places.


    The trail that adventurers used was completely covered, so they had to find sections of the forest with the least amount of snow.


    [Boar, forward, eating,] he suddenly heard Zephyr communicate as it flew in from the eastern area.


    "Let me guess, there is a monster in that direction," Valeria whispered as she saw the green falcon fly back.


    "That is correct¡­ how did you know?" Logan asked as they quickly changed directions to find the mentioned beast.


    "Come on, Logan. How long do you think I''ve had Night for?" Valeria let out a soft chuckle, while being careful to stay out of sight, which was hard as everything was white.


    As soon as they found the beasts, they noticed it was not one but three.


    They were busy eating seeds, scratching the floor to pull them out from the buried foliage.


    "Yup, Stonehide... and it''s not just one, what a good find," Valeria smiled while thinking up a plan.


    "They look larger but thinner than those in the capital..." Logan observed, noting a clear difference in size.


    The large beasts were at least double the size of the ones he had previously seen.


    "Of course. The many hunters and adventurers there keep those animals in check. Out here, they are stronger and more mana-fed than those," Valeria explained.


    "Now then, let''s get started. The goal here is to take down at least one. If Zephyr can keep the other two in check, maybe you''ll be able to get all three. I will try to help with Noire and route the other two after you finish the first," Valeria said as she began pointing out specific directions and places where they should put traps.


    This time, Valeria did not want to help with the fight or use her own traps; she wanted Logan to experience the battle as if he were on a solo hunt.


    "Right, I will keep all that in mind. Let me go for the largest one first, then to start fresh with the strongest boar," Logan said.


    He then separated from the group along with Luna, who was eager to show off her new skills.


    As soon as they got into position, they began their coordinated attack.


    Luna, whose white fur was difficult to see in the snow and whose magic kept her scent hidden, attacked the largest boar from the side.


    Her goal was to scare the huge boar into a string of traps that would momentarily keep the beast''s legs tied up.


    Logan readied himself to infuse magic into the strings while Luna leaped into action.


    She readied ice spikes to pierce the boar''s neck and used smaller ones to coat her fingers like claws.


    As she jumped in and slashed at its wound, the boar, unprepared, ran right into the strings, making it tumble.


    One of the ice spikes embedded itself deeper, causing the boar to squeal horribly.


    Its two companions, instead of helping, took it as a warning and ran off in different directions.


    Zephyr used his aerial speed to keep up with the smaller one while using wind blades to try to cut off one of its legs.


    Logan continued holding on to the mana-filled string, not wanting to make the hunt too easy but determined to finish off the boar.


    [Luna, use your strongest skill! Kill that beast!] Logan mentally screamed as he felt his fingers burn from the tension caused by the cord.

 Chapter 93 - 93: Hunting Pt. 2

    From a distance, Logan saw how Luna lunged once again, using her ice claws to furiously swipe at the beast whose neck had been mangled.


    He felt the strength on the string begin to loosen before letting it go.


    [Luna, is everything fine?] Logan began to walk slowly forward.


    [Dead, come, no problem,] Luna responded, shaking her two tails as he got closer while licking the small amount of blood from her white front paws.


    "You did well¡­ Now let''s go for the other two." Logan quickly placed the large body inside his ring and ran back to find either Valeria or Zephyr.


    Out of the two, he noticed that Valeria had successfully caused the beast to turn back.


    It was good but also bad at the same time, as the beast was charging straight in their direction, its tusks ready to pierce them if they did not move.


    [Luna, quickly use Cryo Shield and ready a few Ice Shards to shoot when it crashes into the shield,] Logan commanded, as he added a layer by casting his own shield to make the one Luna created even stronger.


    He used a Glacial Veil to cloak himself, while Luna hid by crouching down and camouflaging herself with the snow.


    The large boar, seeing that his targets had disappeared, slowed his pace a little.


    However, it was not enough to avoid hurting himself as he bashed into the two-layered magic shield, which was invisible in the white expanse.


    The large thud caused snow to fall from a few trees, and that was the signal for six spikes of ice to hit the boar''s chest and feet.


    Logan had already warned Luna that they needed the pelts for the village folks and tried not to hit the areas where the fur needed to be intact.


    [Nicely done, Luna! Two down, one more to go. Let''s hurry!] Logan mentally communicated as he inspected the creature, which had taken its last breath as an ice spike hit its heart from the front.


    Soon, they heard the unique calls of Zephyr from afar.


    They saw the beast going around in circles at a distance and tried to get close.


    But before they reached the beast, Valeria''s bird stopped them, flapping its wings frantically.


    Zephyr noticed Logan was close and rushed to inform him.


    [Master, careful! Strong beast!] it screeched as it went back to check the situation.


    Valeria had already noticed the strange reactions of their birds and waited for Logan to explain.


    "There seems to be a new beast around here. By the looks of things, it is scaring both birds, so we should try to check that out first," Logan explained in a low voice, trying not to attract whatever was frightening the birds.


    Soon, Valeria noticed Noire''s reaction.


    She hissed and lowered herself, being the most obvious one to be spotted.


    Her black fur was easy to see from a kilometer away in the white forest.


    "So what do you think it is..." Logan tried to say before witnessing the battle in front of him.


    The boar was losing badly as a large beast had it by the throat with its two large fangs.


    "What the..." Valeria said in disbelief.


    "What is it?" Logan tried to distinguish the large catlike creature.


    "Northern Maned Leopard..." Valeria whispered, lowering her face even more and hiding her black hair with her hoodie.


    "It''s quite a powerful and a very rare beast, Logan..." Valeria said, trying to keep her voice as quiet as possible.


    "What''s the plan? I want to tame it!" Logan said, readying up magic strings and beginning to tie them to nearby trees.


    "Are you crazy?!" Valeria replied, but hurried to do the same, knowing that what was done had already caused the beast to be on alert.


    Logan then called out to Zephyr to bring Scorch in a hurry.


    "We need to make some time until Scorch arrives. Let''s start," Logan said, throwing some smoke bombs while running around to create a web, hoping to catch the beast.


    He heard a roar like that of a lion from a zoo he once visited.


    The sound almost paralyzed him, but he kept moving while watching the beast, which began looking around, trying to spot them.


    Logan then instructed Luna to use Glacial Veil and took out a whip, which he had only used a few times.


    He cracked it after getting into position and saw how the meter-and-a-half tall feline looked his way.


    Valeria took this as her cue to throw some bombs to scare the beast in that direction.


    The monster rushed forth, almost in fright, showing that it was a timid yet fierce creature.


    Logan saw how it ran towards him at an astounding speed.


    He hoped the web would sustain the weight and readied himself to cast the earthen walls that Silis was so good at creating to trap the big cat.


    As soon as it reached the first web, it flipped over before landing on more of them that tangled the leopard.


    He made sure the web was layered so the cat''s legs would not be cut off and finished the earth wall spell.


    Since Logan did not have time or experience in creating four walls, he made it into a triangular tent that would also help restrain the large cat while hiding behind Luna''s Glacial Veil.


    Valeria rushed forward to do her part, using the electrical darts from before to hopefully paralyze the beast.


    He soon heard Scorch running through the snow and had him stand by as he cut his finger to hasten the taming process.


    "Quickly, Logan, before it breaks free!" Valeria called out as one of the darts hit the leopard''s hind leg, sending shockwaves as the cat roared in pain.


    Logan poured drops of blood onto one hand and readied himself to throw them onto the large cat''s face, not daring to get close enough to get within its claws'' range.


    "It''s not working. What do you suggest, mentor?!" Logan called out as he pressed his finger even more to bring out more blood.


    "There is no choice! We either weaken it or kill it!" Valeria yelled back. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "No! I want this creature. Scorch, come here and scare this kitty!" Logan commanded.


    His raptor jumped out in front of the Maned Leopard and roared in its face before displaying a powerful breath of fire in the air above.


    "Now, try again!" Valeria said as Logan threw the blood that had been collecting on his hand.


    The large feline went from roaring loudly to hissing, and finally, he heard a powerful voice within his mind.


    [Free me!] Logan shuddered, hearing the deep voice.


    "It''s fine, let''s stop. Scorch, get back now; it''s alright," Logan quickly commanded as he undid both his earth magic and stopped providing mana to the webs.


    [Sorry about that, I just needed a strong beast like you,] Logan communicated while helping the large cat slowly, yet still feeling a bit of hesitation.


    [Man cub, I accept your bond. Make me strong,] the Northern Maned Leopard responded while licking its wounds.


    [Here, let me help you,] Logan communicated as he got close and began healing the large cat using Kryst''s skills.


    He cast until all the damaged parts of the cat were no more and tried petting its long, furry mane.


    He then looked back to his mentor with a smile.


    She showed the same expression as the one he first witnessed when she caught a glimpse of the leopard.


    "Mentor¡­ you know, I have left a few beasts in the care of others¡­" Logan smiled as he beckoned her to come closer.


    Valeria''s eyes widened at Logan''s words, and she rushed forward as if a rocket had been tied to her back.


    "Thank you, Logan!" Valeria grinned widely as she cuddled the burly white cat.


    Her own panther grumbled in the back, causing Logan to stifle a fit of coughing as the newly tamed beast caught a glimpse of the black panther.


    [Why hello there... beautiful,] Logan heard the leopard''s voice call out.

 Chapter 94 - 94: Hunting Pt. 3

    With a new beast joining their group and one that knew the terrain like the back of its hand, Logan and Valeria continued their hunt.


    [So, what are the strongest monsters and best areas around here?] Logan asked his new tamed beast, who walked beside the black panther, Noire, who clearly showed she did not like his presence.


    [A group of my own is strongest. Elk who use fire on horns¡ªforest to the west. Waterbear near river. Flying ice lizard on mountain,] the large feline began to recount the various large creatures who live in the vast wilderness.


    [Take us to fight the closest ones,] Logan asked. The maned leopard stopped and took a whiff before changing the group''s course.


    He began leading them away from the mountain and into the forest filled with small shrubs. As they walked further, they began hearing the sound of water.


    [Want strong beast, fight bear,] Logan heard the gruff voice within his mind.


    "The leopard is taking us to fight bears. I wonder if we are ready for these," Logan explained to Valeria, who had been just following until now.


    "I hope we don''t meet a group¡­ Scorch and my beast had a tough time when we found one of those just days into hunting. It was really tough, even for my beasts and him. In the end, the hide was a mess, and I had to dispose of it," Valeria recalled, with remorse in her tone of voice.


    "Not much has changed since then... just the amount of creatures we have brought, that should make this better at least," Logan added as the river came into view. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The water had ice over it, yet various creatures were swimming inside.


    The bears were the easiest to spot, as they were seen pulling fish out and diving to find them in the cold water.


    Seeing the peaceful scene in front of him, Logan wondered if hunting down those monsters was the right thing to do.


    "I see you are having second thoughts, kid. Let me tell you something: as someone who has a territory, it''s good to keep the monsters around your area weak. Just as your tamed beasts get strong, other beasts naturally grow strong too, but sometimes they mutate into real monsters. These not only take lives but require a good army to kill them off. That is what mana does to these poor creatures," Valeria said as she petted both of her felines.


    "I did not know¡­" Logan said as he looked at Luna and Scorch.


    He thought about what would have happened to monsters like them if he had not tamed them.


    "Forests usually have keepers or guardians for this reason. They maintain an equilibrium, yet some parts don''t have these monsters, and that is when problems arise. The guardians usually try to find these monsters though, so we shouldn''t have problems. Usually..." Valeria explained.


    She then pointed to a nearby bear, which was eating what looked like a salmon-like fish.


    Your next journey awaits at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Let''s keep going. There should be a lone bear around here¡ªwe wouldn''t want to have a group on us for creating a ruckus near their feeding area," Valeria said as she walked carefully through the bushes, trying to get away from the river.


    Soon, they entered a field area where they settled for a little while.


    Both birds were sent to find a nearby beast they could hunt.


    There was a high probability it would be a bear since they were still near their territory, but if something stronger was around, they had no problems fighting it.


    [Master, found, follow,] he heard Zephyr as the bird swooped in and circled around the sky before heading in a certain direction.


    "One thing I will ask of you... Logan, please tell me sooner if you want to tame a beast. The last fight was dangerous since you made up your mind without proper warning," Valeria said as they began chasing after Zephyr.


    "Alright, I am sorry¡­" Logan tried saying this before continuing at a fast pace to keep up with his flying creature.


    As soon as they caught up, they saw a large elk and bear fighting.


    Neither side backed down as the elk used its flaming horns to put pressure on the bear, who used the snow to have a limitless amount of water to try wearing down the elk''s fire powers.


    "Two birds with one stone, huh? Your falcon is impressive," Valeria whispered as she began taking out thread to set up traps.


    "Take the left. I''ll go for the right. Make sure you keep quiet until we find a clear winner. That''s when you will send out a beast to fight while I will try keeping the losing monster preoccupied," Valeria ordered, moving into position.


    Logan quickly went to where he was told and decided to use Zephyr this time.


    If elements were taken into consideration, while it would be better to use electric-type magic, he did not have a beast of this nature.


    Wind, in this case, would help against the fire elk, who was being showered with cold water repeatedly by the bear.


    For the bear, it would be hard to retaliate against the speed and high damage output of Zephyr''s wind.


    [Zephyr, it''s your turn, buddy. I will try tying up the winning monster so you can use your strongest spells,] Logan communicated as he readied various traps and began observing the battle of titans happening before him.


    It wasn''t long before he saw the fight come close to finishing.


    The bear suddenly grabbed onto the elk''s horn, which could no longer produce fire, and tried slashing at its neck.


    [Now, Zephyr¡ªtwo blades at its back before it finishes the elk,] Logan called out.


    Zephyr, who was watching from above, plunged down with the help of his element.


    In mere milliseconds, he released two vertical slashes from each wing that almost sounded like a thunderclap as they hit both beasts standing below him.


    The bear, whose swipe was aimed at the elk''s neck, roared in pain as its back was slashed by an unknown power.


    It flinched, missing its strike.


    The elk, not expecting the blow from above, hit the ground with a loud thud.


    Its neck had been struck, and it stumbled a little before foam filled its mouth.


    "What the?" Logan called out as he heard a ping within his mind.


    He had gained two levels from the kill; he was already close to one, but Logan welcomed the second free level.


    [I guess you''re already strong from all the kills you had accumulated while finding food. Nice going,] Logan praised his bird as he saw the falcon do a U-turn in the air to come back for a second volley of air strikes on the weakened bear.


    Without the need for his traps, seeing how the battle was progressing, Logan placed all his tools away but kept Luna at the ready.


    Scorch was a few meters behind them, ready to enter if needed.


    Zephyr, eager to show how strong he had gotten during the past few days, kept using wind blade after wind blade, giving the bear no time to respond.


    The bear tried casting a few defensive spells to keep the bird away.


    Seeing a good opportunity for a final attack, Logan watched as his falcon sped up high and then suddenly dove down, twisting its small body.


    A green aura surrounded the flying tame, and a sound like that of a train could be heard.


    A tornado formed around Zephyr as the bird closed in like an arrow, hitting the bear with the wind surrounding its body.


    As Zephyr U-turned back up, the force of wind he carried was instantly transferred to the bear, impaling it to a tree as if it had been hit with a missile.


    "Damn it, the fur!" he heard his mentor call out from the other side.


    Logan was shocked at the sight before him.


    The poor creature''s remains were everywhere, but what he focused on more was his tamed beast.


    While ascending, Zephyr began to glow bright green.

 Chapter 95 - 95: Windstorm Eagle

    He suddenly heard a loud, powerful wind-infused screech from above.


    His once small falcon spread its wings, releasing green waves that rattled the snow from the nearby trees.


    Its form had transformed from that of a falcon to that of a large eagle. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With its wings spread out, his beast seemed like a small airplane.


    As soon as it finished its transformation, it went even higher, flapping its powerful wings to create two tornados in the air, as if doing a test run.


    This caused the overcast to clear slightly where his new tamed beast was flying.


    Within seconds, Logan felt a cold chill as the winds around him picked up slightly before everything went back to normal.


    "That is just¡­ amazing," he heard the voice of his mentor behind him.


    She, like him, was staring at the sky as his new beast began to descend, causing the trees to move with each flap of its wings.


    [Powerful,] he heard Luna say as she used Glacial Veil to calm their surroundings.


    Snow and icicles began to fall from nearby trees.


    [Good for you, Zephyr. That is a beautiful form and impressive strength,] Logan called out mentally.


    Zephyr nodded and began going for the bear''s parts, eating them hungrily.


    "Well, I guess they won''t go to waste¡­" Logan said as Scorch joined in to alleviate the hunger it felt from suppressing the cold during the day.


    [Hey, wait! That will need to be taken. Don''t eat it!] Logan stopped the leopard who was closing in on the elk.


    Logan quickly stored the beast before his creatures devoured it.


    "So, tell me, what kind of monster is it now?" Valeria tapped Logan''s shoulder, eager to know about Zephyr''s new form.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Zephyr / Species: Windstorm Eagle / Level: 23 / Blood Mark: Vertex / Loyalty: 48/100]


    Str: 24 / Agi: 29 / Dex: 19 / Con: 18 / Int: 25 / Char: 19


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Wind Blades: Zephyr can create sharp gusts of wind to slice through enemies.


    Gale Force: Unleashes a powerful windstorm, disorienting and pushing back foes.


    Sharp Vision (Passive): Possesses incredibly keen eyesight and can spot targets from great distances and in low light conditions.


    Twin Tornados: Zephyr creates two vortexes of wind around his wings, allowing him to move swiftly and strike multiple enemies within the area. This whirlwind not only deals damage but also disorients and knocks back foes.


    Storm Shield: Zephyr can generate a protective barrier of wind around himself or an ally, reducing incoming damage and deflecting projectiles. This shield can also temporarily increase the speed and agility of the protected individual.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Logan was happy with the change.


    He explained to Valeria every detail about his new Windstorm Eagle and watched as his creatures finished every part of the beasts'' meat, leaving only large bones behind.


    "So that makes five of my creatures who have evolved. For battle, I will need my basilisk to evolve next and try to find a dark or electric creature to fill in the missing elements¡­ Do you have any ideas of what I should get?" Logan asked Valeria now that things had settled.


    "Well¡­ you should know I specialize in dark elements. There is one creature that comes to mind that would be perfect for the role actually¡­ and since you gave me this beautiful animal, I guess it won''t hurt if I gave it to you later. As for the electrical beast, that will be hard to find. They are the rarest because they require a certain area to thrive¡­ I think it would be best to have one sold to you," Valeria answered, making Logan wonder what kind of beast she would give him later.


    "Let''s keep going. We need to wrap this up in no less than two hours," Valeria rushed the group to find more monsters.


    After two hours of nonstop fighting, Zephyr was awarded the MVP of the hunt, mainly due to the fact that he would finish the fight before the others got a chance to enter the battle.


    Scorch did not take this kindly, as the flying beast was going to surpass his level if he did not step up his game.


    He ran off to find monsters by himself to kill.


    Logan and Valeria then looked for their own creatures to help both the maned leopard and Luna keep up.


    "Well, it looks like we had a good haul today. Sadly, we will have to find a new area to hunt so we don''t kill off all the beasts in this zone. I suggest we head to the next mountain and climb it to get used to the height," Valeria said as she began setting up her saddle, and the duo began to head back.


    The return journey was difficult as snow piled up.


    Thankfully, both Scorch and Valeria''s bison took turns clearing the road, and Luna helped prevent the falling snow from affecting the group. Your next chapter is on My Virtual Library Empire


    As for Zephyr, his new ability, Storm Shield, helped keep the strong freezing winds from reaching the group.


    They reached the estate before nightfall and noticed the changes made: new houses were built for all the animals, and Scorch finally got his own place to enjoy a good night''s sleep.


    The problem now was his new eagle, which would not fit inside his room.


    The one-and-a-half-meter creature had to settle with Scorch and wait for his own place to be made the next day.


    "A bit late, but I am glad to see you both," Rubina greeted them as she came out of the house, using fire magic to light up outside.


    "I hope those new light stones come soon. We need illumination for the fields and barns," Logan said, remembering that they had no electricity in his home and the few light crystals they had were only for the rooms within the house.


    "We will have more material and things coming in tomorrow, or so Nolan said when he dropped by in the afternoon. He wanted to see you, but he said it wasn''t anything urgent, so he left after leaving a map of the new merchant routes planned for the future," Rubina informed as she tried looking for Zephyr, who would usually ask her for food.


    "If you''re looking for the lovable bird, he is going to sleep in Scorch''s barn tonight. You should take a look at him tomorrow before we set off again," Logan added, still overjoyed with all the progress they had made.


    "That is good to hear¡­ you made me want to go out and check on him now, but I will hold myself back," Rubina said, inviting them in to have dinner, which was prepared.

 Chapter 96 - 96: Many-Legged Ally

    After dinner, Logan was called up by Valeria, who wanted to see him in her room.


    He was squirming, wondering why she would call him up and unsure of how he should react once inside her room.


    "Boy, quit thinking weird things. I am just going to return the favor for providing me with such a great beast. Come, there is something I have been holding on to for a while," Valeria said as she pulled Logan into her room.


    "Girl, I don''t think you want to see what will happen next," Valeria said with a grin after catching a certain red-haired girl hiding in a corner.


    "Don''t mind me!" Rubina flinched as she was caught.


    "Just come in. I really don''t think you will like what will happen though," Valeria kept teasing as she had Logan sit on her bed, making things even weirder for the youths.


    Rubina, who could not take the joke, entered the room while huffing and sat next to Logan, glaring at Valeria.


    "Be my guest then." Valeria took out a small box from one of her bags.


    She was careful with her movements as she secretly opened the box before shutting it again.


    "Alright, everything seems good here." She then took out another, smaller box and opened the first one again, taking out something and placing it in the second box.


    Logan and Rubina were left guessing what it was all about as Valeria kept her back turned to hide what she was doing.


    "Now then, I wonder if your magic is strong enough to make this work," Valeria said as she put the first box away and carefully picked up the smaller box again.


    It was a black box with a small mana crystal on the top.


    "Okay, here it is¡ªyour gift, Logan." Valeria handed the boy the container while taking a seat on a chair she brought close to see their reaction.


    "What is it...?" Logan asked, trying to be as careful as Valeria, who had treated the object with a tender touch.


    He opened it and saw how the red-haired girl beside him stood up before storming off from the room.


    "I wonder what that was about..." Logan asked Valeria, who shrugged as she kept observing Logan.


    "Alright... now try infusing your mana into the crystal on top and don''t stop until you see a reaction. Make sure you only concentrate dark magic into it¡ªI keep forgetting you also use light magic."


    Logan did as he was told, concentrating a good portion of his energy into the small box until he saw the mana crystal shine, causing the small round object inside to move.


    "What is that?" Logan asked as he saw the round, black, pearl-like object grow a little before popping like a balloon.


    "There we go. I hope you aren''t afraid of it. Don''t worry, it shouldn''t hurt even if it bites you while it''s that young, so try your taming technique before it tries to move," Valeria instructed.


    Logan watched as the small creature began to uncurl itself. He noticed two legs as it tried to stretch, then four, then six... and finally eight.


    He wanted to jump at the sight but forced himself to remain in place and hurried to tame it before it had a chance to move.


    Without the time to take out a dagger, Logan used his teeth to nip at a finger and lightly pinched it to let a small drop fall on top of the small arachnid.


    "Mentor, why did you not tell me earlier?" Logan exclaimed as he felt a link form with the small creature, who was confused by the liquid being splashed over him.


    "So, did it work... Did you create the link?" Valeria asked, not caring about Logan''s questions.


    "Yes, it was easily accepted," Logan replied as the small creature suddenly jumped out of the box and stood on his hand.


    [Food!] the little critter demanded as it looked up at Logan, showing wisdom within its small, boxy body.


    "I had forgotten about baby creatures and their need for food¡­" Logan said while taking out his large mana crystal, which he laid on top of his mentor''s bed.


    "Hey, don''t just place that heavy thing on my..." she tried to rebuke.


    "It''s your fault for not warning me¡­" Logan said as he placed the box down and used one hand to hold on to the mana crystal while concentrating on the small spider in his left hand. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Feed¡­yum!] He heard the slight, squeaky, cute voice call out from his hand while transferring mana to it.


    The spider danced around in happiness as its body swelled a little.


    "Wait! Those grow fast!" Valeria exclaimed, but before she could finish her sentence, she saw how the four-millimeter small arachnid was enveloped by a dark fog. "I really should have informed you earlier¡­"


    Logan, whose hand began to weigh him down, tried to keep his focus, knowing that stopping midway could bring problems to the newborn creature.


    Soon he felt the tiny animal growing in size.


    He wasn''t sure what would happen but remembered the large insect dome filled with foot-long insects¡ªthe biggest of which were even larger than a cat from his world.


    Soon he had to let go as the two-foot spider finished evolving.


    It looked exactly as it did while it was small: black, a little hairy, but a little boxy, with its feet positioned in a manner that looked like it was ready to jump.


    "I can tell you one thing¡­ that is probably the largest one I have ever seen, and by its rich color, it''s one of the most powerful," his mentor said, nodding as she inspected the large creature for its species.


    "Ugh¡­ well, I never thought about getting one, but alright. I am guessing it''s dark elemental, so it does fit the¡­ request I had asked about," Logan said, a little creeped out by the large spider next to him.


    "It will grow on you¡­ just remember we have to get those magical threads from somewhere. Guess from who?" Valeria grinned as she tried petting the spider, who quickly turned towards her.


    "Hey there, little one, you look just like Char."


    "Char? Is that its mother?" Logan asked while trying to pet it to get used to his new tamed beast.


    "Yeah, I left her back home as she doesn''t like to move about much at her age. Her eggs just need a little bit of mana to hatch, so I was saving a few for when their mother¡­" Valeria trailed off while continuing to pet the creature.


    "Now then, take it back to your room and give it a little more mana. I did not expect it to become so big right away, so give it this¡­" Valeria took out a small rabbit from her storage container.


    It was still fresh, so it had been recently killed.


    Before Logan had a chance to put it away, the spider embraced it and began wrapping it with webs.


    [Food, food!] it said with joy in its tiny, cute voice, which made Logan want to pinch something around him¡ªjust not the spider.


    "Guess I will need small critters to food this kid" Logan stated while they waited for the spider to finish eating.

 Chapter 97 - 97: Growing Foundations

    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Regal / Species: Regal Jumping Spider / Level: 5 / Blood Mark: Thoracic / Loyalty: 9/100]


    Str: 6 / Agi: 9 / Dex: 8 / Con: 5 / Int: 6 / Char: 7


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Shadow Bolt: Regal can shoot a bolt of condensed dark energy that disorients and damages enemies. The bolt can also leave a lingering shadow effect, reducing the enemy''s visibility and accuracy.


    Venomous Bite: Regal delivers a bite infused with powerful dark magic venom, causing ongoing poison damage to the target. This venom weakens the enemy''s defenses and mobility.


    Midnight Web: Regal can spin a web made of thin silk that becomes strong when infused with mana, entangling enemies and slowing their movements. The web has an aura of darkness, making it harder for enemies to escape or cut through.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Reading through the spider''s stats, Logan checked on the larger-than-normal spider that had selected a corner of his room to create its home.


    Filled with webs, its nest had a small peephole which it expanded to check outside every so often, as if not completely comfortable with its hastily made house.


    [Are you alright?] Logan called out after the fourth time he saw it come out.


    [No prey¡­] it cutely communicated with its high-pitched voice.


    [Are you hungry?] Logan asked, wondering if he had something it could eat.


    [Full, want hunt, bored,] it replied while exiting its nest three times in succession, as if it was going to be bashed by a hammer in a game of Whac-A-Mole.


    [We will hunt tomorrow if you want to come. Does the cold affect you?] Logan replied, getting more used to the spider''s movements as time went by.


    [Cold bad, makes slow,] it said, its voice shuddering as if just imagining the temperature outside.


    [You will have to stay here then¡­ let''s see what we can come up with tomorrow,] Logan followed, letting out a long yawn.


    [Yes, want hunt.]


    That was the last thing he remembered hearing before dozing off.


    It wasn''t until some hours had passed that he felt the weight of one of his creatures over him.


    Logan lifted his hand to pet whoever it was, only to feel soft, small hairs on a thin leg.


    He opened his eyes to see a black figure in front of him with its shiny eyes looking straight at him.


    The boy almost jumped up in surprise before remembering who Regal was and continued petting the creature with a little disgust.


    [Hunt now?] she spoke while dancing over his chest, happy to see him awake.


    [Give me a few minutes, we will hunt after lunch¡­] Logan groaned as he sat up groggily and stretched.


    Luna, who had been sleeping next to his legs, could also be seen stretching from under the cover before peeking out from the blanket with a yawn.


    "It''s so early," Logan muttered, beginning to make his bed to alleviate Ruri''s workload.


    These days, she had to help the others with food and laundry, leaving Logan wondering if she was fine and considering getting more people to help his workers.


    He left those thoughts for later and began walking downstairs as his spider clung to his back. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He felt it move every once in a while to check its new environment and the people it had to share the space with. Luckily, it was well-mannered and kept asking Logan about everything around them.


    [Can see through wall, why?] Regal asked, pointing to a window and wondering why it was transparent.


    [I don''t really know¡­ but it''s made by melting sand. It''s a material called glass, and it''s not usually found in nature,] Logan tried to explain while tapping the glass window located in the living room as he headed to the dining room where a wonderful smell was coming from.


    "Welcome, Master Logan. We did not expect you just yet, so we only made soup for the servants," Ruri said while shyly placing her spoon down.


    [Join, food delicious] Krexa called from a corner of the table, she had two empty plates next to her the small goblin using a spoon awkwardly to dig into the third.


    "Ruri, everyone¡­ you should eat what we do. Don''t worry about ingredients; eat meat, vegetables, and anything you wish. Just make sure to ask Nolan to restock what is used," Logan said while going for a bowl to serve himself.


    "Thank you, Master¡­ Logan," he heard Ruri say.


    "That is something unheard of, Sir Logan. We appreciate the gesture," he heard the chef say as she went back in to get some fresh bread she had been saving.


    "No problem, just make sure you are healthy. If anything hurts or you feel sick, tell me about it. Luckily, I was given healing spells," Logan informed the staff, who began speaking about minor problems they had encountered.


    After eating, Logan went out to check on the workers busying themselves while his mentor, Rubina, Kai, and Chloe began to eat.


    He saw that the workers tending to the fields were already doing their job and their numbers had increased.


    Luckily, with the help of his tamed trees and plants, the frozen area became something of the past, and new sprouts of plants began to grow.


    As for his horses, they were busy hauling wood that the Phoenix Redwood shed chunks of wood like snake skin.


    As with every morning, Logan poured mana-filled water onto each of his plants as well as Kryst, who loved taking daily showers.


    The midsized slime was now loved by the workers around the farm, as it healed most of their cuts and illnesses and even showed signs of creating a new skill.


    It slowly began to mold its gelatinous form into complex shapes, making itself look like a simple mannequin figure while curing people.


    It was not long before the rest of the team finished eating and Rubina exited the house to check on Zephyr, who was roaming the skies.


    "Wow, it changed so much, no wonder it couldn''t go in the house!" Rubina exclaimed as she saw Zephyr''s figure doing circles around the sunny sky.


    "Yeah, it''s a little over half my size, pretty big and strong. You should have seen it in action yesterday," Logan said, wondering who to take into the wilderness today to train.


    "I think I am done with all I have to do here¡­ how about I go with you all today? Uriel also needs to train," Rubina suggested as she called her beast over.


    "Sounds good, that will make the cold more bearable," Logan said while thinking of bringing his new tamed beast now that it would be warmed up by both Scorch and Rubina being nearby.


    "So, how is it? I used most of the mana crystal you gave me to empower him. He should be ready to evolve like your monsters, right?" Rubina asked, petting her bird while wanting Logan to check its stats.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Uriel / Species: Aurolious Fowl / Level: 16 / Blood Mark: Left Upper Rib / Loyalty: 12/100]


    Str: 11 / Agi: 14 / Dex: 12 / Con: 12 / Int: 19 / Char: 20


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Blazing Plumage: Uriel''s feathers ignite in flames, providing a defensive barrier that burns enemies on contact. The flames also have a slight healing effect on Uriel, allowing it to recover from minor injuries.


    Phoenix Dive: Uriel takes to the skies and dives towards its target with a trail of fire, dealing significant damage upon impact. The fiery trail can also set the ground ablaze, creating a temporary hazard for enemies.


    Inferno Song: Uriel emits a melodious call that summons a ring of fire around allies, boosting their attack power and providing temporary immunity to fire-based attacks. The song also has a disorienting effect on enemies within range.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤

 Chapter 98 - 98: Demons Lair Pt. 1

    Knowing that Rubina''s tamed beast would need to evolve to further assist them, Logan decided to take her along.


    She was going to join them on her father''s mount, a large, majestic deer that passed through the snowy terrain with ease.


    Today, they ventured further into the wilderness, going around the first small mountain and approaching the second largest one.


    Beyond this lay the largest mountain, where a supposed crystal mine was rumored to house a powerful golem.


    This time, they planned to climb a portion of the mountain to get used to the height.


    To do this, they needed to find a safe route around the dangerous areas where groups of beasts lived.


    Thanks to Zephyr''s improved vision and control over the wind, they were able to find a path up the mountain. It took them three hours to reach their current position.


    Strong winds were blowing through their fur coats.


    Despite Luna''s magic and Zephyr''s protective barriers, the wind continued to blow strongly, making them doubt whether they should go further up.


    Luckily, they found an old cave where they could set up camp to wait out the storm that was keeping them from advancing.


    Leaving their mounts and Scorch to protect them, the group consisted of Rubina, Valeria, Logan, Luna, Regal, Uriel, Kryst, Zephyr, Night, Saber (Valeria''s new leopard), and Noire.


    The group huddled around a campfire, using Phoenix Redwood wood that created a clean but intense heat.


    "So, do you think we should try going further into the cave while we wait?" Logan asked as he got up to inspect the darkness surrounding them.


    "I think we should wait a bit and try to recover some of our strength. The journey was long and tough for some of our beasts," Rubina said, looking at her poor flaming bird, who seemed exhausted.


    "Don''t worry, young lady. Not all of us need to go. You should stay with half of the group. I think Logan, Saber, Noire, and Regal and I should go down to see how far this goes. If possible, it may be another mana mine, which would be a good thing," Valeria added as she got up and prepared some equipment.


    "Good plan. I think it should work, plus not all of our creatures are suitable for this dark place," Logan said as he readied some tools to enter the cave.


    "I guess I could stay. How about you take Uriel though? I think it would be best for him so he can light the dark place," Rubina pitched in, rubbing her hands to strengthen the fire.


    "Sure thing. How about I leave Kryst here? It will help in case healing is needed," Logan added as he handed his slime to Rubina.


    "Well then, we will be back soon, hopefully," Logan waved as he and the beasts headed off deep into the cavern.


    With lighting crystals, they began to follow a certain path that led into the cave. Thankfully, Regal could see through the dark with her many eyes, guiding them through the cave. She stood on top of Logan''s head throughout the expedition.


    The cave was long and wide, yet the walls seemed to close in with every meter they passed.


    It looked naturally formed by water that had streamed down through the ages.


    As they ventured further, the only things out of place were the bones littering the ground every so often.


    They didn''t worry about those, though¡ªthey looked ancient, half-buried, and covered in dust.


    The only real problem was the lack of oxygen, which made it progressively harder to breathe as they went further in.


    "Well, it seems endless. How far do you think we should go before heading back?" Logan asked, starting to get bored from seeing nothing.


    "I think we should keep at it a while longer. If we find a crystal mine, maybe we won''t have to risk our lives fighting that unknown golem," Valeria replied.


    "True, true¡­" Logan said, sighing.


    [I ¡­see footprints, they are small] Regal said, pointing in a certain direction.


    "I think we''re onto something!" Logan exclaimed as he ran toward the area his tamed beast was pointing.


    "I think¡­ they are human-like¡­" Valeria said, wondering why a human would be living here.


    "Five toes, and what looks like a claw," Logan said, tracing the print created by someone stepping on the dust.


    "We should start being careful; we might not be alone," Valeria stated as she looked around, having her beast try to find anyone that could be around them.


    "Wait, do you hear that?" Logan asked as he observed Saber looking toward a certain direction deeper within the cave.


    [Movement, tall, red eyes] He heard Regal say as she lowered her stance.


    "Over there!" Logan whispered while trying to figure out what it was. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Get ready! Start setting what you can, it''s coming fast!" Valeria said as she spotted the creature.


    With great speed, the beast approached while growling, stopping only a few times to sniff the air.


    "It''s hunting us by scent. Be careful," Valeria warned as she threw a few bolts with strings to embed into the wall.


    It wasn''t long before the beast passed through them, and yet it did not flip over. It tore through the sharp thread without stopping.


    "Guess that won''t work. Let''s try to blind it for now!" Logan said as he tossed a flashbomb after warning the others.


    The beast did not stop, as if sight was not its main sense. It got close enough to take a swipe at Valeria, who readied her stance to kick it away, yet she was tossed a few feet back.


    "Damn it, it''s strong! Start casting a spell!" Valeria cried, trying to recover her stance.


    Noire and Saber were already on the move, attempting to slice the beast with various slashes.


    [Start casting your spell, Regal. We need your Shadow Bolt. If possible, aim for the head,] Logan called out while casting ice spikes to try hitting it with various elements. "Saber, Noire, move!" he ordered as both spells were ready to be unleashed.


    The creature did not try dodging and took them head-on. He saw how a red barrier formed around it, blocking both spells.


    "Uriel, your turn! Let''s try fire!" Logan called out while switching to use Scorch''s strongest spell.


    It took a little longer than the spell the bird unleashed, but he managed to finish casting Inferno Burst.


    The intense mana consumption in such a short amount of time made his head hurt.


    The red barrier couldn''t withstand the fire this time, and the beast began to writhe in pain. In its fury, it ran towards Logan, who had caused it the most damage.


    This time, it was met with a large web that Regal had prepared. The web was aimed at its legs, causing it to slip while its body still burned.


    "Hurry up and kill it before more of those come! Remember, there were more than one pair of footsteps!" Valeria said while Uriel cast Blazing Plumage, sending flaming feathers towards the enemy.


    "I think it''s dead¡­?" Logan said as it stopped moving.


    "What is¡­ that?" Logan asked as he got closer to check on the body.


    "It''s a demon!" Valeria said, covering her mouth.

 Chapter 99 - 99: Demons Lair Pt. 2

    "A demon? It didn''t seem to have intelligence though¡­" Logan asked as he saw the two characteristic wings behind its back.


    The only thing that did not fit was the facial features with large fangs and its hands, which had large claws.


    "Of course not, that shouldn''t be alive. It''s a vampire, one of the elder demon races. Roland had hunted them off. This one must have been hidden for so long it turned feral. If not enough human blood is taken, it turns into this thing," Valeria explained, as if knowing the creature in detail.


    "If there are more, we should hunt them down. It''s not wise to have them near a human settlement. One drop of human blood will reawaken their previous form until it slowly regains its prior intelligence," Valeria cautioned as she stabbed the heart of the creature, which began to struggle until it faded.


    "It was still alive?" Logan asked as he saw the creature turn into dust.


    "Sort of. It would have recovered in a few days if its magical core still had enough energy to keep going. By the look of things, it did have energy, so there must be a source of food around." Valeria suddenly turned around as her beast let out a roar.


    "There is more! How many do you see?" Valeria asked Logan, who was still observing the remains.


    [Two more are coming] Regal said as she jumped off him to create more webs.


    "Two, and they are almost here!" Logan called out while taking out a mana potion to reuse Inferno Burst.


    "Keep them at bay, mentor, I need more mana." Logan suddenly placed the ring on his mouth and began drinking the mana water to hurry the mana recovery process.


    "Okay, I am ready. Uriel, let''s go!" Logan hurried and used his Inferno Burst on the closest creature while he noticed the second one jump back.


    "Damn it, one of them seems to have a little intelligence!" Logan continued, not stopping the burst of flames that roared in front of his hands.


    "Keep at it, I will try to hold off the one that ran away," Valeria said while reloading her crossbow with darts imbued with fire magic.


    "This one is almost dead, mentor. I will help as soon as I am done," Logan said while drinking more mana water from his ring and taking out a whip to use Searing Whip, another of Scorch''s skills. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The whip seemed to be doused with flames as Logan used the skill and cracked it in front of him, hitting the monster until it fell to the floor.


    Logan heard two explosions around him as he tossed the handle which remained; the rest of the whip had melted away.


    "Damn it, I will need a special one made to resist fire," Logan told himself as he took out a dagger to end the life of the vampire.


    Taking out another whip he had readied in case this happened, Logan ran to where his mentor was fighting.


    The particular beast she tried to shoot was fast enough to dodge her bolts.


    "Damn it, she is a fast one!" Valeria called out as Logan helped her with his whip to slow the creature.


    "She?" Logan asked, not stopping his hand.


    "Yeah, you should know a quick way to differentiate a woman," Valeria said with a sneer.


    "Oh, of course¡­ so what''s the plan?" Logan yelled as his whip began to look more like a mace.


    "Keep going, it should get tired soon¡­ I hope!" Valeria said as she kept using bolts.


    "Arg, I am going to go broke and also full¡­" Logan said as he took another sip of mana water and tossed the stub of a whip away.


    "Noire, use your spell!" Valeria ordered as Logan saw how the shadows in the room began to converge on the vampire''s foot.


    "Now use whatever you have!" Valeria yelled.


    Logan heard countless explosions as he used Inferno Burst for the third time, leaving him breathless.


    "It''s working! Keep going!" Logan said with excitement, even while his body ached.


    As soon as his mana was nearly depleted, he stopped and told Regal to cast its webs to cover the vampire.


    "We should be done, right?" Logan asked as he slowly walked towards the vampire, which seemed to be still within a cocoon of webs.


    "Until we break its core, nothing is finished," Valeria said as she cautiously approached the fallen enemy.


    They stopped a meter away from the cocoon, waiting to see if it would move.


    "You know it was a bad call to cover that thing in webs¡­ now we can''t see where its core is at," Valeria said as she took out a sword and poked it to see if it would react.


    "I am sorry, I didn''t know it would be that much. Regal sure is good at it," Logan said as he stood in wait.


    They waited a few minutes before deciding it was a good time to cut the creature loose and finally finish it off.


    As Valeria used her sword to cut through the webs, she felt resistance not only from the strong webs but also from the tough skin of the vampire.


    "She seems better off than the other two," Valeria said as she continued to slice through it.


    As soon as the blade finished with the torso of the creature, its eyes lit back up as it opened its mouth to cast a spell.


    "Get back!" Valeria called out as she pushed Logan away.


    Logan saw Valeria hit with a spell, causing one of her arms to turn in an unnatural position.


    "Mentor!" Logan called out as he saw both Saber and Noire react, trying to kill the vampire.


    Logan rushed back in and ordered Uriel to use its two moves: Inferno Song to keep his allies fireproof, and Phoenix Dive to cause area-of-effect damage.


    He hurried to pull his mentor up and drag her back to safety. As he got close, he noticed she was not only unconscious, but also that she was a demon.

 Chapter 100 - 100: A Demons Plea

    As Logan pulled the unconscious Valeria from the site, the flames of Phoenix Dive surged behind him.


    Seeing his mentor''s figure caused Logan to ignore what was happening behind him.


    She had large black wings, long horns, dark red skin, and a tail. Unlike Rubina, who was half a demon, Valeria seemed more complete. "What is a demon doing helping us¡­" Logan asked himself as he tried healing her.


    He had to drink more mana water, even if he did not want to.


    This time, he was sure not to overstep his limits while using magic.


    Logan looked at her arm, which was still bent, and closed his eyes before trying to set it back into position.


    He saw her eyes open and screamed as he began casting healing magic to quickly repair the damage before she lost consciousness again.


    "I think that''s good enough, mentor. I will be back!" Logan whispered as he ran back to check on the monster, which should have been further weakened by the strong blast.


    Its body was half charred, some parts still smoldering in flames.


    Logan looked at the creature in front of him, this time careful not to get near it.


    "So, are you still alive?" Logan lightly kicked the corpse, which did not seem to respond.


    "Answer me!" Logan tapped her again.


    He waited a few seconds before taking out a knife to cut her mana stone.


    As he closed in to stab the dagger into the core within her chest, he saw her eyes¡ªthey showed emotion, something he did not know they could.


    Fear was etched into her expression as she tried to move the stubs to hold the dagger back.


    "No¡­ pl¡­" he heard in a raspy voice.


    His hand began to waver as it got closer to the demon''s chest.


    He tried to ignore her pleas as he brought the dagger closer to where it needed to enter, but he made the mistake of looking at her face again, which showed a tear.


    "Damn it¡­ if you attacked us, then why did you not just stay like the other two?" he said to himself as he began to doubt what he was going to do.


    Letting his mind fight between two sides, he stared at her one last time before clicking his tongue and then slitting his finger to press a drop into the middle of the beast''s chest. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As soon as he did, he noticed a struggle between two invisible forces.


    He saw the eyes of the creature waver until the link was created.


    [Please¡­ blood,] he heard a young woman''s voice call out.


    [Does that mean you won''t hurt me?] he asked as he pulled his hand back.


    [Tamed¡­ you have created the link¡­ my life is forfeited,] she replied in a weak voice.


    "Fine, but if you move, I will kill you¡­" Logan placed the dagger on her chest while, with his other hand, he pinched his cut, letting blood drops flow into her throat.


    With each drop, he saw some improvement in her skin. It was slow, so he only let his blood drip for a few minutes.


    [Thank you¡­] he heard the voice call out before it slumped to sleep.


    "Now what do we do¡­ two unconscious bodies and low visibility to make things worse¡­" Logan thought of what he needed to do next.


    First, he had to try getting Valeria to safety, so he used Regal to create webs and tied her to Saber, who seemed to have the strength to carry her.


    He then wondered what to do with the vampire, so he also decided to tie her up as a precaution and carry her on his back.


    What a day, to have five demons around him, two of whom died, and this last one vampire he tamed who he didn''t know what she would do in the future.


    He also thought about his mentor, a little doubt within him, wondering if she was on their side or was a spy for the enemy.


    Logan sighed, trying to keep his mind preoccupied with reaching the exit of the cave and not wanting to think about what would happen later.


    It took them about an hour to reach halfway through the cavern, but with the weight on his back and Saber walking slowly to keep his new master safe, the journey back would take twice as long.


    It wasn''t long before Logan became too tired to keep going and stopped along the way, placing the vampire back down while heaving heavily.


    [Are you awake?] Logan asked as he placed the ring next to his mouth and began drinking mana water to replenish what he had used during the day.


    [More blood¡­] he heard the voice call within his mind.


    "Do you know how much I gave you?" Logan asked, still huffing.


    [Please¡­ will try to regenerate¡­] he heard a reply that might help him.


    "Fine, just not too much, alright!" Logan reopened the cut to give the demon more blood, letting it drip over her mouth.


    Within a few minutes, he noticed she was able to move a little more.


    [Are you bad against healing magic?] he asked, wondering if using heal would affect or damage her.


    [Why would it¡­?] he heard a reply that he did not expect before trying to use heal magic on the more serious wounds.


    [Feels nice¡­] he heard as he continued.


    With her ability to regenerate and his healing magic, he noticed that she was able to form legs and hands.


    It was a long way off from a full recovery, but it looked better than before at least.


    [Will save energy for later¡­] she finished as she began to transform into something smaller.


    Her figure began to shrink to that of a small bat as she rested on his shoulder.


    [If you could have done that, you know things would have been easier¡­] Logan said, wondering why she hadn''t used that strange magic before.


    [Too weak¡­ core needed mana¡­] he heard her say before snuggling inside his coat''s hoodie.


    "Well¡­ let''s continue, I guess¡­" Logan told the rest of the group consisting of monsters.

 Chapter 101 - 101: Long Trip Back

    Logan finally reached Rubina, who was humming a sweet tune while petting Zephyr, who was enjoying the touch.


    As soon as Luna spotted him, she ran happily to welcome Logan and pranced around his legs.


    "Good to see everyone safe, we might need a little help here," Logan told Rubina, while pointing at Saber, who seemed tired.


    Rubina rushed to place Kryst to start healing his mentor, who was still out cold, and asked why she was in that state.


    Logan hesitated, wondering if he should come clean or keep the secret, but decided to trust Rubina, who had helped him since the start.


    "About that¡­ we met vampires in the cave¡­ turns out they were in a feral state¡­ There were three. We managed to kill two, but the third one, I tried taming her. As for Valeria, she saved me from a certain spell but was hit hard. Also¡­ she is a demon," Logan said as he got closer to his mentor to use healing magic.


    She had reverted to her human form sometime during the trip back.


    "That is a lot to take in¡­" Rubina said as her eyes widened. She pointed to Valeria, signaling if Logan was talking about her, the mentor who had helped him for the past few weeks.


    Logan nodded and then pointed to his shoulder, where a small lump was breathing in and out.


    "I see, and that is¡­?" Rubina asked, not knowing what Logan meant.


    "The vampire who survived," Logan answered.


    "That little thing? So it''s true they can shape-shift?" Rubina covered her mouth as she stood in bewilderment.


    "Yes, now¡­ I need to rest for a while. if Valeria does not get up within half an hour, I will bring Scorch to help us take her back." Logan sighed as he lay next to the flame and tried to rest, sitting with his back leaned against Zephyr.


    "Yeah, take a quick nap. I will watch over the place," Rubina said as she paced around a little.


    It wasn''t even ten minutes before Logan was shaken and called by Rubina, who had seen Valeria move a little.


    "I think your teacher is going to wake up soon," Rubina whispered.


    "Oh, alright..." Logan wiped his eye as he stood up slowly to check on his mentor.


    He saw she had her eyes open, trying not to move her shoulder.


    "Are you awake, mentor?" Logan asked as he got closer.


    "Did you see?" Valeria asked, trying to understand what she needed to do next.


    "Your demon form? Yes, I saw it," Logan answered, while trying to act like it did not matter.


    "You aren''t scared? Worried?" She turned to face him.


    "Not really¡­ I have met another before you¡­ I just hope we are on the same side," Logan replied cautiously, wondering what she would say next.


    "Have I ever acted otherwise?" she smiled as she tried getting up.


    "Not yet," Logan said as he got closer, casting Cure to act like a painkiller while her arm needed more time to heal.


    "Good, let''s just act like nothing happened then. I will just say this: I am not one of those pale garbage trying to kill off every being this world holds," Valeria sneered as she tried to ignore the pain from moving so much.


    "Alright, that is good¡­ now do you feel capable enough to leave this place, or should I bring Scorch?" Logan asked.


    "I''m fine, let''s get out of here. Tell me what happened as we go back," Valeria said as she got up. She then walked to the bag she had left behind and took out a bottle to drink, making a face of disgust.


    "Tonic, it''s the best healing agent for these kinds of wounds. Good thing I had one left," Valeria said as Logan saw how the bones popped into place correctly this time.


    "You need more training if you''re going to heal someone with your magic. You could have kept me crippled for life," Valeria smiled as her wound began to heal just enough for her to move her hand.


    "I think we are ready, just store your equipment, Miss Valeria," Rubina stated as she finished cleaning the fireplace.


    "Sounds good, let''s go then." Valeria waited for the two kids to finish packing before moving and followed behind.


    As they carefully went down the mountain, he heard his mentor scream.


    "You did what?!" she repeated as Logan pointed to his shoulder. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I tamed it¡­" Logan said again in a softer tone.


    "Do you know what will happen if people see her?" Valeria said as she placed a hand over her forehead in frustration.


    "I don''t care¡­ she is tamed now. If someone has a problem, it will have to be against me, and I will make sure I become strong enough to answer," Logan replied with determination, thinking about all his tamed companions and how he would respond if one of them got hurt.


    "Well, I can''t say anything if you display that much resolution. Just try to keep her in a form that wouldn''t attract attention until you become that strong," Valeria warned as she thought about the future consequences.


    Rubina, who thought she was the only demon in Logan''s life, was having her own internal struggle after the many revelations.


    She kept to herself, thinking about how she should interact with both Valeria and Logan''s new tamed companion, whom she had yet to meet.


    Thankfully, the storm had passed, and they could walk normally outside.


    The suns showed it was somewhere between four and five in the afternoon, meaning that they now had to rush back as the winter''s short day was about to end.


    Reaching Scorch, they set out to go back to his estate.


    Logan used his communicator to inform Chloe about their position so she would not worry.


    "It was a good day at least. We might not have found much to fight today, besides, you know¡­ but we are fine at least," Logan tried to cheer up the tired group.


    "I hope we don''t find ourselves in another storm¡­" Rubina replied.


    "We won''t come to this part again. We will keep training within the first mountain area. I think we need to work more on teamwork within our current force before we try going further again," Valeria added as she moved her arm to check on its recovery.


    "Sounds good. I wonder how my new tames will do," Logan said thinking about the vampire while looking towards the horizon, which was slowly becoming pink with various colors.


    Even with the cold around him, he was happy to be where he was, slowly accumulating strength with people he trusted.

 Chapter 102 - 102: Soulforge Smith

    [Congratulations! You are the first hero to reach Level 40! As a reward for your incredible effort, you have been gifted 8 Orichalcum Ores...]


    Ruben suddenly sprang up, nearly dropping the fine sword he had just created.


    His calloused hands made it difficult for even the beautiful black steel sword, which had taken a day and a half to make, to cut his hands.


    "Did something happen?" he heard a sweet melodic voice from behind.


    "Don''t worry, some kind of system notification-like message suddenly appeared before me¡­" Ruben said to the girl who was sitting, watching him work as always.


    "A what?" the girl, wearing comfortable work clothes, said as she tilted her head.


    "Oh, well, it''s hard to explain. It was something we usually see in our world¡­" Ruben replied, wondering why this world had game-like features such as the notification.


    He wanted to understand the phenomenon even more and reached out for a small sigil he had been given by the church.


    He had forgotten what the church called it, but he knew it held great importance, as it came from a Chronical Crystal.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Ruben Terris


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Class: Master Blacksmith (Blessing: Fire / Wind)


    Level: 40 / Health: 422 / Mana: 254


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Attributes:


    Strength: 48 Agility: 29 Dexterity: 46 Constitution: 44 Intelligence: 31 Charisma: 33


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Skills:]


    Quick Temper: Reduces the time required for forging and repairing equipment.


    Precision Strike: Improves accuracy and critical hit rate when forging weapons.


    Heat Control: Enables precise control over fire, improving blacksmithing processes and reducing material waste.


    Wind''s Grace: Ruben is able to control the wind currents around him to help maintain an ideal temperature. Increases agility and dexterity, allowing for more intricate and delicate work. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Abilities:]


    Forge Mastery: (Intermediate) Enhances the quality and efficiency of weapon and armor crafting.


    Inferno Forge: Temporarily enhances the forge with intense flames, greatly increasing the effectiveness of crafted items.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Experience Points (XP): 0/8000]


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    His stats and skills seemed normal, but there was another aspect of all this that he did not understand.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Quest: Soulforge Smith


    Unlocks


    The ability to create living weapons and armors, and an introductory class to create artifacts. Capability to surpass Level 40. Forge Mastery: (Advanced).


    Mission: Create an ideal weapon for 15 heroes, Create an ideal armor for 7 heroes, must be unique, Epic Quality, Durability Over 200, Attack Power: Class Depended, Weight: Class Dependent¡­Etc.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    He saw the long list of tasks the quest required and thought it was impossible at first.


    But after looking at the sword in his hand, he realized it wasn''t too daunting of a quest.


    Ruben had already crafted the finest weapons he could with his current abilities and was eager to surpass his creations, especially with the prospect of creating living weapons.


    He did not know what it meant, but just thinking about a weapon that could think or grow sounded cool.


    The first one he would create would be a hammer, as they were the first to fail him.


    He had already tried creating a few hundred, but by the end of the day, they would break under the immense pressure and usage he subjected them to.


    For now, he would rest.


    He needed to think about who he would create a weapon for, and understand his classmates'' needs.


    Before creating something, he loved to gain inspiration like this.


    Remembering how he had made countless weapons and armors inside his favorite MMORPG for his guild, Ruben tried to recall the job classes and skills while cleaning his anvil.


    As soon as he placed the sword within its sheath, Ruben handed it over to Irma, his lover.


    She was the only one, aside from his master, who was allowed to enter his forge.


    With the old man away, Ruben had enough time to enjoy the rest of the night with Irma.


    As soon as the sword was handed to her, the girl placed it on a shelf, carefully labeling it for its intended recipient.


    "So, are you done for the night?" the blonde girl called out to Ruben, leaping into his arms for a hug.


    "Yes! Is the food ready? I forgot to eat lunch. I only had bread and milk all day. If I keep this up, I''ll be nothing but bones."


    "I told you the food was ready about four hours ago. You just didn''t listen," Irma said, poking his nose.


    "Fine, I am sorry. You know how I get when working," the boy laughed as he held her by the hip, walking to the first floor to escape the hot, smoky basement.


    As soon as they exited the dark room below, Ruben finally breathed in clean, fresh air.


    He then picked up a towel, ready to take a quick shower while Irma finished reheating the food.


    Ruben went into the large bathroom he had ordered and quickly washed and soaped himself before entering the spacious tub to rest for a while.


    He began reflecting on the past months, recalling how his class and he had entered this world.


    He remembered the moment the Oracle had declared him a Master Blacksmith and how he had met his master, the great Hoggin, the best Forgemaster in the kingdom.


    Through his hard work and dedication, he had learned so much and earned enough money selling his creations to buy a house in the city of Midar, not far from the castle.


    It was then that he remembered how he met Irma, his lovely girlfriend and someone he would never leave.


    On the day they were summoned, he had been paired with another maid who clearly did not favor him.


    He could tell by the way she kept glancing at Brian that she was not meant for him.


    Ruben quickly released her from her duties, assuring her that she did not have to stay with him.


    Later that day, as he strolled sadly around the inn, he noticed another maid sitting on a bench outside the building.


    She had been dismissed for being a bit chubbier than the others.


    Ruben knew that his own overweight had likely made him less favored compared to Brian, a problem he had struggled with since childhood.


    Meeting Irma felt destined.


    He had always preferred a bit more meat on the bones, so she wasn''t a problem.


    Despite her tears that day, she had a lovely face.


    After talking and laughing at silly things, they quickly connected, and within days, they became a couple.


    Ruben smiled, feeling he was at the peak of his short life.


    He had money, a girl, and even a promising future compared to his life back home.


    Back there, he had faced problems with his parents, who always fought, struggled with his low grades, and endured the judgmental stares of others.


    He was slowly slipping into depression, but coming here had resolved enough problems that he did not wish to go back.


    Now, he just needed to figure out how to complete the mission and finish the quest.


    He needed to gather a list of heroes¡ªhis classmates¡ªand create weapons for fifteen of them, along with a few armors.


    During the past month, he had already made hundreds of these, and he was confident it was not going to be a problem.


    He suddenly remembered to check his storage.


    Unlike the other heroes, production classes had a skill that allowed them to have a small storage within their soul.


    Ruben took out the ores he had been given for reaching level 40 and inspected them.


    They looked like normal iron, except they were five times as strong and mana-resistant.


    They could be especially useful for close-quarter weapons and armor, though not ideal for long blades, given the amount he had.


    As soon as he finished his bath, Ruben went back to the dining room and kissed Irma before eating the grand meal she always prepared for him.

 Chapter 103 - 103: Danger in the Labyrinth Pt. 1

    Lisa''s group was deep underground; they had finally reached the 38th floor within two weeks of being in the labyrinth city.


    Due to time constraints, they only planned to reach the 50th floor, and with the way things were going, they would likely achieve this in another two weeks.


    It wasn''t long before the team, who had been camping, got up to get ready to challenge the next floor.


    Based on their progress so far, they would reach the next boss floor, the 40th floor by the end of the day.


    The problem was the number of monsters they had to fight and keeping tabs on their limited supplies.


    "What are we waiting for? Let''s go! I want to get to level 36 by the end of the day. I really need to catch up to whoever is at level 40," Brian said, urging the others.


    As soon as one hero reached level 40, everyone received a notice of the hero''s achievement.


    The others in the group, who had been calmly eating, had to rush through their simple meal.


    It was kept minimal for ease of movement, as monsters could invade the camp at any moment.


    Lisa was exhausted from all the traveling, but being at level 33 helped her withstand the pressure of being in a dark dungeon for two weeks¡ªa place that could drive anyone normal insane.


    She left the liquid of the soup and got up to fetch Orus, who had grown in size. Everyone, including the doubtful Brian, was glad the bird had come with them.


    Being nocturnal, Orus was useful in spotting prey in the dark labyrinth. As he evolved, he not only grew in size but also became a powerful combatant.


    The only problem now was the walls of the labyrinth, as his large griffon-like body could not fully extend its wings.


    In terms of magic, Orus could heal, cast rays of powerful light that acted as lasers, and use his front claws and beak to tear through flesh.


    Lisa was glad Logan had gifted her the creature and noticed the envy others felt.


    They even asked for their own, but she had to lie, saying it was the church''s doing¡ªa simple explanation that stopped others from asking. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As soon as everyone was ready, they began to descend the staircase to the next floor.


    As always, Orus took the front, the tank took the back, with Mia the mage and Lisa in the center, and Brian ready to assist either the front or back.


    The rest of the class had separated into various groups based on the number of members needed to form a strong unit.


    The largest of these groups included Ms. Claire, who took it upon herself to help the weakest group, the ones others called "leftovers."


    With her class as Orator, they would gain the strength of the normal groups.


    Lisa felt sad that Alma was not with her, as she had been sent to help George and his group, who needed a little extra support to match Brian''s physical prowess.


    "It seems we''re done with the golems. That was a hard monster to fight. My gauntlets kept breaking," Brian said, looking relaxed as he walked forward without a care.


    "Tell us something we don''t know," Chris replied, still catching his breath as he got used to carrying a large shield to protect him from sneak attacks that had hurt him many times at the beginning of the exploration.


    "You know... you should improve your defensive capabilities. Maybe then you wouldn''t be so worried about someone hitting you from behind," Brian teased as he noticed Chris struggling to keep up.


    "Dude, you must remember how many times I''ve been pierced by an arrow in the rear. I''m tired of that crap and would rather carry this shield than have someone heal my buns," Chris replied, trying to avoid Lisa''s glance.


    She didn''t say it, but she was also tired of having to touch the guy''s rear to heal him, these days she had Orus do the job.


    "Orus seems to have found something. We should stay alert," Lisa interrupted the light talk and focused forward as they saw a couple of dark figures approaching while the large griffin snarled.


    "Wait, those aren''t monsters!" Lisa heard Mia say beside her.


    "Blue skin¡­ you must know what they are." Without waiting for the enemy to approach, Brian took out his strongest gauntlets and readied his stance.


    Chris had readied his Guardian''s Shield to protect the group.


    The skill enveloped them in a magic dome while Chris would absorb the damage.


    Meanwhile, Mia began casting various wind spells to attack the incoming enemies.


    Just as they thought they were ready, three blows struck them from behind¡ªfire, ice, and dark magic¡ªcatching the group off guard.


    Chris, whose shield protected the others, received the most damage as it was transferred to him.


    Lisa rushed to heal the boy so he could maintain his skill.


    "Damn it, ambush! Mia, release the spells forward! Lisa, tell your beast to keep those in front busy while I rush to whoever is hitting us from behind!" Brian yelled as he used his hands like rocket launchers and sped through the cave to confront the magic casters behind them.


    "Orus, help Mia!" Lisa called to her beast, who unleashed various rays of light forward, some hitting the demons who then tried to slice him with their blades.


    Lisa, who had been studying the situation, was grateful that the demons did not show signs of mutation like those Logan had faced.


    "Alright, that is enough, Lisa. Save some for the incoming battle," Chris said, spitting out blood.


    He took out a shield that would repel magic damage back at its caster and readied another shield, which he used to toss.


    She saw how Orus was handling two enemies with ease, while Mia kept the third at bay with wind blades that caused the tunnel to rumble.


    Debris fell from the ceiling with each powerful strike.


    Although she did not like the boy, Lisa turned back to check if Brian needed help and saw how he was taking it as a joke, smiling while kicking one demon as another tried to cut his head off.


    The demons were no match for the agile boy, making the attempt seem comical.


    That was until another group of two came to interrupt the fight.


    "Damn it¡­" Lisa cursed as she started to feel that the situation was not going in their favor.


    She, like Orus, had one skill that could help in battle and tried casting Divine Retribution.


    A ray of powerful light condensed in her outstretched hand and shot forward at the group of two aiming for Brian''s back.


    Lisa stumbled a little, feeling lightheaded from the overuse of magic, but took out a bottle of mana potion to restore herself in case someone needed help.


    She suddenly heard Orus cry out as he slashed at a demon who flew through the air and hit a wall.


    Orus did not come out unscathed, as a section of his chest was filled with red blood.


    Lisa knew the beast would be able to heal itself, so she kept focusing on Brian, who was the fighter in their group and the highest in level.


    Mia, who seemed mana-drained, had done enough damage to her opponent that he almost resembled sashimi.


    She was too tired to care if she had killed the demon and was busy drinking potion after potion to recover her mana.


    Meanwhile, Brian, who had the upper hand just a few seconds before, now seemed pressured as he had to finish the fight before backup arrived.


    He overcharged his fists with flames and, like two missiles, shot them forward into the faces of two demons, whose heads exploded.


    The third one, knowing he was next, quickly tried to take out a crystal that the class knew was for their weird mutation.


    However, he was killed off before he got to use it.


    Brian quickly put the crystal away in his storage and rushed forward to meet the two demons Lisa had shot.

 Chapter 104 - 104: Danger in the Labyrinth Pt. 2

    Brian reached the first opponent but found that he had already used the mutation crystal.


    What he now faced was two berserk mode demons who did not care for their lives anymore.


    One held his burning fist as if not caring that his hand would be seared and pulled Brian''s arm forward to hold him down.


    Lisa knew that Brian was going to be in trouble and began walking towards him, as Chris had Mia and Orus taken care of.


    Lisa needed to use her skill again but was hesitant, as the demons were too close to Brian to unleash it.


    She got closer to avoid missing with all the movement the three in front of her were doing and began casting Divine Retribution again.


    "Brian, try to move or dodge!" Lisa yelled to warn the boy as another beam of light shot forward.


    Unable to keep standing while using so much magic, Lisa fell to her knees.


    She still had mana potions, but using any more would not fully restore her like the ones before.


    "Thanks, Lisa!" She heard Brian say as he jumped back to his feet and used the missile punch he liked so much on the face of another demon.


    He did not react like those before and only showed signs that his teeth and a few bones were broken.


    "Tough bast¡­" Brian yelled, using his other hand to try bashing the demon''s skull in.


    Lisa was out of breath but turned to check on the ones behind her who were struggling even more than Brian, who only had one demon left to worry about.


    Orus was fighting two demons while Mia helped by throwing projectiles.


    When her magic ran out, doing this helped at least cause a diversion.


    The bladed objects embedded themselves in a demon''s chest, yet it did not react and tried reaching for her throat.


    Chris stopped it in time.


    "We are doing good," Lisa thought to herself as she was almost ready to stand.


    She needed to heal Brian''s wounds before going back with the others.


    "Damn it, where did those two come from?" Brian said, with one hand on his knee, coughing a little blood that had accumulated in his mouth.


    "Just stay still, I have just enough mana to heal you." Lisa got close to the boy, but suddenly she was pushed back as a dagger was tossed in her direction.


    Brian, who had seen it glint in the light, smacked it away, but in the process, it broke a piece of his fist weapon.


    "Damn it, there goes another!" Brian said as he tossed the remains.


    "Lisa, keep away. I think there are more hiding around here," Brian warned as they rushed back to the group.


    "Chris, hold our backs. I will handle the ones here," Brian said.


    "I will try, but do know my best shields are broken." Chris showed how there was a crack in the shield he was currently using.


    "Look, there are four more!" Mia yelled as more demons started to arrive.


    Brian, who saw the newcomers, clicked his tongue as he began trying to come up with a solution.


    His only thoughts were about using the large beast to buy them time, but he knew Lisa would not accept such a thing.


    The other option was to have another in the group be bait; it would be either Chris or Mia.


    As he was ready to push Chris into the demons so that the rest could escape, a voice called from above them.


    "What a pitiful sight, Brian. If you hadn''t had your head so far up your¡­ you might have bought Ruben''s weapons and maybe you wouldn''t be suffering so much¡­"


    A boy manifested himself from the shadows in the ceiling and waved to the group.


    "It''s way too early for someone to die. Here, let me help you a little¡­ Rise!" the boy said with a little hesitation.


    The shadows within the small room stirred as various figures emerged within them.


    The demons, who noticed the change within the group, suddenly backed off a little, but that only gave the figures more room to come out from the shadows.


    Ten or so figures finally came out, each made of black bodies with red eyes, and began quickly rushing to the demons, giving them no time to react.


    Everyone in the group was serious except for Chris, who could not hold back a laugh.


    "Bro, you had to use the same word!" he yelled while the rest of the group looked at the two, wondering what he meant.


    "No, I didn''t. ''Rise'' and ''Arise'' are not the same word! Now quit talking, I actually need to think of what my creatures are doing to control them."


    Brian, who took this as a chance to recover, took a potion, switched his gauntlets, and readied himself while wondering if he should punch the boy who appeared out of nowhere for talking to him like that.


    "You see how easy it is, Brian. Don''t think I don''t know what you tried to do," the boy said before going back into the shadows.


    As for the demons, they were sucked up after being defeated, leaving the group looking around in shock.


    "Do you know who that is, Chris?" Brian said as he stomped on the floor.


    "Oh, that guy? He''s probably Victor, another loner like Logan, except that guy is too engrossed being an Otaku to care about others." Chris shrugged his shoulders while wondering why he hadn''t visited Ruben''s shop.


    "Well, at least we are safe¡­ for now. We should try going back and calling the rest to tell them what happened," Mia said while petting Orus, who seemed tired.


    "I hate to admit it, but I have lost too many weapons to keep going for now. We should go with the rest; maybe the damn soldiers brought me something useful," Brian told the group as he led them back to the previous floor''s steps.


    The group was still wary, but after ten minutes of nothing happening, they were able to breathe and act normally again. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 105 - 105: Picnic in the Forest

    Krexa hates going outside. She hates walking, working, and especially going into dark dungeons, which remind her of the goblin dungeon.


    Once she followed her master Logan and stayed in the red-haired girl''s house, she found that life was much more than just finding food, mating, and fighting to see who would be the strongest.


    Krexa hated that about the goblin tribe.


    She was luckily too small to do any of that and was forced to go with the hero of darkness, who had introduced her to the pleasures of the human world.


    Krexa loves dressing up in human clothes that make her look pretty.


    Her most favorite thing in this world is eating the food human servants make her and let her have when she makes a commotion.


    She even loves the way they treat her as she is one of their kids.


    This last privilege lets her eat sweets that old human ladies give her, making her want to cry when remembering the old meat and nasty insects she had to eat when living with her poor tribe.


    Krexa is always happy to sleep in a soft bed and not on the floor.


    Krexa also loves bathing; Krexa is a good-smelling goblin.


    Today, Krexa is mad because she needs to go train with Master Logan, who is forcing her now that the snow is melting.


    Krexa only knows how to hunt and make traps to kill small creatures.


    Krexa does not want to eat small creatures; she only wants human food now.


    Master Logan makes Krexa work with Big Sister Silis, who is also forced to go out and train.


    Big Sister Silis got fat like Krexa and is now slow when fighting, but Krexa knows she will be rewarded for fighting today, so she tries hard.


    Silis is fighting a large bear today.


    Krexa made traps to stop the bear and give time for Sis Silis to bite and poison.


    Today, Krexa will eat bear meat; she will make the cook servant make soup.


    Silis is strong, Krexa has time to sit.


    Krexa has candy to recover.


    She takes out sweet honey and nuts; they make Krexa want to sing.


    Silis killed the bear; it was no match for big sis who makes earth spikes.


    But Master Logan is mad¡ªthe bear''s fur is ruined.


    Krexa does not want bear fur; she likes human dresses.


    Bear fur is itchy and not good for Krexa''s new soft skin.


    More bears come, and Big Sis Silis needs help.


    She blames Krexa for the honey candy¡ªthe bear wants Krexa''s candy.


    Krexa is sorry, but she needs food.


    Krexa is tired.


    ?¨T©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤¨T?


    "Krexa, get up and help, you need to get your evolution today!" Logan yelled as he was watching from a distance.


    Today, he came alone with Krexa, Silis, and Scorch; his other beasts had all gone their own way into the forest.


    As for Scorch, he was already at level 40 and could no longer level up.


    This was new to Logan, who thought there would not be any level caps like in games.


    As soon as one of his classmates got to level 40 and a message appeared to congratulate him, Logan knew what was happening after linking it to games.


    He was at level 37, so it was still some time before he got to that point, but based on the information given, the class needed to do a quest to bypass the level cap.


    Today, he just wanted to have both Krexa and Silis evolve, as they were still weak.


    He only planned to train those he would bring into hunts, so he was not going to train his farm animals or those beasts he considered too weak to enter a fight.


    The only problem he was facing today was that Krexa kept fumbling through training.


    She was taking things too lightly and did not listen to him as his other tamed beasts would.


    He did not force too much of her though; he knew that with Silis around, Krexa would be slowly getting experience as well.


    As soon as four bears were killed, he began seeing a change with his snake.


    She suddenly curled herself as amber particles enveloped her.


    The process was just like the ones before and quickly finished as she let out a roar in her new form.


    Her overall size doubled, and a fearsome beast emerged.


    Silis was now a fifty-foot serpent, her scales now gold and with larger horns behind her head.


    Logan looked at the beast with excitement as he now had yet another mount to use.


    As for Krexa, she seemed to share his joy as it meant she no longer had to walk.


    "Well then, Krexa, you''re the only one left. Let''s hurry before lunchtime," Logan said out loud, knowing that would get the goblin''s attention.


    [Silis, go test your new strength with Krexa, make sure you keep her safe,] Logan told his creature, who nodded as she used magic to make the ground below Krexa toss her into the air with ease.


    She caught the goblin on her large back and slithered away with astounding speed.


    "Well, Scorch, it''s just you and me, buddy. Let''s start making food before they finish." Logan smiled as he readied ingredients and started making food.


    Pulling his hair up so it wouldn''t get dirty from the greasy meat, Logan did the task with practiced steps.


    The meat he took out belonged to a boar, which was the tastiest of the monsters found in the forests around his estate.


    Using magic, Logan was able to control the fire correctly and even did a neat trick to sear a few strips, adding a nice smoky flavor.


    After finishing, he cut a few vegetables and began roasting them on skewers he had brought.


    He then sliced a piece of meat into small cubes and began dividing each skewer to have meat and vegetables in an orderly, colorful manner.


    "It looks nice, huh? I think I am getting better at this." Logan smiled as he saw Scorch''s face of disgust.


    "I know, I know, I made the meat beforehand to separate your portion. Here, eat up." Logan laughed as he tossed two large steaks to one of his beast friends.


    As soon as he was about to take a bite of his own, he noticed a tug from behind.


    "Oh, you''re also back, Serana... you know I need to eat before feeding you..." he told the vampire, who was in her bat-like form.


    [Fine, I will wait...] The voice of a girl he had known for a few weeks said as she reverted back to her human form.


    "You know¡­ you can join me in eating this delicious meal¡­" Logan offered, while knowing her answer beforehand.


    "If it''s not raw, I can''t take the taste¡­" she said in disgust.


    "Fine, then just wait for me to finish¡­" Logan replied while beginning to eat.


    He stared at the extremely attractive girl before him as he started to recall the first time he saw her human form.


    After returning the day they had fought with Serana, Logan did not know what to do about her.


    The only good part was that she only needed blood to eat, so he kept her in his room until she got strong enough to create her body.


    Or what looked like one¡ªit turned out she still kept her feral traits, which was bad to show others. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan took the others'' suggestions, as well as Valeria''s, who would probably know more, and decided to train her like all his other beasts and hope she somehow had an evolution of sorts.


    This was both correct and wrong at the same time.


    While gaining levels, she actually just got really strong.


    Unlike the beasts who evolved, she seemed to have gotten a correction to her feral form letting her look human again.


    After seeing this form, there was only one name that Logan could use.


    Even the events were a little similar to a certain game¡ªa vampire girl who was saved, with red eyes and black hair.


    He had no choice, especially when the girl did not remember her name.


    As for her other transformations, they also improved and included other forms.


    She could turn into a dog-like beast called a Garmr, a semi-feral form, and finally, her small bat form.


    Her bat form is not exactly a bat but a shade animal, or so she tried to explain.


    In this form, she could divide her body and create what looked like a fog of bats or a singular creature.


    Logan''s mind returned to where he was and noticed he had finished eating.


    The boy made a long sigh before signaling the girl to come closer.


    "As always, you only get to drink from my finger," Logan told the girl who looked a little older than him.


    He did not know her actual age nor asked, as she had not spoken about her past to him yet.


    Serana took his finger and bit into it, creating a small cut from which she began to drink.


    Logan was aware of her abilities and did not dare let her drink from any other part, as it could potentially backfire and turn him into a vampire.


    For this to happen, Serana had to perform a few rituals, which Logan dared not do as he needed to remain human.


    As for his tamed beast, she wasn''t vulnerable to healing magic and could be in the sun in her human form, although she was weakened.


    Vampires had a special type of magic not from this world.


    It was what she called shade.


    It wasn''t darkness magic but more about shadows, which made her weaker in the sun.

 Chapter 106 - 106: Ferras Reward

    "Alright, alright, you had your fill," Logan told the vampire girl as he tried to reel his finger back, attempting not to think too hard about what had happened, especially the warm sticky situation his finger was in.


    He found it incredibly hard to resist the vampire who had skills that enticed humans, especially when they were drinking their blood.


    Looking at his still-wet finger, Logan wiped it on his pants before getting up.


    "So tell me, how is Regal doing? It should be closing in on the golem''s cave about now, right?" Logan asked, trying to understand how his spider was faring.


    "Yes, she and Valeria are exploring the outside of the cave that we think belongs to the crystal golem. Luckily, now that the snow has melted, they are able to explore without worry," Serana replied, looking sad that she did not get more blood.


    "Do you need to go back, or are you going to return to the estate with me?" Logan asked.


    "I will be heading back with Zephyr to help Valeria. It''s a good chance to practice using my Garmr form without others noticing the mess. I tend to forget myself when I become that beast, but I feel with a little more work I will be able to keep more of my sanity," Serana said while licking a small drop of blood that had fallen on her hand.


    [Damn it why does she look¡­] Logan screamed internally before he forgot others could hear and tried to gloss things over.


    "Alright, sounds like a plan. Tell Zephyr to fly home if something happens. As for Valeria, give her this; it''s food and the supplies she wanted to set up camp."


    Right after finishing, he heard Zephyr come close. Serana turned into a bat and clung to its back, and they both quickly left, leaving Logan with Scorch.


    "I hope Silis doesn''t take too long," Logan told his fiery beast, who had settled himself comfortably. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan was about to sit when he noticed ice forming around his feet.


    Scorch, who was nearby, tried to resist the cold surrounding him but stopped struggling and ran off, as if knowing he wouldn''t be able to fight it.


    Logan observed the events unfolding just like before: the forest became quiet, a thick fog formed, and his breath became visible.


    [Champion of darkness, we meet again¡­]


    He heard a feminine voice call to him within his mind.


    Soon, her figure appeared after a whirl of snow passed through the area.


    "It is nice to see you again, Ferra," Logan said while casting Storm Shield around his body, using Zephyr''s barrier skill to create a current of wind that shielded him from the cold.


    "It''s good to see that you are getting stronger. I recall you couldn''t hold yourself up last time. As for my child, I just spoke to her and noticed her rapid growth. She is stronger than I was at her age. I thank you for accepting and raising her well," Ferra said in a good mood.


    "Today, I have come to tell you that you have passed my first trial. You have finished your part, and as the owner of this territory, it is fair that I do mine," Ferra explained.


    "Wait, what? I was not able to do much about those blue mutations. Sorry, but how did I pass your trial when I could not do my job correctly?" Logan tried to clear the misunderstanding.


    "Whether it was by your hands or those of another, you did your part in clearing the forest of the mutations, hero. Sometimes a task is too grand for one to do alone. This time, your role was to make the kingdom aware of the problem and have them correct it. The result is now a forest free of the blue-skinned ones'' influence and the return of balance with the monsters from the poaching the kingdom did, as they wanted to use them to train the heroes," Ferra said in a manner that seemed like she wanted to hurry the conversation


    "Alright, if that''s the case, then good. I am glad everything worked out¡­ so, what can I do to help you now?" Logan asked, trying to understand the guardian''s next move.


    "For now, you just need strength. What you are trying to do will help with that. Just avoid killing more than you should, and everything will be fine, Logan. Remember, balance is the most important thing. Your next trial will be when I find you fit to commence it."


    "The reason I came today is to give you your reward for completing the first trial. This should suffice. Now then, until I find you worthy, we will meet again, young hero," Ferra said as another gust of wind passed in front of Logan, clearing the area with snow before everything went back to normal as if nothing had occurred.


    "That was¡­" Logan did not dare finish the sentence, unsure of the extent of Ferra''s power or if she could hear him.


    He looked at the object she had left on the floor.


    It was a shape Logan knew well, something he would need to work on during the next few days.


    "Well, I am a tamer. Let''s see what we have this time," Logan said as he got close to the ovular object before him.


    Even with all the wind and snow, the egg was strangely warm.


    It was not because it was a fire beast; this time he had gotten something he was looking for.


    A few electrical jolts began encasing the egg as he got closer, making him doubt if he could hold it.


    Luckily, he had collected elemental stones of various types in case something like this occurred.


    He had asked Rubina to ask her dad for them and was thrilled that he would finally put them to good use.


    The boy adjusted a few of them around the egg, trying not to get too close as a few volts circled around it, creating a faint, glowing aura as it moved.

 Chapter 107 - 107: Voltaris Mantis

    As the egg shook a little more, a small clank could be heard.


    Logan did not hear this at first, but soon he stared at the ovular object, which shook a little more.


    He noticed the stones were beginning to become just normal crystals as their energy had been drained.


    Before Logan could place more, he saw how the egg split in half.


    What looked like a scythe cut through the egg, causing Logan to jump back from the violent action.


    Unlike before, when eggs would normally open up slowly, this one seemed way too lively.


    The creature inside sliced through its shell again, and Logan finally saw what it was.


    He counted four legs and two scythes, along with an electrical current being produced by its wings.


    "Uhoh, Rubina won''t like this," Logan said to himself, wondering how he was going to tell the girl who hated bugs.


    The small creature looked at him strangely, its small red eyes fixed on him, making Logan remember he had yet to tame it.


    He quickly readied himself, not having readied a blade, and nipped at one of his fingers.


    "Oh no you don''t!" Logan rushed forth as the small creature stumbled, trying to fly away.


    It was the first time he had so much difficulty taming a beast. Insects and spiders like Regal were already half-grown from birth, making them ready to move as soon as they got out of their eggs.


    The little creature''s small wings buzzed with electricity, making it harder to get near it.


    [Scorch, don''t let it get away!] he communicated as the little bug escaped his grasp. It had already flown a few meters away, causing Logan to hold on to Scorch to keep up with the critter.


    "Don''t hurt it, we just need to catch up to it!" Logan ordered as he readied his blood to use as soon as he got close to the mantis.


    [Almost there, Scorch. I will have to use your back to jump, forgive me, bud.] Logan raised himself and got ready to hop to catch the mantis. He dodged a few low branches and readied himself, using Zephyr''s wind skill to direct his body as he found a chance.


    "This is going to hurt¡­" Logan mumbled as his hand grazed the small creature''s back before he had to use wind magic to stop his fall.


    Luckily, he stopped himself with Storm Shield as he shook his hand, which was numb from the electrical field that surrounded the small insect.


    The creature, as soon as it felt Logan''s blood trying to create a link, stopped as if mentally struggling with the decision of remaining free or accepting the pact.


    Logan, being near level 40, helped the process become smoother. It only took a few seconds for the creature to accept the soul bind and begin looking at its new master as if waiting for an order.


    Unlike the friendly Regal, who instantly bombarded Logan with questions, this new monster kept to himself, as if he was a soldier waiting for an order.


    "A ruthless killer, huh? How about we train you while Krexa gets strong? Too bad there is no one that can boost you with a crystal," Logan told himself as he thought about the problem. It was rare to find someone who could natively handle electrical magic, or at least Logan hadn''t seen anyone.


    "It''s going to be the old-fashioned way, huh? Well, good thing spring brings more prey for you."


    Logan then hurried back to the camp and placed everything he could in storage in a hurry. He had grown to like training new monsters and watching their quick leveling pace as well as the evolution that followed.


    The young ten-centimeter mantis was sure to be a menace. Since it was specially brought by Ferra, it could not have been just a regular creature¡ªor so Logan guessed.


    This was proved correct as the young beast took on various animals, from horned rabbits to small hogs, without much difficulty. It mainly relied on the electrical field created by its fast-beating wings.


    As soon as it got close, it would use the electrical field to stun or disorient its prey, making it easy to slice with its sharp scythes.


    It wasn''t long before it evolved. Like his other creatures born from eggs, it would change into its adult form at around level 5.


    The small creature had grown just a little bigger than Regal, who was 60 centimeters. This one seemed to be nearing 70 centimeters; it was above Logan''s knee.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Voltar / Species: Voltaris Mantis / Level: 5 / Blood Mark: Thoracic / Loyalty: 7/100]


    Str: 11 / Agi: 12 / Dex: 9 / Con: 3 / Int: 4 / Char: 3 S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Electro Field: Voltar can emit a powerful electric charge from its wings, stunning nearby enemies and causing paralysis for a short duration.


    Lightning Reflexes: This skill allows Voltar to temporarily increase its speed and reflexes by channeling electrical energy through its body. This boost can be used to evade attacks or quickly close the distance to its prey.


    Static Cloak: Voltar can generate a field of static electricity around its body, creating a protective barrier that reduces incoming damage. This field can also make Voltar harder to detect by cloaking its presence from sensors and certain magical detection methods.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    With his new green friend who could fly to keep up with them, Logan went to find Silis, who would no doubt be finished training Krexa.


    It wouldn''t be hard to find them now that his Empathic Link skill range had increased. After reaching level thirty, this skill''s range was no longer 2 meters per level, but 10, showing how much potential it would have in the future.


    Logan could now try communicating with his creatures from more than 100 meters away.


    Unlike before, when he had to individually talk to each creature, the skill now worked for all his nearby creatures, making it easy to coordinate them in battle without revealing their tactics.


    [We are here, master Logan!] Krexa returned his call as Logan felt the direction of where they were. Silis returned within seconds, carrying the goblin who looked completely different from the short, almost one-meter female goblin.


    Her cute charm had disappeared as she now looked like a ten to twelve-year-old girl.


    Logan quickly checked her stats and noticed she was now a Hobgoblin and had interesting abilities, yet he had to leave thinking about this for later.


    [My¡­ cute clothes, they have torn, Master!] Logan saw her weep as her arms tried to cover her chest and bottom while she sobbed.


    Logan quickly took out what he thought would fit her, but this made Krexa cry out even louder.


    [I hate bear fur!] she mentally screamed as she placed the coat over herself to cover her important parts.

 Chapter 108 - 108: Zaryx the Unyielding

    Standing at two and a half meters with an imposing presence, Zaryx stretched his muscular, well-built body.


    His human-like form allowed him to sit on a large rock with ease for countless hours while half-naked.


    Blue skin covered in numerous scars and a broken left horn proved his experience on the battlefield.


    The large demon stared at a particular area with his piercing icy blue pupils.


    The one responsible for assessing the heroes, Zaryx had divided his group into three parts as the newly summoned heroes scattered to various areas within the small Elris Kingdom.


    "Zaryx, we have finished gauging the strength of the heroes. We lost a total of 83 of our own during the process, but with every death, we got an approximate reading on who is the strongest and weakest within the group," said a blue demon, relaying his findings to one of the 9 main commanders of the army.


    Out of those, the heroes he needed to keep an eye on were a boy in the northern part of the Elris Kingdom and the group that traveled into the Labyrinth in Dracone Ridge.


    The boy in the empire would have been the most ideal for their current project, but he was quickly taken away before they even had a chance to kidnap him.


    "It''s within a permissible number, Gomer. What will be your next step?" Zaryx said while looking down at a group of rangers who had crossed the northern mountains, following breadcrumbs he had placed to lure them into his trap.


    "We will keep trying to work with the boy and have him as a spy. We have slowly lured him in with a succubus, so it shouldn''t be hard to break him later and have him give us information about the others. Until then, we will start putting pressure on the heroes so that they lose hope and face, and hopefully give us enough time to take over the southern isles," Gomir replied while watching his commander laugh with joy as screams and cries echoed in the mountain ridge below them.


    "Good, very good. Leave the north to me, then. I need to send back word a month from now, so make sure you take at least half of the isles by then," Zaryx commanded.


    He tossed a small l rock with precision, killing off the last ranger who had used his companions to escape.


    The rest were being devoured by two hungry apelike creatures, who tore the bodies apart as if they were twigs.


    "Yes, Commander Zaryx, I will return before the month with good news. My own son will be handling the operation this time," Gomir said, taking one last glance at his superior who looked bored and sighed.


    He knew it was only a matter of time before Zaryx would play his part and begin taking over the weak Elris Kingdom using the same tactics he had used on the rangers.


    Zaryx took a look back at the old demon who still showed signs of greed for his title.


    The man had been one of his teachers, so surpassing him made the petty weakling covet his position even more.


    Gomir knew his strength was fading, so he was pushing his son to take the leading role while the old fox would be the one giving the orders.


    Zaryx planned ahead, though.


    He already had two strategies to deal with the geezer: either bring his son to his side and have him betray his father, or give both of them victories, letting them reach the peak only to kick the duo off.


    He imagined both scenarios and, of course, chose the second one.


    After all, having to kill two is better than one.


    Now the real question was how long he would have to wait for the taming hero to get strong enough to be a worthy opponent.


    He had his spies check on him from time to time.


    The taming hero was one of the interesting ones within the bunch of kids¡ªnot only because of his rapidly growing strength with each new creature but also because of his connection with Ferra, who had thwarted their plan. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Regar!" Zaryx called out.


    Within seconds, a second demon appeared behind him.


    "Good, you were not far. How about this time you take two hundred kids with you, have them break a few of the tamer hero''s new walls. I want to spook him a little, maybe then he will get serious in training," Zaryx finished, taking out a few blue mutation stones from his storage.


    "I just filled these to the brim. Have the five most powerful ones use them right away; I am tired of losing them," he ordered, throwing them to the one behind him.


    "As you wish, Commander. We hope to appease you with this."


    As soon as the other warped away, Zaryx shivered a little.


    Regar was probably the only one in his army of thousands who creeped him out.


    It had no soul, created to follow orders without question, with a power to rival the spirits but at the cost of its life, mind, and soul.


    It was a husk with astounding power and a ticking bomb.


    "Now then, how will the hero respond? But more importantly, what do I do now¡­" Zaryx began to pick up his new toys.


    As he got closer, the two apelike creatures stood at attention, and the rangers were collected based on how many body parts they had left.


    "Let''s see, 23¡­ plus the one that ran away, 24. Good," Zaryx began picking up limbs and creating a monster with each one, before putting a core in each newly created body.


    "What a mess, to only have 13 completed bodies. I hope they scare our new friend," he said, casting his own unique magic that began giving a semblance of life to each mutation.


    Each limb began to connect with its main body, and each body writhed in pain.


    As soon as it finished, the newly created monsters began to look for something to eat to sustain themselves.


    The apes tossed bodies of creatures they had been ordered to keep stored, and the mutations ate with hunger.


    The gruesome scene only made Zaryx laugh as he readied himself to go to a certain fort in the north.


    As he called out, countless grotesque bodies emerged from all around him.


    The only three normal ones around him were Zaryx and his two apes.

 Chapter 109 - 109: Small Towns Turning Point

    Logan finally saw the large walls of his growing town as he exited the forest. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Guards were stationed every ten meters, and long towers were built to spot monsters from a distance.


    He noticed one of the beacons light up.


    The soldiers had not yet seen Silis''s new form and were probably alerting the others of an incoming enemy.


    Logan took out his own beacon to send a signal that everything was fine, and the soldiers who had begun to form a line near the wall returned to their normal positions.


    "Silis, you almost caused an uproar," Logan chuckled as he led his beasts inside.


    As he got closer to the gate, he waved at the soldiers who welcomed him back.


    They were well-disciplined but kind and did their best to maintain order in the new town.


    As Logan entered, he saw how the small shacks that were previously scattered throughout the land had been transformed into functional buildings with a concrete base and wooden first floor.


    Each one looked like an exact replica of one another, as they were made in a hurry.


    A straight wide street ran through the middle of town, guiding anyone who entered directly to his estate.


    His new mansion was created with magic, and in less than a week he moved from the small building he had initially arrived at into the large three-story building.


    It had a luxurious look to anyone who spotted it from a distance.


    Logan, of course, was not the one who ordered such a thing to be built, but was told it was better for a lord to show his wealth to improve public opinion.


    His previous house was now meant for the servants, and each of his monsters was given a large enough barn for them to enjoy while resting.


    As he passed by various houses, he saw how the population of his town had grown from a small village with no more than 30 people into a medium-sized town of more than 300.


    Many immigrants from nearby villages and families of both merchants and soldiers now called it home.


    Adventurers also came after the winter snow melted to hunt the various large beasts around the town and start exploring the nearby areas for zones to mine, local treasures, and hopefully a nearby labyrinth that could appear near mana-rich areas.


    Logan did not know how it got to this state. He had Chloe and Kai helping him with these matters.


    Of course, he did his best to check through everything that was happening after training, something he would no doubt have to do after arriving at the mansion.


    For Logan, the most important task was to enter the supposed crystal cave and see if he could use the crystals to improve not only his town but also to enhance his beasts that needed the mana to grow stronger.


    Luckily, he was only days away from making the great expedition towards the cave and wanted all his beasts ready for when they needed to go into the crystal mine.


    All they really needed now was Valeria''s signal to form a group and enter.


    For this, Logan would also need his worm and mole, which had also been improved to a certain extent.


    Logan made the townsfolk create a bigger fuss as his giant serpent slithered through the center of town.


    Yet, no one was scared, as they obviously knew who owned such a beast.


    He passed the merchant district, an intersection that created a cross between the gate and the mansion.


    To the left of this large street, a bustling market stretched for a kilometer on one side.


    On the right side, the government and emergency response buildings, a new magic tower, a large adventurers guild, and finally a large church were built.


    Some inns and taverns were spaced between each large building to provide food and a resting spot for all those who came to visit or needed a good drink.


    As for the barracks and new training grounds, they were to the left of his mansion, the only large land that could be given.


    This was also to keep that area safe, as it was near the lands that contained Logan''s weakest animals that, if hurt, could also damage Logan.


    Now that spring had arrived, everyone used normal clothing, storing the heavy winter coats and pelts to be used next winter.


    Logan did not want to see people in poverty, at least not in his little town, so he had clothing readied for most of the townspeople.


    He did not want discrimination.


    So far, everything was going great.


    His people enjoyed the growing economy his town was experiencing, especially when almost 100% of the residents had a job.


    Logan knew this would not last if he did not find another way to bring in the money he needed to sustain the town.


    Logan was almost reaching his mansion when he saw someone he did not expect to meet standing near the entrance.


    It was a stout, muscular boy, one he had only known by looks, as it was one of his classmates.


    He tried to remember the boys name until he recalled it being Ruben, other than that Logan did not know the boy.


    "Hello¡­Ruben?" Logan said as the boy kept looking at his raptor with awe before turning serious.


    "Logan, right? I remember you would always cover your face, so I am not sure¡­ but I need a favor. My master has been taken¡­" Ruben said, with sadness and pain in his voice.


    "Master? Don''t tell me you got enslaved¡­" Logan said while confused.


    "What? No my master, my mentor, teacher whatever you want to call it, he would tell me to call him master, but enough about that I need to find him, I received word he was here!" Ruben cried out in desperation.


    "I wouldn''t know, I haven''t had time to check the new blacksmith shops¡­" Logan replied.


    "I checked he is not one of them, I need your help to find him though, I will do anything man!" Rub¨¦n began to cry making Logan have to jump down from Scorch to try calming the boy.


    "Alright let''s go inside to see what''s happening here¡­"

 Chapter 110 - 110: Lost Master

    As they entered the mansion, Logan was greeted by a few maids and butlers who were drawn by the commotion the boy behind him was making.


    Logan did not like the way everyone was giving him a look as if he was the one responsible, so he waved them away.


    "You know you can stop now, let''s just relax for a little bit and see what we can do¡­to help you," Logan tried to calm the boy as he entered the guest room. It was just him and the Ruben, as the others were busy that day.


    "Well then, tell me who told you that your master was here and what does your master look like¡­" Logan said, as he stared at the boy who was seated on a sofa while wiping his eyes.


    "Sorry, man, it''s just that the old man treated me like a son during my time here. He reminds me of my late grandfather," the boy said while wiping his face with his sleeve.


    "Okay, just tell me what I need to know. Let''s get to it, the faster, the better¡­" Logan added, a little annoyed that it was going so slow.


    Suddenly, the door opened, and he saw Rubina enter, which made Logan instantly smile. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "What happened, Logan? A maid called me to help," Rubina said as she spotted the other boy in the room.


    "Thanks for coming, Rubina. This is Ruben, a fellow hero. He needs help finding his master¡­" Logan began to explain the rest of the story.


    "Well, I can have a few soldiers start checking the area," Rubina said while taking out her communication device.


    "Thank you, miss. To think Logan had such a beautiful wife already, no wonder you decided to come here alone," Ruben said while trying to hold himself from hugging either Logan or Rubina.


    "As for who told me he was here, it was one of his assistants. He said I should come to the tamer hero''s place to find out more about my master. It''s strange, the old man was with me forging the day before. It''s been a week since then, so I came here in a rush¡­" Ruben said, wondering why his master would leave like that.


    "Indeed, that is strange. For now, let''s just try looking for him. We should find him in a few hours if he came here on a visit or something like that." Rubina petted the boy''s back as he was about to cry again.


    "Well then, you should stay here for today. Look around, try to find something to do while they look for him," Logan said before asking the maids to help the worried boy.


    "About that, I will go back to a certain inn to get my girlfriend. If possible, I will come back with her, and by then I hope you may have news. Anyways, I appreciate the help. See you later, Logan." Ruben walked out after waving and bowing toward both Logan and Rubina.


    Logan watched as the door closed before sitting on his sofa. He leaned back and closed his eyes for a little bit to relieve his body from all the movement this day had brought.


    He felt his slime, Kryst, fast at work helping him feel better using cure.


    "Well, I did not expect your friend to show up. If I had known, I would have called earlier," Logan heard Rubina say as she sat on the cushion of the armrest.


    He wondered why her voice was so close at first until he felt her head on his shoulder.


    "Uhm, Rubina?" Logan mumbled as he slowly lifted his eyelids.


    "Did you hear? I am your wife. How do you feel today, my husband? Did you finish training the kids?" he heard her say as she nudged his shoulder lightly.


    "Yes¡­ two evolutions today. It was a great day. We just need to wait a little more to know when we should raid the cave we found. It shouldn''t take more than a few days by Valeria''s words," Logan replied as he closed his eyes, trying to keep himself from breathing fast and maintain his heart under control.


    "You know¡­ it is getting hard finding time to be alone with you these days. At least give me this as a reward whenever possible. Who knows, I might even work harder to finish the paperwork you still have left to do," Rubina whispered into his ear.


    "I know you''re teasing me, right Rubina? In other words, I should start on that paperwork¡­" Logan sighed as he remained still for some seconds.


    "Say, Rubina, you know I tried changing a little after you told me that I should not hide my face anymore¡­ while at first I thought it was hard, I wonder if it''s really alright¡­" Logan said while pulling a few strands back just to feel their protection again.


    "Oh no you don''t, you look fine without them, trust me," Rubina said while moving those strands back and tucking them behind his ear.


    "If you say so¡­" Logan wanted to jump up now; he was getting past the point of controlling himself.


    "I know, I know, I will stop teasing you," Rubina whispered one last time next to his ear, making the boy shudder.


    "Now let''s go. I have to explain a few of the new roads that need to be built. Kai is working hard, so we should raise his pay. As for Chloe, she has gone out to settle a fight in a bar between merchants and adventurers. We need to work on setting a wage for protection from the teleport array to the city gates," Rubina said, guiding Logan while explaining more of what he needed to do his new town.


    It was two hours before Ruben returned, and by then a few soldiers came back with news that no one had spotted the person they were looking for.


    "Well, you should stay the night here. We will continue the effort to find your master if he really is here¡­" Logan replied as he invited his two new guests for dinner.


    "Thank you, Logan. I hope we find him soon¡­" Ruben said, feeling down but accepting the invitation to dinner.

 Chapter 111 - 111: Hero of Illusion

    Logan woke up early the next day, he felt tired for some reason.


    It wasn''t long before he noticed why.


    Within his bed, one of his creatures did not properly fit anymore.


    "I forgot you like to nightcrawl¡­" Logan said just loud enough so the sleeping kid who was hugging Luna.


    "Yes, you¡­ I even placed your bed in my room, Krexa¡­" Logan said, a little angry as he had no more time to sleep.


    [Tired¡­ more sleep] she said as she cuddled with Luna even more.


    "Well¡­ maybe you can but I can''t," Logan yawned while letting his creatures sleep a little more, especially since Krexa did not correctly use her nightwear.


    Luckily, everything was covered, just a little overexposed.


    As he got up, he went to his personal bathroom within his room, readied and dressed himself.


    Looking at his face in the mirror, he noticed that a small beard was growing¡ªone he had to shave every day, as everything grew fast in this world.


    His hair, for example, had to be cut once a week.


    At first, he hoped it wasn''t something bad, but Rubina took it as a normal occurrence in this world, meaning he shouldn''t worry.


    Soon, he was with the others in the dining room.


    Breakfast was being prepared, and as he ordered, even the servants ate at the large table he had made.


    His biggest rule for his territory was against discrimination.


    It was the one rule no one dared to disobey, besides the normal ones everyone should logically follow.


    "Well then, what is everyone going to do today?" Logan asked his usual morning question to see if he would be needed that day in the estate.


    "I finished my work yesterday. I was hoping to take a day off today if nothing urgent is needed. There are a few new taverns I wanted to visit. They are bringing in stuff from Gargos. If handled right, we can even make a good buck getting a stable supply line from them and reselling to the capital." Kai was the first one to say his part.


    "That might work, but it would also put us at odds with our neighbors who have done that for years. We can, however, try adding our own flavor to each drink and resell that," a chef who made Logan''s favorite food pitched in.


    "That should be interesting. As for my day¡­ I will be going with the new lieutenant and adding possible checkpoints to reduce the number of problems we are having with the new residents," Chloe added before taking a spoonful of cake.


    "We luckily finished most of the paperwork. I will just have it sent out before tending to the farm animals. A quick check should suffice. I will be free after that." Rubina added while sitting and waiting for the others to finish.


    "If you don''t mind us, we will be taking a walk in hopes of spotting my master around your town, Logan¡­" Ruben said, and Logan consented to his decision with a nod.


    As soon as Logan was about to add his input, a butler walked in with a girl behind him.


    Within the room, only Ruben stood up as if he knew the girl.


    "Marie! What are you doing here?"


    Logan''s brain then went into overdrive.


    Marie, a short girl who looked of Hispanic descent, thin and unassuming, was nowhere near as close as the girl before him.


    Tall, thin, beautiful, with long silky black hair, she looked like a model, far from what he remembered.


    Logan looked at the girl with apprehension, causing Ruben, who had gauged Logan''s character in the few hours he had gotten to know the boy to say something to the girl.


    "Marie, we are all classmates here. You shouldn''t use your magic. You should know it only works on those who have not seen you before," Ruben said as the girl nodded.


    Her form shrank; her features went from beautiful to more cute and petite.


    Her long hair was the only thing that stayed the same.


    "Sorry about that, Logan. I thought you did not care enough to remember me¡­" Marie apologized.


    "It''s fine¡­ why don''t you sit down? Order something if you wish," Logan said while nodding, remembering that within the class, someone had the class of Illusionist.


    "Thanks, I just ate¡­ but I won''t refuse a good dessert," the girl said as she asked for a sweet. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Well, how about you tell us why you''re here¡­" Logan asked while still busy with his own sweet, wondering why they had another within the class in his land.


    "About that, I was told I could find¡­ what I needed here to finish a certain spell.


    I just wanted to ask you directly, Logan, since my sources tell me you are able to get pure mana crystals."


    "Yes¡­ I did have a few, but I wonder who told you that¡­?" Logan asked, trying to hide his surprise.


    He recalled those who should have known and knew that they would not easily expose what he sold, especially when it was something so important.


    "About that, well, he told me he was someone who worked for the merchant''s guild leader Harold in Midar," Marie said while cleaning cream from her spoon.


    Logan looked at both Ruben and then Marie, alternating his gaze a few times as he recalled that Ruben''s master''s assistant was the one who said he would be here.


    As for Marie, an assistant of the very professional Harold, he didn''t think would release such important information.


    He felt something off but decided to leave it for later.


    "About the crystal, I don''t have one at this moment¡­ but may I ask why you need it and what you would give for it?" Logan questioned while cleaning his mouth with a napkin.


    His habits were becoming more like Earl Rosengard, as he secretly admired the elegant gestures Rubina''s father showed when he stayed in their mansion.


    "About that¡­ I wanted to see if I could work for you while I try to finish my project. As for the rest¡­being a fellow hero, I also amassed money while staying in the kingdom. Actually, with my magic, I only had to display a few videos, movies, and such from our world. That made me a good amount of money," Marie finished without really wanting to expose her reason.


    "Work for me?" Logan repeated, wondering how she would be able to help him.


    "Sure, I am not in a rush while I work on my project. As for the rest of your money, if you do decide to sell me one of the crystals, you can receive it in payments. While I do make a lot, it''s a monthly payment, or so I asked to squeeze more from every person who wants to use what I created."


    Marie then took out a small crystal, which displayed a movie that only two people besides the girl using magic in the room knew.


    It was about a ship that had sunk in the sea after it hit a large iceberg.


    "Wow, and here I thought I was rolling in money, creating luxury weapons and armor for nobles¡­" Ruben added, knowing that while stealing copyright material, Marie could gain passive income for years to come.


    "Well¡­ entertainment is hard to come by, and with it, we can improve this town by having something that others will be forced to come to see," Logan thought about a few possibilities, maybe even creating this world''s Hollywood in his small town.


    "About the crystal, we might be getting a few soon. I will have to ask you to wait if you do want to make the deal. Like Ruben, you are welcome to stay here¡­ we at least have more than enough rooms for guests." Logan smiled while thinking about the money he would get in the future; he could almost imagine the dragon he would receive and riding it into the sky.


    "Good, I will accept your offer, Logan. Also¡­ you seem very different; it suits you," Marie said while making a crystal show an image of a boy who sat in the back of the room looking out the window.

 Chapter 112 - 112: Hurried Expedition

    "Wow, that looks so real¡­ do you have one of me?" Ruben asked.


    "No¡­" Marie replied hesitantly.


    "Surely you have one of Brian?" Ruben asked again, wondering why there wasn''t a clip about himself.


    "Ugh¡­ No, I never liked him," Marie tried to explain.


    "Wait, why did you have¡­ Uhm, well let''s start with our day. I should be going, right Irma?" Ruben cleared his throat, trying to get everything back on track, as if he had figured out why the girl would only have Logan''s clip within her repertoire of videos.


    The others in the room tried to ignore the reason.


    As for the boy in question, he was lost as to why such a thing mattered and wanted to ask if Marie had one of Lisa he could buy.


    "Well, I will be working on finishing a few of these movie crystals. It''s hard since I have to remember a full movie''s content, trying not to change things with parts my mind may add. It helps in adding more realistic scenes at times. Another good part is that I was sold an artifact that helps with remembering things more precisely," Marie added, while trying to show how good and helpful her new magic would be for Logan''s town.


    "Master Logan, your mentor Valeria sends news." A butler suddenly entered, causing those around who knew what might happen to look at Logan as he was handed a parchment.


    Not wanting to waste time, Logan opened the note and began reading through it.


    Logan,


    Something serious is happening in the north. Monsters are acting strangely, and some are being displaced from their territory. I believe something significant is about to occur. We must hurry with our plan before this happens.


    I suggest you bring your knights, Miss Rubina, and your strongest beasts to begin our expedition into the cave.


    Hurry¡ªthe faster we finish this, the better.


    Valeria


    Logan read through the note''s content before looking at his two knights and Rubina.


    "You will have to postpone what you were going to do today. We will set out immediately. Ruben, Marie, you will have to excuse us. We have something we need to do today. If you need anything, don''t hesitate to ask my servants."


    "Wait, if you''re going to fight¡­ how about I sell you these? I''m sure they will fit you, as they have auto-adjust magic. As for your weapon, I gave it some thought and came up with a whip for you. I don''t know if you actually use that." Ruben said as he got a few items out from his personal storage.


    "Wow, these look like high-quality material!" Kai, who knew his stuff when it came to armors and weapons, wanted to cry at not being given something so precious.


    "Well, you should have known by now that when reaching level 40, we get a quest to advance. Mine is to personally make armors for a number of heroes, so I hope this one works for you so I can start finishing this tiresome thing," Ruben complained while handing Logan the items.


    "They do look nice, man. They''re going to be useful, especially where I''m going now. As for the whip... it is something I use. Actually, I can use a fire spell that engulfs my weapon in flames, so I hope it''s fire-resistant," Logan explained, sharing his way of using the weapon and its challenges.


    "It''s perfect then. This particular weapon will sustain a good amount of heat, as it''s made using various mana stones and alloys. It even has an auto-repair function. As for the price, let''s talk about it after you use it. My quest requires that the items I give are ideal for each hero," Ruben added.


    "Perfect, we will speak later then," Logan replied as he began exiting the dining room. Everyone who knew what would happen followed him closely.


    "So, is it the day?" Chloe asked from behind.


    "Yes, ready yourselves. We are actually on a timer here. Valeria said she saw monsters acting weird. Something big is going to happen, so we need to hurry with the mining operation."


    "Got it. We will meet at the gates in 20 minutes. I will bring two assistants I have been training for the past few weeks. They are young, discreet, and ready for a good fight," Chloe added while looking at Kai.


    "Well¡­ I also have a few soldiers who I brought under me. I will only bring one, though; he is the only one I trust so far," Kai said, scratching his head.


    "Good, just keep them under contract. Rubina, how about you? Do you need more time to get ready?" Logan asked.


    "No, my bird and mount are the only ones I need to collect. I will follow you," Rubina said, rushing to her room to pick up a few items. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Alright, let''s hurry then. We are already halfway through the morning." Logan, who needed to collect his tamed beasts, quickly called those in the mansion with his mental link and began heading to the barns to get the others.


    He soon reached Scorch, who was ready to head out. His new handler was busy cleaning him, which pleased the beast.


    "Thanks for always being so thorough with his cleaning, Javi. You''re the best." Logan praised the young boy who was tasked with taking care of Scorch''s needs.


    He had other teenagers tasked with this, and each one worked with a beast they could be around.


    After seeing that Scorch was ready, he went to Silis, whose barn was next.


    Being able to control earth, she had already created a larger barn for her new body.


    The floor was a little deeper underground, making it hard for Logan to go in.


    He had to instruct her to create a staircase.


    As for her handler, she was a young teenage girl who could also use basic earth magic and was able to raise or lower small pedestals to walk on with ease.


    "How are you doing, big girl?" Logan petted Silis, who was having her face scrubbed.


    "You think you will be able to finish in ten minutes, Sofi?" he asked the ambered girl of fourteen years of age.


    She was joyfully taking care of Silis while being careful now that she was larger than before.


    "Master Logan, it''s good to see you. It''s going to be hard giving her a full clean, but if it''s only the face, it should be fine. I am amazed at how large she grew in just a day. I feel safe around her, so don''t worry," Sofie smiled while petting her scales.


    "Also, her scales might be coveted, so if she loses some in the wild, try collecting them," Sofie said while inspecting the hard gold scales.


    "If you find any here, just sell them for yourself, Sofie. Take it as a bonus for taking care of such a large creature," Logan added while informing Silis through their mind link about today''s plans.

 Chapter 113 - 113: Creature Rollcall

    It took more time than he planned to gather all his creatures.


    It was enough to cause a stir around town as Logan had Scorch, Silis, Luna, Krexa, and Zephyr, who had arrived early to guide them into the mountain.


    Dust, one of his work horses who Kai got friendly with and began using as a mount, also joined them.


    Digger, who had evolved to his next form, was a large fierce mole with thirty-centimeter claws and now stood at two meters tall. He could use his powerful legs to walk like a bipedal beast normally.


    As for his new beasts, Voltar the mantis joined in. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Noctur, a ferret-like creature, also joined.


    It was a rare dual-type creature that excelled in both darkness and earth magic.


    Using this, he was like a ninja on the battlefield, moving swiftly while undercover and forming the terrain to help hide himself.


    Given that there were many bears in the wild, Logan took in an orphaned of one of these creatures and had it trained.


    Its water typing made it difficult to find a proper caretaker, but now the small creature was able to stand three meters high.


    Riptide was shedding his winter coat, making his new fur grow in a dark brownish-blue hue. The transition from light brown winter fur to his new coloring, caused by the melting snow, made him look imposing.


    Riptide was one of the beasts Logan did not need to take care of personally, as he was powerful enough to fend for himself.


    War was also one of these new beasts.


    He was a hog who stumbled, hurt, into Logan''s camp.


    Logan healed him and gained his loyalty.


    Now he comes and goes, being smart enough to look for his own food in the forest, as well as having a mate who was not part of Logan''s tamed creatures.


    Finally, Logan had his own cat beast.


    It was just like Saber; it was very difficult to find.


    Only during a dangerous journey in the mountain was Logan able to come across the elusive beast, who did not like to be near humans.


    The best part is that it used an element that his species did not usually use, like humans, animals would also favor a certain element.


    Just as there weren''t many humans who could harness the power of electricity, there were animals who could or did not use certain elements that many of their species commonly did.


    As for his maned leopard, he was a dark-skinned panther, a rare variant who mainly used dark magic.


    Saber, for example, used earth magic, the most common for creatures to use in this world.


    The last of his new animals was a stag, another which Logan could not let pass without taming.


    It had rare light magic, which was extremely useful.


    It was able to heal, recover quickly after a fight, and had inexhaustible stamina. He would also be a perfect candidate for use as a mount.


    Its three-meter body, which was previously a normal-sized deer, was now a moose-like creature that resembled something from Earth''s ice age animals.


    Each horn was the size of Logan''s body, with sharp edges that made it a menace to any predators that tried to hunt it.


    "Well then, we are all ready," Logan said to the group who was waiting near the door.


    Rubina''s own bird had grown to three times its original size and became a Grand Aurolious Fowl.


    Its large size made a flap of its wing radiate heatwaves that helped with the crops during the cold days.


    "We need to hurry. Have all those that are slow ride on Silis. As for the rest, get on various large creatures as mounts. We need to be there within two hours. Move out!" Logan called out while getting on top of Scorch, who roared loudly as if announcing his master''s order.


    The ground shook outside the walls as the Great Eartheater hopped out as if it was a dolphin jumping through the sea.


    It was Logan''s largest beast and one that not only grew twice as big, but also changed drastically.


    Its squishy, worm-like body gained snake-like scales, and its various rows of teeth grew sharp enough to be like a blender.


    Logan did not think he could have done what he had previously did to tame the beast with the way his Eartheater was now.


    It had created various passages underground that made even Logan want to visit later.


    The large beast took half of those who were on Silis''s back, helping with the load.


    The group was finally ready.


    Using Zephyr to guide them through the fastest route and its ability to reduce wind pressure, the group was able to speed through the longest part of the journey.


    Within an hour and a half, they reached the third mountain.


    The hardest part would be the climb, but this proved to be an easy task with the Eartheater, who dug a zigzag trail to make it easier for those behind it to climb.


    As they reached halfway up the mountain, Valeria came into sight.


    She was next to Saber, who had also grown in size, looking more like a cross between a sabretooth tiger and a lion.


    Logan waved to his mentor, who he had not seen for a few days.


    She had dedicated most of her time to finding the entrance of the cave and exploring possible entry and exit points.


    "Took you long enough. I thought it would be night before you got all the creatures here. Now then, let''s hurry. I fear an invasion soon. That''s the only thing that would make all the creatures become as displaced as they are now," Valeria began while waiting for the group of humans to close in to start speaking.


    "Alright, now then, I have found three exits and various tunnels that connect them. This is not your normal cave system, but something carefully planned out. Given that we found our fanged friend not too far from here, I believe it''s the work of one of its kind. However, I did not find any within the cave," Valeria said, trying to be discreet about talking about vampires.


    "So is it like an abandoned mine?" Kai asked while looking at the entrance of a nearby cave.


    Its opening looked handmade.


    "No, it''s more like an abandoned laboratory¡­" a voice said from behind them.

 Chapter 114 - 114: Abandoned Laboratory

    Serana, who had quickly transformed into her human form, added, "It may be related to the vampires," while trying to hide her identity now that others who were not within the usual group were present.


    She had been out hunting while waiting for Logan to arrive.


    "If that is the case, we should proceed with even more caution. Today, my Solstag will be in the lead, radiating the cave from the front. Is the cave large enough for us to enter comfortably, or should I have Digger expand the path?" Logan asked while trying to see who would be able to fit within the large entrance.


    "Normal beasts within four meters of height would be fine, but have Digger go ahead and make the southern exit larger so we won''t clog the entrance with so many beasts." Valeria then started giving orders to create groups.


    Logan, who needed to be in the center of the operation, had Scorch, Luna, Serana, and Valeria within his small team.


    Rubina was to stand guard outside with Silis and a few other creatures.


    Kai and Chloe each needed to guard and enter one of the other two entrances.


    As soon as Logan entered with his group, he saw metallic construction throughout the cave¡ªbeams and rusted plates held together the cavern.


    When it really got dark, his stag began to use its large antlers to produce light as strong as the sun.


    It had to be careful, as it wasn''t an animal meant to walk through small, enclosed areas littered with stones.


    "This is as far as we got," Valeria said, as she told the group to slow down to check more thoroughly.


    As they got further in, the group began to see what looked like gates that were half-opened.


    They seemed to be torn, as if something had escaped.


    "This shows signs of claws. How about it, Serana? Do you see anything interesting?" Logan asked while watching the girl who traced the markings with her finger.


    "No¡­but maybe¡­" The girl ran in deeper without waiting for the others.


    "Hey, that''s dangerous!" Valeria called out.


    She chased behind her while Logan followed.


    "Damn, it must be something related to her. We should have left her back," Valeria said while still following.


    They passed a long corridor with more metallic doors¡ªsome were opened, others closed.


    "I have yet to check each part. There may be traps, so watch out!"


    As they closed in on the girl, she had stopped in front of three cages.


    Inside, there were old human remains along with other demon-like skulls with horns.


    "This¡­ at least twenty or more years have passed without anyone coming here. Those look half buried in dust," Valeria informed as she used her foot to slightly move some of the dirt.


    "How about it, Serana? Do you remember anything now?" Logan asked as he got closer, holding her shoulder which seemed to tremble.


    "No¡­I can''t¡­ I thought maybe there would be answers, but nothing makes sense." The vampire girl held her head with both hands, trying to force a memory from her time as a feral beast.


    She vaguely remembered the two who were with her being her parents; only a handful of memories of her life let her know this.


    One of two individuals who ran and ran, another when they would bring her food, another where they protected her from a group of human-like figures, and another of a woman who looked like her current self except she was slowly turning feral to the point of not being able to revert to her human self any longer.


    And finally, the last one: she was so weak she found herself chasing, with two others, a boy and a woman who smelled delicious. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She tried looking for other memories, but nothing else came to mind.


    "I need to go in further, I need to find¡­" Serana said while shaking the fear that paralyzed her away.


    She tried going further in, but Logan held on to her arm.


    "Wait. I know what you want to do, but let''s do this together. You may be strong, but we don''t know what''s further inside."


    Serana tried to pull herself away, but then she felt Logan''s emotions through their link, calming her own.


    "Fine, but I want to find something here. You may need to leave me while you search for the crystals," Serana accepted and went deeper into the laboratory.


    More rooms were empty, with various tools or old weapons laying around.


    The deeper they went, the more bodies they found.


    Skeleton remains sent Logan shivering as they discovered more than twenty in one room.


    "These did not die normally; they were attacked. There are many with fractures and broken bones," Valeria said, while looking through some of the bones.


    "You know¡­ I just came here for the crystals. I really don''t want to know about the way they died¡­ or want to stay here much longer¡­" Logan said, trying to ignore the stuff scattered on the floor.


    "Well, as we head there, we need to know what we might be dealing with. By the sight around here, it might have been built as a lab over the mine to provide them with energy for whatever they were doing here," Valeria added, while trying to check through papers that quickly disintegrated with her touch.


    [Serana, stay here if you want. I will keep going deeper,] Logan sent a message as he continued, not wanting to see any more dead bodies that meant nothing to him.


    Scorch and Solar kept going forth with him, while Valeria, who could not find more than what she had seen previously, went with Logan along with Noire and Saber.


    It wasn''t long before they found a door that radiated mana particles.


    It had the same feeling as the underground cavern, making Logan tremble with joy this time.


    "I know it''s behind this gate, but how do we break it open? Digger went with Chloe." Logan tapped the large door, which had a small slit in the middle.


    "How else? By blowing it away. Let''s go to any door''s weak point¡ªthe hinges."

 Chapter 115 - 115: Mana Cavern Guardians

    Logan went back to hide after Valeria finished setting various bombs around the door''s edges. As soon as she was ready, she went and hid next to Logan, making sure that all their beasts were in safety before pulling the magic string.


    A loud explosion rang throughout the tunnel, enough to make a few rocks and dirt fall from the ceiling. As for the door, only one part had been damaged enough to fall.


    The other door was no better off than the first in terms of looks.


    It took Logan a few kicks to make it fall off, revealing a room where crystals shone.


    Based on their energy, Logan knew it was not as pure as the previous cave; its crystals were smaller, but there were plenty. At least the entrance showed a good find.


    "Before you proceed, let''s gather Kai and Chloe. Have them stop what they are doing and come," Valeria called out. Logan took out his communication device and began talking to Chloe and Kai, who immediately answered.


    [Leave what you''re doing and come to the first entrance. I will have Regal bring you here,] Logan communicated, as he then began to call most his creatures to gather to his location.


    All except the largest, who were to stand outside until needed.


    While they waited, they began to enter the crystal cavern, carefully looking around for traps or whatever the Eartheater worm feared in the cavern.


    The walls were all decorated with shiny, pointed crystals, each one of a light blue or pink hue.


    Kryst, who had been tucked inside Logan''s shirt, suddenly exited, excited to be home, or what she thought was her home.


    She looked around, feeling each crystal.


    The slime extended its tendrils to taste a mana-filled gem near her.


    She then swallowed one whole, pulling it from the wall with great force.


    Both Logan and Valeria were stunned, seeing the action and how the crystal within the gelatinous form was being devoured.


    "Well, that is new¡­" Logan said, observing what was happening within the transparent body of the slime.


    "I guess it approves. Let''s keep going and leave her here to do whatever she is doing for now," Valeria said as they headed inside, following stairs made out of concrete that at times were pierced by the crystals.


    The cave seemed to be alive as the crystals grew like weeds, slowly reclaiming what the previous invaders had done to the cave.


    "We will need to pull out some crystals to go further inside."


    Logan took out a few bags from his space to show his mentor, who nodded and began trying to pull some crystals that intersected around each other, as if making a gate that kept them from advancing.


    While working on that, he heard the voice of his tamed asking for orders outside. Scorch stood in wait, as he was too big to enter without them properly taking out the crystals next to the entrance.


    "Good to see you here. I will need help to start removing the crystals so we can advance," Logan told both Chloe and Kai, who were going to be useful with their earth magic.


    "No problem, Digger seems ready as well. Just hand us the storage devices," Chloe replied. Logan did as asked and continued with the work. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Soon, most of the crystals in the entrance were removed, and they guided them to a spiral staircase that led them down deeper into the cave.


    Being crystal-infested, they could not walk much without first clearing them.


    After half an hour of struggling to remove most of the mana-filled gems, they reached the bottom where the cave opened. It was no longer a two-meter opening like the entrance but a large, endless expanse that made Logan''s mouth water.


    The only problem was four golems that stood still, or at least those were the ones that Logan could see.


    "We need to be careful. They don''t seem to be moving, but something tells me that if we go further, they will start attacking¡­" Valeria said while hiding with the others behind crystals.


    "Do you think I could tame them¡­?" Logan asked while looking at the three-meter-high golems with bodies made of both rock and crystal. They stood on two feet and had large, club-like arms.


    "I don''t think we can check that out without first fighting them, and with four of them here we will need to think of a good plan. But I don''t think those are the ones we need to fear. I don''t think your worm would hide from a golem of that size¡­" Valeria whispered while trying to see if there was something else here that might have spooked the large Eartheater.


    "Well, I think this is the perfect place to have Noctur show his prowess. Have the ferret go in to see their reaction to movement within the cave; maybe we will see who Grav is," Valeria suggested.


    [You heard her, Noctur, it''s your turn to shine. Try to gauge their abilities; we need to see what we are working with.]


    As soon as Logan commanded, his stealthy creature entered swiftly, mixing digging through the ground and hiding behind crystals. As soon as it got to the first golem, this one moved a little as if waking up.


    Noctur then used magic to produce rocks to toss and create a small diversion. The golem moved after that to find the cause of the noise.


    Its movements made the other three golems turn to face their companion.


    "Well, they aren''t too fast¡­" Logan said to those who were observing around him.


    "I don''t see another golem though. I wonder who your creature was talking about," Chloe added while using earth magic to create barriers in case they needed them to hide.


    Noctur, who had made commotions away from the group, began to route the golems further inside the cave.


    This allowed the team to enter further in and adjust their formation to begin fighting. The more they walked, the wider the cave became. The four golems that followed Noctur did not seem to hear them so far and continued inside.


    The large cave seemed to continue until they spotted a glowing red area. This area seemed different in size, but just by looking at it, they knew it was magma.


    "Damn it, this isn''t a normal mountain but a volcano. We need to be even more careful."


    As soon as Noctur got to a certain distance, they finally saw what looked like a fifth golem in the distance, half its body within the magma channel that passed through the volcano, as if taking a bath in it.


    "Do you see that?" Logan pointed, so the rest could understand what he was talking about.


    "Wow, that is probably Gav. It''s no ordinary golem. I fear it might even have a fire blessing, which will make it even harder to fight¡­"

 Chapter 116 - 116: Perfect Teamwork

    "So Logan, what do you want to do¡­ not to pressure you, but I will be leaving in a few days. I think it would be best to try testing our luck today," Valeria said while walking slowly towards the golems to get a better look.


    Logan followed a few steps behind as they got closer behind a large crystal to inspect the large golem closer.


    They could only see the top half of the large monster as it was deep within the river of magma about fifty meters in front of them, but that was enough to make Logan think twice.


    Looking at the great beast whose body radiated flames, the crystals glowing in their infernal colors made him waver, but he also found it exciting.


    It wasn''t an emotion that he felt often, but when it happened, he felt like doing the impossible.


    Logan knew Luna would be the perfect counter.


    He started going through various strategies, the main one being keeping the golem within the lava pit to limit its movement.


    As for the smaller golems, they needed to be dealt with first.


    [Noctur, bring them back before the large golem awakens.]


    "Alright, let''s get ready. Noctur will be luring them back. We need to set traps and be prepared before they get close," Logan said, glancing toward the large golem, who was more than fifty meters away, while the other smaller four were less than ten meters away.


    They only had a few seconds, so he put Regal to work, starting to place webs.


    Valeria busied herself with her own preparations, while Chloe, Digger, and Kai, who had finished his task, began creating large pits to slow the large golems.


    "I will try taming them, but I doubt it will work on the parts with rocks and crystals," Logan said softly as the golems were closing in.


    He was busy covering the floor with ice using Luna''s power to make it even harder for the golems to walk.


    "Everyone, get back! We need to retreat!" Valeria, who felt the quakes getting closer, pulled Logan by the arm.


    As the rumbling sound of four large, heavy golems got closer, the group began to ready their magic.


    They needed to end this fast before the large golem started to move.


    Noctur was suddenly in sight, showing himself to lure the golems into the traps before digging through the ground to hide.


    The first of the golems could not stop its body from moving forward and slid across the floor into a pit.


    Its large body slammed into the wall, breaking off a few crystals with a loud thud.


    The other three behind him did not fare any better.


    Their mindless pursuit of Noctur blinded their judgment as they also slid across the floor.


    Only the last one used magic to connect one of his arms to the floor to keep himself standing.


    "Now!" Logan yelled as both beasts and his companions went forward to stop one golem each in groups.


    Logan went for the first one that fell hard, making it both confused and paralyzed by the hit.


    He did not think twice and used his blood on rocks, tossing them into the large golem''s mouth.


    Logan considered trying the eyes but then scrapped the idea, fearing his own eyes would show some strange tattoo.


    The golem fought the link with all it had; it seemed to be a tougher opponent than Logan had thought.


    "Fine, you want to do this the hard way!" Logan tossed a few more blood-soaked crystals into its mouth and ordered Scorch, Luna, and Digger to use all their strength to hit the golem.


    By logic, if they did not want to accept it normally, then maybe he would do as in games and weaken him to the point he will accept. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Digger, with strong claws that could cut through crystals with ease, almost tore an arm off.


    As for Scorch and Luna, they kept it still with magic, both hitting it at intervals to damage it with the use of temperature.


    "Logan, over here, try on this one!" Logan, who was busy with the first, did not see that Chloe and Kai had one all covered in stone spikes while Riptide the water bear used its large size to keep it down.


    Logan rushed and dripped blood on stones and crystals, which he placed on the golem''s mouth. This one struggled a little less, probably having a weaker mind than the first.


    Logan did not have time to check if the link was established as he ran towards a third one that was fighting with War the hog, Noctur, Voltar, and Krexa. This one was down due to Krexa, who was smiling as her trap had worked.


    The goblin not only grew taller with her evolution but also smarter.


    She had yet to speak coherently, but Logan had no doubts that within a few years she would be able to speak human language normally.


    As for the trap, it was simple: use War to keep the golem busy while Noctur made two large holes where Krexa would make the beast fall.


    War had finally gotten the order, with Krexa on top of the hog, to push it into the holes, making it tumble. Krexa, who specialized in darkness and earth, used dark tendrils from shadows¡ªa new power¡ªto hold it down.


    As for Voltar, he used his electrical magic, feeling the pulses of electricity surge from his wings.


    He focused the energy into pulses towards the earth golem.


    The golem, embedded with metallic minerals, began to shudder and react to the magnetic influence.


    Logan thought it was a good idea to restrain the other three golems.


    The golem being tased and magnetically pulled to the ground created the link even faster, and soon Logan felt three new tamed bonds.


    "Any time now, Logan! We need to hurry¡ªthe big boy has caught on after the third golem and is starting to move," Valeria called, as she felt Gav the golem within the magma react to its companions being hurt.


    [Voltar, let''s go do the same to the next golem,] Logan commanded as they rushed to the last golem Valeria had trapped within webs, which Regal helped create.


    Using the same method to magnetize the golem, Logan quickly had it tamed. Now the problem was the large creature that had already exited the magma, causing the room to turn hot.

 Chapter 117 - 117: Battle with Goliath

    "So it has come to this¡­" Logan sighed as he watched the five-meter-tall giant before him, who was slow but showed powerful might with each step it took.


    The whole cavern rumbled with its movements.


    "Any ideas¡­" Logan asked while calling his large Eartheater and Silis to follow and help with the fight.


    "Stop it at all costs, then bombard it with magic and hope for the best," Valeria said while taking out bombs and tossing them onto the large beast to hopefully stop its movement.


    Feeling the explosion near its foot, it roared out in anger, dripping magma from its mouth.


    "That did not seem to work. Kai, Chloe, start making barriers; we will need to hold him down. Scorch, since you can resist fire, keep him busy. It''s slow, so hit and run," Logan commanded, not wasting time now that the large golem was approaching.


    Logan began using Ice Spikes to hit the creature from afar, while Luna did the same while being careful to avoid Scorch, who was fighting at close quarters.


    The terrain was quickly being molded into a maze to make it difficult for the golem to get near.


    Valeria, unable to do much, stood back to keep an eye on the battlefield.


    Her own beasts were not going to be good in this fight, so she kept them back.


    Only those with hard scales and fire or water attributes would be able to get close enough to hurt the golem.


    Scorch got close and slashed at the parts of the golem he thought would be soft.


    The union between the limbs was the best spot, making the golem roar even louder in pain.


    As for Luna and Logan''s efforts, they did not amount to much.


    The magma was so intense that the ice would melt as soon as it touched its skin.


    He then checked through the list of skills he could use.


    They weren''t many, suitable for the situation; the skills he had were mainly for one-on-one with monsters of equal size.


    It was then that everyone felt the rumbling, not from the golem, but from someone drilling under them.


    "Incoming!" Logan yelled as everyone fell back. Within seconds, a mouth appeared from the floor, eating up any dirt, rock, and crystal that was within its path before diving back in.


    Behind it, another large creature emerged¡ªSilis, whose golden scales radiated a red hue, reflecting the magma in front of her.


    [Good, we are set, let''s go! Silis, use your best earth spikes to keep the golem busy. Terra, we need a large hole for a trap,] Logan began, ordering his two new helpers that would change the fight against the Goliath.


    Silis, who could create spikes half his size, only with the weight and strength of a cannonball.


    They could not go far, but at close range, they were as deadly as a large rocket.


    The golem was blasted back near the magma chamber, giving the group space to move as well as relieving them from the intense flames its large body radiated.


    Logan did not let this small victory get to him.


    His Eartheater Terra was slowly eating the dirt in front of them, ready for the next trap.


    The golem, filled with fury, went forth trying to hit Silis, who had stopped her barrage, but it stepped into the large trap and fell into a three-meter pit.


    Unable to balance itself to get out, it tried using its own earth magic to raise the floor below it.


    This was met with both the Eartheater and Silis doing a tug of war with the golem to control the ground with magic.


    Logan took this time to try something new. It was a particular magic that only one of his tamed beings used, one he did not want to use as it hurt him while using it.


    "Valeria, protect me. I will need to concentrate," Logan called out before casting. He then concentrated on his finger and the blood that was coming out.


    It seemed to have a will of its own, moving like a snake.


    He tried getting as close as he could to the golem, having Luna use Glacial Barrier to keep most of the heat away.


    The blood he sent forth shot toward the golem, trying to find a part within its body that it could enter. Some of it sizzled and evaporated, making Logan have to use more to replace it.


    "You should stop, we only tested that once and it did not turn out so well," Valeria whispered as she watched the boy shed a bucket of sweat.


    "No, I need this to work; there will be no other way," Logan said, putting all his willpower into keeping himself up.


    The golem, using all his strength to fight the earth magic being used on him by two great beasts, did not have the time to care for what the human boy was doing.


    Logan''s blood tendril expanded, searching for another area where a large crystal was embedded within the golem. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The crystal had shifted enough to create an opening for it to enter the golem''s body.


    "There, it''s in. I just need to concentrate and hopefully overpower him with my taming bond¡­" Logan said, breathing roughly as he was on all fours.


    As Silis and Terra used their magic to make the earth around it press on the creature, Logan did his best to create the bond.


    This required him to focus on feelings, on trying to convey his emotions.


    He had never had to try so hard to communicate with a beast to work with him as he did with the golem.


    [Grav needs no master!] he kept hearing from the beast, who was struggling and putting up a strong mental defense.


    [No, not master¡­ I will be a friend,] Logan said. Yet this did not seem to get through, as he had never really worked with this particular emotion.


    [Lie, you want servants, not friends, like previous master!] The golem cried out, blasting magma around him.


    A small drop was about to fall on Logan, who was nearby, but Scorch shielded him from it.


    [I need your strength, not some false loyalty. We will work together, just like all my other tamed beings. With your strength, you will grow stronger and find friends with those you are fighting with now! Let''s stop this and shake hands. We will both grow strong together¡­]


    Logan tried to communicate as he could not even hold himself up anymore.


    [Congratulations! You have reached Level 40! As a reward for reaching this milestone, you have been gifted seven primordial beads...]

 Chapter 118 - 118: Primordial Evolution

    Logan could not believe it.


    Right in the middle of one of the most difficult battles, he got a level up out of nowhere, and the screen was appearing right in front of him.


    It almost made him lose the mental battle against the golem.


    He tried to focus, but it was a little too late.


    The beast was overwhelming his mind with its refusal to join, which made it even angrier.


    Logan had no choice but to back down and return with Valeria.


    He needed to try defeating the beast that did not want to be tamed; it was a first, but there was no other way.


    Feeling the pain from overusing his blood ability that drained him, he tried to understand why he had leveled up as he told Valeria to pull him out of the battle.


    "Retreat for now, we need to retreat!" Valeria called out.


    Hearing the order, Silis used the barrage of earth spikes again to keep the golem down as it was still struggling to get up.


    Terra, on the other hand, made the pit deeper to have it stay in place while the others retreated.


    As soon as most of them were back up to the stair area, his four new tamed golems created a large thick wall that would keep the large magma golem trapped for a while.


    "Well then, what do we do now? Are we going to quit?" Valeria asked, as both Chloe and Kai were trying to gather their bearings.


    "No, it''s just that it did not want to be tamed. It seemed to have been tamed before and does not want to form another bond. All we can do is leave this place or defeat it. I don''t think it would be wise to leave such a monster close by, gathering more power by the day," Logan said.


    Logan tried to communicate with the golems to find out if there would be another option, but they were like his slime, unable to speak due to low intelligence.


    "I wonder though, who leveled up? Did someone kill something powerful, or did something happen with one of my tames?" Logan wanted to check his stats before making a decision.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Logan


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Class: Soul Bound Tamer


    Level: 40 / Health: 261 / Mana: 159


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Attributes:


    Strength: 32 Agility: 30 Dexterity: 29 Constitution: 41 Intelligence: 39 Charisma: 39


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Experience Points (XP): 21/8000]


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Logan skipped the list of skills and abilities, which were basically the same, as well as the list of creatures, and went straight to the next part of his status where a small window displayed a quest as he had no time.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Quest: Primordial Soul Bound Tamer Unlocked


    Gain the ability to choose seven monsters within your tamed beings who have reached level 40 and will evolve to the next stage further allowing them to gain strength. Capability to surpass Level 40. Taming (Rank: Advanced).


    Mission: Create a total of seven primordial beasts at level 40 and have them evolve by ingesting the primordial beads.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    As for the beads, the notice kept mentioning the quest window, which kept blinking as if asking him to press the screen in front of him.


    Using his weak, trembling hand, he lifted it and pressed the screen only he could see.


    The others around him suddenly saw that, out of nowhere, seven gems of different colors dropped.


    "What is that?" Kai asked, wondering what Logan was doing.


    "Where is Scorch¡­" Logan asked, as he had the prime candidate for the first Primordial Evolution.


    Scorch, hearing his name, rushed towards Logan while being careful of the others.


    Soon, he reached his weakened master''s side, wondering why he was called.


    Logan put all the small beads away except for one that shone like a ruby with a flame inside of it.


    "Eat this¡­" Logan said while placing the gem near the raptor''s mouth.


    Without questioning his master, the raptor took the gem and swallowed it, bringing his head up to ease the bead as it passed through its esophagus.


    "You might want to move¡­ last time he grew almost four times its size¡­" Logan said, having Valeria carry him a little away from where Scorch was.


    As for the raptor in the middle of the room, it began to radiate a powerful red light, causing particles to form around him. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Scorch roared, which echoed through the cave with a bone-chilling shrill that sounded as if he was fighting to the death.


    His body grew bigger. If before he was two meters tall, now he was almost three meters tall with a length nearing nine meters.


    He roared fiercely, but it was completely different than before.


    The call he made now sounded like a deep, rumbling growl that resonated in everyone''s core.


    "Do you think we stand a chance now?" Logan asked while weakly smiling.


    Soon, another companion joined them.


    It was a strange humanoid-shaped gelatinous form, but this one began to create refined features of a woman.


    "So it was you who had leveled up!" Logan tried to yell while suppressing a cough.


    [Forgive, I was¡­ hungry,] he heard Kryst communicate in a strange tone as if it was trying to adjust itself with each word.


    Before he even asked, he was hugged by the slime as it began to use its improved healing abilities.


    Logan was awestruck.


    The slime was no longer as squishy as before; her touch seemed almost like normal skin.


    He felt pulses of healing magic radiating toward him, healing his previous wounds.


    [Drink¡­ mana water,] he heard Kryst say in a feminine tone.


    Logan did as asked and began drinking from his ring, now that he could move his hand a little easier.


    He then felt the pulses Kryst was sending reacting with the water he had ingested.


    He began to feel a deeper level of healing that included his lost blood, as if Kryst was guiding the mana-filled water to heal the loss of blood.


    "Thank you, Kryst," Logan said, hugging his slime, who was always with him, before getting up as if he was never hurt.

 Chapter 119 - 119: Beyond Taming

    Feeling like they had a chance now, Logan called the golems to take down the wall and began walking with Scorch and his tamed beings who could put up a fight.


    Terra and Silis had hidden themselves underground again to avoid the large golem, who had gotten up and was angry from being attacked.


    The large golem clapped his powerful hands together as if ready for a serious fight.


    Scorch did not like the display of insolence towards his master and roared loud enough to overshadow the loud clanks.


    While taller, the golem was still slower, unable to keep up with Scorch who charged forward and used his weight to strengthen his claws, which glowed red.


    As they tore into the golem, parts of its body began to melt. Even its heat-resistant body wasn''t enough to keep it safe.


    Scorch then jumped back to avoid one of the golem''s arms.


    [Silis, Terra, restrain its movement. We can''t have Scorch be hurt,] Logan communicated, realizing he had forgotten to give orders during the battle of the titans.


    The golem, trying to move forward, found its legs covered in stone, preventing it from moving.


    Meanwhile, Scorch, who had dodged another swing, used his tail as a blade to slice the golem''s hand off.


    With three large creatures, the battle became one-sided.


    The large magma golem tried to create another arm with earth as Scorch cut one of its legs.


    The golem stumbled forward as magma dropped from one of its legs, hardening fast enough to keep it from falling.


    Scorch used the little time it was given to reheat its tail to sear off the other leg.


    Silis, knowing the battle needed to end fast as Scorch''s mana was quickly depleting with each blow, surfaced and also joined in, bashing the golem with its hard scales.


    Both reptilians hit the golem in turns to keep it from regenerating, waiting for the right moment to use their final strike.


    Logan looked at those fighting, his anxiety rising.


    He still had a bit of hope in taming the golem, who would be a great asset, but he felt a nudge beside him.


    "It''s better that you give up, Logan. Not all beasts are meant to be tamed. This one in particular can be dangerous if we leave it alone. I am sure this lava shouldn''t have been exposed, meaning the golem was digging out the volcano, which could provoke an eruption," Valeria said, patting his back as she saw the desperation on the boy''s face.


    "...It''s just that it seemed lonely, as if it felt abandoned by its master. I sensed a kind of sorrow in its voice, a longing..." Logan replied, seeing how his two beasts were readying for one final strike.


    Logan could only watch as Silis finally made the golem fall, causing Scorch to slice off its head.


    The golem, who could no longer remain together, began to separate into parts.


    The light in its eyes, which glowed red, faded, leaving a silence in the room.


    "I guess¡­ that is that¡­" Kai said, interrupting everyone, including Logan, who felt bad for the lonely golem''s end.


    "Yes¡­ that is all," Logan said, turning to the other golems who stood still, emotionless as if nothing had happened to one of their kind.


    Logan sighed, deciding to ignore the feelings that were tormenting him for now.


    He was busy thinking about the quest he was given so that he could continue leveling.


    The boy needed to decide which of the six would advance to their primordial evolution.


    With fire used, he needed one for each of the other elements.


    They also needed to be creatures that would accept the change¡ªhe doubted someone like Lisa or Serana would want to.


    For now, everyone was told to gather crystals.


    He needed just enough to replenish his stock.


    It took less time than expected after disassembling the giant golem, who not only had crystals but also precious metals that Logan thought Ruben, the smith, would need to craft better items for him and his men.


    "Well then, I guess we are done here¡­ everyone, let''s go back. As for the golems, you guys stay here and watch over the mine," Logan commanded the group.


    He wanted to take the golems, but they were far too slow and heavy to take outside the mine and get back before nightfall.


    Everyone readied themselves to go back as Logan had Terra the Eater make a new tunnel wide enough for everyone to go outside.


    As for Logan and Valeria, they went back into the abandoned laboratory to find Serana, who had yet to appear.


    [Serana, are you still here?] Logan called out using his skill.


    [I am¡­ I am busy reading in one of the rooms. I might need to stay here, Logan. I found a few books that I need to decipher¡­ it might give me answers¡­] he heard her say.


    [Alright, join us when you''re done then. We will be going back for today,] Logan said, relaying the information to Valeria, who wondered why Logan had paused.


    "Well then, let''s just meet up with Rubina and the rest of the beasts before we go back," Valeria said, nodding with understanding.


    The team of two and various monsters continued on, passing the skeleton-filled rooms until they were back at the entrance.


    Rubina was petting Zephyr and Uriel while standing near a campfire.


    "Good news, Rubina. We won''t have to camp out tonight," Logan said with a smile.


    Rubina returned the smile to the boy who had come out and noticed a strange gelatinous figure behind him.


    "Is that Kryst?" Rubina asked, pointing to the slime.


    "Well, yes. It seems to have gotten its fill of crystals and leveled up enough to sustain this new form."


    "Hi Ru..bin..a," everyone heard the slime say as it waved its hand.


    "Well, that is new. Hey there, Kryst. Sorry for not recognizing you¡­" Rubina said, staring at the slime in amazement who had said her name.


    Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 120 - 120: Tempest Kite

    Without anything more to do in the cave, the team readied themselves to go back.


    Logan, meanwhile, had to adjust himself to Scorch, who was now too big to fit into his previous saddle.


    Scorch''s large and wide back was enough for him, Krexa, and Kryst in her new human form to get on without worrying about falling or making Scorch tired, so everything was fine.


    Scorch showed a never-before-seen joy.


    He was now a little slower but more powerful. With Kryst healing him during the journey, his stamina was almost endless.


    As for the others, they trailed behind at times.


    Kryst, full of vitality, healed those that needed to recover stamina while Logan provided her with small crystals to keep her in top shape.


    During the silent journey back, the sun had already set, and a cool breeze surrounded the team.


    Solar was in front, using its large antlers as headlights to light the way.


    Logan used this time to think about his future plans. He had acquired not only the crystals he wanted but also a mine that produced them endlessly if not drained.


    He knew Kryst would play a vital role in this and wanted to have her evolve into her next stage.


    Logan was wondering if she would accept the light elemental bead.


    As for the emerald green one, it already had an owner¡ªZephyr, who kept looking at Scorch with obvious feelings of jealousy.


    Zephyr was already at level 40, so it met the requirement.


    [Zephyr, do you want to evolve?] Logan sent out a communication towards the large Eagle, who flew a few meters above them.


    [Want, be stronger, Scorch] The bird shrilled as if challenging.


    Scorch grunted at its companion in a friendly manner, as if accepting the fight.


    "Everyone stop! I have something I want to try¡­" Logan called out before handing Zephyr the green gem.


    It did not take a second call to summon the beast.


    It swooped down and gently took the bead, which radiated a green light, into its mouth.


    Then, it flew up as high as it could, as if wanting to hide within the clouds before revealing its new form.


    Everyone, including Logan, waited to see what would happen with anticipation. They heard the call of a powerful beast as it pushed all the clouds away with a few flaps of its wings.


    Logan saw how the majestic bird stayed in place with little effort as it called out a few times, demanding all the attention from those around him.


    [Alright, show-off, get over here so we can see you,] Logan tried to communicate, wondering if the large bird could hear him.


    The large bird dove down, raising dust all around them and causing a mini hurricane as it descended.


    Its length seemed to be like that of Scorch, around three meters, but its wingspan seemed to be almost nine meters, making it the largest bird Logan had ever seen.


    While it looked almost as it did before, it seemed more muscular, more powerful, as if it could stay in the sky for days without having to land.


    The large bird twirled around in the air a few times before landing next to Scorch.


    Logan knew what it wanted as the bird used one of its talons, beckoning him.


    Unable to hide his excitement, Logan patted Scorch, who would no doubt feel bad.


    He struggled a little to get down before getting on Zephyr''s back.


    The large bird adjusted itself a little to help Logan on, then flapped its large wings to fly into the sky.


    Logan, who wasn''t used to flying, just gripped onto its neck, trying to calm his beating heart while avoiding looking at the floor.


    Sensing his master''s discomfort, Zephyr commanded the wind around them with precision, letting Logan breathe out in relief as he felt the change in air pressure.


    It felt just as if he was riding on Scorch''s back.


    The only thing he now had to worry about was the sight of the ground below them.


    [This is perfect, Zephyr. You have finally made one of my wishes come true¡ªto ride on a flying beast¡­] Logan patted the bird, who replied with a shrill.


    Logan checked the large bird''s stats to understand his new tamed companion.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Zephyr / Species: Tempest Kite / Level: 40 / Blood Mark: Vertex / Loyalty: 67/100]


    Str: 43 / Agi: 51 / Dex: 19 / Con: 36 / Int: 41 / Char: 38


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Wind Blades: Zephyr can create sharp gusts of wind to slice through enemies.


    Gale Force: Unleashes a powerful windstorm, disorienting and pushing back foes.


    Sharp Vision (Passive): Possesses incredibly keen eyesight and can spot targets from great distances and in low light conditions.


    Twin Tornados: Zephyr creates two vortexes of wind around his wings, allowing him to move swiftly and strike multiple enemies within the area. This whirlwind not only deals damage but also disorients and knocks back foes.


    Storm Shield: Zephyr can generate a protective barrier of wind around himself or an ally, reducing incoming damage and deflecting projectiles. This shield can also temporarily increase the speed and agility of the protected individual.


    Hurricane Call: Zephyr unleashes a deafening sound that generates a powerful shockwave, damaging and stunning all enemies within its radius. The roar also amplifies the effects of other wind-based abilities for a short period, making them even more potent.


    Cyclone Vortex: Zephyr creates a massive swirling vortex of wind that traps enemies within its grasp, lifting them off the ground and dealing continuous damage over time. Enemies caught in the vortex are also slowed, making it harder for them to escape. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Logan checked through Zephyr''s stats and saw that its speed was probably the highest stat he had ever seen in his tamed beasts.


    He had yet to check on Scorch, so he wasn''t sure, but he decided to wait until later to check on the rest of his beasts and enjoy the ride.


    Zephyr adjusted its speed to keep pace with the caravan below.


    It was also during this time that Logan could check all his land for the first time¡ªthe river that crossed through the middle and the large forests that stopped at the edges of the great mountains.


    He also noticed his fortified town, its large, imposing walls, and the lights in the towers where soldiers were stationed on lookout.


    Logan thought about the next creature he needed to evolve¡ªRegal for darkness and Voltar for electrical. They would probably be the next two.


    Silis as his powerful earth primordial, and Kryst if she accepted as his Light primordial.


    He wondered if Luna would accept the blue bead. She would be the water elemental candidate, and she was at level 40, so he needed to ask her next.

 Chapter 121 - 121: Shadow Widow Spider

    It was a long night.


    The group finally arrived around midnight.


    Everyone quickly separated after arriving.


    The only ones who were not able to rest properly were Scorch and Zephyr, who had no home after their new form, and Logan, who had to suffer trying to sleep next to Kryst in her feminine human form.


    The next day, everyone was up and about near noon.


    The previous day''s events took a toll on everyone, so Logan asked them to take a day off.


    He himself was still exhausted and wanted to quickly go over which of his beasts would be the best candidates to evolve.


    [Luna¡­ do you want the bead like Scorch and Zephyr?] Logan asked the fox who always followed him when in his estate. She would only leave him to eat or when he politely asked her.


    Like Logan and a few of his other creatures, Luna was stuck at level 40, so he tried offering the gem that might allow her to change forms and become stronger.


    [No, don''t need, master,] Luna looked up at him while rejecting the blue sapphire-like gem with a blue light glowing in its middle within Logan''s hand.


    [Still need mother''s approval,] Luna replied while arching her back and stretching like a cat with a yawn.


    Logan looked at the jewel in his hand before closing his fist and putting it back in his ring.


    He did not expect her to reject it but wasn''t surprised since she was still a part of Ferra in a way and wouldn''t easily accept such power.


    He thought about his other aquatic animals, with only the bear being in his mind, and yet he felt that maybe he should keep the gem for now.


    Regal was the next one he would offer the bead to; she had been out with Serana and Valeria, training in the mountains for the past few weeks and had quickly gained levels fighting the monsters in that area.


    Regal had already progressed to the next evolution and was a large meter-long spider, its long legs always kept near her body to give her a boxy look.


    Her own barn wasn''t far so he got there quickly.


    [Regal, do you want to evolve like Scorch?] Logan asked while kneeling to get within eye level.


    As she always did, she turned her head to one side, then switched to the other side, while rocking her limbs.


    [You know, master¡­ you ask silly questions. Why wouldn''t I want to be strong? I need better food, and pats. I felt lonely without you in the forest,] Regal spoke rapidly, making Logan wonder how she understood so much.


    Even though Logan was still sometimes creeped out by his many-legged companion, he loved being around her joyful voice.


    She was like a curious child, which made Logan give in to her pleas to be patted, even if he still hesitated a little.


    Leaning forward to be petted on her head, she giggled before Logan passed her the black onyx-like gem.


    Regal quickly devoured it and began swaying from side to side.


    She was currently in her own room, so Logan could only hope she would not suddenly grow into a three-meter-wide spider that might squish him within her home.


    Black particles suddenly enveloped the small room, making it look like they were being swallowed by shadows.


    Suddenly, two large shiny legs emerged from the shadows.


    They were a little clumsy, but after getting a firm grip with her new body, Regal exposed the rest of her form.


    [How is it! No more hair, I chose no hair since you hate it. I hope you like it!] Regal came out, sounding almost the same.


    Her cute voice did not fit her large two-meter body.


    Each leg could be at least three meters if stretched to their limit, but being bent, they only lifted her half a meter from the floor.


    What changed drastically was her body form.


    Her abdomen had grown larger than her head, and her hair had disappeared, now making her look like she was wrapped in latex.


    Logan could only nod while touching her smooth legs before petting her head, which was just about at the height of his stomach.


    [Yes, you look very pretty now. How about it, do you feel any stronger?] Logan asked, wondering what skill she could have acquired.


    [I can hide within darkness, like this, master!] Regal produced a shadow and then entered it, making her large body disappear.


    She then made the shadow move behind Logan and tapped his back gently while giggling.


    [How about it?] Regal said with excitement.


    [Perfect, I think it''s good, Regal. I will be excited to see you in battle.] Logan smiled and nodded, clearly impressed.


    Logan finally left the large spider alone.


    She was tasked with creating new webs, which would now be stronger and harder but also produce various effects, such as stunning or poisoning, with a bit of mana manipulation.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Regal / New* Species: Shadow Widow Spider / Level: 40 / Blood Mark: Thoracic / Loyalty: 52/100]


    Str: 37 / Agi: 40 / Dex: 42 / Con: 39 / Int: 41 / Char: 43


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥ S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Shadow Bolt: Regal can shoot a bolt of condensed dark energy that disorients and damages enemies. The bolt can also leave a lingering shadow effect, reducing the enemy''s visibility and accuracy.


    Venomous Bite: Regal delivers a bite infused with powerful dark magic venom, causing ongoing poison damage to the target. This venom weakens the enemy''s defenses and mobility.


    Midnight Web: Regal can spin a web made of thin silk that becomes strong when infused with mana, entangling enemies and slowing their movements. The web has an aura of darkness, making it harder for enemies to escape or cut through.


    New* Dark Pulse: Regal releases a powerful pulse of dark energy that emanates from its body in a wave, damaging and pushing back all nearby enemies. The pulse also briefly stuns enemies caught in its radius.


    New* Eclipse Cloak: Regal shrouds itself in a cloak of darkness, becoming nearly invisible to enemies. This skill also grants increased movement speed and reduced detection by foes for a limited time.


    New* Shadow Minions: Regal summons a swarm of small, shadowy spiders that attack and distract enemies. These minions can deal poison damage over time and create confusion on the battlefield.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤

 Chapter 122 - 122: Prime Voltaris Mantis

    Happy with Regal''s evolution, Logan went to find his mantis.


    While on the way, he wanted to test one skill he found interesting.


    As he was considered the Dark Spirites hero, he used Shadow Minions.


    It took quite a bit of mana, but since he was currently at peak form, it was just a minor thing for now.


    Within seconds of casting the spell, he saw little spiders; at least in this world, they were as big as tarantulas.


    They seemed to be waiting for his order.


    He was about to say something but noticed someone approaching.


    As soon as she saw the spiders, she almost jumped at him.


    "What the hell, Logan? Why do you have to have more of those?" Rubina exclaimed while cowering into his chest.


    "Rubina? It''s just a skill, let me cancel it!" Logan replied, feeling the girl''s body pressed against him.


    "At least warn people before you use it. There is nothing good about having ten spiders looking at you fiercely while you are trying to walk," Rubina yelled as Logan felt her shudder.


    "Yes, yes, they are gone now¡­ Sorry about that. Now, where were you going?" Logan asked, trying to show Rubina there were no more spiders around them.


    "Well, there is more paperwork to do, so hurry with your project so we can finish all the future trading partnerships we need to accept by the end of the day¡­" Rubina said in a stern secretary tone.


    "Yes, ma''am, give me an hour or so." Logan replied with a playful salute.


    "Damn it, Logan¡­ when will you learn how people feel¡­" Rubina said while looking at the boy''s smile with some affection.


    "What do you mean? I said I am sorry about the spiders¡­" Logan replied in confusion.


    "Ugh¡­ well let''s forget that for now. Just remember to tell me when you finish," Rubina said.


    Logan stood still, wondering what he had done before heading to where Voltar, his mantis, usually trained.


    He seemed to enjoy doing a sword dance while following the soldiers who practiced their swordplay.


    At times, the soldiers would use wooden sticks to practice with the mantis, whose scythes acted like blades. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After his first evolution, where he grew to his adult form, he gained another evolution that changed him into a larger primal beast of his kind.


    This new form was a little over a meter in size and was able to handle two soldiers with ease.


    Now that Voltar had grown to level 40, he was the perfect candidate for the Electric Primordial evolution.


    Logan stood outside the training grounds, hearing the soldiers inside crying out in numbers as they counted each set of exercises they were meant to do.


    At times, Logan would join the soldiers, knowing that he needed to work on his physical condition.


    With every level up, he gained more strength, speed, and dexterity, traits that improved his way of moving every day.


    The strength he now possessed allowed him to lift 250 kg without having much muscle.


    It was just a little above what a professional weightlifter could do, or so he imagined.


    Based on this, his speed could probably beat the fastest human by two or three seconds in a 100 meter sprint, also without much effort.


    This meant that he was just a little above a normal human''s capability, but it also meant that if he trained, this would double or improve.


    "But I hate working out¡­ I was never good," Logan mumbled as he looked towards a specific part of the field where he spotted a group of soldiers in a mock battle.


    "Perfect, not only will he evolve, but I can also see how much he improves right away," Logan thought.


    Logan, who was used to talking to himself, tried to erase his smile before going to meet his beast.


    As he got closer, everyone around him saluted as he passed.


    Although the action made Logan feel a little uncomfortable, he nodded to show his appreciation and stopped the mock battle by raising his hand.


    "Sir!" The two soldiers who were about to lunge to strike again stopped and bowed towards Logan.


    "Alright, I want to see how well you do after he evolves, so hold on for a minute," Logan said as he got close to his mantis.


    "I know you like improving yourself, so how about it? Do you want to evolve to your next stage?" Logan asked as he opened his fist to reveal what looked like a topaz.


    Its yellow shine glinted in the sun, and it seemed to have bolts of electricity within the gem.


    Voltar stared down at Logan''s hand for a few moments before nodding in understanding.


    As its hands consisted of scythes, Logan helped by placing the gem near its mouth.


    As it bit into the gem, Voltar began to meditate, like a seasoned warrior in a kung fu movie.


    Logan liked Voltar''s particular style of acting like a monk and his mild, gentle demeanor, which earned the trust of those around him.


    Breathing three times, Logan noticed the electrical field behind Voltar''s wings grow powerful.


    The soldiers took three steps back in sync, reminding Logan to do the same to prevent being stunned.


    Soon, particles of yellow filled the air around Voltar, who stayed still, holding back any pain as if it meant nothing to him.


    His short, one-meter body soon grew to two meters in height and two and a half meters in length.


    Voltar''s large legs now had spikes to protect him.


    His smooth green body bore black stripes in the shape of volts, and his fierce face remained the same triangle shape with two long antennae.


    To discharge the energy that had built up, Voltar used his four legs to jump high into the sky and beat his wings at supersonic speeds, causing those around him to cover their ears.


    After a few seconds, he used his scythes to release the energy with two slashes that seemed to contain electricity.


    The energy hit a wall, causing part of it to crumble.


    The soldiers, who tried to maintain a stoic look, turned to Logan, who began to clap.


    After a few seconds, everyone joined in as Voltar jumped down to test his new speed.


    This time, however, he signaled for four others to help the two soldiers who were currently fighting him.


    Logan took a few steps back before the match began.


    He was already happy with the show of power his new monster had demonstrated.


    However, before he could accept this and move on, he saw how the blades of all four soldiers were cut instantly before they had a chance to move.


    "Voltar¡­ please test your power with dummies before you fight with soldiers," Logan commented, feeling that one false move could cause his tamed beast to commit murder.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Voltar / Species: New* Prime Voltaris Mantis / Level: 40 / Blood Mark: Lower Thoracic / Loyalty: 43/100]


    Str: 51 / Agi: 52 / Dex: 48 / Con: 30 / Int: 33 / Char: 31


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Electro Field: Voltar can emit a powerful electric charge from its wings, stunning nearby enemies and causing paralysis for a short duration.


    Lightning Reflexes: This skill allows Voltar to temporarily increase its speed and reflexes by channeling electrical energy through its body. This boost can be used to evade attacks or quickly close the distance to its prey.


    Static Cloak: Voltar can generate a field of static electricity around its body, creating a protective barrier that reduces incoming damage. This field can also make Voltar harder to detect by cloaking its presence from sensors and certain magical detection methods.


    New* Thunder Strike: Voltar can channel electrical energy into his scythes to create a single powerful strike that delivers a concentrated burst of electricity upon impact. This strike can cause severe damage to a target and has a chance to disrupt movement.


    New* Electromagnetic Pulse: Voltar can emit an electromagnetic pulse that disrupts movement, affects certain artifacts, and fluctuates mana around him. This skill can also interfere with magical enchantments or constructs, providing an advantage in both technological and magical battles.


    New* Electro Web: Voltar can generate a web of electric threads using his wings that can be used to ensnare enemies. These threads deliver continuous electrical shocks to immobilize and weaken opponents trapped within the web. The Electro Web can also create a barrier to protect allies or control the battlefield.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤

 Chapter 123 - 123: Crown Spiked Basilisk

    Logan looked at his hand that held three of the remaining crystals. He had already used four: wind, fire, electric, and darkness.


    He needed to find candidates for water and light.


    As for earth, he was heading towards Silis'' large barn.


    She was currently sleeping while enjoying the sun''s rays hitting her.


    She was the only monster within the ranch that was able to manipulate her barn''s construction.


    So when it was hot and sunny, Silis would remove the roof and sleep curled up.


    The problem was waking her up.


    Logan knew the danger of trying to wake a two-thousand-plus-pound snake, who could involuntarily move a section of her body and crush him into oblivion.


    This was because he had almost made the mistake once before.


    Since then, a notice was placed outside the large house to prevent any unnecessary deaths.


    Logan at least had one way to wake his large serpent. He took a deep breath and readied his vocal cords.


    "Lunch is ready!" He called out as hard as he could.


    As soon as those words were spoke his large friend began to uncoil it self like a garden hose under extreme water pressure.


    [Food!] Logan''s long rocky friend cried out as soon as she heard those magical words.


    "Yes, now eat. I also want to ask you if you want to evolve like Scorch!" Logan yelled while placing a large boar corpse he had in his storage.


    The boar''s hide was ruined by Scorch''s fire, making it useless.


    [Yes, do want, but want food first,] Silis communicated, not even taking a second to gobble up the boar as if it were a rodent.


    It disappeared in the blink of an eye.


    "Take your time¡­ well, never mind, it''s halfway through you by now, huh¡­" Logan sighed while showing Silis the dark amber-colored gem with a light in its center.


    [Hope it''s tasty!] Silis communicated as she opened her mouth. Logan threw the gem inside and then ran back, knowing that if his large serpent began to rampage because of the pain, he would die instantly.


    [Why¡­ ru¡­n¡­!]


    Before Silis got a chance to finish, she began to shudder slightly, causing a tremor throughout all the neighboring buildings.


    Noticing the danger she posed to her master, she curled up into a ball while clenching her fangs, trying to hold on to her sanity.


    As with all those before her, particles of amber began to glow around her.


    Due to her size, they were more numerous than before, but as soon as enough had built up around her, she began to glow. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Soon, her new appearance began to manifest.


    She was just a little larger than before, but this time, she was not covered in normal scales.


    Instead, her body was adorned with amber crystal scales that shone brightly in the sun.


    Logan remembered that at first, she looked like a cobra, but now the hood had disappeared, replaced with various amber spikes.


    In conclusion, she looked far sharper, more fierce, and especially deadly. Logan would really not want to fight a monster of her size or power.


    [You look very beautiful, Silis. Congratulations,] Logan said as he approached his large serpent for a hug.


    Silis lowered her face just enough to give Logan a lick, but in reality, she slid her forked tongue from his chest to his hair, giving him half of an unneeded bath.


    "Thanks... I guess..." Logan patted her while checking on her stats before leaving.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Silis / Species: New* Crown Spiked Basilisk / Level: 40 / Blood Mark ¨C Right Upper Rib / Loyalty: 68/100


    Str: 42 / Agi: 38 / Dex: 32 / Con: 68 / Int: 38 / Char: 36


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Earth Spikes: Silis can summon sharp spikes from the ground, targeting enemies and inflicting severe damage upon impact.


    Petrify Gaze: Silis can emit a powerful gaze that gradually turns her target into amber, immobilizing them and making them vulnerable to further attacks.


    Earthquake Stomp: Silis can stomp the ground, creating a localized earthquake that destabilizes and damages enemies within a certain range.


    Earth Spike Barrage: Silis can now enhance the use of earth spikes making them harder and shaper and by creating multiple arrays she can now produce a barrage of earth spikes.


    Earth Burst: Silis can release an explosive burst of earth energy, creating a powerful wave around her damaging and pushing back all enemies within a certain radius.


    Amber Shield: Silis can generate a protective barrier of amber crystals around herself, reflecting physical and magical attacks for a short duration.


    Amber Regeneration: Silis can rapidly heal herself by absorbing ambient earth energy, covering her stone-hard scales with amber crystals that enhance her defense while they heal.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Logan nodded in satisfaction even if he felt dirty and just as he was about to go back to take a shower, his slime appeared next to him in her human figure.


    She nodded a few times before staring at her hand and transforming it into a large ball.


    Silis then suddenly encased the upper part of Logan, who was startled but held his breath and closed his eyes.


    Within a few seconds, she finished and removed the large bubble. As for Logan, he began gasping a little for air but felt refreshed.


    "A little strange to be given a shower in that way¡­ but thanks, Kryst, you helped me avoid wasting time I don''t have. But now that you are here, how about it? Do you want the primordial gem of light?" Logan asked while feeling completely dry, even though he was surrounded by water just a few seconds ago.


    "No... want," Kryst said while shaking her head slowly from side to side.


    "Can you tell me why?" Logan asked with curiosity.


    [May change¡­ to something I don''t want¡­] Kryst replied, as if knowing what her next form would be if she took the gem.


    "Alright, don''t worry about it, Kryst. I appreciate your input," Logan said, then walked to help Rubina. He only had two gems left: water and holy.


    As soon as he reached his office, which could easily be mistaken for Rubina''s as she spent much more time there than Logan, he looked at the girl who was sleeping behind a stack of papers.


    Next to her was the Aurolious Fowl, which tilted its head to the side, curious about what Logan was doing in the room.


    [Shhhh, hey there, Uriel, I just came to get some work done.] Logan placed a finger over his mouth as he got closer to inspect Rubina, whose head lay over a large stack of papers.


    Seeing the portion which had yet to be finished, he noticed that a bit more than half had been taken care of.


    Being as quiet as he could, he took off his cloak, which he usually wore nowadays, and carefully placed it over her shoulders.


    He then took a pen and a chair and began doing the rest of the work, going over orders, routes, and many other necessary tasks he needed to handle in his new territory.


    As he read through most of the problems, he began thinking about hiring an administrator as fast as possible to lighten Rubina''s workload.


    She really did not have to do this, and he knew he was overstepping his boundaries by letting her handle all the work.


    Just as he was about to finish, Rubina woke up, her hair a bit messy but just as lovable as always.


    Logan knew she would be embarrassed, so he did not raise his face and continued to write as if his life depended on it.


    "Logan?" he heard his name being called after a light cough.


    "Hi there, I hope you are well rested. I have almost finished with the rest of the work. Give me a few minutes to talk a little about it all." Logan did not need much time to finish before looking at Rubina, who had her hands over her face.


    "Now then... how about we get through this so we can eat," Logan said, trying to hold back a chuckle.


    "Ah yes, well there is so much to go over¡­ right." Rubina said, quickly lifting her face to look at the boy, who seemed ready to laugh.


    The girl stared daggers at him before coughing.


    "Why did you not just wake me up!" She yelled just loud enough for Logan to get the message.


    "Sorry, it''s just you seemed tired. You know I am really grateful that you help me so much¡­ so to return the favor, why don''t you ask for something in return? Go ahead, anything..." Logan said, almost bowing.


    "Well¡­ there is one thing. How about this: you take me out to eat something in a caf¨¦. You need to check which one you will take me to, make sure it''s good enough. I don''t mind when." She clenched her hands under the table as she said this, feeling jittery about what the boy would say in response.


    "If it''s that much, then it''s fine. I will try to hurry though, please look forward to it," the boy in front of her said with that damn smile that made her want to get up and...

 Chapter 124 - 124: Twilight Siege

    It was in the middle of the night when Logan was awakened by the sound of horns.


    At first, he did not know the reason, but soon he was up and in action.


    The sound wasn''t one he thought he would ever hear, and it was not a welcomed one either.


    It was the alarm of an attack, a sound only heard a few times when Valeria told them they should practice.


    Logan quickly got up, waking up all his nearby beasts.


    He also informed Uriel, who should be with Rubina, as well as Saber, who should be with Valeria.


    [Rubina is up,] he heard from the former.


    [Master Valeria is aware,] he heard from the latter.


    As for the other tames, all but Serana and the four golems answered, being too far to reach his mental link.


    [Zephyr, what do you see?] Logan asked, knowing his bird would already be in the air checking on the situation.


    [Many demons, they are attacking a wall, soldiers are fighting back!] he heard from Zephyr.


    [Silis, Scorch, go help, I will be out soon. Regal, Voltar, wait for me to enter the fight. We need to know if they are only attacking one section of the wall.]


    [Zephyr, keep me updated. If there are more, tell me so I can send help!]


    Logan quickly put on his armor and a helmet he had never used before.


    The others entered his room, trying to find out what the problem was.


    "Chloe, Kai, get your armor! We are being attacked by demons! Ruri, go tell Valeria to suit up so she doesn''t waste any time and get the staff and servants to hide in the basement. Rubina, keep Uriel with you, and go into town with a few nearby soldiers. Make sure the townspeople are aware of the situation and away from the walls!" Logan finally put on the last piece of his suit, one that Ruben had crafted for him¡ªa light chainmail that would hopefully keep him safe this day.


    "Ruben, Marie, I won''t order you, but please follow Rubina. If possible, help her with the townspeople. They will probably be in the safest place. I will have a few of my beasts join you to keep you safe." Logan then called up War, Noctur, and Solar, who would be useful to carry, inspect, and light the way for Rubina and the two heroes.


    "No problem, Logan, we will do as you say. I feel we will be safe," Ruben said, while asking his girlfriend to go with Ruri.


    She didn''t want to at first, but after a kiss, she accepted with hesitation.


    "Alright, let''s go. We don''t have time. My bird has informed me there is more than we might be able to handle."


    Logan finished all his preparations and headed out into the fields.


    This time, Riptide would be his mount, as he needed his strongest monsters fighting.


    "Riptide, I am sorry for not asking you earlier, but we are in need of power. How about you take this gem and grow strong enough to help us in this time of need?" Logan held out one of the two remaining gems to the large bear.


    He did not plan to give him the small crystal, as he hoped Luna would change her mind.


    But this was no time to wait¡ªthey needed all the strength they could gather, and a bear was not an opponent anyone would take lightly.


    Riptide opened his mouth without a word and growled so strongly that everyone around them looked in their direction.


    Within a few minutes, his new appearance finished forming.


    He went from being a large, almost three-meter bear to a three-meter bear on all fours, and when he stood on two legs, he rose to about five meters.


    Within his chest, there was a gem like in all his other beasts.


    Silis had it in her head, Scorch on his back, Regal in her abdomen, Voltar on the backside of its thorax connecting to his upper two wings.


    As for Zephyr, it was in the back of his neck.


    With another roar, he let Logan know he was ready and used a paw to help him climb its back and taking a quick glance at his monsters new stats.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Riptide / Species: New* Glacial Titan Bear / Level: 40 / Blood Mark: Left Heel / Loyalty: 43/100]


    Str: 44 / Agi: 41 / Dex: 38 / Con: 45 / Int: 39 / Char: 34


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Tidal Surge: Riptide summons a powerful wave that sweeps through the battlefield, knocking enemies off their feet and dealing water damage. The wave can also extinguish fires and clear away obstacles.


    Aqua Burst: Riptide creates concentrated water orbs that it can launch at enemies. These orbs explode on impact, drenching enemies and causing water damage. The soaked enemies become more vulnerable to ice attacks.


    Aqua Shield: Riptide produces orbs of water that float around him and shield him as soon as they sense a nearby attack.


    Tundra Roar: By channeling its icy power, Riptide releases a mighty roar that causes the ground to frost over, creating patches of slippery ice. Enemies caught in the area may lose balance and fall, giving Riptide and its allies an advantage in battle.


    New* Glacial Armor: Riptide can fortify its body with an extra layer of ice armor, increasing its defense and resistance to physical attacks. The armor can also absorb a portion of incoming damage and reflect it back at attackers.


    New* Hydro Cannon: Riptide channels its water energy into a concentrated blast, firing a high-pressure jet of water at enemies. The force of the blast can knock enemies back and deal significant water damage.


    New* Frostfall: Riptide unleashes a flurry of sharp ice shards that rain down on enemies in a targeted area, causing severe ice damage and potentially freezing them in place.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Everyone else, get ready to fight! We may not need your help now, but soon things may change!] Logan communicated as he readied himself to charge into battle.


    [Master, more demons, south. I will guide you!] Zephyr called from above, letting those who could fight gather at the southern wall.


    Soldiers and adventurers who took up arms to fight and protect the city began to mobilize.


    Riptide, who was faster than before, rushed to the wall.


    Logan thought he was going to break it down, but then the large beast caused a jet of water to form under him and raise him into the air.


    "You should have warned me!" Logan quickly gripped tight to its neck as Kryst created tendrils to tie both of them around the bear. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As soon as they were about to land, Riptide created more water but this time made it turn into ice.


    Luna copied the bear''s actions as she was right behind them.


    Within sight, they spotted at least a group of forty caped individuals.


    They were taken by surprise as Zephyr used Hurricane Call, creating a shockwave that overpowered the group.


    Some tried resisting with barriers, while others quickly recovered.


    They were swiftly met with Cyclone Vortex, which created a few tornados, lifting a few off the ground.


    Riptide on the other hand was busy channeling water around them to start using his skills.


    It was not hard, as they were near the river that passed through a section of the wall.


    Logan had assessed that the demons wanted to use this waterway to enter the town.


    As soon as enough water was near them, he created a few orbs that circled around him.


    They were part of his Aqua Shield skill that would activate when the bear sensed danger.


    As for the water before him, he let it become a thin but powerful wave with practiced precision¡ªa skill called Tidal Smash that he learned before his current evolution.


    Logan knew that it was a good time to use a certain skill now that there was water all around him, and he recalled Voltar''s best skills.


    He jumped off the beast with the help of Luna, who was quickly adjusting to create pillars of ice to help him land safely.


    He began using Electro Web while taking two daggers out of his storage device.


    For his next move, he needed to charge them and also began casting Thunder Strike, a skill that needed a little bit of time but would be deadly in this battle.


    The demons, who were being pushed back before they even attempted to enter the town through the river''s passageway, began to cast various magics.


    They targeted the large bear, the great eagle who kept blowing them away while cutting some in half with ease, and the boy who had used a skill that kept them in place while causing them electrical damage over time.


    Some of the demons were able to escape the invisible but deadly electrical webs by teleporting, but others who were inexperienced weren''t so lucky.


    Logan finished casting the skill into his daggers and slashed them forth in the shape of an X.


    The demons in the path were both severely burnt and stunned, some of them losing their lives as the water caused the electrical arcs to go around any magical barriers and defensive equipment they had.


    Logan did not have time to cast another spell as he was met with a few deadly counterattacks, luckily evaded with the help of Luna who focused on defense.


    The few that did manage to hit were instantly healed by Kryst, who had been given small crystals to keep her in top shape.


    Logan returned fire with ice spikes, using the water around him to try to pierce those that were made into statues with Riptide''s new magic, Frostfall, which made the water from his wave attack freeze and disrupt those who were trying to cast.


    It was then that the demons decided the battle was not in their favor.


    They took out the mutation stones they had and began using its chaotic power to empower themselves.


    Logan, who knew what they were trying to do, gulped in fear.


    He remembered how strong they would become and tried to end the battle before it happened.


    Luckily, the group of demons was reduced by half, so he would at least not have to struggle as much.

 Chapter 125 - 125: Underground Shelter

    As Logan was fighting his own battle, Rubina quickly reached the center of town.


    She had ridden her father''s mount, Ruben, on War using a pre-made self-adjusting saddle, one of two he had since he wanted to gift the other to his girlfriend.


    This time, though, Marie used the saddle on Solar, who was leading the team as they entered the town.


    Nocturn followed close behind, looking for any signs of infiltration. It had yet to need to fight but kept itself busy nonetheless.


    Explosions and fighting could be heard outside the town, making them have to hurry as the population was slowly entering a state of chaos.


    Rubina took out a communication device and a megaphone.


    She needed to start giving everyone orders and directions as most did not know what to do.


    People were going crazy as yells and screams were heard throughout the place.


    Although no notable damage was happening, they knew that the unrest from the alarm would cause such things within the population.


    It did not take long for a few soldiers to start calming those who were too loud and began preparing to guide people to the barracks for protection.


    Rubina knew that Logan needed help, so she had to hurry to gather and guide the people. She also needed to send Logan''s tamed beasts back to help him in the fight.


    For instance, Terra, the large worm, was still on standby and would be useful if any real danger came to the town.


    She had dug tunnels that would be useful for guiding people safely.


    "Everyone, calm down! Lord Logan has created tunnels for this situation. Follow me; we will guide you to safety!" Rubina yelled. Seeing as it was dark, she commanded Uriel to create flames that would light the way.


    "People, calm down! We need order!" they heard a soldier nearby call out in exasperation. Seeing that they needed help, Marie knew she needed to use her magic.


    As the townspeople panicked in the face of the loud alarms, Marie made a radiant figure appear in the sky. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The image she wanted to use was of an angelic being that descended from the sky.


    Taking out a large mana crystal, she began concentrating on her particular illusion magic to create a big show over them.


    She groaned a little as she overloaded the crystal with the image she tried to picture in her mind.


    Marie slowly created a bright figure, with various white wings that overshadowed the dark night and moons.


    As the wings spread, they released feathers that glowed like miniature stars.


    It had a majestic halo hovering over her head that had a beautiful, sculpted face whose features were hard to see as a strong light like sun shone over it, calming all who saw the vision almost instantly.


    Her divine presence helped Rubina, who kept yelling out orders to calm down and begin guiding the townspeople into an underground tunnel that led everyone near the mansion and into the barracks.


    As they waited for everyone to finish entering the tunnel, the group of three kept hearing various explosions on three sides of the large walls in town.


    Out of the three, they could see Silis''s large form in the distance.


    Scorch''s flames, which created an inferno was also visible on another side of the great wall.


    As for the third side where Logan had run off to fight, they saw tornados blowing small figures around and an ice storm that caused snow to its surroundings. Even at their distance, they could see small flakes of ice falling near the town.


    Rubina wanted to join Logan just to know that he was safe but kept giving orders to the townspeople who kept an orderly line thanks to the figure in the sky.


    "Say, Rubina, I think we are almost done. Do you think we should stay here, or should we join them in hiding?" Ruben asked. He might not have been a fighting-type hero, but his stats made him no less strong than Logan''s powerful Hog. He had even created a large Warhammer in case things like this happened.


    "Let''s go with the townsfolk. There are enough soldiers here to help those who stayed behind. As for the tunnel, it will be closed after we enter," Rubina said while also telling Nocturn to keep an eye on the town just in case.


    The group of three entered the long tunnel that used mana crystals to light the path, something Logan planned as he saw the live crystals absorb surrounding mana to keep growing.


    As his creatures got stronger, Logan noticed that the mana around his town had been enriched somehow.


    This helped the small crystals, no larger than his fist, to grow abnormally fast.


    They were currently as big as an American football, each glowing in a different color, which was also something they needed to research with time.


    It was not long before they reached a large dome under the soldiers'' barracks. It was carefully crafted by Silis, Terra, and Digger.


    While Digger was the smallest out of the three, he was also a hardworking artist.


    As his intelligence rose, he loved creating magnificent structures.


    Throughout the underground dome, he had made columns like those in Rome, with perfect shapes and edges that made the townspeople who entered look around in awe.


    Sadly, everything was still brown in color, making only the shapes the main attraction.


    "Wow, what a magnificent interior! I wonder if Logan took part in this," Ruben asked while looking around.


    "If it''s about that¡­ I might have shown his beasts a few images of imposing structures from our world¡­ and sort of told them Logan would be happy if they made them¡­" Marie said, feeling a little responsible.


    She did not know whether to be happy that her suggestion created this grand place or if she made those poor creatures create something unnecessary.


    "It''s fine, we are at least safe here and Digger seems happy with the praise. Now then¡­ I told Terra to create a tunnel to the mansion, so the servants should be here soon, as well as your girlfriend, Ruben," Rubina said, knowing that Ruri, one of Logan''s closest friends, would also need protection.


    "Thank you, Rubina. I was just about to ask that," Ruben said, wiping his brow, relieved that he did not have to go back outside to face danger.


    "I just hope everyone is doing fine..." Rubina said, having Uriel warm and light up the place to quell the townspeople''s unrest.


    "I think I can help with that. I set a few stones that could help show what''s happening..." Marie said meekly.


    "Wow, to think you can also create a surveillance system¡­ you know, you keep doing better things by the minute. Are you sure you aren''t trying to show off to you-know-who? Too bad he isn''t here." Ruben said with a smirk while nudging the girl with his elbow playfully.


    Rubina just stared at the two, having a mild headache. She already knew Logan had a thing for the Saintess hero, but to think there was also this girl who seemed to have hidden feelings for the utterly oblivious boy, while Rubina herself had yet to have him know her real feelings.


    "There, I have linked all the crystals I have placed throughout the towers. Now, I just need to place this crystal¡­ here." Marie took out a large crystal Logan had given her to create what she had needed before and began feeding it her own mana.


    Soon, above them, a hologram displayed a cylindrical array of various images showing what was happening around the towers.


    The images revealed that the fights in all three areas were becoming increasingly intense.


    The demons were being forced to use their mutation stones, driving them into a berserk state on all three fronts.


    Ruben could only think about his girlfriend though, they soon felt a new tunnel forming within the dome as Terra entered partially and people ran from behind her to join the group.


    Ruben spotted Irma and ran to hug her, Ruri looked around for a few seconds hoping to see Logan safe but knew it was too good to be true, he image was displayed on the strange magic that let them see what was happening outside the dome.


    "Glad to see you all are safe," Ruri said to Logan''s friends as she stood near Rubina, who also looked at the screen above them with distress.


    "Don''t worry, Master Logan should be able to handle them with ease," Ruri said to the red-haired girl, who quickly regained her bearings with those words.


    In the fight where Silis''s group seemed to be doing the worst, Rubina could now think a bit more clearly. She went up to Terra.


    "Hey Terra, can you help Silis? They seem to need help. Take War, Uriel, and Solar with you."


    Rubina also wanted to join, but they needed her here now that their force was slowly being spread out throughout the fight.

 Chapter 126 - 126: Scorchs Duty

    Scorch at first followed the fast Silis, who had Valeria on her back, heading directly towards the wall that Master Logan had told them to defend. However, Zephyr, seeing everything from the sky, suddenly told him to go to the southern wall.


    [Scorch, I will help Master Logan. Go south. Many enemies,] Zephyr, who was just above them, called out to him before he suddenly took a U-turn and went in the opposite direction to where their master was.


    [Silis, I will go south, please be careful,] Scorch said to the large serpent, one of his many friends within his master''s tamed beasts. She was always nice, often helping him make a bigger home.


    [Will you be going alone?] The large serpent responded, as most of the group was behind her, preparing to face the most numerous of the demons.


    [Yes, no problem, I will kill them all,] Scorch mentally chuckled.


    Scorch did not fear the blue skins. He wanted to finally fight a worthy opponent and become his master''s number one tamed beast.


    Knowing that Zephyr could fly and secure faster kills, Scorch needed more enemies¡ªand stronger ones at that. He ran to the wall where he was told there were many enemies and bashed it open. He had no time to slowly jump to the other side.


    Scorch prepared himself and tried to remember his new skills. For a monster, the knowledge came naturally; they only had to understand what skills they could use and their abilities.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Scorch / New* Species: Primordial Tarbosaurus / Level: 48 / Blood Mark: Neck / Loyalty: 82/100


    Str: 71 / Agi: 46 / Dex: 41 / Con: 59 / Int: 52 / Char: 41


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Flame Breath: Unleashes a powerful stream of fire capable of incinerating foes.


    Molten Scales: Scales radiate intense heat, burning anything that comes into contact with them.


    Searing Whip: Whips its tail releasing a blazing slash on its path.


    Inferno Burst: Unleashes a powerful burst of flames, dealing massive fire damage to enemies in a wide area.


    Flame Aura: Surrounds itself with an aura of fire, reducing damage taken and burning any enemies that come close.]


    New* Blazing Stomp: Scorch stomps the ground with immense force, causing fiery cracks to spread outwards. These cracks release bursts of flames that incinerate enemies in their path and create a heated area that damages any foe who steps on it.


    New* Burst Charge: Scorch engulfs himself in searing temperatures close to that of molten lava and charges at high speed towards his enemies. This fiery charge can break through enemy lines, leaving a trail of burning ground behind, and causing significant fire damage to anyone caught in his path.


    New* Blazing Roar: Scorch lets out a powerful roar imbued with fiery energy. This roar creates a shockwave of heat that disorients and burns enemies within its radius, making them more vulnerable to subsequent attacks.


    New* Infernal Wrath: Scorch channels his inner rage, increasing his strength and fire-based abilities for a short duration. During this time, all of his attacks deal extra fire damage, and any enemies that come into contact with him are set ablaze.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    As soon as debris flew all over the place, Scorch used Infernal Wrath, followed by Blazing Roar to strengthen the effect. He saw how those who were near the wall were turned to ash before even realizing they were under attack.


    Those who had defended themselves with magical barriers were met with stones that flew far and strong as he used a good portion of his newfound strength to bash the stone wall.


    Not giving those who still stood time to react, Scorch readied another Burst Charge to rush into in the middle of all the demons who wanted to enter the wall, hitting them like a bowling ball.


    He crushed, burnt, and even melted those who were in his path while sending others flying with a headbutt.


    If Scorch could laugh like his master, he would be doing that. Watching the demons run and try to hide was the best sight, especially since they had tried to hurt Master and his town.


    Reaching the center of the battlefield was especially useful for his next attack, which he wanted to execute before Infernal Wrath, which powered up his fire attacks, wore off. He readied his right foot and gathered as much mana into it as possible. Blazing Stomp was probably going to be the attack that killed most of his enemies.


    His large, strong leg was ready as he injected the last bit of mana into it. He then placed all his weight into it as he tore through the ground, causing a massive earthquake that turned earth to molten lava. Even the more heat-resistant rocks melted with the temperature his new skill released.


    Scorch felt the joy of leveling up with each kill. The demons could not withstand his attacks. He heard the sound of a small bell, which meant he had leveled up. His body pulsed as particles of red mana were constantly being delivered to his core.


    He heard many of those around him cry out, but there were more coming from a nearby forest along with beasts they had enslaved and mutated.


    Some seemed strong, but perfect for Scorch to test his new powers. He did not want any other tamed beast to catch up with him. He knew Silis would best him if he let his guard down. Especially today when she would be facing the most numerous of the demons.


    Scorch roared again, this time so loud that even the mutated beasts that were brought showed fear. Too bad for them, they were so close to him in their crazy attempt to kill him to realize that he was the best when it came to close-quarters combat.


    Not everything was favoring him, though. The demons, having noticed that Scorch used fire, began trying to freeze the ground around him and employed various water spells to turn the temperatures to their advantage.


    Soon, various water spells were thrown at him, including some from a pack of water bears the demons had mutated. These were troublesome creatures¡ªnot only did they have tough hides, but they were also nearly as large as Scorch. A pack of them was even deadlier. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Scorch did not show signs of backing down or faltering, though. He knew he would get hurt while fighting, so instead of retreating, he forced another loud roar infused with infernal heat that made the place be covered in steam.


    Fire clashed with water and ice; both were never good together, but Scorch had enough energy left to fight more. The jewel that had formed on his back after his last evolution seemed to return a portion of the mana he spent, absorbing and converting other types of mana into fire energy.


    Suddenly, a group of ten demons began to chant a strong spell. Scorch needed to deal with them and ignore the rest. He had yet to use one of his most deadly skills, so he began infusing his long tail with fire. He extended the end of Searing Whip and lashed out to hit those in his path.


    Those that were slashed were cut in half by the red whip of molten energy. His tail looked to be eight meters long now that it had energy surrounding it.


    Using it, he not only disrupted the demons who wanted to cast the large-scale magic but also killed some, while others fled with a teleport.


    The battle was deadly. Many of his opponents died, but over time, Scorch was also ridden with wounds. Some ice spikes produced by the artic bears even managed to penetrate his tough scales; they melted after a while, leaving three large holes on his left leg.


    Scorch was breathing roughly. While the monsters were dealt with easily, the mutated demons were still numerous and powerful. Some seemed to have waited for this moment to enter their berserk mode.


    Scorch had no one beside him. He was slowly wondering if this would be his last fight. If so, he would go out taking all of those who were trying to kill his master with him.


    Rage burned intensely through his weakening spirit. He still had mana, he still had a way to fight. He could not stomp or move anymore, but he could blow a deadly jet of flames until those who wanted to kill him burned, together with the forest and everything else, to the ground.


    And so he sent wave after wave of powerful streams of fire. He did not care if he died; if he did, he would be remembered as Logans tamed beast who had killed many demons and monsters by himself.


    [Scorch, stop so I can help!] he suddenly heard from above. He was glad¡ªhe was very glad it was not Zephyr.


    He did not want to show his weak side to that bird who would always try to catch up to his level, but this tamed beast who spoke to him¡ªshe was nice to Scorch.

 Chapter 127 - 127: Bloodline Revelations

    Serana felt something was wrong as she hunted through the night. The animals stirred, their blood was disgusting, packed with a massive amount of adrenaline, making it taste bitter.


    She loved fresh blood but never from a frightened beast. That''s why she perfected her stealth technique and was able to even hypnotize her meals before draining them clean.


    The only way to avoid tasting this was in her feral mode, but she did not like the looks of using such a state that left her vulnerable to strategic attacks.


    Thus, she was mad. Something had caused the beasts to taste bad to the point where she wanted to retch.


    She held herself back and used her bat form. She needed to know why most of the beasts were this way.


    It was not long before she saw what was causing all this mess. She was able to spot a blue-skinned figure that was using a blue stone to turn beasts into mutated monsters.


    She knew them well after all Valeria had explained to her what was happening around the world now that she had regained her sanity.


    Serana was initially shocked by that revelation. Of course, she accepted Logan''s offer and what he gave her¡ªhe saved her from a life of being a feral beast. But she also knew the boy had killed her parents.


    She did not know what to think. Serana knew they were beyond being saved. She had enough memories to at least know they cared about her before they became feral, so she knew they were in a better place.


    But that did not mean she forgave the boy at the start. Then she discovered the laboratory¡ªit contained at least a way for her to know why she and her parents were in that state in the first place.


    As she looked around, she noticed traces of vampires. The most obvious signs were the skulls with fangs and markings on the walls that only ferals could make. She saw many such examples littering the place, knowing that she and her parents were not the only ones. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Serana tried to find more, spending most of the time clearing debris, gently looking through old books, and inspecting every tool and machine until she found what she needed to form a theory.


    The vampires in this place were not originals; they were fabricated. They injected what she found into all those they were testing on, and what they were using was an old heart that was still pumping after many years of the old laboratory being abandoned.


    It was placed carefully inside a certain crystal that pumped mana in liquid form. The area where crystals grew fed off the mana and, in return, gathered more mana into the old lab.


    The crystals were part of a mine, but the mana was being gathered by the pumping heart. It was a perfect way to produce crystals and gather the mana surrounding the volcano¡ªan impressive cycle created by a great mind of the past.


    From nearby documents, she could only gather that it was the heart of an original but powerful vampire¡ªone that had the ability to create others, a progenitor.


    Serana knew that with Logan''s power, she had turned from a half-vampire into a pure one, not as strong as a progenitor but close enough.


    This meant that she did not need the heart, but she did benefit from the crystals within the room where the heart was stored. They were blood red and gave her enough power to reach the peak. She was at level 40 and even turned into a special class.


    She was fast, strong, and could use darkness, shade, and blood magic.


    Serana could easily manipulate shadows and other beings with hypnosis. Her feral form was fierce, her human form more attractive than before, her bat form able to produce even more bats, and finally, her Garmr form was even larger and deadlier.


    She could finally and truly forgive Logan now. The true culprit had finally been revealed. The one who caused her parents'' deaths was the boy, but he was also their liberator. The ones who caused their deaths in the true sense were the blue-skinned demons causing mutations to beasts around the forest.


    They had tried to make vampires out of humans in this cave long ago. They were the ones who made her into what she was and her parents into the mindless beasts they turned out to be in the end.


    Serana did not wait to attack. She sent a familiar to deal with the pest. One of her abilities allowed her to have one familiar¡ªa beast contracted to become an agent of darkness. She chose something practical: the corpse of another vampire. They did not need a soul, just a will, so a corpse was a good servant.


    They only needed a drop of blood to revive. It was a young girl at first, a test subject like her. She had become something like a mix between a vampire and a wight with Serana''s new abilities.


    The more blood this familiar drank, the stronger it became. She was slowly regaining her consciousness, although she remained emotionless.


    This was fine for Serana. What she needed now was an executioner, and her new minion was perfect for this role. She crept into the shadows and then used the shadow of a nearby tree to warp behind the demon and slice his head off.


    It was fast, precise, and best of all, silent. She then ate the demon. Serana tried teaching it to drink the blood, but her minion would just turn into a large human-like beast made of shadows and devour its prey using its large mouth.


    She did not know how that was possible in the end, but it was at least clean when eating, leaving no trace behind.


    "Well, this doesn''t look good. We will have to go back and inform Master Logan. There is something strange happening here," Serana said to her minion, who did not intend to reply.

 Chapter 128 - 128: Timely Intervention

    Serana arrived right on time. She saw how Scorch was struggling while she was in her bat form as an intense heat created light all around a section of the wall.


    She knew she had to help, but the strong flames dispersed the shadows in their wake, making it impossible for her to stealthily enter.


    "Scorch, stop so I can help!" she called out to Logan''s strongest beast, the red dinosaur who took on more than a hundred enemies by himself.


    He looked battered and injured, and seemed to be making a last stand. Luckily, Serana was full of energy, and she and her minion were ready to enter battle as soon as Scorch finished using his streams of fire.


    Knowing that she needed to be fast to catch the demons off guard, she used her wolf-like Garmr form, which was dark and able to melt into shadows. She appeared behind the strongest of the demons she could sense.


    Using this form, she could somewhat change her size and made her jaw large enough to take a bite out of the demon''s torso, splitting the top from the bottom before it knew what had happened. His companions did not even see how he had turned into this state, as they were quickly taken care of by Serana''s minion.


    Her assistant created a large two-meter human-like creature with shadows, giving it long blade-like nails that tore through all those in its path. It then made the stomach of its form open a mouth and pull in those it killed with tentacles.


    Serana did not know how her ferocious minion knew how to fight so well, but she thanked the heavens that it was on her side.


    Without wasting more time looking at what her assistant was doing, Serana kept lunging at all the demons that still needed to be dealt with. Now that they knew they were being ambushed, they directed their attention to both Serana and her follower. But what they did not know was that with each kill, both of them got even stronger. Demon blood was particularly concentrated with mana, especially when they harnessed the power of the blue mutation stones.


    What the demons thought would help them was actually making both Serana and her minion stronger. Each of their kills not only let them recover the mana they used but also brought in so much more. Serana had to control herself from losing her sanity. As for her minion, she had no sanity or mind, so it did not affect her in the slightest. Well, at least her primal instincts told her to keep eating.


    Within minutes, the last group of forty that were attacking Scorch were dealt with easily. Most were already too weakened by Scorch''s assault to continue fighting, which made everything much easier.


    "Scorch, how are you doing?" Serana said, feeling invigorated after taking care of the last one who tried to attack the injured beast.


    [Need¡­ to recover, I used too much mana¡­] Scorch said while limping, trying to keep itself up and ready to fight if needed.


    "Don''t worry, we have killed all the ones found here. Stay with my minion while she cleans up the place¡­ I will go help the others." Serana patted the large dinosaur, who roared in response as his dim flames began to slowly recover.


    Without wasting any more time, Serana turned back into her bat form and took to the sky. She sent three forms in different directions, each one able to turn into her main form.


    One of her forms noticed an empty town with demons fighting with Noctur, so she decided to act. The large weasel was a sly one that loved to play with his enemies. It used earth magic splendidly, creating traps sinisterly and guiding its prey into them. The thought of being its opponent made Serana shudder.


    She knew the creature would not like her butting into its game of tag, so she took care of those the weasel did not have time to fight with.


    Being in the dark but still, town made things easier as she used the shadows and the quiet streets to find her prey. Demons were busy looking for survivors. Within one of the buildings, Serana heard a battle taking place. It was with soldiers and adventurers trying to save a few who did not have the time to enter the shelter.


    "Don''t run, fight me!" said a burly middle-aged man who tried to keep a demon''s attention on him.


    Around him were various soldiers who were hurt. One of them even died trying to shield the four women behind them.


    The demons did not speak; they were busy casting magic spells that tore through the defensive spells the soldiers tried to maintain. There were three demons in total, all clad in armor, with two horns protruding from their foreheads and an aura of blue radiating from their bodies.


    They were not like those Serana fought before; these seemed much more trained and capable. One of her bats, who was closing in on Silis and Valeria''s fight, saw many of these types of demons who were giving Logan''s monsters a hard fight in this war.


    Serana did not waver, though. She did the same as before and tried stealthily entering the shadow of one of these demons in her garmr form, but as soon as she was about to chomp on its torso, the demon teleported away.


    "Damn it, they are well trained," Serana thought as she now knew why Noctur was taking so long to kill her prey within the walls.


    Those humans who saw her form did not know why, but felt joy seeing help arrive.


    Serana, on the other hand, had to switch to her bat form to avoid two spells that sent both fire and blades of wind in her direction. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She swiftly dodged and leaped into a shadow near her before appearing behind the one she found weakest within the demon group.

 Chapter 129 - 129: Overload of the Night

    Knowing that her Garmr form had a flaw of not having a weapon, she instead used her human form to manifest one of her arms into a dark, hazy, but deadly scythe. She went for the area where defense was not a priority and sliced the demon''s legs off before he could teleport away. It only managed to teleport the top portion of its body before slumping to the ground in another area of the building with a cry.


    "Don''t just stand there! Keep them busy so I can attack!" Serana said to all those who were just spectating. She knew the soldiers had more than defensive spells in their arsenal and needed them to keep the demons distracted so she could enter at the perfect moment.


    "Right, let''s go!" a soldier said as he began casting spikes of ice.


    Now that they were being pushed back, the two remaining demons needed to focus on running. They had both used teleport once, so they needed to wait at least a few seconds to redo a long jump through space.


    This gave Serana the time she needed to keep them on edge. She knew that they needed time to recover their mana and kept attacking. As for the demon who had his legs sliced off, he was being cornered by two experienced adventurers who used melee attacks to keep him busy and close to death''s door.


    Serana finished off one demon, the companion of the leader, with a quick slice and quickly made his blood fly towards her.


    The leader of the demons looked at her in surprise.


    "Vampire wench! Why are you helping the humans?" she heard him say, his first words throughout the fight.


    "What are you saying? You filthy beasts turned me into this! Now I will hunt you all down for creating me!" Serana jumped at him, turning into her Garmr form as large as it could be, sending him flying with a powerful sweep of her hand.


    "What are you saying! We need to work together to go¡­"


    Before he finished speaking, Serana used the blood of the third demon who had been slain and turned it into a spear. She jumped up to catch it and threw it with all her might into the abdomen of the leader.


    Being out of mana, he could only take the attack head-on. He used all he had to create a barrier, but instead of the blood crashing into the defense spell, it absorbed it and went through the demon like butter. The blood then joined the spear, which was manipulated to return to Serana.


    The girl breathed in as the spear disappeared into her shadow-like hand, making her stronger than ever. The demon was on his last straw, but Serana did not want him to go just like that.


    "You¡­ you have a lot to say before you go." Serana had just enough energy to either level up in bulk after Logan cleared his new quest or to create a new minion.


    She liked the sound of the latter, it would provide her with a bit of information at least.


    She placed her hand on the demon''s face and chanted a few words to create a pact. She used most of the blood energy she had accumulated in this fight and sent it back to the demon, who convulsed at the unfamiliar power he was given.


    Those who looked at the horror in front of them screamed. The demon''s blue body was slowly turning red as blood, and his horns and small wings extended. His body became more muscular, his eyes glowed red, and fangs grew from his mouth, extending out like small tusks.


    Serana, on the other hand, began to recount what the demon knew. She saw just small glimpses of what he could remember before his mind was wiped clean.


    "It''s not much¡­ but at least I know there is a demon general who wants to fight us¡­"


    "Zaryx the Unyielding¡­" she murmured while picturing the large demon who would soon invade them with an army larger than what they were fighting now.


    She did not have much time to ponder, though. She needed to go to the next battlefield.


    With a new minion, Serana quickly gave it directions to head to where Logan was fighting. As for her, she needed to help Silis, who was quickly being overrun by the greatest number of demons attacking the town.


    Quickly switching to the body of one of her bats, she appeared above the large snake whose scales were battered and broken. Around her, various dead bodies of demons littered the floor.


    Knowing Scorch would be safe, she called forth her other minion, the young girl, to quickly enter this fight. She would have a feast as the demons here were also pushed enough to start using their berserk form with the mutation crystals. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Serana, on the other hand, took some time to kill those around Silis, who needed to rest.


    On another part of the battlefield, Valeria was busy commanding the soldiers she had gathered, trying to keep most of them alive as Regal and Voltar took on the greatest of the demon force they could muster.


    The pair of insects seemed to have inexhaustible stamina as they took almost half of the kills on this side of the fort.


    Valeria called out to Saber, who was working together with Noire to push back the demons closing in on the mages, and told him to help her set a trap. They only had a few seconds, as Valeria felt a powerful earthquake around them.


    She knew this tremor and who was causing it. All they had to do now was make the demons stand in a certain spot.


    Using bombs and gas to create a diversion, she had the demons right where she needed them as a toothy mouth appeared from below them.


    Terra had joined in the fight. She jumped into the air, making all the ground around her rise as an explosion happened within the ground.


    Bodies flew all around as the large worm returned to gobble more demons while blending them in her deadly maw.


    Valeria was finally given time to breathe as she looked around the destroyed wall they had tried to defend. Only a few managed to enter but at the cost of some lives. As for the demons, they were kept busy, their numbers dwindling with each passing minute. The beasts they brought in the middle of the fight were all dealt with, leaving only the frenzied demons to fight.


    She saw Silis and Serana in a part of the field, along with a shadowy figure that was slowly growing in size with each kill. It devoured bodies around it with tentacles that made even the demons run away in panic.


    Valeria reloaded her ammo and went back into formation. If there was something to protect in this battle, it was the soldiers who lacked experience. They were supposed to be the ones that protected the city, and yet they were the ones being protected.


    Valeria could not say she was faring any better. She looked at each of Logan''s tamed beasts and saw the destructive power each one dealt on the battlefield. She could only imagine what the boy would do when he had thousands of these creatures and smiled; he was slowly becoming something his world was not prepared for.


    "Night, what do you see?" Valeria called out as she saw her crow in the sky making circles.


    She then felt anxious, thinking there were more enemies coming.


    Luckily, that was not the case. What did arrive made her smile, the end of the battle was coming close.

 Chapter 130 - 130: Fading Conflict

    Four large figures appeared, each one in different colors. The first to arrive came in like a comet, flames streaking behind him as he flew in the sky.


    The point of impact was precise, using the flames to alter the direction. The large stone crashed into a section where many demons had gathered before transforming from its circular shape into a large four-meter golem, lava dripping from its body as it absorbed the parts that flew away in its explosive entrance.


    The second one entered like shrapnel that landed from the sky, using wind to help speed up and add rotations into its five parts that flew at supersonic speeds.


    It impaled those that were causing the most damage.


    The third one rolled into the fight using its body in the form of a large cylinder perfectly created with spikes throughout its body. As soon as it stopped, it raised the ground to create a slope and continued its rolling throughout the demon-infested plane.


    The last one stayed far, but sent a volley of ice shards throughout the battlefield.


    Valeria knew who they were, but called out to all the soldiers who remained in the field to retreat.


    The battle had been won as the four golems, enriched with crystals and overflowing with power, entered the fray. Each one, now specialized in a different element, caused the demon''s defeat.


    The soldiers cheered loudly as they saw that their part in this battle had ended.


    As for those inside the shelter, they also cheered as two of the battles concluded. Marie''s magic amplified the image so that everyone present could see the battle, making the townspeople cry out in joy as they saw how the demons were being trampled.


    Rubina was still worried as Logan''s fight was still ongoing. The boy did not look worried, at least¡ªhe even smiled when a new helper came to join him.


    Logan was busy casting Dark Arrow during the fight. The black projectiles worked perfectly in the night and were even deadlier when enhanced with wind magic, which made them so fast that it only took a split second to hit their mark.


    Riptide, on the other hand, was being healed by Kryst, who had reverted back into her slime form. As for Luna, she kept them behind her defensive spell, trying to prevent most of the spells from hitting the large bear who needed to recover.


    It was then that Logan saw a red-skinned demon that jumped from the wall. He did not know how, but he felt a link with the new ally that had come to join them.


    The red demon cast magic strong enough to suck the mana near Logan, making his Dark Arrows disappear, a phenomenon that occurred when magic was used too much within a certain distance.


    The spell the red demon cast was dark-based and created countless spears of dark elemental magic that made Logan want to cry in frustration.


    His own magic paled in comparison to what the demon was using. What was even stranger was that the blood from the kills around them began to cover the dark spears, turning them red and surrounding them with an aura of darkness. Logan quickly walked a few steps away and recast Zephyr''s wind magic to imbue the spears with their speed buff before the red demon launched them.


    Zephyr, who felt the odd combination of magic, quickly took to the sky to avoid being hit and saw how each lance did an arc into the air before dropping with force throughout the battlefield.


    The empowered demons, in their frenzied state, did not respond in time, and over half of them were killed during this volley.


    As for the red demon, it disappeared into the shadows and reappeared next to its old comrades. This time, it used its blood magic to drain the blood from each fallen body as it roared in ecstasy.


    By now, Logan guessed who created the monstrosity before him and let himself fall onto the floor to catch a few minutes of rest.


    His muscles burned, his mana crystal seemed like it was on fire, and his mind buzzed as he felt the adrenaline rush from all the mana being absorbed with each kill made by one of his tamed beings.


    He was slowly going crazy and knew that if he did not give the last of the gems to a light elemental monster so he could finally level up, he would no doubt go mad.


    Within a few seconds, Serana''s powerful minion dealt with all the demons on the battlefield. Most of them were shocked to see one of their own being killed, which made the fight quicker as they did not know whether to kill the demon who was killing them or beg for forgiveness upon seeing his strength.


    "That Serana¡­ what has she created," Logan murmured to himself as he finally had the strength to get up.


    Behind him, Silis and Ferra had come out of a tunnel to help him. He petted both of his creatures and used healing magic to cure their wounds.


    [It''s over, we have won¡­ Thank you everyone¡­] Logan sent out the feeling of gratitude through his mental link and felt the responses from his monsters. The only one capable of talking correctly was Serana, who quickly gave a report.


    [Good thing I arrived on time. I also had the four golems come as soon as they could. We have finished clearing this side as well. As for Scorch, I sent Uriel to help heal him.]


    [Nice job, Serana. You did a great job today. I will owe you a good portion of blood later,] he said while looking at his beat-up body, which needed to recover first.


    [About that¡­ let''s wait for a while¡­ I ate too much today¡­ugh.] Serana''s voice was pained but not from being hurt.


    Logan chuckled to himself as he called Zephyr over. He got on its back to inspect his town from the sky after all that had happened.


    Three of the five walls that surrounded the town were destroyed. As for the buildings, some were burning while others were destroyed as fights settled within them. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Let''s go check on Scorch, bud,] he said as he petted Zephyr, who quickly swooped down to where the large red dinosaur stood, its leg now recovered.

 Chapter 131 - 131: Momentary Peace

    Everything had settled as Logan was finally able to take a long rest. He was only able to sleep after Nocturn had informed him that there was no danger within the town.


    Even the demons who specialized in stealth were found thanks to his ninja ferret who snuffed them out from the shadows. Regal, who was still strong after the battle, also helped¡ªher small minions were spread out to find even a rat within the walls.


    Logan took a long nap within his mansion. The people were being guided by Rubina, who had told him to sleep as she took care of the rest.


    She had brought them back from the dome and had the buildings and homes that were destroyed repaired with the help of Terra.


    The soldiers and builders who specialized in earth magic quickly repaired the streets and cleansed the river, which had lots of debris. The town quickly returned to its previous state.


    Rubina finally finished and returned to the mansion to look for Logan, who would no doubt be up soon.


    As he got up a few hours later, he felt a pulse in his head. He knew what it meant and needed to quickly give the remaining gem to another of his beasts who wielded the power of light.


    Knowing this, he quickly needed to send Zephyr on a long journey as he was the fastest flyer in his team. He had quickly called the girl who had informed him that she had finished exploring the dungeon and now needed to start clearing her quest to be able to level up like all the heroes at level 40.


    [You will have to find Lisa¡­ please give her this gem and tell her to feed it to Orus. I need him as strong as possible to keep her safe. Do you understand, Zephyr?] Logan wrapped a bracelet around Zephyr''s leg, which contained a small ring that served as a storage device holding the gem and all the light elemental crystals he had harvested.


    [No problem! Will try to meet her today!] Zephyr called out with joy, knowing that he was needed.


    [Good, now go. Tell her to feed you after you arrive. I have placed food and wind crystals in the ring.] Logan hugged his large bird before sending him off.


    "Are you sure she will accept? Wouldn''t it be better to have Kryst take the gem?" Rubina asked as she stood next to him on one of the walls being repaired and strengthened.


    "I will never force one of my creatures, Rubina¡­ if Kryst did not want to take the gem, I will not ask her again." Logan kept looking at the sky, seeing Zephyr vanish from sight within seconds.


    "Now let''s get this place fixed. Serana''s bad news worries me. Even more demons will be attacking soon. We need to get this place fixed, have those who want to leave before the attack out of here, and I need to look for more creatures to join my cause. I have to find them before the end of the day.


    "Now then, I also need you to help me with something," Logan said, taking seeds out of a special bracelet around his wrist. He had not known how to use her powers, but seeing how Marie used crystals to show what happened around the towers, Logan got an idea.


    "What are they?" Rubina asked as she was given a bag with hundreds of seeds.


    "I have not given Scarlet the attention she needed, but she would be the one I need to inform me of future problems that occur within my town. Have the seeds planted around the walls. They will create a dome around my city, the perfect added defense which will tell me if someone or something tries to enter my city." Logan patted his bracelet which reacted to his touch by wrapping itself lightly like a live vine.


    "As for Riptide, have him make a moat around the walls along with Luna. We will need the water to infuse with water crystals to strengthen the vines.


    "We have a lot to do then¡­ good thing Ruben and Marie decided to help us. The boy is busy making improved armors for all the soldiers, and the girl is setting up crystals to keep intruders from entering, as well as setting some traps she thinks will help."


    "Perfect¡­ then I will leave, I will take Scorch¡­" Logan said no more as he got on top of Scorch''s back, which was easily accessible from on top of the wall. He only needed to jump and guide his landing with wind magic.


    As for Serana, she was sent with Kryst into the cave. They needed to gather more crystals for the incoming fight as well as close the mountain''s entrance to keep invaders from finding the mana-rich volcano.


    The four golems stayed near the town, using their earth abilities to strengthen the walls along with Silis.


    Terra was expanding and fortifying the underground tunnels to have various exits and entrances for quick retreats, as well as strengthening the ground under the large walls that needed to withstand the ten-meter walls they were constructing.


    Logan and Scorch quickly headed into the forest to find a particular tribe of monsters they needed to recruit. Logan hoped Zephyr would reach Lisa in time so that his level could grow enough to be able to tame more beings.


    His limit was getting close, but he had just enough to tame four new creatures. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan headed south, to a barren wasteland the group had not visited before. Within these lands, there was a particular group Logan needed to meet, one that Zephyr had scouted some time before. Now that time was of the essence, Logan could not delay visiting the monsters who lived here.


    As he got closer to their settlement, he began to see large walls made out of wood and mud¡ªa settlement belonging to a species Logan had faced before near the city capital in the Beastclaw Forest.

 Chapter 132 - 132: Wark Village

    The stench in the plains made Logan want to give up, but he knew that the beasts were going to be necessary for the battle ahead.


    The ones he was looking for were Wargs, a beast that, just like the goblins, created a tribe to be able to live.


    Logan wondered what would happen if he was able to tame their chief and have the tribe join in the war.


    As soon as he got close enough to the wall that was only a meter high, he saw the tent-like housing the Wargs used to live in.


    They were primitive but learned to make housing by copying human settlements.


    Sadly, the two could never live near each other. The Wargs were just too dirty to be near humans, while humans never liked sharing their lands.


    Other than that, it wasn''t unheard of for a human to be eaten by the Wargs, who were carnivores.


    Soon, Logan heard a few squeals from inside the tents as a group of Wargs joined together to defend their home from the large red lizard who roared loudly outside their settlement.


    Logan saw how the Wargs got closer to the wall and tried throwing stones to make them leave.


    Logan jumped off Scorch''s back using a mix of wind and earth magic to make a pillar.


    He then raised his hands up as if giving up, but he did not do so unprotected. He cast Riptide''s Aqua Shield to produce various small orbs around him that protected him from all forms of attack.


    Within the walls of the settlement, a grunt caused all those who were throwing things to stop.


    Logan saw a large Warg who seemed to be the chief walk towards the gates of the walls that protected the settlement, along with four others who seemed to be his guards.


    "Finally, you come out¡­" Logan whispered while smiling at the large bipedal pig-like animal.


    Logan did not move as the group got closer. The pig stopped a few meters from Logan.


    The boy then made his pedestal lower just enough to make a seat.


    To make himself look harmless, Logan sat down and created another pedestal in front of him, gesturing for the Warg leader to sit.


    Scorch did not move during the whole process as Logan had asked him to remain standing, hoping to create enough pressure for the Wargs to accept.


    The large Warg stared at Logan, then at Scorch, before returning his gaze to the boy.


    He then squealed hard enough for everyone to hear before sitting in front of Logan.


    Logan took out an earth elemental crystal from his dimension ring and threw it in front of the Warg chief, who looked at it before having one of his guards pick it up.


    Logan saw how the Warg guard''s hand trembled as it felt the strength of the crystal that would make them stronger before passing it to the Warg chief.


    The Warg chief, on the other hand, looked at the crystal in disdain. He knew what Logan was trying to do by giving him the crystal but did not know why.


    Logan knew the Warg would not understand and took out another crystal to make sure the Warg chief knew he had more.


    He then pointed to Scorch and then to himself.


    Logan made sure to emphasize that there was a link as he pointed to a clearly visible tattoo on his neck.


    Scorch also had the same mark as he turned his face so the Warg chief could see it.


    Logan could see the intelligence in the Warg chief''s eyes as he looked at both marks a few times before doing another squeal.


    The Warg Chief was calling for one of his daughters. A girl was being dragged towards Logan by two of his guards. She cried out a little before being presented to them.


    Logan wondered why his daughter. Did monsters have something about giving away their daughters to him, or did he have a power to call forth this action? S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan sighed as he wanted a strong warrior, not a young girl.


    The Warg chief squealed again. This time, the girl stood still in front of Logan, who felt a little bad about scaring her. He cut his finger with a dagger and placed a drop of blood on the Warg girl''s bare knee, lowering himself to make himself look harmless.


    As soon as the girl was branded, she began to squeal.


    [What happened to my knee? Look at this mark! My beautiful skin!] Logan heard her cry within his mind.


    The Warg guards thought she was attacked and wanted to retaliate, but the Warg chief stopped them as he knew his daughter well.


    [Hey, hey, relax, it''s just a small mark¡­ Here, have this!] Logan, who thought the relationship would turn sour, quickly passed the girl a few earth crystals.


    The Warg chief''s daughter looked at the presented items and knew how valuable they were. She could not stop herself from crushing them in her hands without permission from her father.


    Logan smiled as he passed a few more, knowing that with enough of them she would evolve.


    The girl did as expected and continued to devour each stone greedily.


    [Yum! So much energy! Thank you!] Her inner words sounded like those of a fifteen-year-old girl.


    Soon, Logan heard a few pings indicating the young Warg''s level-up. He needed to have her evolve so that the others could truly appreciate his power.


    As soon as she reached her first limit before evolution, she stopped and dropped all the stones she was given. Her body began to glow as everyone observed, including Logan, who wanted to see what her next stage would be.


    Soon, the amber-colored particles stopped appearing. A girl who previously looked like a bipedal pig now looked more human-like. Still muscular, she still had her pig tail and hooves, but her skin was less hairy and more smooth.


    As for her face, she had a snout and pig ears, but her hair grew long and brown, and her skin was tan.

 Chapter 133 - 133: Hired Allies

    Logan and those around him were stunned at the difference. The Wargs in particular squealed, wanting the girl before them to do the same to indicate she was alright.


    The girl responded with a squeal, but unlike before, it was more human in tone. She even coughed a few times afterward but knew the correct way to make it so that the others understood.


    [So have you calmed down?] Logan asked, trying to gauge the girl''s intelligence.


    [Yes, forgive, I was scared¡­ master,] she responded after looking at her father. Before she turned to Logan, she looked at her hands, then at her body. She was fat before, but now she had thinned out a little to look more like the human before her.


    [Good to see you have adjusted¡­ how about you tell your father if he also wants to turn into what you are¡­ I really need his help,] Logan asked the girl who now stared at him in awe.


    [That¡­ you have changed me, I feel better¡­ I will tell my father!] The girl suddenly turned around and ran to her father, shaking him by the shoulders before giving him a hug.


    Logan looked at the scene, feeling warmed. Even if they were not human, they still loved and respected each other. This gave him hope that they could become one of his strongest forces.


    [Yes, he said yes!] The girl rushed towards him and placed her hands on Logan''s knees, looking at his face from up close with a determined expression.


    [Alright¡­ well let''s start. I need to speak before going back to my settlement.] Logan got up this time to go near the chief, who looked at him anxiously.


    Logan thought about where he would leave the mark this time and chose the Warg''s left shoulder, making sure it was in a good spot.


    As before, he began handing him crystals to speed his growth.


    The Warg chief did not waste time and began using the crystals before getting up to evolve like his daughter.


    The bipedal pig, who stood at almost two meters, began to squeal loudly, causing all those in the village to stir. This time, his guards did not try to attack Logan as they were busy looking at the changes the Warg chief was experiencing.


    Soon enough, the large Warg turned like his daughter, more human-like. He grew just a little but also gained much more muscle.


    [Feel powerful, feel strong, more wise¡­ Master¡­ thank you!] The Warg Chief showed he was grateful for the change that made him better.


    Logan, happy with the change, sat back down and began trying to think of a simple way to tell the Warg his problem.


    [First off.. what are both of your names¡­] Logan asked, knowing that unlike his previous beasts, these human-like creatures could have their own names.


    [I am¡­ Wohan,] the large Warg responded to Logan''s inquiry.


    [I am, Wayana,] Logan heard the girl answer, her voice sounding oddly similar to her father''s.


    [Well then, Wohan, I have a huge problem that might affect your tribe. Demons have attacked my town and want to destroy my territory. Soon these demons will come to destroy your village and force you to be their soldiers.]


    [We need to fight together to kill the demons. I need your power. I hope to also make your village stronger, and if you want, you can all come with me. I will make you houses and a better place to live. We will work together, and I will help your village thrive,] Logan began to tell the Warg his idea.


    While he did not think much of the others in the village, he knew that with the Warg chief and his daughters'' help, they could at least face the incoming invasion.


    [We will help¡­ I will get stronger?] he asked Logan, who nodded in response.


    [Yes, my power lets you become stronger. You will be like him,] Logan said, pointing to Scorch, who made a large stream of fire above them to show his might.


    [Understood. I want more power,] the Warg chief nodded before squealing hard enough for all those behind him to hear.


    [We will follow, but first, I will hold a meeting,] the Warg chief said.


    Logan sighed but nodded in approval.


    The boy wanted to leave but knew that he had to give the chief enough time to go back and convince his people.


    On the other hand, his daughter stood beside Logan with interest showing in her eyes.


    Logan wanted to at least make a good impression on his new companion and made a pedestal for her to sit on before taking out a few skewers he had stashed for these situations.


    [Here, have some,] Logan communicated before beginning to show her how she should eat to avoid the thin wooden pike holding the meat and vegetables together.


    [Yumm!] The girl squealed in pleasure as she finished and asked for another.


    [Oh, so you like it! Good to know that at least you''re not like Serana,] Logan said, passing a few more skewers as well as more mana crystals he still had to see if she would hit another evolutionary limit.


    It was about twenty minutes before the Warg chief returned with his guardians, this time wanting Logan to change them.


    [I am sorry, but I can''t do it right now. I need to get stronger to change more of you all, but soon I hope I will be able to!] Logan said.


    The chief nodded and told him that they accepted the deal.


    Before they left, Logan had given the Warg chief and his daughter a few dimensional bags that would help speed up the moving process. In no time, the village was packed, and those living in it were ready to move. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan got on top of Scorch and began guiding his new people near his town. He would not have them live in the town but in an area around it, where they would make a separate wall structure where the Wargs could live nearby.

 Chapter 134 - 134: Splintered Radiance

    It only took a few hours of flying for Zephyr to reach the labyrinth city. The city was so large, but the labyrinth was not hard to find within the center where a tall structure stood.


    Zephyr was seen as a dangerous creature at first, but Logan made sure to place a flag on one of his feet so that others could tell he was a tamed beast.


    No one dared attack him after seeing the flag and even signaled for Zephyr to stop near a certain structure meant for flying mounts.


    Zephyr mentally called out to Lisa, who should be the one to receive him, and within minutes he saw the girl run towards him and give him a hug. Her own pet, Orus, was behind her and stared at Zephyr with envy as the griffin felt the power the large bird radiated.


    [Now, now, let''s all be friends here. Zephyr, how about you give me the item Logan wanted me to have,] Lisa called out to the bird, who lifted one of its large feet to show a small ring that was held by a thin string.


    [Thanks, Zephyr,] Lisa said as she put on the ring to activate the storage function.


    Within it, a note asked her to feed and give Zephyr wind stones so he could recover.


    "Alright Zephyr, here, enjoy." She passed a large corpse of a beast, some crystals, and water towards the large predatory bird. She felt a little disgusted at the corpse but was not too bothered as she had to feed her own Orus, who stared at the eagle with even more envy.


    "Here, Logan did not forget one for you either. Take some of these stones also." Lisa smiled, feeling happy that Logan did not forget his other creatures. She knew the kindness the boy held for his own.


    [Now then¡­ what is this all about a light gem¡­] Lisa began to think about what to do with the gem before she would offer it to Orus. He would no doubt benefit greatly and possibly become as strong as Zephyr, as Orus was already at level 40 like herself.


    [Mission: Empower the Light Primordial Crystal with light energy while praying.


    Reward: Instant overwrite of the previous Class Change Quest.]


    Lisa, who was used to the screen appearing out of nowhere, gave it some thought and wondered why it would suggest empowering the strange gem.


    She then guided both of the beasts, who had finished eating, to a barn that was meant for Orus and began thinking about the mission she was given.


    "Well, I guess I can only do what it tells me¡­" Lisa muttered to herself while kneeling and clasping onto the jewel.


    Suddenly, the clear crystal that radiated a bright white light in its center began to glow. Lisa did not stop channeling more energy as she felt the crystal keep sucking in her mana.


    Within a minute of doing this, she felt the crystal crack in two.


    Lisa looked at her hands in surprise, hoping she did not make the mistake of injecting too much mana and causing the stone irreparable damage but soon a message appeared that alleviated her worry.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Quest: Seraphic Healer


    Unlocks


    Given a portion of a celestial power, you will be able to heal even the most grievous wounds, dispel magic, and give various buffs and shields to those you bless, you will also be given radiant magic which burns all those who oppose you with celestial energy. Capability to surpass Level 40. Obtain skill, Celestial Wings.


    Mission: Ingest a portion of the Primordial Light Gem.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Lisa stared at the screen before her, happy that the previous quest was overwritten. She didn''t want to look for the various items needed to make the altar it asked for, nor did she want to do the numerous things required for the ritual, one of them even required a life sacrifice of a certain creature.


    This was cut down, and all she had to do was swallow the gem. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It did not quite feel safe, so she thought about it. If Zephyr was fine, then she should be alright as well.


    Good thing Orus would also be able to take the gem, so she quickly placed the shining object in front of her beast, who looked at it with curiosity.


    It looked at Zephyr one more time before deciding to pick up the stone and swallow it.


    Within a few seconds, Lisa noticed that the bird was shining with radiant, powerful light elemental energy, and its form began to change.


    Orus''s form went from looking like a gentle beast to one of great power. His four limbs were now more muscular and broad, he now stood at two meters, and his wings rivaled Zephyr''s, who was huge for an eagle. He had grown almost twice in size and was large enough for Lisa to ride him comfortably.


    Orus let out a powerful hoot that was louder than anything he had ever produced before.


    Lisa liked the new look of her tamed beast. It now had the power she wanted from him to help in the coming battles.


    She looked at the other half of the gem that shone just as brightly as the one Orus took, but still felt doubts.


    Lisa did not want to change forms like Orus or Zephyr, as she did not know what she would turn into¡­ She stared at it a few more times, knowing this was the only way she would be able to level up after 40.


    "I doubt I will grow any larger or something, right¡­?" she asked the two beasts that were before her.


    Both birds screeched at her question, as if not knowing what to say.


    "Don''t know either, huh¡­" Lisa sighed as she hoped for a clear answer from the two who had already gone through the process.


    "Well then, there is no better time than now¡­ let''s see what this will do to me," Lisa said as she breathed in a bit more before placing the gem in her mouth.

 Chapter 135 - 135: Seraphic Healer

    As soon as the gem entered her mouth, she began to feel its power course through her body. Lisa did not know what to do as her body began to ache from the overwhelming amount of power that entered it. Her bones creaked, her muscles broke apart, and her mind was just short of exploding¡ªor at least it felt like it was about to.


    "Uuhhaaa!" she screamed out, falling to her knees and trying to hold on to something.


    The intense pain came in waves as it pulsed throughout her body, making her shudder with each one. The particles of light surrounded her and at times alleviated the pain.


    It wasn''t long before she began to feel the change in her body. She was stronger, faster, and harder to damage.


    She only grew a few centimeters, to her joy, she was still shorter than Logan.


    The girl''s clothes had ripped in some parts due to the process, especially her bosom, which had grown decently, at least a size or two. She did not have time to check as she quickly placed one of her cloaks over herself in case someone rushed in to check up on her.


    Her shoes were at least auto-adjusting, so they grew a little to accommodate her new size.


    Lisa''s hair, which was a little longer and reached a bit under her shoulder, now reached her thighs. It was a blond almost platinum, and her skin had become a lighter tone.


    Her nails grew a few millimeters, and some of the marks Lisa remembered having on her arms disappeared as if she were reborn.


    What changed the most was the amount of mana she could use, which was now twice as much as before.


    [Congratulations! You are the first hero to pass the Class Change Quest! As a reward for your incredible effort, you have been gifted 4 Liquid Light Elixirs...]


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Lisa Stella


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Class: Seraphic Healer (Blessing: Light) (Soul-Tamed Status: Link Logan Aiden)


    Level: 41 / Health: 682 / Mana: 846


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Attributes:


    Strength: 38 Agility: 42 Dexterity: 43 Constitution: 64 Intelligence: 82 Charisma: 77


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Skills:]


    Healing Light: Channels divine energy to heal allies'' wounds and ailments. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Barrier of Light: Creates a protective barrier that shields allies from physical and magical attacks.


    Divine Purification: Cleanses negative status effects and curses from allies.


    Sacred Sanctuary: Creates a safe zone where allies receive enhanced healing and protection.


    New* Celestial Blessing: Temporarily enhances allies'' attributes such as strength, intelligence, and constitution.


    New* Seraphic Resurrection: Revives fallen ally with a portion of their health restored, must be done within seconds of death. (Limit 0/1)


    New* Radiant Aura: Emits a soothing aura that gradually heals allies over time.


    New* Holy Nova: Releases a burst of holy energy that damages enemies and heals allies within its radius.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Abilities:]


    Divine Presence: Lisa''s mere presence passively radiates a holy energy that gradually heals her allies over time and reduces the effectiveness of dark magic within a certain radius.


    New* Angelic Wings: Lisa has the passive ability to manifest ethereal wings that grant her the power of flight and enhanced agility at the cost of mana. These wings also emit a calming aura, soothing nearby allies and boosting their morale.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Experience Points (XP): 8453/10000]


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Lisa looked at the stats she now had and noticed they were strong enough to surpass most of the heroes in the class, especially her intelligence state that was so high up it left even Silvia who specialized in magic behind.


    She also noticed the new ability she now had: her angelic wings would let her fly in the sky like her bird. However, unlike the two creatures in front of her, the wings would not be able to be used for long periods of time, as they would cost her mana to use.


    "Well then¡­ I will have to get used to flying, won''t I?" Lisa said before thinking about a concern she had.


    [Zephyr¡­ how is Logan doing? Is he doing well in his new town?] Lisa asked, wondering how her friend was doing as he did not speak much to her these days. She did not ask why though; she just knew he was busy.


    [Fighting demons. They attacked home, more are coming. Logan wants to be stronger,] Zephyr replied.


    "Wait, what! Demons attacked his town? How many, Zephyr? Did anyone die?" Lisa was caught off guard, hoping for good news but not expecting the large eagle''s response.


    [Many¡­ like ants, they attacked. They were defeated¡­ but more coming next time.] She heard Zephyr''s reply and also knew the bird did not know how to count, something she expected. But if they were attacking like ants, that meant there were many, and if so, when they attacked again, there would be even more.


    Lisa''s heart thumped at the news. She was really not needed here, right?


    She paced back and forth a few times.


    The news had gotten her even more worried.


    "What if he faces thousands¡­ even the few that attacked us before were enough to cause us problems¡­ but thousands¡­" Lisa muttered.


    "I need to go¡­ I need to help Logan, I have a way to do so¡­" she finally said out loud. Both creatures in front of her nodded at her answer and called out as if cheering.


    [Will help master, he is worried about next battle,] Zephyr said.


    [I will help also. Master will need my help, I am powerful now!] Orus said with excitement about meeting Logan once again.


    "Alright, I will be back soon. Let me tell the others¡­" Lisa said as she headed back to the inn where most of the class was.


    She went to Ms. Claire, who was still shocked at finding that someone within the class had completed the quest.


    "Hey Lisa, did you hear the news? Someone finished the class change quest," Ms. Claire said, smiling while wondering who it was.


    "Yes¡­ well that was me, I had it easy," Lisa said while trying to think of how she was going to explain the next part to their ever-worrying teacher.

 Chapter 136 - 136: Turning Point

    "What good news! How does it feel to be over the limit?" Ms. Claire said, showing joy on her face, but that quickly changed as she saw Lisa''s demeanor.


    "It''s good¡­ I really do feel the difference¡­ but enough about that, Ms. Claire. I need to go help Logan. I came to tell you I will be leaving for a while."


    Ms. Claire instantly changed from smiles to worry. Lisa felt bad for doing that when she only wished her happiness for her quest completion, but she had to change the subject and go help Logan as soon as possible.


    "I can only tell you that demons will be attacking Logan''s town and he needs help. With my beast Orus, I hope to arrive on time to help him¡­" Lisa explained, trying to keep it as short as possible.


    "Okay¡­ go. I will try to gather a group who can help¡­ But I doubt we will make it on time. Many in the class have already left to find what they need for their own quests. Please just tell me if something happens, I will try to see what I can do." Ms. Claire began racking her brains, trying to think of various plans or ways she could help.


    Her own beast could run fast but could not fly; it would take far too long to reach Logan''s town.


    "Lisa¡­ Go. This isn''t something I will stop you from. Go help Logan. I will try doing my own part and get those from the kingdom to help¡­ I just hope it won''t be too late."


    With Ms. Claire''s approval, Lisa went to the next person she needed to speak to: Alma, her best friend. She had finished her own group''s dungeon run yesterday and was currently having her much-needed rest.


    Lisa''s own group finished half a week ago and was already up and running through town enjoying life under the sun, which was probably what everyone who entered the labyrinth missed the most, that and fresh air.


    Alma''s room was next to her own, so she knocked once before entering.


    "Hey Alma?" Lisa called out, hearing the girl snoring¡ªsomething she usually never heard from her.


    "Alma¡­!" Lisa shook her slightly, trying to get her up.


    Alma woke up groggily, but as soon as she saw Lisa, she rubbed her eyes a few times to try getting up.


    "What is it, Liz¡­" Alma said while yawning.


    "Sorry, but I need to tell you something¡­" Lisa began to say.


    "What, what happened to you? You look so different, girl¡­ Look at your pretty hair, it changed color, and your skin, it''s so¡­ so new and¡­ and you''re taller now?" Alma opened her eyes wide, wondering if she was still asleep.


    "Yes, I evolved somehow. It happened after I finished my quest, but that isn''t important. I need to go with Logan, his town is in trouble!" Lisa tried to change the subject back to the important news she had to tell her best friend.


    "Logan? What happened to him?" Alma said while fixing herself to listen to her friend.


    Lisa went over the most important parts of the news before telling Alma about her way to head there.


    "So, your large four-legged bird also evolved? And you''re telling me that you will be going with it¡­ Liz, you know I need to go too, right? I can''t let you go alone!" Alma said with a worried tone. She missed the attack that almost killed Lisa''s group in the labyrinth, and this time, she did not want to leave her friend alone.


    "It will be hard enough with me alone. Do you really think you will be able to come?" Lisa tried to convince her but knew that once Alma put her mind into something, she would do it no matter what.


    "It''s fine, Lisa. You and I have powers now. I have a special buff that will help our speed and give the bird strength while you can heal and recover its stamina. What is there to fear when we both work together? We might even arrive faster. You should know there is no better person with team buffs than me, right? I might even help with Logan''s problem. He has many beasts, right? I am sure I can also influence them as well as the demons with my songs¡­" Alma kept trying to convince her friend to let her join.


    She also had other plans to help Lisa. She knew the girl loved Logan and was tired of their snail-paced relationship. She knew Lisa also worried about Logan being with so many other girls in this world, something she mentioned a few times during their stay here in the labyrinth city.


    "Fine, maybe what you are saying will work¡­ I did even get wings¡­ I have yet to test them though¡­" Lisa added while trying to manifest her wings.


    "You got what! Just what does that quest do to us?" Alma exclaimed as she saw Lisa manifest golden wings behind her back that radiated a light like that of the sun. It made her feelings change from nervous to being at peace, as if the problems of the present did not matter much.


    "Okay, okay, put them away. They are making me feel weird, and it''s not time to find peace yet." Alma said, trying to get her mind back on track. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "So, we need to pack, and make it fast. Go back to your room and hurry, and tell no one! I don''t want Brian making a fuss about you leaving and all that." Alma yelled towards Lisa, who at times was a bit of an airhead.


    As soon as the girl went back to her room, Alma began taking out certain risky clothes she had bought for a good occasion.


    She had also bought some for Lisa. Good thing they were self-adjusting, so even if she grew a little, they would fit the shy girl.


    "You will have to learn the hard way, Lisa¡­"

 Chapter 137 - 137: Welcome to Highcrest

    Lisa and Alma were soon nearing Logan''s town. Lisa was on Zephyr''s back while Alma had ridden on Orus.


    They had taken turns and used various buffs to keep the two birds in the air and make them have inexhaustible energy throughout the flight.


    As they inspected the town from the air, they noticed the place was impressive by this world''s standards, with walls ten meters high and thick, large columns, and well-placed vantage points for attacking from inside the walls.


    Surrounding the walls were green vines with red flowers, a strange sight but they covered most of the walls.


    Seven towers stood imposingly around the walls. Two of these smaller towers were placed next to the large wooden gates, which were used as a bridge over a moat that seemed like a lake.


    Both girls were impressed with the town within the walls. It was lively and full of hope in a town that was said to be soon attacked by demons.


    Carriages were coming and going through the gates. A large market spanned the length of the main street that crossed the center of the town, with many people buying and selling.


    As they descended, they saw how the houses looked like exact replicas of each other, making the streets look orderly but a little monotonous.


    Each was made with a mix of earth and wood, with each roof a different color to add flavor to the town. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In the distance, they spotted large buildings that would no doubt be governmental or guild structures, and a large clock that was the centerpiece of the town.


    It wasn''t long before Zephyr and Orus landed near a large mansion, the biggest house in the town.


    Standing outside, Alma saw Logan, a large red dinosaur, a large snake, and many other creatures around.


    "Welcome¡­ welcome to Highcrest," she heard Logan say, while looking at them as they tried to slowly adjust back to standing on solid ground.


    Lisa quickly cast a spell that cured Alma''s dizziness and let her return to her normal state. She could now look around with even greater detail.


    What she concentrated on first was Logan, the boy who had changed so drastically.


    His long hair no longer covered his face. It was to the side but most of it was placed back. It was now black with white tips, and it seemed to radiate like Lisa''s platinum hair.


    The boy looked more robust, strong but still thin, and tall as always.


    His expression, unlike before, showed more confidence, as if he had led countless troops to battle.


    It was a look Alma knew well, only that it belonged to Logan of the past.


    Alma then looked towards Lisa, who would no doubt want to talk to the boy, but noticed that they just stared at each other.


    She had her suspicion, but did not act on it. Alma did not want to interrupt the couple''s interaction and looked at them with a warm smile.


    The girl knew her best friend''s feelings for the boy. It was obvious and mutual from both sides. She then looked around the mansion and those who came with the boy.


    She noticed another in the group she knew. Marie looked at Lisa with a little bit of hostility, a look shared by a few more, including a red-haired girl, a maid, and a beautiful dark-haired girl with small fangs.


    "Damn, just how many girls did you trick into liking you, Logan?"


    Lisa, on the other hand, did not have time to look at the rest of Logan''s companions. As soon as he introduced his town, Lisa heard a voice within her mind.


    "Hey there, Lisa. I hope you''re doing well. You look stunning¡­ You must have been the first one to finish their quest. I wonder how it was faster than me?"


    Lisa felt her heart flutter now that she was near the boy again. This time was even worse since he had changed so much that she felt it wasn''t just his doing.


    "Yes¡­ well, I had a certain event that helped me skip my quest. As for the change in my appearance, it was unexpected. But now, looking at you, I think it will happen to all those who change class and get their next boost of power."


    Lisa said as she also tried to see who was responsible for Logan''s great change. She looked towards a particular girl who she knew had interacted with Logan from the start of their stay in this world¡ªthe red-haired girl, Rubina, daughter of Earl Rosengard.


    Rubina looked away as soon as Lisa turned to her, meaning that nothing serious had happened between the two, which made Lisa feel better and calm.


    "It''s a beautiful town, Logan. What I like best are the weird vines with flowers growing outside the wall. It makes me wonder when it will stop growing," Lisa commented on a strange thing that she had noticed as they passed through the stone structures.


    "Oh, if it''s about that, it''s one of my beasts doing it. She will soon make a dome over the walls and keep us safe from aerial attacks," Logan began telling them about his various beasts.


    He introduced both newcomers to all of them, including Serana, who did not like being around Lisa and the light elemental aura that radiated powerfully around her.


    "Well then¡­ let''s enter. I hope you both are hungry; we were just about to have lunch."


    "Sure, it was a long trip here, you know¡­ a full night, so I might have to take a nap after eating," Lisa said, while covering her mouth to yawn.


    Logan chuckled and nodded, feeling grateful that Lisa would do so much for him in his time of need.


    "No problem. We have more than enough rooms for you two. Take your pick after lunch. I will make sure the food is something light so you can sleep easily."


    As soon as the group got near the tables, they were joined by another hero, Ruben, who was already seated with his girlfriend, and Wayana, who he had strangely gotten close to.


    "A Wark...?"


    Logan heard Lisa ask.


    "An evolved Wark..."


    He answered while food was being brought in so they could eat.

 Chapter 138 - 138: Primordial Soul Bound Tamer

    After dinner, Lisa and Alma had gone to sleep. Ruri had shown both girls to their respective rooms within the large mansion.


    Logan, on the other hand, wanted to take a nice long hot shower. He had spent most of the morning working on the Wark''s town with Silis, Digger, and Terra, who had perfected their building skills and even had the luxury to improve the buildings to look like a modern earth home.


    He entered the luxurious bath that was made specially for him. Although he did not know why it was so large, he did remember how the workers who made it kept blinking at him for some reason.


    Logan took off his clothes and placed them on a rack before dipping his toes in the mana-filled water¡ªa luxury only he probably had the privilege of enjoying.


    The bath had two stones that Kryst had nurtured. It was one of her skills she had gained after consuming so many crystals that her body could now produce seeds of them.


    Like seeds from plants, she had planted them in strategic positions within the city so they could grow with all the mana Logan''s monsters attracted into the town.


    Logan soon entered the bath alone.


    All his creatures and servants were working hard with various tasks giving him time to think.


    He settled himself before letting his mind wander. He thought back to the warks and how they had made their home near his town and found a nice place to live.


    Logan remembered one particular part of his trip and how the pig-like creatures had strangely all evolved, just as they were about to leave the Wark settlement after the long talk with the Wark chief.


    Before that event happened, Logan began to feel the mana he had accumulated during the battles before explode in his chest. It was probably when Lisa gave Orus the light gem, letting Logan finish the class change quest.


    He yelled out to the sky as he felt an intense pain. His body was reforming at a fast pace, making him almost faint, but he held on.


    Soon enough, he felt his body reforged, tempered, and strengthened to another degree. He was taller, more muscular, and felt like he had been reborn.


    His skin was flawless, and his hair had turned black, with tips that were white, as if it was struggling between the two elements he was blessed with.


    As soon as he got up, he noticed it was to his waist, meaning it would have to be trimmed later.


    His shirt had also ripped with the growth of his body, making it useless. He had to get another one to change into as all the Warks looked at his strange evolution before some began to convulse. They, like the chief and his daughter, began to also evolve.


    Logan did not know why until he checked his own stats.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Logan Aiden


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Class: New* Primordial Soul Bound Tamer


    Level: 52 / Health: 641 / Mana: 621


    Strength:49 Agility: 47 Dexterity: 51 Constitution: 62 Intelligence: 59 Charisma: 56


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Skills:]


    Taming (Rank: Advanced): Forms a permanent bond with a marked beast or being using the masters blood; the being must be willing to form a pact and can now be of higher rank or level than the master. (Max Beings: 39/76 / +3 Per Level) Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Empathic Link (Rank: Advanced): Establishes a mental connection with a tamed creature, allowing for silent communication and understanding of their emotions and thoughts within a certain distance. (Max distance: 200 meters / +10 per Level)


    Beast Synergy: Logan achieves a synergy based on the loyalty of his tamed creatures, allowing him to harness their abilities as extensions of his own power. (Max abilities: 26 / 1 Per every 2 Level)


    Primordial Command (Rank: Advanced): Grants the hero the ability to issue commands infused with power to his tamed creatures, enhancing their strength and coordination while following the command.


    Primordial Aura (Rank: Advanced): Surrounds the hero and tamed creatures with an aura that boosts their defense and resistance to elemental damage. This aura also grants minor healing over time.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Abilities:]


    Tamer''s Bond (Rank: Advanced): Allows the hero to form a soul bond with creatures, making them permanent allies.


    New* Beast Monarch (Rank: Legendary): Grants Logan the power to designate one of his tamed creatures as the King of its kind. The chosen creature, now a monarch, can create and command minions under its authority. These minions will follow the monarch''s commands and be able to gain some of the tamer''s blessings, including evolutions.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Experience Points (XP): 12942/18539]


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Logan read the second ability he had gained and attributed the change to this. He smiled while trying to keep himself from laughing hard out loud, seeing how this world kept giving him what he needed.


    As soon as he returned his attention to the Warks, they were no longer bipedal pigs, but more like a cross between a human and a pig. They had hands but also hooves, snouts but mostly human features on their faces, pig ears but no human ears.


    They were strange creatures, but he also felt the power they now had. Particles of mana of different elements radiated through most of them, meaning that they had also been blessed by the spirits.


    Logan returned his mind back to the present, in the bath, soaking his long hair in the mana-filled water while breathing in and out slowly to enjoy the herbs that were mixed in the water.


    He closed his eyes to enjoy the small break he needed before having to go out to check on his monsters. He would have to visit the merchants'' guild and have them bring in various creatures so that his monsters could have minions.


    He had already sent a letter to Rosengard about their situation and the need to get more beasts. He just hoped they would arrive on time.


    But for now, he just needed to rest. He had been so busy these past few days.


    Suddenly, he felt someone enter the bath. He quickly stood up to check on who it was.


    "Alma?"

 Chapter 139 - 139: Love Guidance

    "Alma?" Logan hurried to cover his important parts upon seeing the girl in front of him. Luckily, she wore a swimsuit.


    And yet, it was not covering much, leaving Logan with a vivid young man''s imagination to run wild.


    "Oh? What is this innocent reaction? I thought that by having such a large bath, you would have some experience already?"


    Alma smiled deviously while trying to keep her eyes on Logan''s face.


    "I never had time! Now tell me, what are you doing here?" Logan tried to keep his voice down but it was still loud.


    "Calm down, Logan. Let''s talk¡­" Alma settled herself in a corner, cleaning her skin with the mana filled herbal water.


    "Are you used to this?" Logan tried to calm himself as his eyes kept sliding towards the girl''s direction.


    "Oh, are you interested? And stop staring so much¡­ As for your question, no, I have never done or planned to do this. I had to, though. You and Lisa are going way too slow, you know?" Alma took a glance at the boy, who looked confused.


    "Slow? What do you mean?" Logan questioned.


    "Logan, do you know you have at least five girls who like you? ''Like'' might even be a weak word¡ªmore like love or are obsessed with you. Now tell me, what have you done for them?" Alma said, her voice soft and lovely but filled with anger to get her point across.


    "Five girls?" Logan asked in surprise.


    "Only those I saw with my eyes. I don''t know if there are more throughout your new town¡­ Don''t tell me you haven''t seen how Lisa, that redhead Rubina, your maid, the black-haired vampire chick, and poor Marie¡ªwho I don''t even know how she got here, she was supposed to be with our team in the labyrinth¡­"


    Alma did not play around with her words. She needed to set Logan straight before Lisa would be forced into Brian by peer pressure or even worse, through politics.


    She hated that boy. She dated Brian during her first year of high school, and it was the worst. She was just a trophy for him.


    She felt used after that. Luckily, they didn''t even kiss as he got too crazy on their first date while inside a theater and started touching her, earning a good slap in the process.


    "They like me?" Alma heard the boy mumble as she took another glance to see his face in disbelief.


    Alma sighed, knowing the boy was too pure for this world.


    "Yes, Logan, they like you¡­ I want to know if you have chosen already. I know it will be hard with so many beautiful girls, but you need to think about what you''re going to do with so many girls around you. Will you pick one, or did you have plans for an otherworld harem?" Alma snickered while saying the last part of her sentence.


    "Otherworldly what?" Logan kept repeating her words, not knowing what to say.


    "Oh, please, don''t tell me you haven''t read a webnovel or watched some anime before. I only know because Lisa enjoys that stuff," Alma explained.


    "Well, yeah, I know that much, but why would you mention it?"


    "Because you need to get your future plans in check before you hurt someone, you need to choose, Logan. I know for a fact there is something more with Lisa than meets the eye¡­ Let me say something¡ªI won''t judge you¡ªbut I have seen a weird ring mark she keeps hidden. Seeing your naked body now, I know what it is¡­ So now I know for a fact that Lisa can''t just go back to Earth without you or that she will even be able to marry or get close to another if it''s not you," Alma began to say.


    "That vampire chick is probably the same with her. I don''t know about Marie or Rubina, but I have no doubt they will ask for the same sooner or later. So Logan, as I see it, it will probably have to be the harem route. Mr. Soul Tamer¡­ Sorry, but Lisa has the power to see everyone''s class and stats, and I, of course, asked her about you until she spilled the beans, hehe."


    Logan thought about everything he was told. He sort of had the idea of all this but kept it deep within him. Why would he act if he could have made a mistake in his own judgment, especially when he was previously just a loner with no human relationships in the past.


    Alma knew the boy was struggling and, of course, also knew Logan in the past.


    "Say¡­ Logan¡­ do you happen to remember a fat girl called Pamela in elementary school?" Alma asked while sitting up, covering her torso with her legs as she hugged her knees and placed her chin over them.


    "Pa¡­mela, third grade?"


    Alma smiled, happy to know he remembered while recalling a past she tried to forget.


    One where she was constantly made fun of for being overweight and ugly. She only remembered two people who helped her during those tough times¡ªLisa and Logan, who she thought had forgotten her.


    Alma''s true name was indeed Pamela, but she had her middle and first names switched so she could continue in school after a great change.


    Her mother was a professional stylist who had always worked with artists. One of these artists was her father, who was just a one-night stand for her mother. The accident led to Alma''s birth and the problems for her single mother.


    As she grew older, her weight, which was constantly a problem, was resolved by one of her mother''s friends, who had her train in her gym¡ªa gym that many artists used to train before a show or movie.


    The only thing she needed after that to enter middle school as a new person was to have her teeth fixed, something that she underwent during the summer before entering middle school.


    Sadly, Logan, who had always been with Lisa, was no longer with her. In his place, Alma stuck close to the girl who kept getting more beautiful as she grew.


    Alma wanted to keep up with her, so she tried hard to keep improving her looks.


    After entering middle school, she was no longer who she was in elementary school. She still needed to fix more of herself, but with time, her mother taught her about makeup, hairstyles, and colors that would help her. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Before high school, she begged her mom to fix her nose, which her mom also hated, and thankfully, her mom consented.


    After that, she felt good enough to stand next to Lisa without worrying about people comparing the two. She even had her name changed so those who knew her before would forget who she was.

 Chapter 140 - 140: Unexpected Tames

    After entering high school, she finally saw the boy who was Lisa''s crush. In a way, the boy was also her own childhood crush as well. It was just hard to fight her friend for such a petty reason, so now she just wanted to help Lisa finally get with Logan.


    "So, have you made up your mind, Logan? I really need you to decide. You know Lisa is crazy about you¡­" Alma asked while looking at Logan, who had an expression as if he was thinking hard.


    "Fine¡­ fine, I will say this, I have always liked Lisa¡­" Logan finally admitted. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "But¡­ coming here, I did get to know quite a few people¡­ I might have feelings for Rubina¡­ as for the rest¡­ I don''t know yet, I just don''t know."


    "Well, it''s simple then. We need to have Lisa accept your harem. It will be hard, and we will need to work hard on it¡­ It might take months, years, but maybe by the end of our journey here, she might come to accept it. Although we also have to think that we are constantly in danger, Logan. You might lose one of the girls in the process, so take care of them, show them your appreciation, and love them..." Alma let a few seconds pass so Logan could take in her words.


    "You only survived because the demons weren''t serious for some reason. If they had the numbers that are coming with them, that means they would have killed you already if they were serious. Luckily, they gave you time to gain levels and power," Alma added before sighing from all the serious talk.


    "There is one favor I want to ask you, Logan¡­ I saw how powerful Lisa got¡­ I really want to help you and understand both of your relationships¡­ So tame me!" Alma said as she got up and close to the boy.


    "Oh, come on, Logan, focus. It''s not like I haven''t seen one before¡­ even if it was on TV once¡­ If you can''t get close to me, then how do you expect to get close to Lisa? Now tame me, do whatever it is you do." Alma sat next to him while trying to focus on his face.


    "You are crazy, you know¡­ Whatever, here." Logan stopped trying to cover himself and cut his finger. He then thought a little before placing it near Alma''s shoulder blade.


    "Look on my back, your mark will be in the same place." Logan showed her his shoulder.


    Alma only quickly glanced down for a second before nodding, feeling a strange power enter her body.


    A link of some sort before being surprised by Logan speaking to her through the link.


    "Now¡­ I hope you can go back to your corner, it''s kind of hard keeping myself under control here!" Logan said while shooing her away.


    Oops! Alma rushed back, accidentally sending her words through their link.


    "Say¡­ try to keep the mental link between us. If you don''t control who you''re talking to, you might send it out to all my beasts as well as Lisa¡­ I don''t think the plan includes having her know yet, right?" Logan reminded the girl.


    "Yes, it will be a problem if she knows before we talk about it. I don''t plan to say something until I come up with a good plan though, so don''t say anything either," Alma reminded the boy.


    "Well then¡­ how about I leave for today¡­ try not to think too much about my body," Alma smirked as she tried getting up.


    "Master Logan, are you there? Is everything alright?"


    Both youths in the bath heard Ruri, who was outside waiting for him to get out so she could give him his new clothing for the day.


    "Everything is fine, Ruri. I will be out in a little while. Leave the clothes near the door!"


    Logan said as he heard the girl do as told and leave.


    Damn it¡­ do you think she heard us? Logan asked nervously.


    I doubt it, we weren''t too loud¡­ does she have any powers? Alma questioned.


    No, I don''t think she does¡­ Logan answered while looking at the door, which remained shut.


    "I think that is our cue to get out of here then¡­ also, Logan¡­ if you want to keep that girl safe¡­ tame her as well, she will need powers." Alma said before getting up to leave. She knew Logan would not get up being fully naked, so she carefully went out instead.


    Logan finally had time to himself again, although it was not as long as he would have liked since he now had things to do. He wanted to give Alma''s crazy idea more thought but left it for later that day.


    Within five minutes, Logan got out of the bath and asked for Ruri to come to his room.


    He knew the girl was helpless so far and needed to give her some sort of power or risk having her die during the next demon wave.


    Logan now had various spots he could fill with monsters, and this was for his and Ruri''s own good.


    Soon, the girl entered his room a little meek from being called up for the first time in a while directly by Logan.


    "Say, Ruri¡­ how are you doing today?" Logan asked while looking at the girl in front of him more intently than usual.


    He was made aware of her feelings and could no longer play dumb like before.


    "I am perfect, Master Logan. Is there something you want to talk about?"


    Logan saw the anxiety in Ruri''s eyes, so he sat down and asked her to do the same.


    "Don''t worry, it''s just something we need to discuss together. First off, thank you, Ruri, for staying with me even in these dangerous times. Now, about what I want to talk to you about¡ªit''s about having you as part of my tamed beings. I am only offering this knowing that it''s illegal because I want you to gain power, Ruri. So that you can be stronger and have a way to protect yourself and my other servants if the time comes¡­ so how about it?"


    Logan thought he would have to wait a few seconds, but he instantly heard an answer.


    "Yes, no problem, Master Logan. I want power, especially if it''s to help you!" he heard her say excitedly.


    "Come here then¡­ and tell me where you want the mark¡­" Logan asked while opening the recent wound he had made.


    Ruri lifted her sleeve and pointed near her underarm.


    "I know it will be bad if they find out the mark, so¡­ here," she said while blushing.


    "Oh, Ruri, how innocent you are¡­"


    As soon as Logan touched the spot, he saw how Ruri began to accept dark energy while groaning from pain, unlike Alma the young maid went through a painful evolution.


    Her hair slowly turned black with a few shades of light, just like Logan''s.


    "Ah, damn it¡­ I wasn''t prepared for this to happen¡­" Logan facepalmed, wondering how he was going to hide this.


    "Master, I think I can use¡­ dark and light magic?" Ruri said happily. She was even happier that her hair matched her master''s.

 Chapter 141 - 141: A Kingdom for Freedom

    "So let me get this straight¡­ you used your ability on Ruri and made her turn into what she looks like now?" Rubina asked the two as she looked at Ruri, who had grown a little and whose hair had changed to resemble Logan''s, black with white streaks.


    "Yes¡­" Logan answered while looking down. He knew Rubina was angry. She had entered the room to give him today''s news when she spotted Ruri''s new look and had them standing next to each other while looking at her.


    "Logan¡­ you know what? I won''t even get mad at this all being illegal. I just want to know why you didn''t consult with others first. I am sure that together we could have even planned this better."


    "Well, sorry about that¡­ So, what can we do now that it happened?" Logan asked, hoping there was a magic that could help Ruri hide at least her hair.


    "Nothing, Logan. We do nothing. You know why?" Rubina asked, giving it more thought.


    "Why?" the boy asked with hope.


    "Because there is only one thing you will need to do. You need to win the next fight and then take this land as your own. Start your own kingdom, Logan. You will have the power soon, and with it, you won''t need to be shackled by the laws of the other countries." Rubina sighed at the amount of work that would come in the future.


    "You will need to also absorb the land to the north and south, the empire''s woodlands to the east¡­ buy them off with the crystals. Kryst can keep making so many you will be able to sustain yourself. As for the rest, I am sure if Marie and Ruben stay, you can make this a great place for business." Rubina began to imagine just how strong Logan''s territory would be in the future, especially now that he could designate monarchs for different races.


    "Would I need to fight to get more land?" Logan questioned, fearing the need to start useless wars for land.


    "The power of money, Logan. You don''t think I would suggest such a barbaric method against my kingdom¡­ right?" Rubina emphasized her prior meaning.


    "No, you wouldn''t¡­ it''s just I thought it would have to be something like that. Fights always start for land in my world¡­" Logan informed the girl.


    "Everyone will need the crystals your slime creates, so you won''t have to resort to force¡­ Now¡­ tell me, who else did you change? You wouldn''t just do this to Ruri for no reason¡­ you were told to by someone¡­ but who and why?" Rubina looked at Logan, who slightly fidgeted as if she were a wife who had known her husband for years and sensed that he had bought a car in secret.


    "Uhmm, well, two others¡­ actually my second tamed being in this world was Lisa¡­" Logan decided to tell Rubina the truth, partly because he was tired of hiding so much from those who helped him.


    "No¡­ another hero? Are you crazy, Logan? A maid is fine, no one will care, but a hero!" Rubina had to sit to gather her thoughts. They really needed to create a small, new kingdom with its own rules, and quickly. Logan needed to not only hurry to defeat the demons but also become a powerhouse in this world.


    "Well, if Lisa is one, then you know you will have to do the same with me, you know. Ruri, could you leave us alone for a while, please?"


    Ruri did not know why, but she felt relieved she could leave and did not waste a moment to get out of that room.


    Logan was still standing, looking at the ground and thinking about all his mistakes, when he heard Rubina''s suggestion, which caught him off guard.


    "What?" Logan looked at Rubina, who stood up and got in front of him, staring into his eyes while holding his shoulders.


    "Right?" she said, almost placing her forehead on his.


    "Right¡­ where do you want the mark?" Logan asked as he looked at her face up close.


    "Where is Lisa''s mark?"


    Logan looked down at his finger where the blood that dripped that first day had made a ring-shaped mark as Rubina''s eyes followed his.


    "Don''t tell me it was intentional." Rubina felt Logan shake his head.


    "Well, you have one choice then. It will have to be on the same finger, just a little above that one." Logan looked at his finger and sighed.


    I will have to wear gloves from now on, huh...


    "Alright¡­" he began to pinch his finger to carefully mark Rubina. It was the hardest mark to date as he had to take into account Lisa''s mark. He did not know what would happen if they overlapped, and he did not want to find out.


    As soon as Rubina saw the mark on her finger, she smiled before feeling the pain that everyone experienced when evolving. She did not know what would happen as she dropped to her knees, which gave out.


    Unlike the others, she began to revert back to her demon form. Her wings extended wide, her horns grew and curled a little, and her body slightly grew. But her hair was probably the one thing that grew the most.


    At least she kept her voice down to prevent the others from rushing here.


    As soon as everything calmed down, she got up. Her skin now glistened with a light shade of red, and she looked hesitantly at Logan.


    The boy did not like the fear in her eyes. He helped her stand and then kissed the back of her hand.


    "As lovely as always, don''t worry," Logan smiled towards Rubina, who softened her look of fear and smiled.


    "Idiot¡­ how am I supposed to respond to that?" Rubina blushed as she slowly changed her look back to her human figure, trying to revert what she could except for the slight change in height that could not be hidden. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 142 - 142: Power and Unity

    After talking to Rubina for a while, Logan mentally called Lisa and Alma over. He wanted to talk to them before the next stage of his plan.


    "Hey Logan?" Lisa asked as she and Alma approached together after resting throughout the morning.


    "Hey Lisa, I wanted to talk to you about something important." Logan looked at her while sitting on a long couch next to Rubina.


    Lisa did not like the way the girl sat so close to Logan and took a seat on the other side of the couch.


    "So, what did you want to talk about?" Lisa asked while leaning closer to him. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "About that, I have tamed¡­ a few people. I just wanted to inform you, and also tell you that I told them about our situation. Rubina and my maid Ruri are those I tamed. I am also planning to tell¡­ my knights who I think will need their power." Logan began, looking at Lisa straight in the eye, hoping she wouldn''t get mad.


    Lisa looked at him, then turned towards Rubina before looking at her hand, especially the finger that had a mark.


    "Where did you mark your maid?" Lisa asked, trying to contain her feelings.


    "Near her underarm," Logan said rapidly.


    "To hide it, I suppose¡­ Well, what was the reaction in her case?"


    "Her hair became like mine. Ruri had a small evolution before gaining her power. She was not able to use magic before that. I think now she will be able to handle herself in a fight if it comes to that in the future," Logan explained.


    "That is good, Logan. I am glad since it is going to be trouble in the future." Lisa sighed as she knew Logan was right to give those he cared for power.


    She also knew that what she spoke with Alma just before coming here needed to be considered.


    Alma had told her that she needed to start talking to Logan seriously or he would be taken.


    Lisa now knew what she meant, seeing Rubina who smiled slightly after noticing Lisa had seen the mark on her finger.


    "Well Logan, I will be testing my wings for a while. I hope you can make time for me after you do what you plan," Lisa said with determination, as she needed to push forward at least while she stayed here.


    "Sure, give me an hour, I guess," Logan said, feeling his heart thump loudly as he saw both Lisa and Alma, who winked at him before leaving.


    "Ruri¡­ please gather¡­ Kai, Chloe, and Marie¡­ have them come to my office."


    Logan quickly communicated some instructions to his maid before getting up.


    "Are you going to join me?" Logan asked Rubina, who seemed comfortable and happy for some reason.


    "Sure!" Rubina got up and lifted her elbow, as if wanting him to guide her.


    Soon, the two left the tea room and headed to his office.


    After a while, Logan walked towards a table where he had summoned all those he thought would be fine to accept his power. Now that two more of those close to him were tamed, he needed to know if anyone else wanted to tap into his power that could evolve them.


    He left out Ruben since he was busy and did not want to change too many heroes. He already had problems with Lisa and Alma; he did not know what would happen if he changed half the class.


    "Chloe¡­ Kai, Marie¡­ I wanted to ask before I start looking for other monsters to fill my tamed slots. I have tamed Rubina, Ruri, and Lisa¡­ I am only telling you this because I trust the three of you enough, and since we will be facing a rough fight ahead, I wondered if you wanted to gain enough strength before then." Logan informed them before asking Ruri and Rubina to enter the room.


    "Ruri, as you can see, received two blessings close to mine. She can use some of my skills, so I will task her with helping the servants and protecting those in my mansion.


    As for Rubina, she has stayed the same, but her fire abilities have further improved." Logan continued as the two who entered demonstrated a bit of their powers.


    Rubina made a fire snake twirl around her with precise control, while Ruri produced an orb of white light that she sent forward to Kai, who had a small bruise from training.


    "Logan¡­ you do know what you did, right?" Chloe got up as she asked the boy.


    "Yes, but tell me, what are rules to the demons who are infesting our lands and mutating the innocent? Now tell me, what have I done to my own? Have you seen any of my beasts mistreated? I see no need for that law that will only make those around me weak while I see them die for not using my power." Logan responded, trying to get her to listen to reason.


    "You know, you''re right, Logan. I am tired of seeing myself unable to join in these fights. I know that as I am, I will only be collateral damage. I need to get stronger!" Kai said, fully convinced of Logan''s idea, and even wished he would have said it earlier.


    "If Lisa¡­ is one of them, then I don''t see why not¡­" Marie said, using her adult form to look more mature.


    "Well¡­ fine, I think I will need that power as well. I can''t fight demons as I am now." Chloe sighed, knowing she had to set aside her nature of always following the rules.


    "Good. I will say this¡ªit will hurt. My power invokes evolution. Your body will adjust to the new power I will give you, but in the end, you will feel stronger and faster." Logan warned.


    "Whatever man, as long as my looks improve like what happened to you, I don''t mind," Kai said while winking at Logan.


    Logan knew he wanted to impress Chloe and wondered if his wish would come true in terms of looks.


    Logan then placed a drop of blood on all three. For Marie, he had to be especially picky so it would be hard to see; he chose her underarm like Ruri but on the other side.


    Soon, the three began to feel the pain of evolution.

 Chapter 143 - 143: New Heights

    "Logan! Thanks, brother!" Kai exclaimed as he had grown by four inches and was even more muscular; his face remained handsome as the last of its childish traits vanished.


    "No problem!" Logan said, trying to keep his back from breaking under Kai''s new strong grip.


    Logan turned towards Chloe, who had it hard. Luckily, Rubina brought extra clothes for the girls and used darkness magic to shield them so they could change.


    As soon as they got out of the shadows, Logan saw the two girls who had improved in looks. Chloe grew just a little but now seemed able to manipulate two elements¡ªearth and wind by the look of things. Her hair was battling between the two, amber with green tips.


    Marie, on the other hand, was supposed to be darkness-oriented but also got a new water blessing, as she now had blue highlights in her hair. As for her looks, Logan did not know if she was using her Illusion magic or if it was the real girl. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Did everything go well?" he asked, while waiting for everyone to settle.


    "That hurt¡­ but yes, everything was¡­ fine. Good thing I finished my class change quest before this so I had experienced that kind of pain before¡­" Marie said while holding onto her aching neck.


    "Was it hard? What level are you now?" Logan asked with curiosity.


    "Uhm¡­ level 41. I didn''t have much experience points stored, but being in your town helped me level up very fast. You see, I have a particular way of leveling, so being near so many crystals just boosted my experience like crazy¡­" Marie then took out a crystal and handed it to Logan.


    "There, it''s another movie¡­ the one about dinosaurs. I will be finishing the next parts soon. It should help get Scorch more recognition," Marie said, looking at Logan expectantly.


    "Perfect as always. Thank you, Marie, you know how I love your work," Logan said while looking at the crystal''s stored content as Kai and Chloe huddled closer to look at the video showing.


    After a few seconds of looking at the boy in delight from his praise, Marie took out another two crystals.


    "Well, I hope you can check this out then. This is what my new powers after finishing my job change could create¡­" Marie passed Logan the two new crystals as he gave back the one with the movie about dinosaurs.


    "What is it¡­? Wait, is it what I think it is!" Logan saw a screen in one crystal displaying the image of a game he had spoken to Marie about once. She had questioned him about his favorite movies and games before, so he was sure she had done this in response.


    Logan then told the curious Kai to hold on to the crystal that acted like a screen, while the second crystal acted like a controller.


    He was busy driving through a street in a modified car while racing a few other cars. Soon, cops were chasing them, making him have to dodge their assault.


    "A video game! You have outdone yourself, Marie. You don''t know how much I love you right now¡­" Logan kept playing for a few minutes before handing the controller to Kai after losing the race.


    "Wow, are those the box things that move on roads from the movies?" Kai asked, as he and most in town had seen cars in the large cinema the town created so people could enjoy the movies Marie produced.


    "Hope you enjoy it, Logan. I have a few more games if you want to see them later¡­" Marie asked with a hopeful gaze.


    "Sure, I hope to make room tonight then." Logan watched as Kai was enjoying himself, while Chloe could not hold back her curiosity and stood next to him to look.


    "Now then¡­ I have to get going. Adjust yourselves to your new powers, it will be important for the future," Logan told everyone in the room, and they all nodded. As he was leaving, he heard Kai ask Marie if he could keep the device.


    Logan did not waste any time and asked Lisa for her current location.


    "We are near the barns practicing skills. I wanted to try improving my flying."


    The boy then went towards the barns. He saw a figure with wings flying around about five meters in the air.


    Logan recognized it even from afar as Lisa, who radiated along with the wings she had on her back.


    He had an idea as he tried manifesting his own wings. They were not as bright as Lisa''s, but they were able to lift him off the ground a little.


    To speed up his pace, he also mixed in Zephyr''s wing magic, which sped up his pace greatly.


    Within seconds, he was next to Lisa, who did not notice him at first.


    It wasn''t until he gently sent a gust of wind that pushed her higher that she looked down in a hurry.


    "Logan, you idiot! I am not ready to be up so high!"


    Logan waved as if nothing was wrong, which made Lisa sigh, feeling defeated. She had tried flying ever since she got her new ability, and seeing Logan do it effortlessly made her feel like she had failed at something.


    "Why don''t I help you then?" Logan said, seeing that she was struggling to move as she only ascended and descended, not daring to move to the sides.


    He used Zephyr''s blessing on her while trying to show her how to move properly.


    Within seconds of feeling the added boost, Lisa understood why Logan didn''t struggle as much. She had failed to take wind currents into consideration, now feeling the wind magic help lift and guide her to where she wanted to go.


    "Logan¡­ have fun. I will be returning for now. Make sure you do your part, alright?"


    Before they got too far, Logan heard Alma say something. He looked down and saw her waving goodbye to them.


    Lisa was too engrossed in trying to get better at flying, so Logan directed his attention back to her.


    "Say, why don''t we race to the top of that wall? There''s another settlement I want to show you that can be seen from up there."


    Logan saw how Lisa, whose competitive spirit was awakened, rushed forward, leaving him thinking about what was happening for a few seconds.


    "At least wait for a signal¡­"


    He tried saying before hearing her voice.


    "You snooze, you lose. Everyone knows this, Logan."


    Logan did not hold back after that. He used wind magic to push himself forward while keeping an eye on his mana to not exceed its use and get into serious trouble. Luckily, it was hovering around 400, still letting him fly for half an hour before it would be used up.


    Trying not to let Lisa know he cheated, he stopped just behind her and flew normally, twirling and enjoying the wind on his face. He saw some soldiers watching them from the ground, looking at them with amazement.


    "I win!" Lisa yelled as she tapped the wall before going over it to rest.


    "Cheater¡­" Logan said as he reached the wall and let his wings disappear while acting as if he was mad.


    "You will now owe me something¡­" Lisa said while looking out from the wall into the distance, where mountains and a long forest extended, and a small shelter where the warks now lived.

 Chapter 144 - 144: Journey Through Town

    "So, how does it feel to own so much land?" Lisa asked as Logan had shown her almost all of his territory and pointed out the most important areas.


    "I don''t really know what to say; it just happened, so I still feel it''s all a dream."


    Logan dangled his feet on the corner of the large bricks, sitting next to Lisa while eating some sweets he had brought to enjoy with her, and looked at his town from the high walls.


    "Do you think I should ask for one too? The church keeps asking me to settle and be an archbishop after the war¡­" Lisa said, wondering what they would do after the war and if they won.


    "No, it''s too much work. I myself am getting assistants soon since I won''t have time to do everything here and then train¡­ but¡­ have you thought about going back home to Earth?" Logan asked, knowing that for him, there wouldn''t be a choice now that he had so much here waiting for him.


    "Me? I wanted to at first¡­ I wanted to see my parents again, but after a few months here¡­ I don''t think I should anymore. I am not who I was¡­ let me tell you something Alma has informed me about¡­ She spoke with most of the class about this topic and you know what¡­ it seems we were specially chosen. Most of us don''t have lingering feelings, the others having problems that were solved here¡­ some stayed for money, others for glory or for other reasons. I doubt you want to go back, right?" Lisa looked at the boy while eating what seemed like fried chips. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "No, you should know my situation by now. A mother who is dating again, wanting to start a new life, a father who doesn''t want me near¡ªI don''t want to return to that."


    "Sad, but you have a lot here at least¡­"


    "Like me¡­"


    Lisa turned a light shade of red, thinking about what she had said through her mental link, but then heard someone choking beside her.


    "Oh, come on, way to ruin the mood!" Lisa tried to get mad but began laughing, seeing Logan trying to clear his throat.


    "Ahm, yes, well, sorry about that. But sure, you''re right, I do have things to look forward to here¡­ So, Lisa, what are your plans, I mean, during your stay here?" Logan tried to get his mind together, knowing he failed in responding right.


    "Well, just to help and see what I can improve on. This evolution has brought a lot, so I also need to start training," Lisa replied.


    "If it''s about that, here, take a few of these." Logan handed her some light elemental crystals.


    "I was wondering about that. Why does this place have so many?" Lisa pointed to the town where crystals grew like trees in some parts.


    "It has to do with my power and one of my monsters as well. She is currently taking care of a few crystals in a mine, so I haven''t been able to introduce you," Logan explained.


    Logan thought about Kryst, who got a new evolution after he reached level 40. She wasn''t as strong as his primordial group of tamed, but she did improve in appearance. Her body became more crystalline and took the shape of a human to ease her movements.


    She was handling and nurturing the crystals in the cave, which needed to be replenished after Logan brought many to his town.


    "No wonder. So, is that why they have different elements? I was told only pure mana crystals get this big; most elemental stones stay small, so it''s weird," Lisa said, holding on to one of the four crystals she was handed. She drained most of its energy rapidly, and the crystal, whose power had been drained, began to turn into particles, disappearing with the wind.


    "Yes, so what level did you get to? Those four were particularly concentrated," Logan asked, seeing how she finished with the fourth one before speaking.


    "About one per level, which is really good¡­" Lisa remembered struggling in the labyrinth to level up and loved how with four crystals she got what would have taken half a day.


    "Good, I don''t have a lot right now, but soon I hope to get more. We will have to hunt to get you to my level," Logan said, finishing the last chip before placing everything including the trash inside his storage.


    "Now then¡­ I have to go talk to a merchant. Do you want to come with?" Logan asked as he pointed to one of the large guild buildings in the center of town.


    "Sure, I don''t mind. I am a little interested in your town, so let''s explore a little." Lisa, whose mana had recovered a good amount with the mana crystals, made her wings appear again and saw that Logan did the same.


    This time she felt the wind help her right away as Logan cast the magic onto her. Within seconds, the two were in the air. This time she followed Logan, who led them to the long road covered in red bricks, which added a nice sight to the town.


    As soon as they got close to the center, they stopped above the crossroads with a fountain where a large blue water crystal shone.


    Everyone in town greeted the two while looking at them in amazement. By now, everyone knew who Logan was.


    "Wow, you''re well-known. Are you sure you''re the Logan I know?" Lisa asked while looking at Logan waving to all those who greeted him from afar.


    "Well, I did save them and this town which is now their home, but enough about that. Let''s hurry, I hope my shipment has come." Logan looked at Lisa, who kept looking around and at his hand. He then just decided to go with it and held her hand to pull her to the merchant guild.


    Lisa looked at Logan before smiling and began enjoying the walk. The merchant district was close, but Logan took a few detours to extend the trip. Now that he had the chance to be near Lisa as he was, he did not want to let this moment pass quickly.


    "And here we are¡­ the merchants guild. My friend Nolan is the guild leader. He''s a good guy, helped me more than he should have." Logan went upstairs to greet the handsome man with neat blond hair.


    "Hey there, Logan, nice to see you. Oh? And who is this? Hey, my name is Nolan. You must be... miss Lisa the Saintess. We heard the news of your arrival on a griffin; you are the talk of the town." Nolan said while shaking both of their hands before speaking again.


    "Logan, good thing you came. We have someone outside that you might want to meet¡­"

 Chapter 145 - 145: Earl of Too Many Surprises

    Wondering who it was, Logan went with Lisa and Nolan, who led them to the back of the guild. Workers were busy clearing merchandise throughout the building while others calculated the items and other merchants came to take or leave produce.


    As they got close to two large doors, they saw various cages outside with a particular man with chestnut hair standing in front, checking each creature within. His white lab coat and gold spectacles were something Logan would never forget.


    "Mr. Rosengard? What are you doing here? It''s good to see you." Logan got close and readied his hand for a handshake, but instead of returning it, the earl hugged him.


    "My boy, how you have changed! I heard from Rubina what happened. She seems happy here, so I decided to come. You know we have never been apart for more than a few days, so being away so long was depressing." The earl smiled as he looked at the boy before him. If it wasn''t for the boy''s face, he would have never guessed he was the same person.


    Victor then greeted the Saintess, whom he had seen a few times before in the capital. She also seemed to have changed.


    "It''s good to see you''re here. I have brought most of the monsters you asked for. The scorchwyrms were particularly hard to get, but with help from other nations, we were able to gather a few from volcanoes south of here. As for the everwind falcons, we brought them in eggs; two have hatched already." S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "That is good to hear. I thought they were going to be impossible to get on time." Logan looked through the cages and stopped his gaze as he saw a few Tri-horn Basilisks.


    "Those came from the Rubyheart family. They asked me to tell you to keep your knight, Kai, safe if possible. They are worried about him, as well as the Amberstones, who gave me some money to pass on to you as a way to help in the coming endeavor." The earl then ordered a few of his assistants, while helpers from the guild began to place everything that needed to be taken to Logan''s mansion in various carriages.


    "As for the kingdom, they could only send supplies to help. You might not know this, but another invasion happened to the south near the lower island kingdom. Most of the available soldiers were sent to reinforce them, as well as some of the heroes who wanted to help," the earl said with a serious tone.


    "It''s fine. I did not really care if they joined here. I wanted to test my creatures'' new power, and as you should have seen, we have various crystals here to help us in the coming war and to raise the new creatures fast." Logan then began to explain his plans, as the earl Victor was curious about the crystals.


    Within a few minutes of talking, Nolan, who was rushing his team, returned.


    "Everything is ready. We should get all these animals back to your place. If you need anything else, please do tell me. I have begun to gather supplies for military use." Nolan gave Logan a list of items and prices while waiting for payment.


    "No problem, Nolan. Will crystals be fine as payment?" Logan took out pure mana crystals he had saved, as they were the most sought after.


    "Sure, no problem. I will have them resold by tomorrow, so if you want to exchange any more, please pass them to me by then." Nolan then went back inside after a bow, looking like he needed to do more today.


    "Well then, I really want to visit your mansion and finally see my daughter. How about we also hurry?" The earl began to signal for all his workers to get on their respective rides and entered his own, one packed with many items, which made Logan wonder if he would fit.


    "We will fly there, earl. See you in a while." Logan spread out his wings to show how he was going to follow the caravan, which made those around them give different replies, especially since the wings produced a gentle aura that helped everyone, including the monsters'' mood. Especially when Lisa made her own powerful wings, which radiated twice the amount of calming aura.


    "Do you think we will be able to make demons become our friends with a flap of both our wings?" Logan joked as he used Zephyr''s wind buff on Lisa and began flying towards the mansion.


    "I really hope so¡­ I had it rough last time dealing with them¡­" Lisa added, trying to forget the past.


    The group eventually got close to the large mansion and went through its large gates and into the barn area, which had been expanded to fit more creatures days before.


    Logan had readied all his creatures for the coming plan and was excited to see how his skill would work as he created monarchs out of his strongest creatures who had been with him from the start.


    "Rubina, we will need you near the barns, please come quickly!" Logan communicated as he got close to the mansion, wanting to see the smile on her face as she reunited with her father.


    Finding a wide enough field, Logan began to descend as Lisa followed. He then called up Scorch, Silis, and Zephyr first, knowing more creatures were brought, but he wanted to see how these three would react with species of their own race first.


    "I am excited to see what will happen¡­" Lisa said anxiously, as she had never really seen how Logan''s abilities worked.


    "As am I¡­" Logan smiled as he saw the caravan that followed behind park in a circle around him.


    "I have arrived¡­ so, why did you call me¡­!" Logan saw from the corner of his eye Rubina, who had used Silis to rush to his location. Within a few seconds of seeing who had arrived with the caravan, the girl jumped down and rushed over to her father to hug him.


    He then saw that beside him, Lisa had clenched her fists with a melancholic expression.


    The boy knew that, unlike him, she was probably hurting from not seeing her own family.


    Logan touched her shoulder gently while using his hand to wipe a small tear that formed on her cheek.


    "How about we check on those monsters now?"


    "Sure¡­"

 Chapter 146 - 146: Three New Monarchs

    Logan and Lisa felt the earth tremble as Scorch ran towards them. He seemed excited, feeling Logan''s emotions through their bond, and was eager to see what those feelings meant.


    "I guess you three are ready, huh? Let''s start with you, buddy." Logan began to get close to a cage specially made for fire creatures. Two assistants of the earl were nearby, ready to see what would happen next while pushing the cage towards the large dinosaur, whose tail wagged excitedly like a joyful dog.


    Logan picked up the first of the small beasts and placed it close to Scorch before checking his own stats.


    [Two compatible creatures have been introduced. Do you wish to make Scorch a Monarch of its race?]


    Logan looked at the screen before him and agreed with the choice given.


    As soon as the option was selected, the small Scorchwyrm placed near Scorch began to change. Its growth spiked to its adult form before transforming once again into a creature Logan knew well¡ªit was the raptor form Scorch had taken before his current appearance.


    Logan then introduced the next two scorchwyrms to Scorch, and just like the one before them, they began to transform into infernal raptors.


    Everyone around Logan cheered, knowing just how deadly that form was and noticing that Scorch seemed to radiate even more power than just a few seconds ago. Within his head, a burst of flames produced by mana formed a small crown that radiated during the transformation of its kind before disappearing.


    "So¡­ how do you feel, Scorch? I always wondered how lonely you must have felt being the only one of your kind¡­" Logan got close to his red dinosaur while petting his head along with the neck of a raptor who quickly got friendly with him.


    "Good, feel happy, thank you, master!" Scorch roared out in excitement, making all the people nearby step back a few steps. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Well then, go help them train, and don''t start killing like crazy. Remember, we need to keep the balance around this place," Logan called out to Scorch, who began to lead his new pack away into a special gate created for his beasts.


    Logan quickly realized he needed to do something about the monsters around his lands. He might have to not only use the crystals within his town but also place crystals around the forests, mountains, and lakes surrounding his lands. This needed to be planned out carefully to attract and maintain beasts around his lands, ensuring his own creatures would not have to starve or overkill the native creatures of this land.


    Leaving that thought for later, he called up Silis, who he needed to introduce to her own group. Like Scorch, Silis was introduced to three members of her kind. Logan followed the same steps as before, starting with one of the three, which quickly evolved to Silis''s adult form and then to her pre-evolution form.


    Unlike Scorch, whose members were small, Silis''s group was so large they needed to quickly go underground to avoid disrupting the carriages and other animals caged nearby. Logan did not have to tell her what to do, as they quickly left through the tunnels Silis usually used to move about within the city.


    "Me next, me!" Zephyr quickly jumped to meet those of his kind as he called out to Logan to hurry.


    Logan waited a little longer for Zephyr, as there was one egg that had yet to hatch. He would have to watch over this one while the other two joined Zephyr.


    The ones they placed next to Zephyr were small fledglings who jumped up and down while asking for food before quickly turning into two adult falcons while accepting Zephyr as their king. The scene was surreal as they rapidly shifted from one form to another. They finally stopped their evolution as Windstorm Eagles, their strong wings producing a mini hurricane that Zephyr had to quickly stop with his great control over the wind.


    Logan thought about placing the egg near Zephyr but decided not to risk the poor infant''s life and only introduce him when he was born and ready for this world.


    As soon as Zephyr took flight with his two companions to teach them the ropes of this world, Logan returned his attention to the people around him, who were still in awe of what had happened.


    "Well¡­ what do you think? Did everything go well?" Logan looked towards Victor Rosengard, who nodded in response.


    "The process was very effective. The smooth transition between species always amazes me. I wonder why you are given this much power, though. It''s as if the spirits know what will happen and are preparing you for that event¡­" Rosengard couldn''t go easy with his assessment, even if what he said scared the boy.


    "Well, I will be ready then. I doubt I am the only one being given this much power, though," Logan answered, knowing that Lisa was also provided with as much help. While his monsters were strong, he knew that any of the heroes, including Lisa, could handle them easily one on one.


    "Since we have finished the first part of the plan, I guess it''s time to introduce you to the rest of the new creatures I have brought. Also, I have a few Lumos Northern Owls and Aurolious Fowls for your other two beasts you can evolve later," the earl said before guiding Logan to a few cages with strange creatures.


    "First of the three I thought you would need is this kid. I had him for a while, but now that I see how much you can change a monster, I hope it can be useful for you," the earl said while presenting Logan with a scorpion. It had two large pincers and a stinger and was about fifteen centimeters long.


    "It''s a rare, fire and darkness-based creature. It can stream fire from its stinger and uses darkness to hide. Very deadly, so try to tame it from afar," Victor warned.

 Chapter 147 - 147: New Tames Pt. 1

    Logan could only attempt to tame the scorpion by letting a drop drip towards the creature. He tried with one drop first, yet the feisty creature ignored his call. He tried again, and once more, the scorpion did not respond to his plea to be his creature.


    "Well, this one has some spunk to it¡­" Logan called out while wondering what he should try next. The normal approach would be to toss some fire stones to settle the creature down before taming, but he felt with this particular scorpion, it wouldn''t work.


    Logan could only think of using ice or water magic just enough to spook the scorpion. He used Riptide''s Tundra Roar, a skill that would likely scare it without harming the creature. To minimize the damage, he essentially just said "roar" with power imbued into the word.


    He saw how the scorpion shivered from the cold and looked for cover. Taking advantage of the moment, he used a little more of his blood. This time, with the creature being so scared, it just accepted it.


    "Very cold¡­ need warmth..." Hearing its voice, Logan tossed in a few small fire gems. The scorpion settled and began feeding on them. Logan knew it would not instantly evolve like the others, so he just added more firestones while waiting for Earl Victor to introduce the next monster.


    "Well, with that done¡­ how about I show you this next creature? It''s a particular one I wanted to see how it would react to your power. As with the others, I only brought the most rare creatures¡­" Earl Victor presented Logan with a monkey. It looked like one of those small monkeys that would be in hot springs in Japan, only that it had a bald head and grey fur except for its face.


    "A monkey?" Logan asked, wondering why it was special.


    "Well¡­ about that, I think not even its species has this kind of power. It uses light magic in a strange way. It''s more like a mental power instead of magic¡ªit can levitate items¡­" Earl Victor said while rubbing his chin as if pondering.


    "A type of psychic power?" Logan mumbled as the others looked at him.


    "What does that mean?" the earl asked, wondering if it was a magic from Logan''s world.


    "It''s a power we know of in our world but aren''t sure if it''s real. As you say, it moves things by thought," Logan tried to explain.


    "Well¡­ I think that might work. We mainly base magic on the seven elements, but I''ve heard there are a few more out there¡­ just not really studied yet." The earl pondered about those elements that were not part of the original seven, such as shade and blood magic, both of which are used by vampires before speaking again. "Well, how about we start the process? I want to see how this will turn out."


    Logan saw that the beast seemed to be in deep meditation. It did not react to their presence until he got closer to it. After being just a few steps away, the monkey looked deep into Logan''s eyes and nodded.


    Logan then felt the blood he was going to use leave his finger. The few drops were pulled in by the monkey, who used his powers to attract it onto himself.


    "Fascinating¡­" Earl Victor said as he watched the process.


    As soon as he felt the connection, Logan jolted at the way the monkey called him.


    "Greetings, new master¡­ it''s finally great to be liberated. I hope we will make a great team," the monkey said, raising a hand towards Logan as if wanting to shake hands. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan was about to shake its hand when the monkey shook his head.


    "Where are my crystals? I saw how that scorpion got his. I should also be getting mine, right?" the monkey said pleadingly.


    "Right¡­" Logan felt a bit foolish for expecting a monster to want to shake hands. He took a few lower grade light stones since he had given the best to Lisa earlier.


    The ape used his magic again to pull in the magic stones as he was released from his cage. He did not try to get out, as he was busy absorbing the mana from each stone.


    "That feels good. I hope you can give me more¡­" the monkey said expectantly while extending his hand.


    "Not right now. I will have more soon, so be patient," Logan replied.


    "Very well, I will go find something interesting to do meanwhile¡­" The monkey finally got up from its position of meditation, got out of the cage, climbed on top of a tree, and sat back down as it was.


    Logan felt the way things turned out with the creature was strange. Even those around him who saw the interaction felt it was weird as they just stared at the small monkey basking in the sun while meditating, its bald head reflecting the sun without worries.


    "Well, I guess¡­ we can go on with the last one. It''s a small tortoise. I thought hard about what you might need, and so this little one will probably be your best defensive tank. It''s just a child of its kind, so I think we should all try backing off a little in case it grows fast," Earl Victor said, presenting the twenty-centimeter-long beast who looked up at Logan slowly.


    Logan admired the gem filled shell with various colors and its polished onyx underbelly. Its skin was a dark shade of brown, and except for these unique features, it looked like a normal tortoise one might buy from a pet store.


    "Well, here goes¡­" Logan placed a drop of blood on the back of its neck, probably the safest part the tortoise body and the one it would keep protected.


    "About its element, it''s sort of strange. It''s earth elemental, but it concentrates its power on minerals and metals rather than just plain earth."


    Logan took out most of the earth crystals he had and began giving them to the creature he thought would be necessary for the battle ahead. The tortoise began to drain the mana as if it hadn''t eaten in days. The twenty stones Logan gave it were quickly drained before it began to glow.

 Chapter 148 - 148: New Tames Pt. 2

    Logan looked at the two-meter large tortoise beside him. It slowly drained more mana stones as it kept growing. Its body appeared like polished steel, making it slow but highly resistant to any attacks. He admired the shell with small gems embedded into it, each one glowing with a different color.


    "Do you see those jewels? You should know what they do by the look of it, right? They can absorb any elemental damage dealt to its shell directly or around it. It''s a very impressive defense mechanism that makes it one of the best creatures to have as a tank." Earl Victor asked Rubina to use fire magic around it. Everyone watched as the magic was turned into particles before being sucked into the shell.


    "Very impressive¡­ perfect for the coming battle. Thanks, Earl Victor, you have brought me only good news." Logan felt how even Rubina''s magic was helping the tortoise get stronger, as if each crystal fed it regardless of the element used.


    "How about we go a few steps above that¡­" Logan took out even more crystals and placed them around the tortoise. It was already around level 17, so it wouldn''t be hard to have it climb to its next evolution within half an hour.


    Everyone who had been with Logan from the start began to go back to their own tasks.


    Most of Earl Victor''s assistants were also given the rest of the day off and were told to enjoy their stay at the mansion.


    Ruri was called up to give them a room and guide them around, as they still needed to put the carts with monster food away.


    As for the Lumos Northern Owl and Aurolious Fowls, Lisa and Rubina presented them to their new monarchs, who handled them and led them through the air.


    Logan did not think the owls would look like Orus, but upon evolving, each one turned into a griffon.


    Earl Rosengard and Logan, on the other hand, were busy trying to evolve the tortoise. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It could not get enough of the crystals it was given, its body slowly growing with each one drained, mainly the shell which kept absorbing each element without stopping.


    "Well, I think we have done it¡­ it''s finally getting its third evolution," Logan smiled while looking at the tortoise with anticipation.


    Its figure grew in size to about three meters, its shell being an imposing sight that kept trying to absorb mana from the surroundings until each of the crystals shone as if filled.


    "I think it won''t absorb anymore. That is good, I feared it would never get full¡­" Logan said, while placing the crystals the tortoise did not absorb back into his storage.


    "Very good¡­ to think your abilities have grown this much. How about you let me rest now¡­ I really want to take a good nap; the journey here was rough¡­" Earl Victor said as he called up Rubina to guide him to his place within the mansion.


    "Sure thing. Enjoy your stay, Earl Victor. If you need anything, just ask."


    Logan saw the earl off. He also saw his closest maid, Ms. Hestia, who greeted Rubina and walked with the two back into the mansion.


    Seeing that his tortoise also needed to sleep, he checked its stats before going to Lisa.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Septa / Species: Septa Jeweled Tortoise / Level: 40 / Blood Mark: Splenius Capitis / Loyalty: 48/100]


    Str: 31 / Agi: 28 / Dex: 32 / Con: 67 / Int: 49 / Char: 36


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Elemental Control: Each jewel grants the tortoise control over its respective element, allowing it to manipulate fire, water, earth, air, light, shadow, and spirit energies.


    Elemental Fusion: The tortoise can combine two or more elements to create powerful effects, such as combining fire and earth to create lava or air and water to create a storm.


    Protective Shell: The jeweled shell provides strong defense against physical and magical attacks.


    Elemental Surge: The tortoise can temporarily boost the power of any one elemental jewel, enhancing its abilities and effects for a short period. This surge can be used to intensify attacks, strengthen defenses, or amplify utility effects.


    Elemental Rejuvenation: Septa can absorb elemental energy from its surroundings to restore its own energy and heal minor injuries. This ability allows the tortoise to remain active and resilient during prolonged battles or challenging environments.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Leaving the large tortoise behind, Logan returned to where Lisa was as she watched the sky.


    Orus was flying about with five of its kind flying around him.


    "He looks happy now¡­ I wonder what I will do about him¡­" Lisa thought about the implications taking him back with the heroes would bring.


    "Well, flying mounts will be necessary, right? I think having six griffins will change a lot in the future," Logan added, while thinking about having a flying cavalry unit.


    "You know¡­ you might have to start thinking about getting a group together. Being with heroes will hinder you in the long run. Brian and the others will get strong enough to not need a healer soon, and your power will work better for those who will need your healing," Logan said, giving his honest opinion.


    "Actually that''s a good idea. I hate working with him. About the unit, it might be one of healers to use the griffins to get into a fight from above and heal¡­ I have a few friends in the church who might work," Lisa said, looking towards Logan before smiling warmly.


    "Then again, it could be just a group of two, right?"


    Logan looked at Lisa, wondering about what she was talking about for a few seconds before nodding.


    "Well, I don''t mind being just the two... but I do know you will be busy in the future, so how about while you''re here then? So¡­ now that we are left alone again, we go look for that place in town I have been told about that should have some good ramen. You know how much Marie''s movies changed this town''s culture," Logan said, manifesting his wings again as Lisa followed suit.


    "Ramen, huh? I wonder if it will taste the same. Let''s go," Lisa replied.

 Chapter 149 - 149: War on Pearl Isles

    After Logan''s battle with the demons, another group of blue-skinned demons had settled themselves in the Pearl Isles to the south of the kingdom of Elris.


    Lady Elara quickly called the kingdoms around their territory as the demons flew, teleported, and began causing devastation to the harbors and towns in their surroundings. They worked in groups of around fifty but caused great massacres throughout each place they passed.


    Her own navy could not do much on land, so she was forced to blow up the towns to kill off the demons while fighting others within her ships.


    They needed the heroes here badly, so she sent a distress signal to the kingdom of Elris and received a response that it would take a few days before help could arrive.


    Lady Elara, the queen of the Isles, did not like the fact that it would take so long. She was never one for sitting around at a desk and was more about action. She readied all those she could muster and called forth the adventurers in towns to coordinate a medium-sized army to wait for the heroes and set up a large counteroffensive.


    She knew that some of the Isles were beyond saving, but if they could keep the largest one, its capital, from being destroyed, they would have a winning chance and a way to recover.


    The Isles thrived on trade routes, fishing, foods, and selling underwater crystals, making them important to the countries around them. Each Isle had its own small government but was held together by Lady Elara.


    Her leadership had united the once-war-mongering Isles, known to contain pirates that would wreak havoc on the mainlands of other countries. Lady Elara took it upon herself to defeat each bandit in her youth and have them join together to create the nation she now governed. At this moment, it was being devastated by a large demon wave. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    On the third day after the attack, Lady Elara was forced into a siege within her own town. Most of her ships were destroyed, and half of her islands were conquered. She was going crazy with sadness and anger, as she had family members on each island. One of her sons was even brought before her and hung for all to see within the harbor''s largest ship.


    Suddenly, everyone saw a blue demon within their walls. A man, about twenty with blue skin, had teleported to the center of town, right in front of Lady Elara who was standing before her troops.


    "It''s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Elara... was it? Did you like the present we left over your harbor?" The demon smiled, causing all those around him to cower back, while some raised their weapons in defiance.


    "Don''t speak my name, you foul creature. You may have taken our lands, but your end will soon come!" Lady Elara said with tears pouring down her face. The pain of her loss was great, and her anger towards the one in front of her even greater. Yet, she could not hurt him. She, along with everyone else, felt the power he radiated. The air around him crackled as his blue aura flowed with mana-filled particles.


    Some soldiers even let out a volley of arrows to free themselves from the fear they were feeling from watching the blue skin demon who only wore pants while his muscular torso was on display as if daring for anyone to try cutting him down while he wore no armor.


    To prove his strength, he stopped all the arrows before they hit him and ordered a few pebbles below him to levitate and shot them at those who dared defy him around Lady Elara with precision. Each fell to the ground a few seconds later, with a hole in their face.


    "Kill me! If that''s what you came for, then kill me!" Lady Elara had already broken from the assault on her family, and yet the blue-haired man laughed.


    "No, we need you alive. We need you to witness our power as someone at the top, to keep calling for help and bring all those who will put up a good fight. So tell them to hurry, call them up before your people grow hungry and begin eating each other," the man said before leaving, tossing blue stones around the townspeople.


    "Everyone, get away from those stones!" Lady Elara called out, but those who were near had already succumbed to mutation. Even being near the stones caused their limbs to grow abnormally, their faces to swell, and some to simply explode.


    Soldiers had to use magic and long-range weapons on their own population as the mutated began to rampage. Chaos slowly overtook one of the last populated Isles.


    "Cerrus, I told you to wait for the heroes to show before using the damn crystals. How will we enjoy their distress if the place is a ghost town?" Gomir rubbed his chin, looking at the massacre that was taking place in the large capital. He clicked his tongue, watching the people kill themselves, wondering if help would ever come. The Pearl Isles were weakened by the lack of soldiers who would no doubt have been sent to the empire to assist with the war.


    Gomir was irritated because this win was nothing to feel happy about. He had killed no hero or had a worthy battle to raise his status. He would never be a general like the bastard kid Zaryx who had overtaken his place in the ranks.


    As they were about to leave, seeing the towns on its last straw as even soldiers began to mutate, Gomir smelled the scent of blood.


    It was not human blood but that of one of his own. He looked around, wanting to know where it came from.


    He then spotted a close aide next to him fall, an arrow lodged in the side of his face.


    Gomir grinned and licked the blood that splattered next to his lip.


    "Seems fate has spared you, my son. Someone strong has arrived to play with."

 Chapter 150 - 150: Heroes Reckoning Pt. 1

    "George, you know I consider you a very smart man¡­ so tell me, why the hell did half the girls in our class go to that loser Logan instead of helping us fight off the demons destroying a country in the south?" Brian asked, anger in his voice.


    "You tell me. I asked that girl Alma out before she left. Now look where we are, halfway across the ocean in an old ship going to fight demons. At least I''ll have something to kill to get this anger off my mind," George said while checking the chipped edge of his used spear.


    "I told you that you should have kept your eyes on her. She seemed ready to leave the moment you asked her out. Haha¡­" Jonathan was twirling both his swords around like a practiced sword dancer, occasionally throwing both of them up to show off his skills.


    "Yeah, yeah, the one who loves shortcake, Silvia. You just got told off as soon as you asked her," George retorted as Brian joined him in laughing at Jonathan for liking who they previously knew as the flatboard in their class.


    "Hey, if that girl Freya got good, then you have to admit even the shortcake improved, right? At least she isn''t a flat board anymore..." Jonathan tried to defend himself while pointing to one of the girls who had joined them in fighting against the demons.


    "Whatever, man. I will never see her as something else until she actually grows enough for me to think she isn''t a child. I ain''t no ped," Brian added while looking around towards Owen, who was standing on the ship''s crow''s nest.


    "Looks like it''s time for action. Look, that fool Owen sent out a few arrows, meaning we''re onto something," Brian said.


    Soon, the ship''s alarms rang out¡ªa magical device that made a particular noise only those on the ship would be able to hear.


    "Get ready, we are about to make an emergency landing. A few demons have been spotted flying towards us. Remember, they can teleport, so don''t underestimate them!" Commander Theron began calling out orders, still in a bad mood that Ms. Claire, the class leader, went off to help the tamer boy. She even took Silvia, who could have created a few wards to prevent teleportation arrays from connecting to the ship.


    "Don''t let it get to you, Sir Theron. We are going to need even more than this to get some good levels. I myself need to collect demon blood to finish my quest," Kiel the Gladiator said to the general who would lead them in the coming battle.


    "Well then, let''s start. Everyone, get ready! We should all be geared up by now, so get into groups. Vanguards, rearguards, form up. Center, start taking your positions!" Theron yelled as he saw the students get into their respective roles.


    After months of training, they were no longer kids but battle-ready warriors, each one capable of taking on even the kingdom''s royal guards.


    Owen, from above, kept sending out arrows that pierced demon after demon, making Brian mad as every kill was one less he would have.


    "Owen, leave some for the rest of us!" the boy called out in anger.


    "Carla, can''t you freeze the water or something? I want to start fighting already!" George called out, also angry at having his prey stolen. He wanted the old demon who looked to be the leader, one he could spot even when they were a few miles away from the targets.


    "And what, you want to swim with the sharks when the ice melts? I can probably control up to thirty meters, but after that, you''re on your own. Let''s just wait for the first wave to come, alright?" Carla, the Hydromancer who controlled water around her by mere thought, replied. She wanted to see just how many demons she could kill now that they were in the ocean, meaning she did not have to conjure water from the air.


    Everyone readied their spells, weapons, and projectiles. Those who were confident in their power sent forward volleys at the incoming demons. In no time, bodies clashed against weapons or magic, and for the first time, the demons were on the losing end.


    "Carla, Mai, make this ship go faster!" Brian yelled, seeing his prey being reduced by the second.


    "Calm down, Brian. There are at least a thousand; you aren''t missing anything," Mai retorted while pushing the ship forward with her magic. She was getting tired by the minute, but she only had to hasten it at the start and let it flow with the speed acquired by that push.


    Meanwhile, the demons stopped trying to raid the heroes'' ship and went back to land to ready themselves. Gomir was no fool; he was not going to commit the same error as Regar, who underestimated the taming hero.


    As soon as the ship landed, the heroes faced a volley of magic from the demons. The demons had much more experience in battle warfare and tactics and employed that knowledge to try to kill the heroes.


    The heroes did not let one spell pass. The mages within the group used each element to deter any magic and returned fire.


    The situation seemed balanced at the start, but Brian did not like it. He needed to kill 1,000 enemies to advance his class and still needed at least 300 more to reach the mark. Determined, he ran forward, leaving his position while George and Jonathan followed close behind. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The demons smiled at the foolish action of the three heroes, but soon realized they were no ordinary heroes¡ªthey were probably the three strongest among them.


    Brian used the skill his class knew him by, the one that turned his fist into a rocket, just like that superhero in the metal suit. He rushed forward, plowing through a good number of demons to death. His body could now withstand being inside a volcano, so he had no problem turning up the temperature around his body to sear all those he touched.


    Gomir was shocked at the sight of his troops being decimated. His previous desire to fight Brian quickly turned into a need to confront the boy.

 Chapter 151 - 151: Heroes Reckoning Pt. 2

    Brian began assessing the situation. He knew from news given out by Ms. Claire that Logan had protected his town from 200 demons. He wasn''t going to be shown up by such a small number.


    He flew forth towards the most populated section of the demon camp and began causing devastation. Each of his punches carried the force of a missile, sending demons flying left and right, crashing onto their own.


    Catching a glimpse of the others, he saw Jonathan''s blades slicing through enemies and George''s infinite javelin throw, allowing him to keep using the same weapon when thrown.


    Brian''s greed rose to the top. He did not stop his hands from moving, his fists protected by flames that turned all his hits into energy.


    His knuckles had yet to touch flesh, which meant he still had a lot of power. Fifty or so demons were dealt with in minutes, their corpses littering the floor. Brian laughed towards Gomir, who began to set up magic arrays.


    "When will you enter, old man? Is this all your pests amount to?" Brian called out, making sure the demon leader could hear.


    "What a brat, to think kids were summoned to fight us. Well then, how about this!" Gomir unleashed a volley of powerful offensive spells, each of a different element. He concentrated his power on ice to weaken the energy in Brian''s fists.


    Brian tried punching most of the magic with his fists but found it difficult to dodge or deflect it all. He had to turn the flames up and cover most of his body in them. He hated doing this because it would burn off most of his clothing, leaving him only with metal pants and a metal chainmail that clung to his skin.


    "Damn it, do you know how much I spent on that silk shirt? Come here, I am tired of your games." Brian rushed forward. Behind him, the demons had already mutated to fight against Jonathan and George, who kept their assault. They now had to worry about where they aimed their weapons, as the magic around them was quickly absorbed by the demons, making their skin as hard as steel. Only by slicing their heads off would they die.


    "What a disgusting way to die, man. If I didn''t think of you as a beast, I probably would have hesitated to kill you like this," George said as he wiped the blood off his spear, which had lost its sharpness.


    "If only I had better weapons, man. My swords are breaking, damn it," Jonathan cried out, tossing a bladeless handle away while summoning another from his space.


    "Hey, watch out! Some monsters are coming from the water. We will have to help the others who are being dragged...ugh...what weaklings." George began sending his spear towards a squid-like creature that was pulling on one of the mages in his class, who could not escape the many tentacles grabbing his body.


    "You go, I will keep fighting here. I only want strong enemies. I still need 140 more before finishing my quest," Jonathan said, looking towards Brian, who was boxing one-on-one with a demon general. Jonathan then caught a glimpse of someone jumping towards him from above.


    Cerrus, Gomir''s son, jumped down after teleporting in the air, using gravity to strengthen his blow. Luckily, Jonathan saw the enemy in time and jumped back just in time.


    "Damn it, you almost snapped my neck!" Jonathan began charging his swords for his next attack. They began to glow as he jumped up to return fire.


    Cerrus used one of his elbows to hit one blade away while his free hand punched Jonathan in the stomach, sending him back a few meters.


    "Whoa there, man. You aren''t doing that to my bud without consequences." George struck Cerrus on the leg to keep him from moving before rotating his spear towards his head.


    The first hit caused Cerrus to groan, but he was able to repel the second with a backhand fist.


    "Nice, good to see that not everyone can be one-shot. It was getting boring." George let the spear bend enough to break and retrieved a new one from his storage.


    "Guess it''s time to use this..." George got out a trident he had created for large creatures and began using a new skill that let him channel energy on the tip of the weapon. It was especially good since it had three horn-like edges that could split the rays of magic.


    Cerrus, skilled in physical combat, wasn''t in the best position. His ability to resist even the sharpest blade did not work against magic, as proven by the three rays that caused third-degree burns on his skin.


    He did not falter and moved forward to prevent George''s long-range attacks. It was better to be right in front of his enemy than to wait from afar.


    Brian, on the other hand, kept moving. He was a little tired now, but that did not mean he was ready to give up. His opponent could not budge, allowing Brian to get a few jabs in. He just hoped it was made like humans, as he kept targeting the spleen and tendons to cause the most damage.


    He even laughed a little as the scent of the demon general became more like barbeque.


    "When are you going to get serious, old man? Use that garbage mutation stone right and turn into a monster so I can have some fun for once," Brian taunted, pushing forward without waiting for his opponent''s answer.


    "You dare...," Gomir began, but he couldn''t talk while being hit. Instead, he just did as told and took out his crystal, beginning to absorb all the mana around him. He waited just long enough for Brian to waste most of his mana so that when he turned into his frenzy mode, he would be in a far better position.


    Brian soon felt his energy being drained and tried jumping back, but his hand was being held by Gomir, who was draining his fire energy.


    "George, throw one of your spears here, man! I need help!" Brian tried to move from his spot as he felt his flames simmer.


    "Do it yourself, dude, I have my own problems, and¡ª" Just as he was about to stab forth, Jonathan jumped from above with blood dripping from his mouth.


    "You dare make me bleed!" Jonathan exclaimed as he began slicing through Cerrus''s skin, forcing the demon to use his hands to hold the blade back. Just as Jonathan and George were about to finish him, a third figure entered and swallowed Cerrus within his shadow.


    "Sorry boys, I need this body¡­" Victor called out from behind them. They only saw him for a split second before he appeared before Brian, who, during his struggle, did not notice three arrows heading for Gomir''s face. Just as the first one hit, Victor used his shadow magic to create another hole for the giant demon to fall in and be finished within his shadows.


    "Sorry Brian, I needed him also¡­" Victor said before warping away back to safety.


    "What the¡ª!" Brian exclaimed, looking at the boy who was hiding behind Theron, clutching his chest and appearing to be in pain.


    "What was that about, man? He just stole my kill!" Brian wanted to lash out but was too weak to move as he tried to recover some of his energy.


    "Damn it, I need to hurry. I will worry about that guy later." George, needing to complete his own quest, hurried back into action. Three hundred or so demons were still fighting with the class, while mutated beasts lurked behind them.


    After the fall of their leaders, the class was able to finish off the remaining demons within half an hour. The struggle was especially hard at the end when some in the class began to evolve, leaving their bodies exposed to danger. Luckily, the army from three countries had moved out by then, keeping all the heroes safe.


    As soon as Brian finished evolving, he felt foolish for taking so long with such a weak demon. His new power was a far cry from what he had before.


    Now as an Asura, he could control ten orbs around him that radiated like miniature suns. They would encircle him, both protecting and aiding him in battle.


    The best part is that the orbs could also heal him to a certain extent, making it possible for Brian to now solo without needing a team like before.


    George, on the other hand, could now strengthen his weapons, making the problems of breaking them a thing of the past.


    Jonathan was the worst off of the three. He took far too long to recover after the punch and still needed more enemies to level up. He groaned after watching his two friends evolve and look so much better than him now.


    Owen, watching everything from above, breathed a sigh of relief. He saw how Brian''s group disregarded the others in the class, especially when they needed help with the monsters that came from behind. Owen was forced to help those in need, which kept him from evolving. His anger at Brian''s actions made him sneer at being with such people. If they had shared and worked with the class, two or four other heroes could have leveled up to 40 or even evolved.


    Only six out of the eighteen people had evolved that day. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 152 - 152: Love Guidance 2

    The night after Logan had made his three monarchs, the boy was setting his bed to sleep, humming happily as the date with Lisa had gone better than he expected.


    They ate ramen, which she loved, walked around town, and had fun looking through various shops. They even went to the cinema to watch one of Marie''s movies about a trash disposal robot in outer space. The movie had a short introduction by Marie, explaining what a robot was and what space had, which impressed the audience.


    Logan had just arrived home and was grading himself, especially since he did not try hard to kiss Lisa, which was his ultimate plan to end the night. Thinking about this, he scratched his hair in exasperation.


    He was just too green and couldn''t go through with it. He could easily hold her hand, but her face had become too lovely, and he got way too nervous to get close enough to plant a kiss.


    He knew that when she went back to her room, she was expecting something. Just thinking about this made him sit down and cover his face with his hands to avoid feeling the embarrassment.


    As he was doing this, he felt someone tap his shoulder. Looking up, he saw a girl in a negligee standing in front of him.


    "Alma?" Logan tried to call out, but the girl covered his mouth with her hand.


    "Are you crazy? You''re going to make someone come here to check on you¡­"


    Logan could not understand the girl''s actions and sat helplessly, unable to look away from her body without blushing.


    "What are you doing here and why are you dressed like that¡­ you almost gave me a heart attack¡­" Logan tried his best to keep his eyes on her face.


    "Well, I wanted the juicy details, of course. I saw how you two entered together and I want to know why you didn''t take the next step, idiot. Did you not see her face of disappointment at the end?" Alma said with a bit of anger in her voice.


    "Well, I wanted to but¡­" Logan tried to explain his reason but came up short.


    "But you couldn''t. Is it because you''re wavering or because..." Alma tugged her sleeve to the side just enough to make Logan look away.


    "Yeah, that''s it, huh? Well, Logan, we need to get you used to women. I wonder why you haven''t already, though, being around so many... then again, they are as shy as you are. No way you will progress like that, right?" Alma then sat next to him.


    Logan didn''t know how to answer, but the sweet smell of flowers was driving him crazy. He feared looking at Alma, whose negligee barely covered a few centimeters below where it should.


    "Well, first things first, you will need to spend more time with each one, get used to it but now on purpose... Tomorrow you''re going to the mine, right?" Alma nestled herself a little closer.


    "Right, the mine, I need to go get Kryst and check on Serana¡­" Logan gulped as he felt Alma''s shoulder get closer to his.


    "That''s good, you need to work on your skills, and I''m not talking about taming. For your first test, you need to get her to admit her feelings. Get your vampire to talk about herself and don''t make small talk. You keep doing that, which is a put-off. Get deep and understand who she is, what she likes, and tomorrow you''ll have to tell me how it goes. Now I know it''s been a long day, so let''s leave it at that." Before getting up, Alma poked Logan''s cheek.


    "And quit blushing over stuff like this, Logan. You''re not a kid anymore¡­" Alma smiled before whispering in his ear.


    "You know¡­ it''s hard to understand why you''re doing this, but I will do what you say. I do feel dumb for not having kissed Lisa, so I will improve." Logan slapped his cheeks and suddenly got up and held Alma by the waist.


    "Here, let me guide you out. Also¡­ take this crystal¡­ we don''t want anyone to see you." Logan used Marie''s magic to create a crystal that would cause light to help its wielder turn invisible. It was one of the simplest of Marie''s spells, but he would need to embed the magic array into the crystal again after its use, making it a one-time use.


    "Whoa, you improved right away, huh? Anyways, thanks. I will be back tomorrow. Don''t forget," Alma said as she exited his room. Logan sighed once again before going to sleep.


    Early the next day, he received news that Valeria wanted to speak to him. She was already sitting in the dining room, eating.


    "Logan, I received news that I will need to return to my territory today," Valeria said, eating quickly to hurry up and pack. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Why? Did something happen?" Logan asked, worried.


    "No, nothing yet, but like here, the demons are launching small-scale attacks on villages. I can''t be too far from my territory with all this happening, so I will need to go," Valeria said, making Logan think about what he could do for her.


    "Do you need anything? Crystals? Take as many as you need¡­ How about one of my beasts to help you?" Logan tried offering.


    "No need, my Saber has gotten a pride, so I will be strong enough with them. Thankfully, your power extended to the four he has brought up to his level. Just make sure you don''t get reckless, Logan. I''ve shown you as much as I could; I hope you can improve on that." Valeria got up after finishing her meal and patted his back.


    "Now then, I will gather my creatures. You keep doing what you need to do. I know you''re busy, and we don''t know when the next attack will happen. Just make sure you''re ready. Hurry and gather all those you can to help you. The demons are not holding back anymore; this is the real start. And those we have faced¡ªthey aren''t half as strong as the main army."

 Chapter 153 - 153: Hearts in Conflict

    "Well, I guess this is goodbye, mentor. You have given me the tools to keep going forward. Thanks for everything, and if you ever need help, just ask and I will be there."


    Unable to do more for Valeria, Logan gave her a hug before she left.


    Her journey back would be long, but he gave her all the supplies she would need.


    "You turned out better than I had expected, Logan. Good thing you changed to who you are now and did not keep your loner personality. I hope the next time we meet will be during the end of the war. Keep gathering strength; I am sure we will meet on the battlefield as comrades soon."


    Valeria returned the hug while wiping a tear from her cheek.


    She felt as if the boy was a younger brother she needed to take care of. His growth was astounding, and the change he made to others was amazing.


    Sadly, she had her own things to take care of.


    Her monsters back home needed their master or risked going wild from being apart for so long. As for her territory, it needed her guidance and protection.


    She did not waver much, though. Saber was now her strongest beast, and the way he had strengthened Noire and the three other females he gathered as a pride was impressive.


    "Sounds like a plan. After I protect my town and clear the demons off this land, I will come to help you then." Logan had long lost the fear of fighting; he now knew it was necessary.


    It wasn''t long before they saw her off. Everyone, including the soldiers, were present to send Logan''s teacher off in style.


    Feeling a little bitter from the unprompted goodbye, Logan stood near his mansion. Only Rubina, Lisa, and Alma stood next to him by then.


    "Well now¡­ what will you all be doing today?" Logan asked, trying to change the feeling of loss he felt.


    "With there being such a huge theater here, I was hoping to make a small concert of sorts. I still need to finish my level 40 quest," Alma said while Lisa nodded.


    "I will go help her. We need to get her ready for when the fight starts," Lisa added before the two excused themselves and went into town.


    Rubina, who stayed standing beside him, waited for her own turn to speak.


    "I¡­ will go to the training field. I need to test out my fire magic more and work on a few problems that having new powers has caused. I need to know my new limits. Before, I had to keep just enough mana to maintain my figure, but now I need to know how much I need in reserve to avoid an accidental change. Later, I will probably go with my father. He seems keen on visiting each monster we have here and checking how their growth was affected by your power. He is particularly interested in checking on Scorch, who grew so strong," Rubina said while waiting next to Logan.


    "Sounds good, Rubina. I will head out to check on Serana and Kryst. Hopefully, she has made enough improvements with her new crystal magic," Logan said before looking at Rubina for a few seconds.


    "Say, Rubina¡­ has your father ever thought about remarrying?" Logan asked, trying to see how Rubina would react to a few questions he had.


    "No¡­ he still thinks my mother might return. Before you think Hestia is¡­ well, something more, no. She was just my mother''s most trusted maid. She is more like an aunt to me than a maid though," Rubina tried to explain a little more about herself.


    "So¡­ she is not, huh? How about you, Rubina? How would you feel about Hestia one day deciding to be with your father? And sorry if I am overstepping my place here." Logan tried to be careful with his next question. This would probably answer if she was a little more open-minded.


    "I¡­ just want him happy, Logan. He loves his job, and up until now, I haven''t seen him need others. He''s a bit like you in a way¡ªjust focused on his own work and goals to care for others. That is probably why¡­ well, that is why you resemble my dad," Rubina tried to fix her wording at the end while stuttering a little.


    Logan looked at Rubina for a few more seconds before smiling.


    "Probably why you feel like I do¡­ sorry Rubina but give me more time." Logan held her hand before kissing it.


    "What do you mean?" Rubina asked before sighing. She knew if she pushed Logan now, it would probably not end well and stopped.


    "Take your time¡­ at least end this coming fight before then." Rubina saw how the boy left after she said that.


    Rubina did not expect Logan to know how she felt, so she was caught off guard during the previous interaction.


    She was on edge these days, mainly because of Lisa''s presence and the fact that Logan was very conscious of the girl, especially with the many changes to her new physical appearance after her new evolution


    Rubina still felt anxious since her own appearance was created by her illusion.


    The girl couldn''t keep waiting for Logan to understand her and the way she felt. She needed to hurry and act now that Lisa was here.


    She had to try to at least win Logan over enough to not date the girl while they were here.


    She did not like thinking as she did; she even wished the invasion would happen faster so that Lisa could leave.


    "Stop¡­ I can''t think like that¡­" Rubina sighed. She facepalmed before thinking about what she needed to do.


    She began to go out to the fields, having already changed. She needed to be strong enough for the coming fight. She did not want to hide like she did previously and wanted to be next to Logan.


    Before, her best magic was Fire Arrow, a skill her mother had taught her.


    But now she has improved so much. She could condense fireballs to throw like cannons, causing a wider range of damage on impact.


    As for her previous fire arrows, they could now be sent out in volleys to hit various enemies.


    But her best ability was when she mixed both her darkness and fire abilities.


    She could now contain the fire into shapes using the darkness, creating intricate figures like dragons and snakes with ease.


    She loved this, as it combined the deadly power of fire with the artistic nature she wielded with darkness.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Rubina Rosengard


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Class: Pyromancer (Blessing: Darkness / Fire) (Soul-Tamed Status: Link Logan Aiden)


    Level: 41 / Health: 482 / Mana: 468


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Attributes:


    Strength: 21 Agility: 28 Dexterity: 34 Constitution: 42 Intelligence: 48 Charisma: 41


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Skills:]


    Fire Arrow: A basic but powerful spell that hurls an arrow of fire at the target, dealing significant damage.


    Flamestrike: A spell that calls down a pillar of fire to burn all enemies within its area of effect.


    Combustion: A powerful buff that increases the Pyromancer''s critical strike chance, making their fire spells even more deadly.


    New* Shadowflame Bolt: Launches a bolt of fire and shadow energy at the target, dealing both fire and shadow damage..


    New* Eclipse Pyre: Creates an explosion of fire and darkness around the caster, dealing massive damage to nearby enemies and leaving them weakened.


    New* Cursed Blaze: Conjures flames cursed with dark energy, causing them to stick to enemies and drain their life force.


    New* Ember Cannon: Conjures a concentrated ball of flames infused with dark energy that can be hurled at enemies, causing both burning and shadow wounds over time. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    New* Blazing Summons: Created a figure made of shadowfire to aid the caster in battle, dealing both fire and shadow damage to enemies.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Abilities:]


    Shadow Veil: Using the power of darkness, the caster can envelop themselves in a cloak of shadows, concealing their true demon form from the eyes of others. The shadows bend and weave around the caster, creating an illusion of their desired appearance. This ability allows the caster to blend in with humans or any other beings, effectively hiding their demonic features.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Experience Points (XP): 230/10800]


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Recalling her stats, she remembered her new skills and tried each one on the dummies before her.


    Soldiers training around her cheered, seeing one of those they knew as Logan''s wife within the camp.

 Chapter 154 - 154: A Taste of Truth

    Logan was on top of Zephyr, gliding towards the mine. Now that he had various flying beasts, he had them monitor from the air to avoid being caught off guard like last time.


    So far, none of them seemed to spot anything strange as they moved about hunting. Logan, finding the wind in his hair, set his worries aside for later and enjoyed the view of his land.


    He grew to love each part of his territory each time he took to the air and found new areas and sights.


    As soon as they reached the mine, he asked Zephyr to leave him and go hunt. He jumped off the large eagle''s back with a backflip and created his own wings as he was falling through the sky.


    He was slowly getting better at flying each day. He doubted Lisa would be able to do the same.


    As he got close to the mine, he saw a red-caped figure standing near the exit.


    "Serana, why are you waiting so close to the exit?" He questioned the girl with his mind link as he readied his foot to land, sending some small debris scattering.


    "My minions detected your presence. I have them monitor the lands to avoid what occurred before during the attack that caught me off guard." The girl smiled before gulping as Logan came closer.


    "I know, I know, you want to feed. It''s fine, come." Logan beckoned Serana near him as he held out his hand.


    "While I do appreciate the gesture, Logan¡­ could we try it in another area today? I doubt I will be able to absorb what I need through your finger."


    Logan was taken aback by Serana''s change in demeanor; she was usually a little more reserved when it came to feeding.


    "I guess since you''ve evolved again you can probably control yourself¡­ well, alright, come." Logan shrugged, trying not to seem distant, and caused a pedestal of earth to rise from the floor.


    "So where is it going to be?" Logan asked, sitting and wondering what Serana had in mind.


    "Well, you know, like normal vampires, I guess blood directly from your neck would taste¡­ delicious," Serana asked, hoping Logan would comply with her wish.


    "Well¡­ I do think it''s a bit weird, but alright, come." Logan pulled his collar aside, leaving a part of his shoulder exposed while Serana sat on his lap.


    Logan could feel his heart racing. He thought she would not be so bold and guessed she would have done it standing behind him.


    She hugged him while gently licking the side of his collar before taking a small bite out of it.


    Being used to cuts from having to mark his creatures, Logan only slightly winced before feeling Serana''s breath on his shoulder. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He was trying to count or do math problems to forget the sensation of a beautiful girl sitting on his lap while feeling her hot, steamy breath over him.


    She at least tried to be as quiet as possible while feeding, but it did not stop him from hearing her enjoying herself.


    As the seconds passed, he felt her legs wrap around his back and her arms'' strength increase.


    "Are you¡­ almost done?" Logan gulped, trying to stop himself from thinking about the sensation of two supple orbs pressed against his chest.


    He felt a slow lick running through his collar, making him shudder as he felt Serana place her weight on his shoulder, enjoying the close contact.


    "You good, Serana?" Logan asked as he patted her back slowly.


    "Yes¡­ just let me sit for a few more¡­" Serana could not stop her mind from going blank. She now understood why vampires would take blood from the neck; it was so close to the heart and mana core that it was like drinking pure, raw energy.


    She had to settle her body, which felt like it was about to explode, and did not want to move in case she would hurt Logan, who seemed like a twig she could snap by accident.


    She then felt Logan hug her back, his pats bringing her confused mind back to normal.


    "Logan¡­ why are you being so nice today?" Serana was a little confused. The boy was not one for showing feelings before.


    She still saw him as her savior, and after sorting her feelings, she could only say the boy meant the world to her.


    "Am I? I guess I just want to understand what I am feeling myself¡­ Being close to you put something in perspective at least." Logan placed his chin over her head, which was looking to the side.


    "I guess I will start explaining what I discovered and how I have been these past few days¡­ but first, have you seen Valeria? I wanted to ask her a few things," Serana asked, enjoying the boy''s caress.


    "Guess you didn''t know¡­ she left." Logan began to explain what happened in the morning.


    "That is¡­ sad. She is like the big sister who helped me sort out many of my problems. I enjoyed her company here," Serana said in a sad tone.


    "If you need, I can give you one of my communication stones. I only have to place the corresponding energy frequency so you can speak to her." Logan made a small communication crystal come out of one of his storage rings.


    "That is good. I always wanted one of these. You should have given one to me earlier, you know. How was I supposed to speak with you¡­" Serana drummed on his shoulder as if she was angry.


    "Yeah¡­ well, I forgot, but at least you have a way to talk to us now, right?" Logan chuckled.


    "So, about what we found, you will be happy with Kryst¡­ but I will leave that as a surprise. I also found a few bats I think you should tame. They are of two varieties: one being fruit-based and the other a type of vampire like me. I thought they would be good scouts for the night. What else¡­ about my minions, I have three now. The girl, a demon, and another girl I found in this place¡­ the last one did not turn into a wight like the first one, though," Serana said in a happy voice as if she were a regular teenage girl.


    "What is it and how is it different from the demon?" Logan asked, wondering while still holding on to Serana.


    "Oh¡­ well, that guy is a half-vampire, kind of how I was at first, except that his demon blood made the other half not as weak as what I was. It''s actually stronger than the wight in a fight, but in terms of melee combat, my first minion is stronger.


    As for the last of my minions, she is a Shadow Revenant. She seemed to reject her vampiric blood, which caused her to turn into that. It''s like a living shadow, and instead of blood, she needs life force, meaning she needs to intake mana directly." Serana kept explaining in her jolly mood.


    "Sounds dangerous¡­ but great for our cause. Just keep them under control," Logan warned before pulling Serana slowly up by the shoulders and looking into her eyes.


    "Say, Serana¡­ you should know how many girls I have around me, right? I wanted to talk to you first¡­ how do you really feel about me?" Logan asked with hesitation in his voice.

 Chapter 155 - 155: Crystal Bloom

    "Probably not the most fair question to ask me, Logan¡­ you could say I am still a child of sorts¡­ mentally I only awakened recently¡­ I have not interacted with many, and Valeria has been my source and role model while I stayed here¡­


    But I do feel attracted to you, if that is what you mean. As far as society and all that goes¡­ as long as you have time for me, that is all I ask.


    Maybe this will change as I understand how my feelings work and how society works, but for now, just being here like this is fine¡­"


    Serana looked straight at Logan before giving him an awkward quick kiss on the lips.


    Logan''s eyes widened; he did not expect the action and tried to speak, but Serana covered his mouth with her index finger.


    "That¡­ at least I know that much should be done right?" Serana giggled before using her power of shadow teleportation to get off Logan.


    "Well, I enjoyed our brief time together, Logan. I am fed and ready to move, so let''s go check on Kryst." Serana radiated a new expression that Logan could not keep himself from looking away.


    "Sure¡­ let''s go find Kryst then." Logan fixed his clothes and waited a few seconds to adjust himself.


    "Alright, lead the way." Logan got up and walked next to Serana while holding her hand.


    "That kiss wasn''t fair, by the way." Logan smirked as he was led down the dark tunnel leading directly to the crystals that Digger had dug to avoid going through the gruesome section of the abandoned laboratory.


    It wasn''t long before Logan saw how crystals filled the small tunnel they had to enter to get to the center of the volcano.


    "Wow, these weren''t here yesterday," Serana said as she pulled a few large crystals with her super vampiric strength.


    "Looks like whatever she is doing is working." Logan did as Serana did and started storing crystals in his rings.


    "Soon we won''t even need to hunt monsters," Logan smiled as he saw the purity of the crystals rise by leaps and bounds from the last time he had visited.


    "Yes, well, her new helpers are indeed great at refining mana." Serana handed the crystals she had removed to Logan before exiting the last section of the tunnel.


    Logan, who followed her, saw how the inside of the volcano looked completely different. The crystals made it seem like a hall of mirrors, as he could see his reflection in many of the stones.


    The area where the large golem had fought before was filled with steaming water, and Logan saw Kryst bathing in its center.


    "Kryst?" Logan called out to the blob, which was happily floating around the water.


    "Ma¡­ster!" The small gelatinous figure used its light body to fly up at great speed, bounced twice, and finally landed on Logan in her human girl form.


    "Been¡­ so long!" Kryst hugged Logan tightly.


    "Yes, it has been a while, Kryst. I missed you too." Logan hugged the slime who would always be with him.


    After a few minutes of letting Kryst enjoy the reunion, Logan walked towards the water, inspecting its shining mana-filled properties.


    "So tell me, Kryst, how did you make this?" Logan asked, happy to be able to use this type of elixir-like water once again.


    "New friends!" Kryst said, pulling Logan by the hand.


    As soon as they reached the interior of the cave, away from the lava-filled area, he noticed a type of glowing zone. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "What is¡­ that?" Logan got closer until he saw various colorful caps. As he walked a few steps, he saw mushrooms growing lively around a certain area of the cave.


    "Your friends?" Logan tried to clarify what he was seeing. He noticed a small stream of water that went through the mushrooms before flowing towards the center of the tunnel where the water gathered.


    "Yes, they make water tasty! I help clean." Kryst added while nodding happily.


    "They seem to drain the crystals and add that mana to the water that comes from that small hole. I think it comes from the ice covering the volcano, so it should be clean," Serana supplemented, providing the remaining information.


    "So they are the ones helping make the mana-filled water, huh¡­" Logan got closer and checked each of the mushrooms that tilted away his presence.


    "They fear you a little, master," Kryst said, tugging Logan back a little.


    "Oh, sorry about that, I didn''t know they could¡­ see me?" Logan looked at the weird shrooms from above and counted them; there were at least forty bunched together.


    "How about you tame the three largest ones? I think that will help us in the long run," Serana suggested, pointing towards the three.


    "I was thinking the same." Logan cut his finger while looking at Kryst to see if it was alright. She nodded, so this time he moved slowly towards each mushroom, placing a drop of blood over their cap.


    After a few seconds of waiting for a reaction, he saw how the three mushrooms jiggled a little before growing abnormally. Each one was, thankfully, in a separate area, so the growth did not disturb each other. Over the course of a few seconds, they grew a few centimeters, before growing again by a meter within two or three minutes.


    The process was entertaining enough for the three observers to keep looking at them.


    "Well, I did not expect them to grow that big¡­" Logan said as they waited for the three to finish growing.


    "I don''t think they are done yet¡­" Serana added, looking at the strange happening before her.


    "Grow! Grow!" Kryst said happily, watching her three friends grow bigger by the minute.


    As soon as the three grew to a meter and a half, they stopped.


    "Well¡­ I think it is done," Logan said, but suddenly he heard a few more pings.


    "What? What''s happening?" Logan picked his ear to make sure he wasn''t hearing things.


    The three mushrooms were actually eating the smaller ones, which in turn gave them more levels as well as rapidly absorbing the mana around them.


    "Wow, that is just weird¡­" Serana said as she noticed that the mushrooms began to glow again as if evolving.


    Within seconds of glowing, the three mushrooms began to grow limbs.

 Chapter 156 - 156: Guardians of the Mana Cave

    Logan looked at the three creatures before him. They were like golems protecting his territory, each standing three meters tall with two arms and two legs that allowed them to move about.


    "Well¡­ it''s weird, but I don''t see eyes¡­ and yet they can see. They haven''t crashed into the wall," Serana said, amazed.


    "I think they may work like my rose, who is able to sense around her somehow¡­" Logan nodded with a hand on his chin in a pondering posture.


    "Friends say hi!" Kryst said while pulling on Logan''s sleeve.


    "Hey there?" Logan used his link to try communicating back.


    He waited a few seconds but received no response.


    "Are you sure, Kryst?" Logan asked the one who said the mushroom giants spoke.


    "Yes! They speak with¡­ mana?" Kryst tried to explain, and yet Logan could not understand.


    "Well, tell them I said hello then." Logan sighed and got close to one of the giants before checking its stats.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: - / New* Species: Mana Mycelium Sentinel / Level: 42 / Blood Mark: Lower Crown / Loyalty: 21/100


    Str: 31 / Agi: 22 / Dex: 29 / Con: 88 / Int: 83 / Char: 24


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Mana Filtration: Filters and purifies ambient mana, enhancing the user''s own magical abilities and replenishing mana reserves.


    Root Bind: Uses its roots to immobilize enemies, making it difficult for them to escape or attack.


    Spore Cloud: Releases a cloud of spores that can disorient, paralyze, and weaken enemies, making them more vulnerable to attacks.


    Rejuvenating Growth: Absorbs mana from the environment to heal itself, regenerating health and mana steadily.


    Mana Infusion: The Mana Mycelium Sentinel can channel its mana into allies, boosting their magical abilities and restoring their mana reserves.


    Arcane Burst: Unleashes a powerful burst of purified mana, dealing heavy damage to enemies in the vicinity and disrupting their magical abilities.


    Mana Surge: Absorbs ambient mana to temporarily increase the Sentinel''s power, enhancing all its abilities and making them more potent.


    Mystic Shield: Creates a protective barrier of mana-infused spores around an ally or itself, absorbing a portion of incoming damage.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Logan checked the three, and they had the same stats and skills, almost like exact copies. He was happy about their power, as the cave needed guardians to protect it now that the golems had left.


    "Well then, you three will be tasked with protecting this place," Logan said as he patted the closest mushroom giant before him.


    It turned its huge head towards Logan before walking off to find a spot to stand in. The creature gently gathered mana from around them and infused it into a crystal, which it tore off the wall and handed to Logan.


    Logan inspected the crystal, which radiated more power than those he had collected before. It almost felt like the crystals found in the underground lake that was under the goblins'' nest.


    "Wow, you actually are more than a guardian, huh?" Logan patted the mushroom, which seemed to nod towards his question before picking up another crystal and doing the same.


    "Well, that will help me so much more." Logan returned to Serana and Kryst, who were watching another of the mushrooms get near the water and start infusing more mana into it.


    "Kryst loves new friends'' form!" The slime figure returned to its round circular form before diving back into the water.


    Soon, Logan heard a few more pings within his mind, seeing how Kryst''s body was growing by the second.


    "I think¡­ this place is far too effective for these four. I don''t seem to level up like them though¡­ I wonder why?" Logan asked, looking at how Kryst and the giant mushrooms kept getting stronger.


    "I guess it''s the type of creatures they are¡­ being more simple I think helps them absorb raw mana like what this cave produces. I, for example, benefit from the blood crystals which I am storing for later," Serana added, watching how the slime drained a good portion of the water from the hole.


    As soon as Kryst had enough, she got out of the water-filled hole and jiggled in her round form before glowing to evolve.


    "Her third evolution already?" Logan asked, wondering what Kryst would turn into.


    As soon as the light stopped and Kryst finished her evolution, Logan saw a more defined version of a girl, her skin smooth and wrapped around a dress-like layer that covered most of her.


    "How do you feel now, Kryst¡­" Logan tried asking, wondering just how much she had changed.


    "Great! I can think¡­ better." Kryst yelled out in excitement.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Kryst / New* Species: Multicellular Mana Crystal Slime Level: 42 Blood Mark: Right Sheen Loyalty: 82/100


    Str: 22 / Agi: 34 / Dex: 24 / Con: 76 / Int: 92 / Char: 42


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Healing Touch: Heals allies by transferring mana through physical contact. The amount of healing depends on Kryst''s own mana reserves.


    Mana Absorption: Absorbs mana from the environment or fallen enemies to replenish its own mana reserves.


    Purifying Light: Emits a bright light that purifies toxins and curses from allies within range.


    Mana Regeneration: Passively regenerates a medium amount of mana over time, allowing for sustained spellcasting.


    Crystal Cultivation: Kryst can cultivate and grow crystals by infusing them with mana. These cultivated crystals can be used for various purposes such as enhancing magical creatures or abilities, creating barriers, or providing mana reserves.


    New* Adaptive Form: Temporarily changes form to mimic the abilities of nearby creatures or objects when exposed to their mana, gaining their strengths and weaknesses.


    New* Symbiotic Bond: Forms a temporary bond with an ally, sharing a portion of each other''s stats and abilities for a limited time.


    New* Split Form: Allows Kryst to temporarily split into multiple smaller slimes, each retaining a portion of her abilities and mana reserves. After a short duration, the slimes merge back into Kryst, combining their collected mana and experiences.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Looking through her stats, Logan was glad with the changes Kryst displayed. She was not fit for physical combat but would be able to if she gained enough mana to clone into them. He wondered how his own clone would be and asked Kryst to try doing it. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kryst suddenly held his hand for a few seconds before another Logan appeared in front of him. At times, a little watery on the edges, but an exact replica of himself.


    "Can you use one of my skills?" Logan asked.


    "Yes¡­ simple ones for now." Logan heard his own voice in response.

 Chapter 157 - 157: Monarchs Blessing

    Logan and Serana watched as Kryst used Darkness Arrow, then added a bit of fire magic with Scorch''s ability.


    She shot it out towards the lava-filled section of the cave, causing a slight tremor in the lava before changing back to her original form.


    "Well, you just need some practice, but you now at least have offensive abilities, Kryst." Logan got closer to the slime in girl form and placed his hand on her shoulder.


    "Yes, I can fight now!" The girl showed an innocent expression, but Logan knew she would be far deadlier in the future.


    "What will you do now, Logan?" Serana asked, wondering what she needed to do based on the boy''s answer. She pondered whether to go with the boy now that her business was done in the cave or stay with Logan.


    "Well, you did say there were bats around here we can try working with. Let''s go with that for now. Kryst, how about you? Will you stay here?" Logan questioned his slime.


    "No, I want to go back with Master. Job done here, my mushroom friends will do the rest!" Kryst said. Logan looked at the giants who kept infusing and absorbing power throughout the cave and decided to make one of them a Monarch, in case it was able to find or make more of its kind. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan then left after collecting only the largest of the crystals and those that disrupted the growth of new seeds.


    At the end, it was enough to fill two rings, along with some of the water that would help his plants that needed its magical properties.


    Logan soon got out of the cave and was guided to a group of vampire bats. Serana used her shadow skills to capture them; they had been hanging from the top of a particular section of the cave about four meters from the ground.


    "Here, this one seems to be the largest. I think you only need one, right?" Serana asked Logan while handing him a large male of its species.


    "Sure, I think this one will work." Logan reopened his wound and placed a drop on the dazed animal Serana had tranquilized with her power.


    Within seconds, the bats became tame and a monarch with Logan''s power. Seeing it was a creature of darkness, Logan got out a few crystals and began feeding it power. Just like with any other before it, the bat grew in size and evolved.


    "I think its first evolution will be enough for it. Being in this cave will allow it to find mana nearby to slowly gain more levels," Logan explained his reason for not going further with the bat. Logan also wanted to save as many crystals as possible for his seven powerful primordial creatures that needed all the power they could get.


    As soon as he was done with the bat, he released it back to its colony and saw, as he was leaving, that others like it began to change, growing and gaining newfound strength.


    Logan smiled as he felt his power increasing with each new creature he added. The best part about monarchs is that they would have a mana tax on all its followers, while Logan would get a portion of mana from all his monarchs, meaning the more followers a monarch had, the more mana Logan accumulated.


    Another reason for having monarchs was so their followers would protect their leaders. Logan was still linked strongly to each of his beasts, and if one of them died, he would feel the repercussions towards his soul.


    He recalled the battle Scorch had to endure before and wondered what would have happened to his own soul if Scorch had died in that battle because he did not have help.


    As soon as the three exited the cave, Logan was given another bat by one of Serana''s minions, a girl who was a Shadow Revenant. Different from the bat before, this one was large and made to feed off vegetation. It looked far less deadly than the previous Vampire bat and even reminded Logan of Luna as it shared the face of his tamed ice fox, who was busy training with Riptide.


    Logan did the same and saw how the bat grew in size before evolving it to its first form. He added the monarch''s blessing before releasing it back into the wild, with his only order for both bats being to get stronger.


    "Well¡­ I called our Uber, hope you can wait a bit for them to arrive." Logan sat down on a large rock, laughing towards Serana, who did not get the joke.


    "Who is Uber?" Serana questioned, sitting next to Logan.


    "I meant I have told Lisa to send Orus so that we could return. I don''t think we could fly for so long without getting tired. Uber is a taxi system in our world, like asking a carriage to pick you up personally." Logan smiled while thinking about having Marie make more movies that he could show his close ones about normal day happenings in his world. He did not want to forget his past on Earth, so he felt like watching just a normal day in school would be interesting to show Serana and Rubina.


    "Will you be leaving your minions here?" Logan asked while looking at the girl who stood under the shadow of a tree, staring at him expressionless.


    "Yeah, they would be far too dangerous to bring into a human settlement. They constantly need life force and blood, so being near this cave is the best for them." Serana asked the girl to come closer and patted her head.


    The young girl looked like a doll, her age resembling someone around twelve years old. She wore a black gothic dress created by dark shadows. Her face was beautiful but eerie, as she rarely blinked, and her stare was like watching a doll that held no emotion or needs. Even as Serana patted her head, the doll stood still as if she did not feel what Serana was doing.


    "Can it talk?" Logan asked while waving his hand slowly to see what the girl would do.


    "Yes, simple words. She has yet to regain that part of her," Serana said while pulling the braids she had done to the girl up to make her look funny.


    "Do you think the Monarch blessing would help you keep control of them?" Logan wondered, trying to keep himself from laughing.


    "Maybe¡­ Let''s try it? You haven''t used it on a person before, right?" Serana asked.

 Chapter 158 - 158: Return of Another Mentor

    Logan got close to Serana and placed his hand over her head. To bless her, he needed to concentrate¡ªit wasn''t just another of his tames. He needed to focus harder for a person.


    He felt that his blessing was more challenging for a person than an animal. He had to force it in a way into Serana instead of having it simply accepted.


    Serana winced a little as the blessing entered her body. She felt the power over those like her¡ªin her case, it would be vampires and all those of her kind, such as the undead. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She looked towards her minion, who had yet to receive a name, and called it forward.


    "I can feel my connection strengthen with this girl¡­ almost as if my word creates a type of law for her¡­ It''s weird. I will have to test it¡­ probably with the demon. I think it will strengthen him, since he is a half-vampire. This girl, on the other hand, I think if I use this power on her, she will turn back into a vampire¡ªsomething she previously hated," Serana said, trying to explain what she could do.


    "Sounds difficult. How about you give it a go while I return? I will leave the other griffin here so you can come back when you finish," Logan suggested as he began to see two figures closing in towards them from the sky.


    Soon he saw Orus coming closer with one of his kind¡ªa thinner, more feminine griffin who followed him.


    "Hey there, Orus. Thanks for coming for me." Logan explained what he wanted from the other griffin and waved towards Serana as he climbed onto Orus''s back, which already had a saddle ready for him.


    "I will see you later then, Serana. Tell me what happens later." Logan smiled and gave his tamed vampire one last wave, who nodded and waved back.


    Kryst had already settled herself behind Logan after providing mana to the other griffin so it could recover. After getting on Orus, she began sharing her grand mana pool with Orus so he could return fully recovered.


    About thirty minutes later, they returned to the town. Logan did not go as wild as with Zephyr and waited for Orus to land so that Kryst could get off safely.


    As soon as he got back, he noticed Lisa and Alma had returned. They, along with Marie, were waiting next to the area where Orus landed.


    "What, did something happen?" Logan questioned the girls. It was strange since it only consisted of girls in his class.


    "Yes, well, we are waiting for ¡­ Ms. Claire¡­ They are to arrive soon," Lisa said while looking at the field before them.


    Three mages started casting a spell near Logan that he did not know about.


    "Ms. Claire? Why would she come here?" Logan asked, wondering why this was happening.


    "Well, she did tell me she would find a way to come here¡­ As for why, I think it has to do with Silvia. Anyways, they told us some steps to follow. Marie brought in these three mages, and well, we will see why soon¡­" Lisa said, just as perplexed as Logan.


    Soon, two figures and a large bird exited from a warp portal created by the three mages.


    Logan did not know how to react, seeing his teacher in front of him along with Silvia, who previously had platinum hair. Now it strangely changed color every few seconds, as if fighting to decide which element she was supposed to wield.


    She looked a little taller and more grown-up, but still short compared to the rest. Silvia''s expression was still as stoic as before, studying every part of the town, especially the crystals that were like trees growing around the town.


    "Master, will go feed crystals!" Kryst interrupted his thinking as she wandered off towards the nearest one.


    "Well, let''s go say hi¡­" Logan went forward and waved towards his teacher and fellow student from their old world.


    "Welcome to Highcrest, I guess. This is my little town. Now can you explain who and why you''re here, teacher? I am happy of course and welcome you to my mansion." Logan said politely with a slight smile showing on his face, as for Lisa and Alma they hugged the teacher, Marie on the other hand stood behind Logan as if she knew she would be yelled at soon.


    "Wait, let me get this straight¡­ you''re Logan?" Ms. Claire, whose hair was now blonde with green stripes, began to ask.


    "You don''t recognize me? I think only my hair color changed¡­" Logan asked, looking at his wear, wondering if he possibly didn''t wear the correct thing today.


    "No, it''s just¡­ you don''t look the same. You are more¡­ open? Or should I say you look more like a leader of a town now, and don''t think I don''t see you there Marie!" Ms. Claire explained while staring at the boy who previously hid behind his bangs. He looked grown up, strong, and like any leader in this world¡ªsomeone who held authority now, far more confident than he ever was before.


    His strength was still lacking, though. Brian and a few in the class had a power that Logan did not radiate yet. This was probably the best reason Ms. Claire could find that she was in the correct place.


    She knew the others could handle the demons, but Logan, being only one, really needed the help.


    She could not bring the others, though. She knew that most would not have even volunteered, so she came with Silvia, who was also interested in coming.


    Her reason had yet to be revealed to the teacher, but at least she found a way to come help the boy.


    As for the Sage in the class, she looked around the town with curiosity. Having come into this world, she began to hear voices from what others called mana. She needed to study this in the beginning, to understand why she heard these voices.


    Silvia, after a while, discovered something interesting that had to do with mana. She had yet to understand this fully, but it had to do with the so-called spirits, and the voices that taught her various arcana spells that came from them.

 Chapter 159 - 159: Fried Chicken

    Silvia looked towards the crystal and the slime that seemed to have a great connection with each one and wandered off, leaving the rest of those around them wondering about her actions.


    "Well, I am glad you''re here at least, teacher. Should we head inside? I think I am ready for a good lunch," Logan asked the others, as he was quite hungry after having his blood drained.


    "Sure, I would appreciate the invitation. As for Silvia¡­" Ms. Claire began looking towards the girl who might get lost without anyone guiding her.


    "Oh, if it''s her, I don''t mind staying behind," said Marie, trying to get out of her teacher''s sight.


    "You might escape now¡­ but we will talk later, Marie," Ms. Claire said in a stern tone before heading with the rest towards the mansion.


    Logan saw that Marie looked a bit scared but tried guiding his teacher inside his home.


    "So, how are things here, Logan? I don''t think you were given such a great town, so it must mean you built it up," Ms. Claire began to wonder as she saw the large mansion with tasteful decor.


    "Well, yeah. When we arrived, there were less than 40 people here. Now it''s a great bustling town." Logan smiled, feeling happy his efforts were easy to see by someone he knew.


    Soon they entered the dining room and sat down while a light lunch was brought.


    "So, how are the others doing? I am sorry I had to leave like that, Ms. Claire," Lisa asked while waiting for food to be served.


    "The last news I got was that they successfully repelled the demon attack. I left a day before they set out to sea. As for the demons, they were dealt with easily, no problems there. I guess most of the students will continue through the labyrinth to finish leveling, or others will finish the prerequisites for their quests," Ms. Claire said as she looked at the portion of food she was served and loved the smell that reminded her of fried chicken from Earth.


    "First time I saw this dish in this world, at least seasoned like this¡­" She hastily bit into the chicken with fervor.


    "Well, we have Marie to thank for that. She seemed to be someone who loved watching movies, TV shows, and games, and within her memories, she had a few recipes she shared with the cooks in my town. If you want, you can try visiting the cinema or various shops later. You could say that Marie influenced a great part of this town with her magic," Logan informed while biting into his own piece of crispy chicken.


    "I will, and it''s good to see she found something to do in this world. I had her with me for a good part since she just didn''t fit in, and having a power that did not go well in battle¡­ well, you can guess how the others viewed her as someone who started like her¡­ weak to say it plainly." Ms. Claire paused for a second before taking another bite of the meat, feeling a little sad that only a bone remained on her plate.


    "She did suffer at the start. I wonder why she came here, though. I think it must have been around the time we should have arrived in the labyrinth, meaning she probably escaped our group and had someone bring her here after separating from Logan." Lisa added.


    "Ruben is also here. He''s a local smith. We are still trying to find where his master is. We believe the demons know. We will at least try to capture one of them in the coming battle to know what happened," Logan explained while cleaning his greasy hands with his napkin. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Ruben? I did hear about his master being looked for in the labyrinth city. I hope they find him¡­" Ms. Claire said while wiping her mouth.


    "So, are you doing, Alma? You seem to have changed." Ms. Claire turned the conversation towards Alma, who now looked stronger, her hair was blond with pink, and her face was lightly coated with makeup.


    "Great, I had help from Marie to create a magic tool that would alter my appearance on stage. As far as my class change went, it was easy. I did not know I would get such a big audience. Marie suggested I do it in the middle of town instead of a theater, so I fulfilled the need for having a large audience and having my song change the heart of at least two hundred people at once.


    It did drain my mana, so I am thankful for your town and the ability to have a crystal nearby to regain my mana reserve." Alma went over the way she finished her quest in detail.


    Having so much to talk about, the group took an hour to get everyone up to speed on the other heroes and the position Logan''s town was in.


    He explained his need to separate his town and create his own small kingdom, and the fact he had tamed the others to help raise their power.


    By now, Lisa knew Alma had gotten her power from Logan, and while she still doubted why her best friend did not tell her before, she accepted that it was necessary.


    "Well then, I will be off for the rest of the day. I need to coordinate my monsters and have them work with the soldiers. How about it, Ms. Claire? I think your ability will help them and guide them in the coming battle. I want there to be a greater synergy between both. Maybe then they will have a better chance at surviving," Logan asked, hoping that his teacher''s class, Orator, would help the monsters gain more trust from the soldiers.


    "Sure, I don''t mind. Isn''t that why I came?" Ms. Claire followed.


    When they arrived at the field nearby, Logan called up Scorch, Silis, and Riptide, his main force. Regal would be a ninja in the war, and as for Voltar, he was solo. He had yet to find others of his species, as the egg given to Logan was brought by Ferra; only she would know where more of his kind were found.

 Chapter 160 - 160: The Headless Horde

    The next day, everyone was ready to do their part in training. Logan stood beside Ms. Claire, who was now used to ordering the troops around. Three of the soldiers were training to stay on top of the Inferno Raptors as they moved.


    Others were mounted on either Basilisks or Bears, depending on their element. For fire monsters, a wind user was the most effective to increase their power.


    For water creatures, they were paired up with an earth user to provide more mobility for the heavy bears and complement their defense.


    For those mages on top of the basilisks, they had to be able to use either fire or water magic. This combination was great for increasing their range of abilities.


    Smaller, light mages were paired with Eagles. In this case, water was perfect for creating ice spears to throw from above. Fire was thought to be good at first, but it was hard to control without harming an eagle.


    Since Rocs were easy to find in the wild, many had been bought or captured to increase the cavalry unit. The large birds were under the care of two monarchs. One of them was Chloe''s bird, which was powered up and made the queen of the two-legged large birds.


    The second monarch roc bird was under the care of Valor, a man who rose in ranks to be one of Logan''s generals. His strength was unmatched by the other soldiers, falling short only of Chloe and Kai, who were empowered by being Logan''s tamed.


    Kai was particularly jealous of the man who spent a lot of time with Chloe. Valor seemed to harbor some feelings for the girl, creating a challenging love triangle that Logan had to keep an eye on in the future.


    As far as training went, the troops had adjusted to the tamed monsters and would protect them with their lives if needed, knowing the beasts would do the same for them.


    Many friendships were forged between monsters and soldiers, making Logan''s force not only powerful but also holding many advantages on the battlefield.


    Having someone to watch out for your back in a fight increased both motivation and a greater will to fight.


    Everything was going great, and everyone was even ready to have lunch when Logan heard a voice from above.


    "Master, monsters are acting strange¡­" Zephyr flew near from above. Logan looked towards the bird in the sky with a serious expression. He made his wings manifest and flew up to see where Zephyr was calling from.


    "Kai, start the alarm. We may have some problems brewing," Logan called out to his knight, who knew what to do.


    As soon as Logan reached a certain point, Zephyr swooped down to bring him higher and faster than Logan could have managed alone.


    Logan was flown near where Zephyr spotted something weird. It was a few kilometers from where the town stood.


    There, he began seeing headless monsters walking like zombies towards Highcrest. There were thousands of them.


    Logan asked Zephyr to use his strongest magic to create a strong vortex forward. He began using Infernal Wrath to empower the great wind with fire magic as it went through the plain filled by undead.


    Each one burst after being hit by the first tornado, causing it to only kill a few hundred before it could no longer hold itself with each explosion of mana produced by the undead bodies.


    "This will be hard¡­ if we get too close they will explode, causing harm, while if we let them advance to bring our troops it will be hard to fight near the walls," Logan thought to himself.


    Being undead, he thought of another possibility and began to charge up Holy Nova. An orb of radiant light manifested before Zephyr as Logan poured all of his mana into it. He wanted to see just how deadly this new magic would be. It was probably going to be Lisa''s strongest skill for a while.


    Before releasing it, he cast Celestial Blessing, Mana Surge, and any other buffs he could gain before using the powerful spell.


    Soon he released it like an atomic bomb towards the undead below, who kept advancing without fear.


    Within a few seconds of the orb falling towards its target, a large light shone, rivaling even the sunlight in radiance.


    Logan stood waiting to see what the outcome would be as the light faded after a minute. The boy didn''t think it was normal but more like a chain reaction, similar to before, where the monsters'' bodies blew up when in contact with magic.


    After the dust settled, he saw that a few hundred, possibly even a thousand, were taken care of this time since the monsters did not try to defend themselves or fight back.


    Still, the numbers that kept coming were more than enough to cause problems for his town.


    "Lisa? I will need all those who can get on flying mounts to come. We have a few thousand headless mutations coming. I think this is only the first wave. Bring in Chloe to start making plans!" Logan called with his communication device.


    "No problem, Logan. We have already begun to assemble," Lisa said from her device.


    He then called Rubina, who would be more knowledgeable about the happenings within the town.


    "Rubina, we need the town to be on alert. The demons'' attack has begun. If possible, inform the surrounding towns. They have sent mutations. By the look of things, they are mindless beasts made to cause chaos. We can''t face this first wave head-on."


    After Logan finished contacting Rubina, he began drinking mana water to refuel his dwindled mana, trying to see a possible leader within the group.


    "Alright, we have begun bringing in all those who were outside the walls. I will get in contact with Commander Biron from the nearby fort," Rubina said, hastily hanging up to make calls.


    Logan got ready to recast the spell he had done, trying his best not to overload his core before the battle started. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was a good thing that after reaching level 40, their cores had become stronger and larger. He felt the difference just now that he had used the large-scale magic.

 Chapter 161 - 161: War Against the Undead

    Waiting for the others to arrive before creating another Holy Nova, Logan recovered with Kryst''s skill, Mana Regeneration. Meanwhile, Zephyr created a few small tornados with his wings to keep the headless monsters at bay.


    Soon, Orus joined them along with five of his kind and three of Zephyr''s kind. Rubina surprisingly came riding her Aurolious Fowl, which was now as large as Zephyr, along with her muster of five birds. They, though, were too thin to carry anyone, unlike the eagles.


    "Well, we have gathered all those who can take flight¡­" Lisa called out, using her link with Logan while looking at the monsters in the field. There were thousands of them, and two craters indicated that Logan had already tried fighting some.


    "Yes, well, you can see we will be up against a big crowd¡­ also, I think I feel someone watching us¡­ so be careful," Logan replied.


    He began charging his next spell to unleash, making all those around him witness the new power. As soon as it left his hand and glided down, it caused grand devastation to all the monsters.


    "I think you should try the next one," Logan said, breathlessly. He then felt Kryst fly towards him, using the form of one of the eagles before turning into her slime form to envelop him, healing and recovering his mana faster.


    "Thanks, Kryst. I was hoping you would come." Logan began feeling the energy quickly recovering his battered core.


    He watched as Lisa performed the same spell and asked Zephyr to get close enough to help her cast it with various buffs.


    As soon as Lisa released her spell, it made Logan''s pale in comparison. If Logan''s spell enveloped seventy meters, Lisa''s spell did double the damage, affecting twice the area while using only half the mana.


    "That¡­ well, it took care of a few more, but I don''t think I can do too many," Lisa said, breathing roughly.


    "Don''t worry, the rest should now be able to handle a few thousand before we need to recast," Logan began to say before he noticed that the headless beings were now beginning to act strange.


    Unlike before, they crashed into each other, joining their bodies as eerie abominations. Their skins melded into nearby corpses as they absorbed the bodies of their fallen, creating giant golem-like creatures.


    "I don''t think they will let us cast again!" Lisa shouted as the rest began using magic to bombard the creatures.


    This time, the monsters did not simply let themselves be killed. They began absorbing the magic thrown at them before shooting back orbs of raw mana.


    Logan moved towards the orbs that could be deflected and used Serana''s shadow magic to consume them.


    Being a magic he was not accustomed to, or being one of the seven original elementals of this world, he struggled to maintain his mana reserves.


    "Kryst, here, absorb some crystals¡­" Logan spoke to Kryst, hoping she would heal him within a few seconds as he felt like he would fall off Zephyr from using so much mana.


    Serana wanted to enter but stopped herself as soon as she saw the grotesque golems.


    Everyone stood by as they waited for Logan''s order. So far, only his magic and Lisa''s magic worked against the golems. Any other magic would bring retaliation in the form of mana orbs.


    "Kai, ask Silis, Digger, Terra, and Voltar to come and keep the Golems on standby in case something happens near our town," Logan directed his most powerful melee classes. Earth magic was probably the best since it used its surroundings to cause damage. If magic was going to be repelled, he would need to attack with melee strikes.


    "Everyone, get back! We are sitting ducks here," Ms. Claire yelled from afar. She used the power in her voice to instantly make everyone retreat as if choreographed.


    Alma, on the other hand, began to sing to empower everyone before the coming fight. Her sweet voice made Logan''s body feel like it was in the softest of beds, recovering not only his body but also his mind.


    Lisa, who felt reinvigorated, used her skill once again to stop the golems who kept moving forward without stopping. It was easier now, as the thousands of beasts had become hundreds of golems. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan, on the other hand, did not want to spend the remainder of his power to try another spell and kept his reserves. He knew the mindless beasts needed a leader, and that leader was probably planning to attack once everyone had exhausted themselves.


    There was no other explanation for not attacking when many of his monsters were wiped out.


    Logan took his time to think for a few minutes, waiting for his beast to arrive.


    Soon, Terra and Silis emerged from two large holes. Logan did not need to see Digger because he knew the smart mole was already nearby, creating traps for the golems along with many within his group.


    He guessed the colony of moles was probably larger than the new Wark village in numbers. Logan did not have an exact count, but he estimated Digger had a colony of at least fifty or so moles under his command.


    "Silis, Terra, begin a volley. Try using earth spikes, but release your control on mana when you release them!" Logan communicated, hoping his two monsters understood the task.


    Having improved in sending emotions and feelings instead of words towards his monsters, Logan saw how the two creatures did exactly what he asked. They sent great pillars of stones to the golems.


    This was only the beginning, as others of their kind began doing the same. Instead of large pillars, they threw spikes, lances, and all they could conjure up. Logan noticed that each monster often had its own unique skills. While they shared common ones, sometimes one or another had a skill that only they possessed.


    As the projectiles descended to the golems, they hit with explosive impact. This time, with no magic to carry them, the golems could not retaliate. They exploded when each hit was too much for their bodies to bear.

 Chapter 162 - 162: Great Revelation

    After the explosions settled, the remaining golems that stood began to mutate and absorb the destroyed ones. With each death, the monsters became uglier and more grotesque.


    Everyone present wanted to turn away from the new abomination that appeared in front of them. It began using its new limbs to walk forward.


    Its stride was, like before, slow and steady as it headed towards the town.


    And then it stopped.


    Everyone flew back and waited as it stood there, headless, as if waiting for an order.


    Within seconds, it began creating orbs of pure mana, just as it had done previously, making Logan shiver.


    "Get back, everyone!" Logan called out as he mentally ordered his beast within the ground to hide underground.


    As for the mutation, it released hundreds of orbs throughout the battlefield.


    Those who were flying went high to avoid most of them, using barriers and spells to knock back the incoming fire.


    Luckily, no one was harmed as the orbs were sent out without proper aim. One of the eagles did lose control during the bombardment, but Zephyr used his wind control to stabilize its flight.


    "Chloe, what do you suggest we do?" Logan asked, wondering how they would fight the six to seven meter monstrosity made out of countless bodies. It had thousands of paws, fingers, claws, mouths, and just about any limb or appendage it had gobbled up.


    Just as Chloe was about to suggest something, the monster that began to crawl forth again fell into a large, round pit.


    "Well¡­ I guess cartoon magic does exist?" Lisa said, laughing at the sudden disappearance of the golem.


    "Too bad that is just one of many¡­" Logan said, flying next to her.


    As soon as the first fell, the others around it continued their mindless march forward.


    "Well, as I was going to suggest¡­ we have Terra and Silis make large boulders to roll into them. I''m sure with air and fire magic, we can propel them forward at a deadly speed," Chloe pointed out, observing the terrain that gradually sloped towards the mutations. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Might as well try it." Logan jumped off Zephyr and glided towards the ground, casting his wings to help him land properly.


    "Silis, Terra, help me!" Logan called out, instructing them to make large rolling pin-like structures from the ground below. This not only helped make large trenches to slow the enemies later but also created deadly weapons to kill off the incoming beasts.


    Within minutes, five of them were made. Logan used wind magic while the Eagles and mages helped to make each stone roll forward.


    As the large cylindrical rocks rolled and squashed the mutations, the explosions this time made them even deadlier.


    Everyone cheered, seeing the end of the fight coming. The hundreds of bodies were beginning to dwindle with each created cylinder, until only thirty or so remained standing.


    By then, Terra, Silis, and their companions were low on mana.


    "That will be enough. Go rest; we will need you soon," Logan told them, feeling tired himself.


    "Master Logan, leave the rest to us!" Serana said through her link as Logan spotted four figures running forth to meet the leftover monsters.


    Serana led her group, all hooded to protect them from the sun. She hated the heat and bright light that weakened her shadow powers, but being as strong as they were, they could now create shadows using magic to hide behind.


    As soon as the four reached the first mutation, they spread out to the four corners of the monster. Each one used shade and blood magic to deplete the monster''s mana. Within seconds, it looked like a hollow husk of an empty shell that turned into dust, unable to hold on to its form.


    It only took a few minutes for the first one to be dealt with. The next three were even faster, as Serana and her team of vampires gained more mana with each kill. Being mana-feeding monsters, they gained instead of spent mana with each kill.


    Before they were upon the last of the mutations, everyone cheered at the sight of the last enemy being drained of its mana. Logan, on the other hand, was weary. He knew that with the mutants gone and no leader nearby, there was a chance for a trap or for his own town to be the target.


    It wasn''t long before a presence was spotted far away. A sole demon teleported a few meters before Logan within seconds.


    Logan began casting every shield he could think of from all his creatures. The shields exploded before him, sending him back, but he used his wings to stop his fall and regain his footing.


    Luckily, all the spells stopped the demon, who stared at his charred hand.


    "Nice, you did not disappoint me, hero of taming," a deep voice containing power called from in front of Logan.


    "I am Zaryx¡­ Zaryx the Unyielding, they call me. As far as I know, you''re Logan, the chosen of darkness and leader of this tiny town. I had a few of my own check your town, you know. I myself wanted to check it out, but sadly my force in the south has been wiped out. It was good, at least we now know what we are dealing with."


    The blue muscular demon with a broken horn and countless scars throughout his body laughed.


    "If you have lost so much, why do you keep fighting?" Logan asked, trying to gauge the demon''s intentions.


    "Well, well, I like a nice even fight, you see. I had to train you, get you up to speed, kid. We demons aren''t just waiting around for you heroes to get strong. We have done our part in these last hundred years. We are opening demon gates soon. You may think you are winning with twenty-something heroes, but what if I tell you that after each gate opens, millions of demons will join our cause."


    Zaryx loved the expression everyone made after telling them the news, including the one boy of taming had. He was particularly enjoying the look of defeat on the soldiers'' faces.

 Chapter 163 - 163: Test for the Taming Hero

    "Now then, let''s see, hero of taming. I have brought my strongest soldier. If you beat him, I will leave for today. If not, I don''t see a point in leaving you alive or allowing your little town to grow further. I have a few spies there already, ready to cause chaos. So try hard, hero. You have one chance. I will give you time though. Bring your three strongest monsters. I know that, as a hero of taming, you are not strong without them."


    The demon Zaryx then stomped on the floor, making a mass of flesh form into something he could sit on while taking a piece out of it to chew.


    Logan could not stand watching the disgusting scene as blood and innards were being eaten as if they were pastries. He quickly called up Scorch, Serana, and Voltar, knowing that if power was necessary, the three would be the best for now.


    Scorch had to be called by Zephyr, as the other two were already present on the battlefield.


    Serana got closer, wanting an explanation of the upcoming tactics.


    "We will just go all out. As far as tactics go, you will be in charge of helping Voltar, while I will create openings with Scorch. We don''t know what we will be facing yet, so keep an eye on ambushes," Logan communicated while watching the demon before him show a bloodied smile.


    The others who were in the air landed, while the Eagles and Aurolious Fowls were told to be on standby.


    Logan got out crystals to heal himself and recover his mana, along with Kryst, who stood next to him casting recovery magic.


    Lisa landed next to him, wondering why she wasn''t asked to join.


    "We don''t know what will happen, Lisa. If possible, go back to town and help them in case they decide to attack. I will handle things here now that we have a decent force," Logan suggested.


    "Fine, but don''t be reckless. I know Kryst can heal you, but if you die¡­" Lisa trailed off, trying not to think of the worst possible outcome.


    "Don''t worry, I have my own ways to keep myself safe," Logan said, smiling and patting the back of the girl who hesitated to go back.


    "Now then, everyone get ready. Scorch is almost here," Logan announced, seeing his red dinosaur approaching from afar, running with his pack.


    As soon as everyone was ready, the demon got up, dusted himself off, and spoke.


    "I guess you are ready. If not, too bad. I am getting bored. Now then, you will be fighting¡­ Regar! Where are you?" Zaryx yelled out in an annoyed tone.


    As soon as he said those words, a large figure appeared behind him.


    "Did I not tell you to warp in front of me? How will I know if you came if you''re behind me! Now you will fight that kid. Go all out. You kill or die, understand?" Zaryx said with a cold tone towards his follower.


    "Understood," said a three-meter-tall demon, his eyes devoid of emotion. His flat, monotone voice and stoic expression revealed no hint of feelings.


    Logan felt a shiver as the being took a step forward.


    "Well, don''t just stand there, start," Zaryx commanded, annoyed as if he was the one orchestrating everything.


    Seeing that he could not get out of this, Logan began casting his strongest shield spells. Serana stayed near as Voltar readied his stance.


    Scorch stood behind them, ready to jump in but ultimately waited for the demon to get close.


    Seeing the large demon warp to them in a matter of seconds, the group could only take cover as he swung his large hammer-like hands down towards Logan.


    Voltar used his speed to intercept, while Scorch followed up with a headbash.


    Each attack was blocked by an arm, which gave Serana enough time to use her claws to scratch the giant''s leg. The wound was light, as the demon tensed its muscles to prevent damage.


    Logan, on the other hand, used Silis''s Earth Burst to strengthen his knuckles covered in stone as he blasted forth towards the enemy''s torso.


    It felt like hitting a concrete wall as Logan''s fist met the large demon. He could only use Amber Regeneration to recover the part of his fist that was covered, and Lisa''s healing light for his own skin that had begun bleeding.


    The others seemed fine, especially Voltar, who could not be touched as his speed was as quick as his element. He charged electricity through his strikes, making even the demon''s hand give out for a few seconds as it became stunned.


    Scorch, on the other hand, was repelled with a punch. His large body only shuddered slightly, but he quickly recovered and infused fire into his tail for the next strike.


    "Everyone, get back!" Logan ordered using his mind link. He knew Scorch was getting ready to use his tail as a whip, as lava began to drip onto the floor.


    Voltar took the chance to use an Electromagnetic Pulse to keep the demon in place while Logan cast Electro Web and Regal''s Midnight Web to surround the demon. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Regar the demon, on the other hand, just looked at the webs and electrical pulse that kept his body from moving and stomped the ground hard. Logan did not know what it was doing until he felt a pulse of mana that disrupted all the magic around him.


    The large demon then rushed forward toward Scorch, using his large knee to hit the red dinosaur on its chest, causing the buildup of energy in its tail to flail wildly.


    Everyone had to move to avoid friendly fire. Logan tried checking if he could use magic, only to see that the mana-disrupting pulses kept coming with each stomp the giant took.


    "Alright, two can play this game." Logan used his new mushroom giant''s Mana Surge to absorb the disruptive mana into his body and Mystic Shield to turn the excessive mana into shields for his comrades. Each blow the giant demon landed was repelled by his own mana, giving Scorch the time to retaliate now that his anger was at its peak.

 Chapter 164 - 164: Losing Battle

    Using Infernal Wrath with the anger Scorch had gathered from being hit so much, he raised it with his two buffs, Flame Aura and Molten Scales, to both empower the mana around him to produce intense flames before using Burst Charge to deliver a definitive hit with his head.


    As Scorch rushed forth, everyone jumped back. The intense heat could be felt even a few meters away. It was like being inside a volcano, making everyone retreat as fast as possible. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The opponent did not sit idle either. He tried moving, but Logan and Voltar had a little surprise in the form of webs around him. This time, they were hidden through Marie''s magic, which concealed the trap with an illusion.


    Serana did not stay idle either. Her Shadow Bind spell created tendrils to keep the demon in place as Scorch rushed forward. His speed was enhanced by flame energy as he hit the demon, sending him flying, half his figure seared.


    Logan was not going to let this chance escape; he did not want the demon to heal, so he used Cyclone Vortex to keep him in the air with a large vortex of wind that had wind blades continuously cutting through the demon''s skin.


    No one could get close, so they cast magic to enhance the wind. Scorch''s Flame Breath, Voltar''s Electrical Field, and finally, Serana helped by using Blades of Blood.


    Everyone was tired after half a minute of continuously using their skills. Logan, by then, stopped his control over the wind and took a look while breathing roughly. He took out some mana water to replenish his mana while watching the body of the demon fall to the ground.


    The demon looked battered, cut, and burned, but it slowly stood up as if it did not feel the pain it should have been experiencing with all the damage dealt to it.


    "Kid, you better hurry if you''re going to do something. You only have a few¡­ oh wait, never mind haha."


    Everyone heard the voice of Zaryx acting as if he was going to give useful advice, but they saw how the demon Ragnar, who they were fighting, began to heal. His wounds were clearing fast as his body shrunk, as if he was using his own mass to recover himself.


    Shrinking to two meters tall, he was still large for a person as most of the bulk from before vanished.


    "Get ready!" Logan yelled as the demon rushed forward. This time, his speed had increased, and he went for Logan again. Everyone moved to defend the boy as they had before.


    Logan used water and ice attacks this time, casting Aqua Burst before him and Glacial Armor to protect himself. This halved the damage as the demon''s fist struck forward, hitting Logan on the shoulder. The boy tumbled back a few meters, his armor torn.


    Voltar struck the demon''s back in retaliation, sending four Thunder Strikes with each clash of his two scythes. Serana, a little frenzied by the smell of blood, turned to her Garmr form to bite off a chunk from the demon''s arm. Her fangs tore through the skin with ease, and as blood gushed, her crazed mind went into overdrive.


    Her powerful paws slashed while she took another bite to tear a piece from the demon''s thighs.


    Scorch, on the other hand, went back to check and protect Logan, who was shaking his head in confusion and trying to heal himself. He felt blood in his mouth, meaning the hit had injured something within him beyond just the concussion.


    Kryst tried to jump in, but Zaryx warped to her and flicked her away. He was not going to let anyone besides those Logan designated enter the fight.


    Those who were staring from afar shivered, seeing the speed with which Zaryx reached Kryst. They saw Zephyr quickly fly towards Kryst to catch her slime form, which seemed to be hurt.


    Logan watched the demon who had hurt one of his monsters and breathed a few times in anger. Adrenaline pumped through his veins at a speed that helped him recover some of his thinking capabilities. He used Lisa''s Healing Light mixed with Kryst''s Healing Touch to speed up the process.


    The boy wanted to do something about Zaryx but knew that the other demon took precedence. His gaze wandered towards Regar, who stood nearly at his original size after healing himself various times to keep up with Serana, who was in her feral mode.


    "Serana, stop!" Logan tried calling Serana back, as in that mode she did not seem to think as well as she should. It was too late, though.


    The girl was punched three times in three places: her jaw, her chest, and finally her stomach, sending her back. As for Voltar, his scythes were grabbed before he could slash; they managed to cut a hand off, but at the cost of one scythe being torn off.


    "Scorch, go! I am better now. Use your Searing Whip to make room for Voltar to escape," Logan said as he rushed to help Serana, who had changed into her human form as she landed unconscious.


    Logan rushed to the girl and checked on her injuries. Her breath was labored, but luckily she was still alive.


    He knew blood would help, so he used his hand, which was dripping with blood from the injury in his shoulder. Logan could only hope this helped and even took out some mana water to pour a little into her mouth, hoping that with both she would heal a little faster.


    "Logan¡­ I can''t anymore¡­" Serana''s eyes tried to look at him as she took in the droplets, which helped her rapid healing, but she knew she was out of the battle.


    "Don''t worry, you did well¡­ the damn demon is even shorter than me now. You did your part¡­" Logan caressed her face, nodding in understanding.


    What Logan did not notice was that Scarlet, in the form of a bracelet, felt his need for strength. She had only three functions so far: protect the city, which was safe; watch the kingdom, which was boring; and be with Logan, observing but never able to help.


    She was tired of this role, especially when she was the first tamed. She should have been the strongest, and she wanted that strength now more than ever. Being near Serana''s blood, that could happen.

 Chapter 165 - 165: Battle Won, Lost War

    Scarlet took in the blood of the vampire before her, the blood spilled. Logan watched as his bracelet grew tendrils that reached out towards Serana. He did not know why, but decided to help and practically bathed Serana with mana water and more of his blood.


    He thought Scarlet was trying to heal Serana until he noticed that the bracelet glowed as if evolving.


    Logan did not know what the outcome would be but hoped it would help them in this dire situation.


    Soon, the evolution stopped. Logan tried looking at his arm, which should have had a bracelet, but instead of where Scarlet should have been, he saw that most of his body was covered in vine-like armor. Its spines and spikes extended outward without harming Logan.


    He thought this was all, but Logan failed to notice that near his foot, the vines entered the ground and quickly rushed forward towards the demon who was fighting Scorch.


    The demon was about to punch the large dinosaur in the jaw, but suddenly, various vines popped up from under him, tying him to the floor as the thorns pierced his skin. Various flowers bloomed, causing the demon, who wanted to fight off its cage made of deadly toxic spikes, to become paralyzed by the small spores the flowers filled the air with.


    Like a vampire, it began sucking the blood its thorns had drawn out before the demon was sucked dry.


    Logan looked towards the sky where Zaryx was still standing.


    He did not know if the demon was going to take this as a breach of rules, so he tried having Scarlet return its extended parts back into his body. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan watched as the vines returned to him, shrinking and wrapping around him, reinforcing him like full plate armor.


    Noticing the hunger for blood his plant had and the anger that still welled up in his heart towards Zaryx, Logan produced his wings and rushed towards the smiling demon.


    "What? You want to fight me, Zaryx the Unyielding, one of the demon generals?" The large demon laughed, waiting for Logan to get close.


    Logan used Symbiotic Bond with Scarlet to share some of his stats, hoping she would gain some skills from the bond. The plant accepted the bond through Kryst''s skill and quickly used Mana Absorption, extending its vines with great speed towards Zaryx.


    Not expecting his mana to be rapidly drained by the thorn-filled tendrils that extended towards him, the blue demon with a broken horn tried grabbing onto one of the plant''s tendrils, only to be met with a burst of spores that created a cloud around him.


    Scarlet had used Logan''s mushroom''s Spore Cloud skill and mixed in Mana Surge to hasten the absorption rate of mana.


    Finding the mushroom''s skills useful, Scarlet also used Arcana Burst to cause explosions of mana around Zaryx, who could not move.


    Scarlet''s previous spores quickly entered the demon''s system, making small seeds within his lungs that rapidly grew, piercing him from the inside and causing not only pain but confusion about where it was coming from.


    Logan was also moving, charging Lisa''s strongest skill, Holy Nova, which was perfect as it would hurt those designated as enemies while healing those he considered allies.


    Stunned, Zaryx could only stare as the orb of light was pushed forward towards his body. The vines from the armor were now wrapped around him, making him bleed and draining him as the orb of light finally reached him.


    Logan, who was in close range, felt the power of the light up close. It healed him as the light came into contact with his skin. Scarlet, who was still draining mana, benefited twice from the magic released, as she was both healed and quickly draining the light elemental mana.


    Zaryx, on the other hand, coughed hard as a part of his body had been gouged out.


    What Logan and the rest did not notice was that, like the previous demon, Zaryx reduced his size to heal his lungs. The part that was gouged by Holy Nova was planned beforehand, being the part infected with Scarlet''s spores.


    Zaryx punched the floor before him to push himself back before casting teleport. All those in wait used their strongest skills as soon as Zaryx backed away to try and kill him, but a large mana shield was created, protecting the demon.


    "Well, I think you have cheated, but you did handle Regar well." Zaryx, now smaller, did not seem to care about the assault done to him. He clapped a little while smiling.


    "It was an interesting experience. You made me feel a little fear; that is good, hero. You surpassed my test. Now for rewards¡­ Since I see potential, I want you stronger. For this, go northeast. Two days'' flight using your fastest beast will take you to a new Labyrinth I found on my way here. It was supposed to be for us demons to make a new gate, but you should use it to train. Who knows, maybe you will find a new interesting creature." Zaryx felt his mana returning, causing his size to go back to his original form.


    Everyone who had hoped to have dealt damage to the demon general stared in amazement at how rapidly he healed himself.


    "Well then, that is all, taming hero. Next time we meet, I will not have the pleasure to enjoy myself like today. Make sure you don''t die before then¡­ Also, my fellow generals will surely want to try their luck with you soon, thinking I have failed." Zaryx was about to warp when Logan called out to him.


    "Where is Ruben''s master?" Logan demanded, trying to solve the mystery that had brought the blacksmith to his town.


    "Oh, that guy. Of course he was one of us. You killed him¡­ or one of your creatures did, who knows?" Zaryx shrugged uncaringly before teleporting away.


    Logan stared at the place where the large demon had stood just a few seconds ago, grinding his teeth. Logan thought he had prepared enough to fight against him, but in the end, he was still lacking.


    His monsters were still far from being able to harm the demons. His army was far too green to enter battle as it was.


    Logan then felt his communication device go off and picked it up.


    "Logan! We had a little fight with various demons who tried to escape our town. Most were dealt with, but three escaped with teleportation," Lisa said, while showing Logan a few dead demon bodies that were gathered around his mansion.


    "That is good, Lisa. Zaryx escaped, so they must have known they needed to retreat. We need to find a way to identify who is a demon¡­ also, tell Ruben¡­ I was told his master died." Logan clenched his fists, knowing the lie was far better than telling the boy his master was a demon.

 Chapter 166 - 166: Meeting After the Battle

    Logan gathered everyone in his mansion. Serana had joined them after being healed with Logan''s mana; she was far from being able to fight, but they didn''t need to for the time being.


    "So, we now know there is a labyrinth close by. I think I will tackle it. Who is coming, and who will stay here to protect the town?" Logan asked, trying to figure out which team would help him enter the dungeon.


    "Well, if it''s like the one we entered before, it will have to be smaller creatures. You will have to choose wisely and have the others stay back and train here or keep absorbing mana," Lisa informed, having been inside a dungeon for nearly half a month. She did not want to join, but after seeing the strength of the demon, she now understood her own power was extremely lacking.


    "True, I will take that into consideration¡­" Logan nodded while waiting for the others to start speaking.


    "I think Kai and I will have to join. We are just adjusting to ourselves in battle," Chloe''s voice was stern as if she was mad about something.


    "Yes, I hope we can join. We need to check if this isn''t just a trap," Kai added, happy that Chloe included him.


    "I feel we need to take our strongest in case it is a trap, so I will take my three minions. We need to work on our own teamwork; it will be a good chance to not only get stronger but also improve my own group," Serana tried to say with strength in her voice. Her own minions were standing like soldiers in wait behind her, straight and emotionless.


    "I doubt they will set a trap like this¡­ that guy Zaryx at least seemed like he had other plans in making me stronger¡­ but I will stay on guard," Logan answered.


    "I will¡­ stay here with my father. The new assistants should be here soon, and I want to research how we can improve the crystals with Kryst." Rubina was a little sad about not joining but knew she needed to help Logan in other ways.


    "As for me¡­ I am thinking of a way to find demons within our territory¡­" Marie said. She was actually the one who found all the demons within the town that were trying to escape, using her illusion magic to break their own, and worked with the soldiers, Ruben, and Lisa to round them up.


    "I will join. I see I am still lacking," Ms. Claire said while looking at Silvia, who was seated beside her.


    "I will work with Rubina, was it? I think the research on crystals is what I will need to advance in my new magic," said the girl with ever-changing colored hair, with a stoic expression.


    "Now that I know my master is¡­ gone, I will continue to work on my equipment. I hope the heroes who want my items will come soon; I have informed them that I will be staying in your town¡­" Ruben said. His sad figure still lingered about the loss of his master, but his girlfriend Irma had at least helped him get through most of it.


    "If Lisa is joining, so will I. With my new evolution, helping you in the labyrinth will be easy. Since it''s an enclosed space, it will further affect the monsters and my allies." Alma smiled and winked at Logan, letting him know there was more to her plans. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Well, I think that is about everyone here. How is the town doing, Rubina? I hope we are as good as before¡­" Logan asked, wondering if any of his citizens had taken off.


    "No problem there. Everyone was made to think you drove off the demon general while killing all of his men. You are the hero of the hour¡­" Rubina said with a smug look.


    "Ugh¡­ well, I hope they let me walk around normally. I do like visiting a few areas to clear my mind." Logan winced at the thought of having to hide from crowds in his own town.


    "They know you, Logan¡­ these days your looks make it hard for them to come near¡­ or so I heard." Ruben sighed, wishing he could evolve to look as good as Logan.


    "If I may¡­ Sir Logan¡­ we would like to train with those beasts who will not be joining you. I believe some soldiers have the potential to become more powerful and help your creatures in terms of tactics," Valor, one of Logan''s generals, said. He was in charge of monster-human relationships within the army.


    "Sounds good, Valor. I will have my monsters work with those soldiers who want to improve. Later, I hope to gather more of each species so we can have them rotate for when new creatures are brought," Logan said while wondering where they would be able to get more creatures to make more powerful mounts.


    "So, now then to the next important topic: separating ourselves from the kingdom. Rubina, you have mentioned this before, and now that a fight is not pressing on us, what do you think about putting this into action?" Logan asked. Everyone except for those who had just joined them had approved the succession of his town Highcrest from the Kingdom of Elris.


    "Well¡­ indeed, now that we don''t have the looming threat, I think it''s best to try doing it now, before you get even busier with future problems¡­ I will send out a letter of notice and wait for the news," Rubina said, having asked her own father about the problem Logan was going to face having tamed humans and about the need to separate themselves now that they could sustain themselves economically with crystals.


    "I think now that you are able to produce crystals, it would be important to look for independence. It is known that any such things belong to the royal family when discovered in a territory," Valor, who was a resident of this world, pitched in. His family had already been brought to Logan''s land, so he did not worry about the separation from the kingdom.


    "I think it would also give us heroes a sort of place for ourselves. I am sure the others in class will soon come to your town. If one of them did not plan to have a small country of their own, they would probably like this place to live in¡­" Lisa, who had grown to love Logan''s town and the theaters, arcades, and many diners and cafes that served Earth''s food, approved the plan.


    "I guess¡­ you will be a king of sorts then." Ms. Claire wondered if the boy was interested in the position of power he would hold in the near future.


    "Well¡­ it''s more of a need than a want, Ms. Claire, especially since I can''t just give away my crystals just because the kingdom orders it." Logan placed both hands on his head, suddenly feeling the headache from the idea of being a king of sorts and all the responsibilities that would follow.


    "Well¡­ you are already the king of the Warks¡­" A voice no one at the table expected spoke up. Wayana, Logan''s first tamed Wark and daughter of the Wark chief, spoke out.


    "My father wants to know why you did not call us," Wayana asked.


    "Well¡­ the fight just happened so fast, it''s not like an army could help in that situation¡­ but you are right, I hope a group of Warks can be taken to the labyrinth," Logan replied.


    "Yes, I will tell father to make a group, and I will also join. We Warks want more power and evolution," Wayana smiled as she nodded to the proposal.


    "I have armed most of the leading Warks; they will be useful," Ruben added, smiling with the Wark girl.


    Logan did not want to judge, but the boy who was sitting next to the Wark girl was spending a lot of time with her.


    "I guess we went over the important stuff. Let''s leave the rest for later as I try to figure out which of my beasts to take to the labyrinth while we go, as well as wait for the kingdom''s decision about my territory."


    Everyone relaxed after that, speaking amongst each other as the friendships within the group strengthened. Logan only spoke a little before going out to check on the monsters he would be bringing.

 Chapter 167 - 167: Recruiting Helpers Pt. 1

    Logan was mentally confirming those who would come from his human friends after the meeting. They were his two knights, Chloe and Kai. Those who wanted to join from his class were Lisa, Alma, and Ms. Claire. As for his tames, there was Scarlet, who was naturally on his wrist and now able to create armor around him.


    Serana and her three minions would also join, along with five Warks, including Wohan, the leader, Wayana, and three others.


    Logan needed smaller creatures, which was a pity; he wanted Scorch to get stronger and would have to find a place for that soon.


    He went with Voltar first, needing to check up on his best warrior. Voltar wasn''t tall but was long¡ªthree meters long to be precise. His mantis body was agile and great for the labyrinth.


    As soon as Logan arrived at the training field, he saw the mantis meditating. Its two legs were used to stand, two others were crossed, while his scythes and wings were used to find balance.


    "Hey there, Voltar. Are you doing better?" Logan said, standing a few meters away so as not to disturb the large insect.


    "Yes, feel better. Kryst and Miss Lisa healed," Voltar lifted his previous torn off scythe to show he was doing well.


    "Good to know. I will be heading out to the labyrinth. Want to come with?" Logan took a look towards the mantis'' eyes, wondering if they were somehow looking at him or at something else with their large compound eyes.


    "Will come.." Voltar nodded before going silent.


    "Well¡­ good to know then. I will see you later when we are ready to leave." Logan did not linger longer after seeing he was not going to get a proper conversation.


    Now that he had noticed his insect''s willingness to join, he decided to go ask Regal, who would probably feel at home in a closed space filled with prey. She was always hiding in the corners of her own barn within a small home she made out of webs.


    Instead of walking to her barn, she simply flew. Within a few minutes, he had reached the large barn, which looked like something out of a horror movie. Webs were everywhere as he opened the door to enter her home.


    "Regal?" Logan asked as he looked for her.


    "Here, master¡­" He heard a voice from above. It was the large spider who was strangely on top of her nest.


    "What are you doing up there?" Logan asked, wanting to know why she was being strange.


    "Warming¡­ my eggs," the feminine voice called out in his mind. It was a little less cheerful than usual, more like tired.


    "Eggs? Are you doing alright?" Logan asked, wondering why Regal wasn''t as excited and spunky as usual.


    "Yes, found mate¡­ thanks for making me Monarch, he can grow now," Regal said as she pointed near Logan.


    "Wow¡­ didn''t see you there¡­" Logan looked beside him where a spider stood near him, still as if wondering if Logan was food.


    "Less intelligent, will train him properly," Regal hissed, making the spider next to Logan step back.


    "Thanks, Regal¡­ I know I gave you the Monarch blessing without asking¡­ but at least warn me. So tell me, how many¡­ err¡­ eggs do you have?" Logan wanted to know if he would have hundreds or thousands of spiders to fear as a future problem.


    "Only three; larger size and strength make it more difficult," Regal informed, making Logan wonder about possible future problems with himself.


    "Well alright, I just wanted to ask if you were going to join us in the labyrinth, but it''s better to stay here, I guess¡­" Logan thought about the problem bringing Regal might cause and understood she might not come with them.


    "Can''t, need to take care. Only helped with demon because he was close," Regal communicated before seemingly going to sleep. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Not wanting to tire her anymore, Logan took out ten crystals from his ring containing darkness energy and placed them down, knowing she would need them soon.


    Exiting the barn, he recalled he had another new insect that could help in the coming fight. It was his scorpion, which was in its second stage of evolution, about three meters long and a meter high¡ªperfect for a labyrinth. He also had the monkey, who was a bit large but would fit in the labyrinths small space.


    He started with his Scorpion, whose barn was nearby. They had decided to place the three insects as neighbors, as they were the only caretaker who would bring them food and crystals without fearing their looks.


    Logan did not take long to find his new beast, Embersting Scorpion.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Sting / Species: Embersting Scorpion / Level: 21 / Blood Mark: Upper Thoracic / Loyalty: 6/100]


    Str: 28 / Agi: 22 / Dex: 25 / Con: 25 / Int: 21 / Char: 6


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Firestream: Sting''s tail produces a jet of concentrated fire, burning targets with intense flames, that leaves a searing mark that causes continuous burning damage over time.


    Dark Veil: The scorpion releases a shroud of dark mist from its stinger, obscuring visibility and lowering the accuracy of its enemies. This dark mist also provides the scorpion with temporary stealth, making it harder to detect.


    Fiery Rend: Sting uses its powerful claws, the scorpion delivers a vicious slash infused with dark fire. This attack cuts through the target''s defenses and has a chance to cause a minor explosion that damages nearby enemies.


    Infernal Shadow: Sting harnesses its inner darkness and fire energy to create a powerful shadow clone. This clone fights alongside the scorpion for a limited time, duplicating its attacks and abilities.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    It was still as feisty as ever. It would only listen to Scorch, who it saw as a role model. As for Logan, he would have to enter battle to test his strength with the creature every time they met.


    As soon as he opened the door to the Embersting Scorpion, he saw a stream of fire coming at him. Luckily, Logan had used Glacial Armor beforehand; as soon as the fire hit him, it sizzled.


    "That was weak, my boy. How about if I use the same magic back at you!"


    Logan used Firestream back at the Scorpion and saw how it struggled, as Logan had more mana than it.


    "If you want to get stronger, I have a suggestion. Come with me to train¡ªwe need you as strong as Scorch. How about it?" Logan stared down at it. The Scorpion''s small eyes stared at him for a while as it thought about the proposal.


    "Fine¡­"


    Logan heard the mechanical voice this beast used. It then turned around and huddled into a nest it had built with previous firestones its caretaker had brought it.


    "Here¡­ I know you will need these. We will be leaving tomorrow, and make sure you don''t hurt Norman¡ªhe''s the only one who will feed you." Logan got close to the scorpion''s small pit of molten lava and placed ten crystals, hoping they would be enough to strengthen the beast throughout the night.


    "Yes." The scorpion said before going to sleep.


    "Now then¡­ to the next one," Logan mumbled to himself, closing the door.

 Chapter 168 - 168: Recruiting Helpers Pt. 2

    Logan went towards the area where his Psychic Monkey would be. The large ape loved to eat and meditate, using his abilities to lazily bring food towards him with his power.


    "More food?" he heard the Darvo, as he called himself, call out.


    Logan wondered why the monkey had named himself, but it was fine.


    "No, just came to tell you we will be heading to a nearby labyrinth. Do you want to come?" Logan tried asking.


    "Rewards? I want money," the ape said while scratching his belly.


    "Well, you will get stronger. Prove yourself and I will give you what you wish or want."


    Logan stared at the monkey, who thought about the words for a while before nodding.


    "Want tribe, bring more like me," the monkey stared straight at Logan for a while, a little defiant but with determination.


    "And what have you done for me so far? Only eaten and sleep," Logan stared at the monkey for a few seconds.


    "Will work when the time comes," the monkey yawned and got a few banana-like fruits to float to him using his power.


    "Then I guess you will join us." Logan left the place a little confused by the ordeal but knew not all his creatures were willingly tamed.


    Nonetheless, they needed to be taught who is the boss. He would make sure both the monkey and the scorpion understood this in the labyrinth.


    Logan then thought a bit more. He had stopped seeing one of his main creatures after the others overtook her in strength. He knew there was more to this than that and went to find Luna.


    These days, she was training alone, having learned most of what she needed from Riptide.


    He used his wings to check where she was. Today, she would be training away from others since she caused small snowstorms that would ruin the crops.


    As soon as he saw a place filled with white snow, he descended to check on his fox. She was within the storm of ice and only stopped when he got close.


    "Master?" she asked.


    "Hey there, Luna. I see you''re still training hard." Logan created multiple shields of fire to avoid suffering from the frozen wasteland that extended a few meters from Luna''s body.


    "Dangerous. I am training," he heard her voice within his head.


    "Yes, I can see that¡­ I need to speak to you." As soon as Logan said that, the whirlwind of white flakes stopped and let him through so he could see Luna.


    She had evolved and now had five tails, each one radiating a cold power that he could feel from afar. Logan shivered as his shields were destroyed, and the tiny hairs on his arms stood up, goosebumps appearing on his skin.


    "It''s great to see you finally evolved further, Luna. You''re a bit bigger, more elegant, almost like Ferra¡­" Logan smiled as Luna puffed her chest out, feeling proud of his words.


    "Will get strong!" Luna said joyfully as she got close to Logan to be petted.


    "Well then, I guess there''s no need to ask twice. Let''s go back and eat. I think we will need to gather crystals before we go." S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With his team set, Logan needed a bit more to do before heading out. He had given Ruben his broken equipment, especially his armor that was torn by the hit in the shoulder. That needed to be repaired, and Logan wondered if it would be done before they left, so he headed towards the hero of blacksmithing to check on his equipment.


    "No problem, Logan. I should have the newest one ready for you soon. Yours will have to be scrapped and remade into something for one of your soldiers later." Ruben, whom Logan had visited in the afternoon, showed him three new armors¡ªtwo for women and one for Logan. The blacksmith hero had worked on all of them for the coming expedition, especially Logan''s armor knowing the tamed boy''s color preference by now.


    "Thanks, Ruben. If you need anything, just ask. As for the bill, send it to Rubina later." Logan looked at his armor and saw that it needed a little more work before it would be given to him.


    Luna was still with him. Although her form could fit within the building, she chose to stand outside the blacksmith shop due to the heat.


    "Now then¡­ where to," Logan said as he exited the shop. He checked around and noticed people looking at him but not getting close, so he just waved to them to show his appreciation for giving him space.


    Luna, on the other hand, received the love of the kids. She let them pet her, even if at times they would leave marks on her beautiful white fur.


    Logan laughed a little after the kids were done and went back to the mansion, promising the fox a brush to clean away the dirt and grime.


    When they arrived, they noticed a wonderful aroma. The cooks were told to make a grand meal for those that would be leaving to train and outdid themselves with the different aromas which filled even the doorway.


    Even Luna, who did not eat human food, wagged her tail from the captivating smell.


    Two hours later, with a filled stomach, Logan sat to read a book. He had not yet learned the words of this world but struggled to improve, as he had to write them for his duties as a leader of the town.


    Using autotranslate by magic did not mean he could write the words, so Rubina told him to practice until he could write like a middle schooler at least.


    Just as he was getting ready to nod off from boredom, he heard his door shut with its lock.


    "What¡­" Logan raised his head to see who it was.


    "Alma?" he said, noticing that the girl was at least wearing proper clothing this time.


    "Yes¡­ I see you''re sad I didn''t come in like usual. I have to try something new or else you''ll get bored," she said, smiling.

 Chapter 169 - 169: Love Guidance 3

    "So, you spoke to Serana like I asked and even learned a little of her background story. Good, Logan."


    Logan was sitting next to Alma, who was comfortably enjoying a bag of cookies he had stored for such occasions. They had juice instead of milk or tea to help soak the rough texture of the cookies.


    "Well yes, I think your suggestion helped in improving my relationship with her. And it''s true she does have some sort of feeling for me. But now, what about Lisa¡­ how should I progress with her?" Logan asked, a little sad that not much had happened after their first meeting.


    "Don''t worry, Logan. There is still so much to do and a lot of time. It''s not like Brian will take her from you within a few days or weeks. But let''s focus. You did good with Serana and Rubina, from what you told me. As for Marie, she can wait until we return and see how close you get with Lisa.


    The problem now will be Ms. Claire, who would no doubt get in the way here. She is still in teacher-mode 24/7. Maybe you can add her to your harem and calm her down, haha¡­ Just joking, I don''t think she cares about you more than her student for now." Alma then placed her head on Logan''s shoulder, as if testing what he would do.


    "Er yeah, no¡­ I don''t think Ms. Claire is interested, so back to Lisa¡­" Logan coughed a little awkwardly.


    "Come on, that is no fun, at least do something flirty¡ªyou should know I am only¡ª" Before Alma could pull herself back, she felt Logan place his chin over her head while hugging her shoulder to pull her close.


    "Hey¡­ how can you do that 180 so fast? It''s just not normal, Logan. You really know how to make a girl feel strange¡ªone moment you''re shy and passive, and the next you''re a bona fide player." Alma''s heart began racing. She felt the boy''s warmth and wanted to raise herself off the couch, but something else within her forced her to stay.


    "Fine, this does feel comfortable. Now then, for your next step, it''s easy: kiss Lisa. Do it during the journey, make her want you more without so many words. You''re bad at speaking, so go with actions like right now," Alma said, her own face beet red from being next to Logan.


    "Yeah¡­ well, if Serana can do it to me, why can''t I¡­ Anyway, kiss¡­ Lisa. Alright, I guess I could try, if you can help me make some time for us alone¡­" Although Logan said that, he did feel out of his element with his actions. He tried to suppress the inner screaming in his head while continuing to act like everything was fine.


    "Haha, if that''s what you''re worried about, then you must not have as much confidence as you are showing now. That will probably be the easy part, but fine, I will help you. Just make sure you do it and don''t beat around the bush like last time." Alma then pushed Logan off her.


    "Alright, alright. You''re not supposed to be wooing me. Try this on Lisa¡ªyou will probably get what you want after. Now, I need to leave before Lisa starts looking for me after her bath."


    Now that Alma had the crystal to make her semi-invisible for some time, she rushed out of the room. She did not expect what Logan did, so it was more for her than being afraid of Lisa.


    As for Logan, still seated, he sighed. Last time, the love guidance had him speaking with Serana, and he felt good about what that produced. Yet, he wasn''t the one who initiated the kiss.


    This time, he would need to get his game on and try that with Lisa. He was able to hold her hands, so it shouldn''t be too hard...


    "Right¡­it should be easy." Logan pumped himself up, trying to imagine his time with Lisa and what it could mean for him in the future.


    Just as he was about to go back to reading, he heard a knock on the door.


    "Come in?" Logan didn''t think it was Alma again, so he tried to guess who would visit him at this hour.


    "Rubina? Hey, come in." Logan was surprised by the girl who would usually take a long shower around this time.


    "Hey, Logan. I wanted to talk to you before you left. It will be a long time before we see each other again," Rubina said while sitting next to him. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Long time? Maybe a few weeks, but yes, we won''t see each other until then," Logan thought about how long Lisa said she took in the labyrinth to the south.


    "Well, about that, if it''s a two-day flight, it might not be in our territory. You need to be careful not to start a fight with the nation to the north or our neighbor to the east," Rubina commented while taking a small whiff around Logan.


    "It''s fine. It''s near the far mountain to our side. I doubt anyone made a town or fortress nearby," Logan reassured her while being a little doubtful of the girl''s action.


    "Logan¡­ I wonder who was so bold to speak to you so late." Rubina eyed the boy, narrowing her eyes with a reproachful gaze.


    Logan felt a bead of sweat rolling down his cheek. "Yeah, well, I had to speak to Alma about a show she wanted to do." Logan did not want to lie and mention someone else.


    "Alma? Why would she¡­ Logan, are you sure it was just that?" Rubina questioned the boy.


    "Yes, it wasn''t anything more." Logan smiled, trying to keep his face straight.


    Rubina glared at him a little before shrugging. "Fine, well then, there is more to talk about regarding the coming plans for the separation. I will speak with the merchants'' guide to start preparing for the economic move. Also, it might be something you will need to do when you come back, but you will probably have to go to the capital, Midar, to finish negotiations."


    "Yeah, I doubt they will just accept it, and I don''t want to start any problems. I will go after returning, hopefully with enough strength to back it up."


    Logan and Rubina then spoke for a while more, sorting things within the town and the new borders for his new kingdom.

 Chapter 170 - 170: Take Action

    A two-day flight meant a five-day walk, especially with supplies. Logan and his company had set out early the next morning to find the labyrinth. They took all the flying creatures to scout from the sky while a ground unit followed from below, making camp every few kilometers while the ones flying sorted out the directions.


    Logan, being the fastest with Zephyr, rushed ahead to find the labyrinth. The two-day journey for him would probably be a day and some hours with Zephyr''s top speed and Logan''s use of magic to recover his stamina.


    Just as the first day was about to end, Logan went back to where the camp was made. He, along with Zephyr, were exhausted, but Logan knew that within three days, the labyrinth would be found. The problem was the caravan that followed from the ground.


    As soon as Zephyr landed, Logan took out food for the bird¡ªthree carcasses of game they found throughout the long flight. They were large birds and flying reptiles, so it only took a few shots of ice magic and wind blades to cut them down.


    "Is everyone doing alright?" Logan asked, seeing Kai and Chloe sitting around a campfire they had just made.


    "No problem here. Only a few monsters tried attacking, but nothing we couldn''t handle. Even the strongest of beasts ran away after we got organized. Just as you commanded, we let those that wanted to leave run."


    "Good," Logan said while patting Kai''s shoulder.


    "Food will be done soon. The rest of those who took to the sky will arrive any moment now," said Ruri, who had pleaded to come and was now working with a few maids to prepare the meals.


    "Thanks, Ruri. As always, the food smells good." Logan held on to his stomach to keep the grumbling from being heard.


    After a few minutes of waiting, Logan decided to serve himself, unable to stand the hunger. Everyone present joined after, and a few of those flying arrived in time to eat the hot meal. Afterward, everyone rested while watching one of Marie''s new movies, this time about a magical world where a boy with a lightning scar on his forehead fought against a large basilisk.


    The first movie was a hit within his town, and they even wanted to construct a railroad. Ruben, who had asked his friend Bobby to join him in making a train, was already making plans to create the large magical-powered vehicle, probably the first of its kind in this world. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Lisa, who sat near Logan, was enjoying the movie, even wanting a wand, which was later discussed with the group. Some said wands helped in making a stronger spell, while others believed they limited their power output.


    "I think I will have Ruben create a staff for me. I mean, this is a game-like world for us, maybe with a crystal or something it might increase my lacking power," Lisa said, forgetting to ask the boy for a weapon since all those who cast magic in this world did not seem to need the tool.


    "Hey, Logan, you should take a look at Orus. I think he will need help recovering. Why don''t you go with Lisa? I think I saw a few of his wings plucked from the side of his neck¡­ wonder what that is about." Alma asked Logan while winking when no one was looking.


    "Sure¡­" Logan noticed what she was trying to do, especially when Alma was the one who had suggested putting on such a great movie to keep everyone else entertained.


    Lisa, who had seen the movie, started to worry about her bird and got up. Logan followed her, knowing that Orus was just far enough away so the others wouldn''t notice the duo. Logan knew for a fact that Alma had planned all this.


    "Now, where is that spot Alma was talking about¡­ I hope I did not put the harness on incorrectly," Lisa said, while checking the beast''s neck and taking off the belts that sustained the harness, using her magic to light the way.


    "I think it must have healed. Maybe it was during the morning that Alma saw it¡­" Logan said, taking out light elemental crystals for the birds to enjoy.


    Lisa, after checking on the griffin, sat next to it. Logan looked back at the camp, which was far enough away that no one would see them. The boy then sat next to Lisa and joined her as she was stargazing.


    "What a great view. It''s nice to see this, something we couldn''t back on Earth¡­ I do miss my smartphone, though," Lisa laughed while Logan enjoyed looking at her smile.


    "Yes, I also miss some games I had on my phone. Too bad I will probably never see them again," Logan said, making small talk while in his mind he was going over the mission.


    His hands trembled a little as he thought about how to proceed. Should it be just like with Serana¡ªa quick kiss without prior notice¡ªor should he prepare Lisa for it?


    "Say, Lisa¡­" Logan cleared his throat.


    "Yes?" Lisa stopped looking at the sky to check on the boy who had a serious expression.


    "You know¡­ we''ve known each other since we were kids. I enjoyed that back then; it was the best part of my life. And well, although we didn''t meet in the right circumstances after, I can say without a doubt that¡­ oh, freak it. Lisa, I like you." Logan scratched his head in embarrassment. He knew he wasn''t the best speaker, so he just did as Alma pointed out and took action.


    "Logan?" Lisa stared at the boy, not knowing what to say but was happy with his confession. She did not expect what he did next, though.


    Having gotten courage from Alma''s advice and knowing action was better than words, Logan just went for the kiss. He knew it would end up in either a slap or an unexpected reaction.

 Chapter 171 - 171: Sweet Taste of Victory

    With only the moonlight casting a dim light, Logan lightly pressed one hand on Lisa''s cheek to guide him and leaned closer, timed enough so she could take a hint of whether to accept it or to slap him away.


    Luckily, Logan reached her smooth, delicious lips without retaliation. To avoid embarrassment, he closed his eyes and savored every flavor her lips had to offer before opening his eyes to check on her.


    He wanted to smile as she also seemed to have closed her eyes for the same reason as him. Then, he leaned back slowly, feeling her lean forward as if wanting more, but within a few seconds, she regained her senses.


    "So your¡­ answer?" he said gently after experiencing the bliss.


    "You¡­ will have to wait. At least until I think this through, and don''t worry, it''s not because I don''t feel the same." He felt Lisa slap him gently three times before she caressed his cheek.


    "I know what you and Alma are doing. I''ve known both of you since elementary school, and I know what she also feels. That is what I need to think about¡­ Logan." Lisa then returned to leaning back on Orus in silence, the bird curled up ready to sleep after the long flight, even if by nature he was nocturnal.


    Logan decided to do the same and relaxed for a bit until Lisa was ready to say something.


    "You know¡­ I did not expect that, you really caught me off guard¡­ but thanks, Logan, I am happy right now." Lisa said, still not looking at Logan due to her conflicting feelings.


    Logan knew she needed time; he wasn''t going to push this further. For now, he got up slowly and caressed her shoulder for a few seconds.


    "I will wait, so relax. We still have a war to fight, right?" Logan said before leaving. His mind was still buzzing, but he was feeling great. He even wanted to hop back to the fireplace and into his own tent.


    Going in, he saw Kai standing about as if waiting for him. A small crystal illuminated the medium-sized tent that housed a bed, a small table, and a few chairs. Logan thanked his luck that he wouldn''t have to sleep on the floor and sat on the bed before giving Kai time to speak.


    "Sit, Kai. It looks like you want to say something," Logan said, letting out a yawn.


    "Yes, it will be quick, hopefully¡­ so before we speak, let me use this¡­" Kai took out a crystal that let out a gentle wave of mana that enveloped them before creating a small sphere as he got closer to Logan.


    "Say man¡­ you need to help me. I really want to get with Chloe, and you''re probably the only one I can ask. You already have so many girls wrapped around your finger, so help me out," Kai said while kneeling on the floor.


    "Kai, Chill man! Why don''t you sit first? It''s hard for me to speak to you like this." Logan pulled him up and got a chair closer.


    "Thanks, but I don''t care if I have to beg. Just teach me how!" Kai screamed, not caring if others would hear.


    Logan noticed the sounds outside stopped coming in, so he guessed what Kai used was to make a bubble of silence of sorts.


    "Alright, calm down, first off¡­ why would you ask me, man?" Logan, who only today got the courage to confess, didn''t feel like the type to give solid advice.


    "Everyone knows who your future wives will be. Don''t play dumb, Logan. Rubina and Lisa, Miss Marie, and some of the guys and I are still betting if you will take Ruri and Serana as wives or mistresses," Kai said, almost crying.


    "That obvious, huh¡­ no wonder." Logan now knew that if someone as simple as Kai knew, then perhaps Lisa and Rubina also knew how the others felt.


    "Well then, how about some tips, man¡­" Kai almost stood back up from his seat to beg.


    "Chill, man. Why are you so forceful today?" Logan asked, wanting to know why he was going crazy this particular night.


    "That man Valor is getting on my nerves. I wanted to use this chance that we are away from the town to get closer to Chloe, at least enough to hopefully, you know, get together," Kai said frantically as if he were cornered.


    "Well¡­ you know I am not the best to ask this, but¡­ you''ve known her since childhood, just you know¡­ ask her out?" Logan went with the most obvious choice; he himself had just done that and it turned out okay.


    "That is the point, Logan, I just don''t know how. I have tried a few times before, but Chloe¡­ she is hard to speak to, she just didn''t get it." Kai sighed, trying to remember all the moments he had done so in the past.


    "Well, tell me an example of what you did then?" Logan wanted to understand if it wasn''t Kai''s playful attitude that caused the problem.


    "Well, one time I told her she was the most beautiful girl in the world, and then she got mad and told me all I do is say lies¡­ I don''t think she understands how I think, though," Kai said, slouching.


    "Wait, did you ever just say something like ''Chloe, I like you''? You know, just go direct?" Logan thought about how Kai''s player vibe must have turned off the girl and made her think he was just joking.


    "Well, no. You know, my father said I need to try doing it in style, that the girl would just know. So, I tried sending flowers, which she hates. I tried asking her out to watch a movie, but she didn''t have time since she needs to train¡­" Kai tried explaining all his failed attempts. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Bro, you''re just going around in circles. Just go with the direct approach. Chloe does seem like a tomboy, so I don''t think those will work," Logan suggested.


    "Direct approach¡­ alright, I will try tomorrow. Hope it works¡ªmy hands are shaking though. I''ve never tried to seriously do it before, but now with that guy Valor coming on to Chloe hard, I will do it tomorrow! Wish me luck, man." Kai stood up and raised a hand in the air, cheering himself up.


    "Yeah, man. Good luck with that. Just make sure it''s clear and take things calmly." Logan was sort of scared now. If things went badly, it could create an awkward atmosphere during the rest of the trip. Then again, it might be the best chance for them to finally settle things within themselves.

 Chapter 172 - 172: A Pact with the Pack

    Waking up the next day, Logan could not find Chloe or Kai anywhere. He was a little hesitant since Kai had looked a little too excited, and he hoped for the best for him.


    He also tried looking for Lisa but was informed she had gone with Alma early in the morning to scout for the labyrinth. Ms. Claire, Ruri, and Serana joined him for breakfast as Logan wondered if he had overslept or if everyone else had just woken up earlier.


    "I doubt we will find the labyrinth today, but if we keep heading like we are, we should be able to find it within the next two or three days. How about supplies? Do you think I will need to go back for anything?" Logan asked while they ate simple soup to start the morning.


    "No, we have plenty of everything we need so far. As for the length of the trip, I guess it''s even a little fun to be out here. Just remember, this is probably how we will spend our time in the future when we get nearer to fighting with the demons. It''s good to get used to this," Ruri answered first.


    "My minions have been fighting with the monsters around here. They inform me that there isn''t anything we should be wary of and that there are no signs of demons or anything like that," Serana informed while just staring at everyone eating. She even tried to cover her nose.


    "It''s a little difficult for me, to be honest. I tried helping Serana and your knights fight to get used to it, but I still detest having to see things die. As far as my own level, since I was around the others in the labyrinth, I completed my quest after instructing them a certain number of times. Now that I am over level 40, it''s really hard to continue, but luckily your crystals have helped with that." Ms. Claire enjoyed the soup and loved the fact that she could take it easy and not be in constant battle like in the labyrinth. She was truly thankful to Logan, who let her get away from Theron, the insufferable commander who kept a close eye on her.


    "Well, now that I have finished eating, I guess it''s time for me to go and keep searching. Anything else you would like to tell me before I go?" Logan asked, thinking if he needed to command the monkey and scorpion before he left, since they were pretty bad with the others. Luckily, Serana could smack them both into acting correctly while he was away.


    "Nothing I can think of, Master Logan, just please be careful," Ruri said while starting to clean.


    The others also made it seem like nothing else was needed, so Logan called Zephyr, who also seemed finished with draining crystals to empower himself.


    Just as he was about to take off, Logan saw Kai and Chloe returning. They were holding hands and quickly let go before they saw Logan.


    Logan pretended he saw nothing and went up, trying to keep a smile from forming on his face. He cheered on Kai in his mind as Zephyr rapidly used wind to accelerate and help them get as high as possible.


    Logan used wind magic on his face to keep himself from looking like a mess and to avoid oxygen deficiency. It was hard to control, but he took it as training to stay airborne.


    Within hours of flight, he spotted a few moving dots on the ground. Curious about what they were, he asked Zephyr to lower himself slowly so as not to be seen.


    Soon, he spotted a pack of wolves chasing a large elk-like monster. He recalled that in his own territory, wolves were scarce due to competition with bears and the maned leopards, so it was nice to spot another top predator around.


    As he watched the hunt taking place, he noticed the wolves were wind magic users. Their green fur made it hard to distinguish them at times from the forest and green-covered plains.


    They used their numbers to weaken the large earth elk, who created slabs of stones to create distance.


    "Well, what do you think, Zephyr? Should we say hi? I think I will be able to get them to our side if I provide them enough meat and crystals," Logan said as he petted Zephyr, who had to circle around to keep from overpassing the beasts below.


    "Sounds fun! Try, they look strong," Zephyr said while letting out a call. He then swooped down and used magic to cut the elk in half.


    "Well, I guess that will get their attention. I wanted to see if the elk was worth taming also, but it''s smaller than my own," Logan mumbled to himself while he manifested wings to jump down from Zephyr''s back and wait for the wolves.


    It wasn''t long before the first of the wolves got close and howled, as the rest of the pack stopped, wary of Logan who was standing near the kill.


    "Not the best position, but I guess it will be interesting to see their reaction." Logan smiled while taking out a whip, just to make sure he could defend himself in case things went bad.


    As soon as the pack of ten or so wolves stopped and encircled him, Logan tried to assess who the leader of the pack was.


    He wondered if it was the largest wolf at first but then noticed another one, a little smaller but with a strange coloration in its fur. This wolf seemed to be able to wield both wind and earth magic by the look of things.


    "Interesting, you must be the leader then, the most powerful one," Logan spoke out loud, knowing they wouldn''t understand him yet.


    Logan had to negotiate like he did with all his beasts. He tried to make himself look strong, then looked straight at the leader who kept circling around Logan as if wondering if he should attack.


    "Let''s see¡­" Logan knew they wanted the meat from the sliced elk behind him, so he took out a few wind crystals and tossed one at the wolf leader, wondering if that would work.


    The leader, smelling and feeling the crystal''s radiant energy, got close and licked it, knowing instinctively how to drain the mana from the stone. The other wolves watched intently, their eyes shifting between Logan and their leader.


    Logan smiled, seeing that the first part of his strategy worked. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 173 - 173: Battle Between Leaders

    Logan smiled before tossing another crystal to the same wolf. He noticed the others around it wanted the crystal as well, and one even tried going forward to grab it, but the leader barked and put the other wolf back in its place.


    Logan liked the strict hierarchy that the pack displayed and knew that if he gained the leader''s favor, he would be able to bless him and add the rest to his town''s power.


    He liked that they were wind elemental, meaning they would be fast creatures and powerful by nature.


    "How about it, boy, do you want another?" Logan asked while showing that he had more. He tossed three at once this time to feed the other wolves who were restless and also tossed half the elk to the others to show he had more to offer. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The leader kept looking at Logan a little warily but was interested in the crystals he still had on hand.


    Instead of tossing another wind stone, he tossed an earth stone to check if the wolf was really a dual type, and within seconds the amber-colored crystal was drained of its mana and vanished.


    "Good, very good. You will be a wonderful addition to my team," Logan said. He came a little closer to the pack leader, moving slowly enough so it wouldn''t run away.


    He had already cut his finger, ready to mark the wolf as he got ever closer.


    His whip was still on hand in case anything happened, and to keep the wolf from moving, he tossed more elemental stones.


    As soon as he felt he was at a close enough distance to mark the beast, Logan used Serana''s blood magic to control the blood and make it fly towards the back of the wolf.


    The wolf was still draining a crystal, so he did not notice Logan''s actions until he felt a powerful wave of magic that compelled it to submit to Logan, as if asking the wolf if he wanted to be part of a new pack.


    The power of his taming had become stronger with level-ups, so Logan thought it would be easier. However, he noticed the wolf, who stopped feeding on crystals, looked at him with some distrust. He saw how the wolf was battling with the power of taming, something the other creatures rarely did, but knew the fight was far from lost.


    Logan then took out more food besides the elk to show the wolf that he could provide for his beasts.


    The wolf was struggling between keeping his status as alpha or going under the authority of Logan and becoming part of something bigger. The incentives the boy kept offering were slowly making him want to bow down to Logan like a normal dog.


    The large wolf then rushed forward to bite Logan, not wanting a weak master. He needed to prove himself before being stripped of his position as leader.


    Logan smiled as the wolf showed a different kind of spirit. Unlike the Scorpion, who only went crazy, the wolf seemed to want to fight to understand his place.


    Logan used water magic to push the beast back. The other wolves, noticing the fight, wanted to join in, but their alpha growled, ordering them to stand down.


    The boy wanted the beast even more after that. The wolf showed an intelligence that he needed from a fighter.


    "You will be a good addition. Now come, we will settle this," Logan said. He used Gale Force, Zephyr''s winds, to show the difference in power.


    The wolf empowered himself with his own wind buff before sending three blades of wind from his claws.


    Logan used stone barriers to protect himself before using Silis Earthquake Stomp. The boy only wanted to use Wind and Earth elements to show that he was better than the wolf in those two fields. He had only started out with water to show that he could use other spells.


    The wolf did not back down and used his own version of Earth spikes to pierce Logan. Luckily, Silis and Terra had their own earth shields to keep those spikes from hitting Logan. They shrugged off each hit while the boy tried his best to look imposing.


    "Come, try harder!" Logan called out, trying to make the wolf use all he had before stomping him.


    The wolf kept striking with wind blades and earth spikes, running around to try hitting Logan from different angles. After using most of his mana, he went for close-quarter combat, which was Logan''s cue to finish the fight.


    He did not hold back. He used Earth Burst to push the wolf off balance. It made him release a burst of powerful earth magic around like an explosion, which caught the beast off guard.


    Logan then created two wind tornadoes, one within each hand, showing that if he released them, there would be little the wolf could do.


    Being cornered, the wolf felt compelled to bow down. The mark dug into its skin as it submitted to its new master.


    Logan felt the connection form and smiled.


    "Good to have you in the team, boy. Here, I have been stockpiling food for such occasions. Let''s celebrate," Logan called out.


    "You have bested me¡­ new alpha," Logan heard the voice of what seemed like an experienced elder within his mind.


    "No, you''re still the alpha of this tribe. Come here, I will give you a blessing so you can strengthen your group." Logan placed his hand on top of his new creature''s head to place the blessing of Monarch. It took a large chunk of Logan''s mana, but it was worth it.


    He also felt it was getting harder to give this buff out. Each one cost more mana. Scorch, for example, only cost him 50; Silis 75. With the wolves, it cost him nearly 400, so he guessed the next time it would be 500 or more.


    He did not mind, though. He was satisfied with the wolf''s power. Now, it was time to get his new leader of the pack an evolution.

 Chapter 174 - 174: Alpha Sylph Wolf

    "Fenrir, there is no other name for you." Logan looked at his wolf, who had become a two-meter-tall beast, three meters long from head to tail. He was in his third evolution after being fed some particularly concentrated crystals Logan had saved for Zephyr.


    His pack, on the other hand, was on their so-called second evolution. The first evolution, at least as Logan called it, was the peak adult form. For example, how Zephyr went from a baby chick to his peak adult form.


    As for the second evolution for the wolves, it made their bodies more slim and agile, as if carved by the wind element to be able to run faster than even a cheetah while having a large body.


    Their third evolution, which only their leader Fenrir achieved, added strength to the agile body. Muscles formed, making him not only fast but able to smack a tree off the ground along with its roots.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Fenrir / New* Species: Alpha Sylph Wolf / Level: 40 / Blood Mark: Lower Left Shoulder Blade / Loyalty: 19/100


    Str: 49 / Agi: 52 / Dex: 39 / Con: 34 / Int: 36 / Char: 32


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Gale Strike: Unleashes a powerful slash of wind that cuts through enemies.


    Whispering Winds: Creates a gentle breeze that boosts agility and dexterity of allies within its range.


    Cyclone Shield: Summons a whirlwind barrier that deflects projectiles and reduces incoming damage.


    Storm Howl: Summons a localized storm that disrupts enemy formations and reduces their visibility.


    Tempest Fang: Charges at the enemy with wind-imbued fangs, delivering a high-speed, piercing attack.


    Boreal Howl: Releases a deafening roar that sends shockwaves of wind, knocking back enemies and causing disorientation.


    Sirocco Surge: A fast-moving gust of wind that disorients and slows down enemies caught within its path.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Currently, Logan was leading the pack back to his camp. They had brought along those that weren''t with them hunting, making the pack of ten into a pack of twenty-four¡ªa great, strong number to enter the Labyrinth.


    The only problem now was to get enough food to feed such a large number. But with Logan and Zephyr in the air, they were able to find prey easily while returning. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "So that is the gist of it. We have this new force with us now," Logan explained the situation to Chloe, who was petting one of the wolves.


    "I think this is actually good. If we could have the Warks work with the wolves, we could add a new unit to future battles. Their numbers will be enough for a new cavalry unit," Chloe nodded while adding to the idea.


    "Just what I thought," Logan said, petting Fenrir while also petting Luna, who seemed angry that her spot as a lovable doglike creature was taken.


    "Well, I will be heading back out with Zephyr. Can you ask Ms. Claire to work with both the wolves and Warks to make units? If any problems arise, Fenrir here will be able to solve them along with Wohan, leader of the Warks," Logan said, petting Fenrir one last time.


    "Will do my best!" Fenrir said using his mental link, wagging his tail.


    "How about it, Wohan? Do you think you can make this work?" Logan asked the chief of the Warks, who was looking at the large wolf with a bit of fear.


    "You know, we might have trouble at the start¡­ our races used to fight back in the day¡­ so we have an instinctual fear of wolves, but I think with enough time we can make things work," Wohan said in a rough voice as he finally got the courage to place his hand on the wolf''s shoulder to pet it.


    "Good, you will need to use Fenrir here as the pack leader to make this happen then," Logan said before he left with Zephyr. He needed to find the labyrinth soon.


    Just as he was about to take off, he had an idea. He felt sort of dumb for not asking sooner.


    "Hey, Fenrir. You should know these lands better than us¡­ do you know where a labyrinth could be around here?" he asked the wolf using his mental link.


    "Labyrinth? What is this?" he heard his wolf ask in a perplexed voice.


    "Like a cave with lots of mana, makes monsters," Logan tried to explain to the best of his ability.


    "That¡­ we stay far, dangerous monsters come out from there. Lots. We have to fight for days. Bad for food, made of mana, no meat," he heard his wolf say in disgust. However, he was happy it knew where the labyrinth was.


    "Good, we need to go there. Can you lead? We want to train," Logan asked with joy in his voice.


    "Will lead, take three days, long journey," Fenrir said as Logan jumped in excitement. He wasn''t too thrilled to be searching for a full day, especially wasting mana stones to keep himself in the air.


    Logan then asked everyone to return. They just needed to follow the wolves now, so it was no longer necessary to spend time and waste strength to reach the labyrinth.


    It wasn''t long for everyone to return as Zephyr relayed the information to those flying, bringing them back. They used the remainder of the day hunting to ensure they had enough food for the trip.


    Logan now only had to worry about why Lisa kept her distance. He knew she needed more time and that she would probably talk to him during the night. He made no effort to push her until then.


    He did enjoy his time with Serana, though. They were currently in the coachman''s seat. The girl who sat next to him had many questions about a certain movie she now had time to watch. It quickly became her favorite since it included teenage vampires. She just didn''t know why their skin shone in the sun.


    "Vampires in your world are strange. They seem powerful though, not that I can''t do better," she said with a smirk, using her shadow form to show off her speed.


    "Yes, yes, you don''t need to compete with them. I already know you''re perfect, and in time you will get even stronger," Logan said. As soon as he said that, he felt the girl hugging him from behind, placing her mouth near his shoulder.


    "Don''t go crazy now. I need strength for later," Logan sighed while sitting still, waiting for the girl to finish eating.

 Chapter 175 - 175: Another to the List

    Logan was happy with how far they had traveled. By the end of the day, the terrain was beginning to be mountainous, meaning they were closer to where they should be. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He was currently informing Rubina about their location. She, on the other hand, was busy with her end. The new administrators had arrived, and she needed to inform them how things worked in the town.


    "You seem tired, Rubina. Take a long bath, you need to rest. Now that help has come, they should be able to handle most of the paperwork." Logan saw how the girl looked haggard. Thanks to Marie''s new invention, the communication crystal now sent improved live-feed video, making it feel as if he was there, which made things easier.


    "It''s fine. I will get them up to speed tomorrow. We should then start arranging everything for the separation from the kingdom. We need to work on new trade routes in case the kingdom decides to bar us from their own. I spoke to some merchants from our neighbors up north in the kingdom of Verdith. They are interested in the crystals we can provide and are willing to give a good sum," Rubina informed while twirling her hair.


    "Sounds good. I hope we can keep up with the demand. Kryst can only do so much alone. I need to look for more of her kind. I can only guess that they are in the goblin dwelling, so I will have to go there sooner or later to bring more slimes. I hope I am strong enough to fight off that serpent-like beast by then," Logan thought, considering the fight with the crystal guardian that had hurt Kai last time. He also thought about bringing more companions for Krexa, who was left behind.


    "It will be worth it. We will probably need to head there for diplomacy when you return, so get ready to speak to the king of Elris. You will need to look dependable, so work on that," Rubina sighed, wondering if Logan would be ready by then. He really needed to work on his etiquette since he would be meeting the king as an equal next time.


    "Don''t worry, Rubina. I will try to get through the labyrinth as fast as possible to return stronger and finally do what we intend with the kingdom. I will also work with Chloe to help me with speaking and such," Logan said, waving to the girl who seemed tired but was smiling towards him.


    "Just make sure to be careful. We have much to do when you return. I don''t mind if it takes a bit longer," Rubina sighed before turning the communication device off.


    Logan sighed as he contemplated how much he had to do. The labyrinth was only the first step. After he got stronger, it would be his own beasts'' turn to enter it. He only hoped it was wide enough for Scorch or Silis so they could train later.


    Logan then got up to get out of the tent. He needed to finally try speaking with Lisa, fearing she would not want to talk to him.


    As soon as he tried getting out, he was pulled back into the tent. He wanted to yell, but his mouth was covered before he could speak.


    "Relax, Logan. I just came to speak with you," he heard Alma''s voice.


    "You''ve got to at least warn me. Use your mental link next time," Logan said, holding out his chest. His heart raced as the first thing he thought of was an assassin attack from the demons.


    "Sorry, I just needed to speak to you before you talk to Lisa. Now sit, we need to be fast before she goes to sleep." Alma pushed him back to his bed before taking out a crystal like Kai''s.


    "Now, I heard the story¡ªthat you kissed her. Congratulations, you''re a man now." Alma patted his back, laughing before speaking again.


    "Well, half a man at least. You still need to, you know," Alma winked, hinting towards the bed.


    "Now then, don''t get shy. We need to keep talking¡ªwe only have a few minutes. Lisa is probably just as happy or more than what you are feeling now, but she is also confused. She knows your feelings for the others and needs time for that. What I suggest is that you don''t push her for an answer. But, you do need to keep what you are doing going. Slowly work into her heart. Maybe sooner or later she will accept what you have. If not, well, you will have to choose," Alma sighed, wanting to hear Logan''s side of the story.


    "Well, I did as you said. I guess we can''t really do much more. I will keep at this, but it will be hard to find time to be together with the coming fights. I really don''t want to hurt the others either. So until Lisa is ready to move on, I will wait," Logan said, getting up, knowing there wasn''t much he could add.


    "Wait, one more thing. While you shouldn''t push her, it does not mean you can stay still. Another kiss wouldn''t hurt, just don''t surprise her like last time," Alma said as she got up. She got close to Logan and pulled him closer to plant a quick kiss on his cheek.


    "See, you don''t savor it if it''s a surprise. Give her more hints, give her a warm gaze, set things up, and then kiss her. You have a lot to catch up on. Speak about the past, the future, and learn more before pushing her further," Alma said, then pushed him out of the tent.


    Logan rubbed his cheek. He really didn''t know why Alma was pushing so hard, to the point she had done such actions.


    "Don''t tell me another one needs to be added to the list," the boy scratched his head. He wasn''t even settled with one before another pushed forward. He still needed to speak with Ruri and Serana before talking with Rubina, who had helped him probably the most out of anyone in his life.


    "What a mess did I get myself into¡­" Logan kept sighing as he headed towards Orus, where Lisa would no doubt be.

 Chapter 176 - 176: Learning to Fly

    Logan mentally called out to Orus as he wondered where he was.


    "I am flying, master. Lisa wanted to practice using her wings. We are near the trees," Orus replied.


    Logan checked around. Since they were close to the mountains, they were currently near a creek that passed through a barren wasteland. The trees were just south of them, where the creek flowed into a lake.


    Logan flew towards the direction of the trees, hoping to see the two figures. It wouldn''t be hard to spot Lisa since her wings radiated a white light.


    It wasn''t long before he saw the girl practicing. The light of her wings allowed him to see Orus, who was flying around her like a lifeline in case she fell or used too much mana.


    "So she is still struggling with maneuvering without wind magic..." Logan thought as he got closer to the girl, making his presence known so she wouldn''t get scared.


    "Lisa, do you need help again?" Logan asked as he made his wings radiate in front of her.


    "No, Logan, I need to get this by myself. You won''t always be with me, so I need to learn to fly alone." Logan got closer to at least watch her to make sure no accidents happened.


    It was ten minutes later when Lisa finally stopped. She was tired and had sat down near a fallen trunk by the lake.


    "Damn it, how can you fly so well and I, who have the skill, can''t? I know it''s because of your other magic, but it''s just not fair," Lisa said, putting her hands on her cheeks. She was fuming, and Logan could see it.


    "How about this: I start off using my magic, and slowly stop using the spell so you can get adjusted to it," Logan suggested, which made Lisa finally look at him for the first time during the long day.


    "Sounds like a plan. Use that buff, I will get used to this." Lisa stood up in a hurry while creating her wings that flowed from her back like an angel.


    Logan did as asked before doing the same. But before letting her fly off, he handed her a bottle with mana water.


    "Take this first, you will need the mana regeneration along with this skill," Logan said as he used Kryst''s skill for helping mana recovery, knowing Lisa had used probably half of her mana already during practice.


    "Now then, you should try flying again. I will boost you, then remove it so you can get used to doing it without the spell. Get a feel for it¡ªdon''t rely on the skill, but learn from it." Logan created his own wings to show her.


    "Now, let''s go. I should try doing the same so I won''t always rely on Zephyr''s magic. You never know what might happen." Logan pulled Lisa up before letting go about ten meters from the ground.


    Orus once again took flight, which helped Logan and Lisa feel safe as they began to stop using Zephyr''s wind magic to stay aloft. Logan now understood why Lisa had struggled¡ªit had to do with balancing their weight to stay up.


    He experimented with different positions for his arms and legs, which made Lisa laugh. One attempt was a certain superhero''s iconic pose, with one hand forward, but it only made him look and feel foolish. It didn''t improve his speed or balance, so he kept his hands next to his thighs and let his wings do all the work.


    "It''s much harder than I thought. No wonder you''re struggling¡­" Logan used his mental link to speak with Lisa.


    "Told you! Now give me a buff. I might have something, just need to know what it is," Lisa said as Logan used it on himself and then on her.


    "What did you discover? I might need to stop in the next thirty minutes if we keep going," Logan said, seeing that he had 100 mana points left.


    "It''s not about our position, it''s about our wing placement. We don''t give it much thought since they aren''t a part of us, but just like someone learning to swim, you need to move your wings in a circular motion, as if grabbing on to air," Lisa explained.


    "Er¡­ alright, so flapping them in a certain way¡­" Logan tried turning off his wind magic to test the theory. He saw that without the wind, his wings were only useful to keep him afloat. But when he commanded them to flap in a specific way, they began to collect the air needed to move.


    "I see what you mean. I can''t explain it well, but I can feel the air around them. I think I can work on this later, though." Logan sighed, feeling spent, and asked Orus to come closer, hoping he wouldn''t just fall out of the sky.


    "That is what you get, cheater. I can probably be here another two hours," Lisa laughed, getting the feel for the correct way to fly.


    "Yes, yes, gloat all you want¡ªyou solved the mystery. Now let me rest, I am tired¡­" Logan began drinking mana water to replenish his reserves.


    As soon as Lisa got tired, they both went back to the lake and sat on top of the trunk.


    "So, are you still cranky?" Logan asked, feeling the cool spring night air.


    "No, I was just a little angry, nothing much. Now tell me, why did you come to look for me? I doubt it was to ask me if dinner was ready," Lisa said, enjoying the view of the moon reflecting on the water''s surface.


    "Well, it''s nothing. Can''t I just come to spend time with you? Just because you said I should wait doesn''t mean we have to avoid each other, right?" Logan said, handing Lisa a piece of fruit.


    "Why do you always give out food and treats? We aren''t dogs, you know. Ruri said you do the same to her." The girl turned a stern gaze toward Logan.


    "Fine, give it back. We just spent an hour or so flying and doing exercise. I thought you might need the extra calories," Logan pretended to swipe back the fruit. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "No, I already bit it, so hands off." Lisa stuffed her mouth to keep Logan from trying again.


    Logan smiled as he kept eating. He slowly crept closer to hold Lisa''s hand, which was resting near the bark of the trunk.


    "Say, Lisa¡­ I know you said I should wait, but just don''t ignore me like today. We have a long trip ahead, we should just enjoy ourselves for now." Logan then let go before getting up.


    "Now then, we must get up early so we should go back. There are two days left to get to our destination."


    "Yeah¡­ Alright, Logan, let''s enjoy ourselves. Now then, let''s see who gets back first." Lisa began to run. Logan chased from behind, feeling they progressed at least a little more today.

 Chapter 177 - 177: Labyrinth Exploration

    Two days later, they reached the area around the labyrinth. Before they could enter, they needed to fight off the monsters that exited the portal, which would allow them to go inside.


    The wolves and wargs would be the ones to handle them, being monsters from the top floor of the labyrinth. They wouldn''t be strong and would give, at best, laughable experience to the heroes or Logan''s strongest monsters.


    Ms. Claire used this chance to order the wolf-riding wargs into battle and have them listen to her instructions. Her words for the lower-leveled beasts were law, and with them, they were able to wield greater power. Enhanced by Alma''s songs, they were probably just as deadly as the first demons that attacked Logan''s town. Within minutes, many of the monsters were dealt with, leaving only mana crystals behind.


    "So they don''t leave bodies but mana crystals?" Logan asked, wondering why this was.


    "Yes, the labyrinth creates these monsters from crystals, so they only take the form of the monster designed by the core. That is why the closer one gets to the core, the stronger the monster they have to face," Lisa explained as she picked up the small shard that was once a monster a warg had killed near them.


    "Well then, how do you think we should enter? Should we form groups or should we just go in all together?" Logan asked while looking at the portal near them.


    "I think we should make three groups, and one to stay in the camp," Ms. Claire said as she tried recalling how the class did their dungeon run a few weeks ago.


    "Alright, who will go with whom?" Logan asked, wondering which of his monsters should join him.


    "I think¡­ Kai, Ms. Claire, the wolf, and the wargs should form one group. The heroes¡ªLisa, Alma, Serana, and her group¡ªshould make another. You should go with Ruri, Sting your Scorpion, and Darvo for today. Tomorrow, you should take Luna and Voltar. I think with three, you should be able to handle it," Chloe pitched in, and everyone present nodded in acceptance.


    "I guess it''s a good lineup. It will let me have Sting and Darvo handle the weaker levels while tomorrow, with Luna and Voltar, we can tackle the stronger lower-floored monsters," Logan nodded while putting his equipment on.


    Everyone else did the same, getting ready to enter the portal that would lead them inside the labyrinth. With everyone ready, Logan jumped into the portal. It was a strange experience, like jumping into water that did not wet you. As soon as he got to the other side, he saw a long passage that was dim, with only a few crystals lighting the way forward.


    Logan did not stop walking after entering the portal. He asked his monsters, who entered after him, to keep moving forward so the others coming in wouldn''t hurt themselves.


    "Looks creepy. This is not how a usual labyrinth looks like, it''s a bit primitive," Kai said while waiting for everyone to get ready.


    "True, it''s a little too dark, so we might have to use our own light source," Lisa said, taking out some crystals she had prepared using her magic and began handing them out.


    "So then, I think we should go forward. As soon as we spot a chamber that divides us, we will start separating to search for the entrance to the second floor. Make sure you communicate using your device when you find it and don''t go down alone," Chloe instructed as each group formed and began walking. Logan led the group so his new tamed beasts could get stronger, while the wolves and wargs walked like trained soldiers with the help of Ms. Claire.


    "There is the first corridor. We will see you later, Logan. Be careful," Ms. Claire said as she waved towards Logan. So far, they hadn''t met any monsters, which was great, but also meant they didn''t know how strong they would be.


    Logan had Sting in front of them, while the lazy monkey Darvo used his power to keep his body floating behind him. It was strange, but he didn''t get as tired as Logan would think for a nearly one hundred-pound monkey who used mana to keep himself up.


    Sting, on the other hand, was able to see clearly in the dark and led them around to find an exit. Its claws would sometimes hit the labyrinth walls, as its body was not used to such narrow passages. Then the scorpion stopped moving; its eyes sensed beasts ahead.


    "Go, Darvo, help Sting defeat those beasts." Logan cast Eclipse Cloak, Regal''s magic, to make himself invisible. He didn''t want to join this fight, so he watched from a distance.


    As for the two monsters, they rushed forward. Sting used the element of surprise and began using Infernal Shadow, which created a clone of itself to go forth and attack.


    Darvo, on the other hand, prompted Logan to check his stats to see what skills he would use.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Darvo / Species: Telek Gibbon / Level: 31 / Blood Mark: Center of Left Palm / Loyalty: 9/100] Str: 36 / Agi: 26 / Dex: 27 / Con: 28 / Int: 38 / Char: 25


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Mindwave Pulse - Unleashes a powerful wave of psychic energy that can disorient and damage opponents within a certain radius.


    Telekinetic Grip - Uses telekinesis to grasp and manipulate objects or enemies, allowing for powerful throws or restraining movements.


    Mental Barrier - Creates a protective psychic shield around Darvo or an ally, reducing incoming damage and blocking mental attacks.


    Precognitive Vision - Allows Darvo to foresee and predict the immediate future, enhancing his agility and reflexes for a short duration.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Being in his second evolution, the monkey needed to work hard to reach its next form. Darvo ran forth using Telekinetic Grip to grab sharp stones and hurl them at the goblins made from mana. Each goblin was weak individually, but soon the four goblins, acting like real monsters, called out for more.


    Within seconds, ten goblins emerged from nearby areas, and then twenty. Despite their numbers, the small creatures were no match for Logan''s beasts. Both Sting and Darvo dealt with them with ease.


    "That was a good warm-up, huh?" Logan approached his scorpion, who hissed and stomped in frustration at not having food. The crystals dropped by the goblins were earth stones, meaning Sting didn''t benefit from them.


    "I know, I know. Here, have some dark stones¡­" Logan sighed, noticing that his beast still had anger issues to work out.


    "Mine?" The monkey suddenly appeared beside him, extending one hand.


    "Here¡­ yours too." Logan handed Darvo light elemental stones¡ªnot the best he had, as he was holding onto those for emergencies.


    "Now let''s keep going after I gather all these stones. We need to find the next floor and progress as far as we can today." Logan used tendrils of darkness to collect each stone to not waste time. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It wasn''t long before they had to stop. Logan''s group was in a dead end, and they would need to go back, which was probably the most boring part of being in a labyrinth. Luckily, the monsters kept coming, as it was a new, never-explored labyrinth with a lot of mana to keep creating monsters.

 Chapter 178 - 178: Truce

    Within another area of the same labyrinth, Lisa was with Alma and Serana, busy looking for the entrance to the next floor. The three were quiet at the start. Alma even felt like crying, overwhelmed by the tension radiating from the other two members of the party.


    The only ones that didn''t mind what was happening were the three shadow creatures that kept advancing, seemingly indifferent to the atmosphere created by the imaginary battle between light and darkness happening behind them.


    "So¡­ about that demon¡­ how did you get it?" Alma tried to change the flow by asking about the red demon that seemed to be the weakest of Serana''s shadows.


    "That one¡­ I named him Umbral¡­" Serana began checking her own status to see what she could use later on.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Serana Greyston


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Race: Vampire Noble Class: Shadow Master (Blessing: Darkness / Shade / Blood) (Soul-Tamed Status: Link Logan Aiden) Level: 54 / Health: 621 / Mana: 712 (Monarch Blessing ¨C Ruler of Blood)


    Minions: Iris, Umbral, Nyxar


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Attributes: Strength: 64 Agility: 66 Dexterity: 63 Constitution: 54 Intelligence: 68 Charisma: 69


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Blood Shadow Siphon: The caster channels darkness into their blood, creating tendrils that drain life force from enemies. This ability not only weakens opponents but also replenishes the caster''s health and mana.


    Shadow Blood Blade: The caster forges a weapon out of their own blood, infused with dark energy. This blade can cut through most materials and leaves a lingering shadowy aura that weakens the target''s defense over time.


    Hemomantic Veil: By merging shadows with their own blood, the caster can create a protective veil around them. This veil absorbs incoming damage and converts mana absorbed into health regeneration for the caster.


    Crimson Eclipse: The caster summons a dark eclipse that blocks out light and creates an area of darkness. Within this area, the caster''s blood-based abilities are enhanced, and enemies are gradually drained of their health.


    Bloodshadow Phantasm: The caster creates a shadowy clone of themselves. This phantasm can attack enemies, causing confusion and fear with their attacks, while also having the ability to drain health and transfer it back to the caster.


    Dark Blood Pact: The caster forms a pact with the shadows giving a little of their own blood, temporarily increasing a shadows physical and magical abilities. However, this power boost comes at the cost of steadily draining their health over time, must be used on Bloodshadow Phantasm.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Abilities:]


    Minion Creation: Able to create minions from shadows and blood, these minions follow her commands and assist in battle. (3/3)


    Garmr Form: Able to transform into a garmr, a four-legged shadow beast, enhancing physical strength and agility.


    Feral Mode: When hunger exceeds a certain limit, she goes into berserk mode, mutating her appearance while increasing her stats by almost double.


    Bat Form: Able to transform into a shadow bat-like form that allows her to split into various small bat bodies, providing versatile movement and attack strategies. Serana can switch between each body at will.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Experience Points (XP): 2210/14200]


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    "Sounds like an ominous name. He does look strong, though," Alma said, standing between Serana and Lisa.


    "Now stop fighting. Let''s go. We have a lot to do, and we are probably the strongest of the three groups so we should be the ones progressing faster." Alma pulled both girls forward by the hand.


    Lisa sighed before using her light to illuminate a path forward. The shadow monsters did not like it, but they understood humans needed to see to move forward.


    Serana, on the other hand, decided to have her minion speed forward. They were unlikely to encounter trouble on the first floor and would be more helpful moving independently. Soon, only the three remained together, walking while following Lisa''s light. Each step echoed in the silence between them.


    "Say, Serana, how about you tell us your story? I am sure you are a demon of some sort. I want to know why you''re with Logan," Alma asked, hoping to fill the silence with Serana''s voice.


    "I will only if Lisa tells me what she feels for Master Logan¡­" Serana said in a cold voice.


    Alma wanted to facepalm. With the shadow monsters gone, there was nothing keeping Serana from thinking about her own feelings of jealousy.


    "Now, now, let''s first hear your story¡­" Alma kept trying to mediate the situation before the two girls fought.


    "Well¡­ I was a mindless beast before meeting Master Logan¡­ He helped me regain myself even if he¡­ had to kill my parents. After that, it was just me finding myself in the laboratory¡­ we were created by demons, experimenting on humans to turn into vampires¡­ and to create special mana crystals. You see¡­ demons and a few life forms can use other elements not found within the seven normal ones," Serana began to explain.


    "We were experimented on to find how to make those other elemental stones, to be able to power up the mana of those other unknown elements," Serana said with anger in her voice. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "So¡­ you were created as a vampire?" Alma asked, trying to keep the uncomfortable conversation going.


    "Yes, I don''t have my human memories at least. My first real memory was seeing Master Logan." Serana nodded as the two girls looked at her with pity.


    "Are you angry with Logan for having killed your parents?" Lisa asked, having calmed down from her previous way of treating the tragic girl.


    "No¡­ they were mindless, in a feral state that couldn''t be regressed, unlike me¡­" Serana said as silence returned to the three.


    "Sounds sad, Serana. We will do what we can to let you see and have a better future at least. You deserve it," Alma said gently, patting the vampire''s shoulder.


    "Yeah, you should find happiness now that you are able to," Lisa also joined in, patting the girl''s shoulder.


    "So tell me, what should we do about Rubina? So far, she has been with Logan the most. We need to stop her from getting closer to Logan, don''t we?" Lisa said, directing her question towards Serana, who gave it some thought.


    "True, Miss Rubina is closer to Logan than I am¡­ we need to work together to fight her," Serana said with a little innocence in her voice while nodding.


    "Good, let''s get this labyrinth trip going then, kid," Lisa said with a bit of warmth in her voice.


    Alma stared at the two with confusion, she didn''t know why Lisa had changed her way of treating the girl.


    "Say, what happened?" she whispered near her ear.


    "Nothing, it''s just that I don''t think competing with a kid is the right thing. Rubina, though¡­ she is the real problem." Lisa winked.

 Chapter 179 - 179: A Teachers Turmoil

    The third group was far more active than the other two. They had entered the part of the dungeon where most of the monsters were created.


    The five Warks, riding on wolves, were slowly gaining many levels. Within them, Wohan and Wayana were now experienced warriors, able to slice monsters'' heads from on top of the wolves. The makeshift saddles were the only problem, since they were meant for griffins.


    "Charge!" Ms. Claire said behind the group. To keep up, she was on top of her own agile bird, which only had to stomp to kill the small weak creatures on this floor.


    Many of those were either goblins or some sort of small animals, such as horned rabbits. They were truly weak, but the crystals they gave were at least useful.


    "I think I can now wield a spear to kill from afar," Wayana said, taking out a weapon from a ring her master had given her.


    Before this, she only used daggers since she feared falling from her own wolf mount that moved so fast the wind force made her face look strange.


    Her father, on the other hand, had settled himself on Fenrir long ago. He was a natural warrior who gained combat skills easily, and he used two large scimitars created by Hero Ruben with perfect swordsmanship, slicing everything and anything in his path.


    His own wolf, Fenrir, did not let those they passed off without slicing them using wind. They weren''t only mounts but also deadly killing machines.


    Ms. Claire, on the other hand, saw how quickly the group had killed off what seemed to be a room filled with hundreds of creatures.


    The floor had stopped producing them after that, and now they had to busy themselves collecting the spoils of war.


    She was at least doing better than with the class. Being with the capable Warks was where she felt her skills were needed.


    Before, with the class, her orders could be defied because most of them were stronger than her. Her orders were ignored most of the time by Brian, for example, who would brush them off and break the spell that contained the magic-empowered words.


    "Rest!" Ms. Claire commanded, adding a small healing effect on the group as they calmed down to pick up the stones. The soothing energy from her words washed over them, easing their fatigue and mending minor wounds.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Claire Balia


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Class: Orator (Blessing: Wind / Light ) Level: 42 / Health: 582 / Mana: 814


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Attributes: Strength: 36 Agility: 34 Dexterity: 33 Constitution: 64 Intelligence: 78 Charisma: 69


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Skills:]


    Voice of Command: Claire''s voice can compel her audience to follow simple commands. This ability can even momentarily pacify enemies and inspire allies, or heal allies and cause status effects depending on the mana empowering a word.


    Silver-Tongued: Enhances Claire''s persuasive speech, making her almost impossible to resist. This ability also improves negotiations and gains trust quickly, can also cause enemies to change sides for a short period of time.


    Rhetoric Shield: By weaving protective words, Claire creates a shield of energy that can absorb magical and physical attacks. The strength of the shield depends on her charisma.


    Inspiring Oration: Claire gives a speech that boosts the morale and abilities of her allies, increasing their stats temporarily and providing resistance against fear.


    Debilitating Argument: Claire targets a single enemy with a powerful argument that weakens their resolve, decreasing their stats and causing hesitation in their actions.


    Eloquence Burst: Claire releases a burst of eloquent energy that disrupts the mana flow of enemies, reducing their mana regeneration and causing confusion.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Abilities:]


    Rhetorical Analysis: Able to analyze the weaknesses and strengths of enemies through detailed rhetorical dissection, gaining strategic advantages in battles.


    Silver Quill Conjuration: The Silver Quill can be conjured into different forms for different scenarios, such as a sword for battle or a pen for writing powerful scrolls.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Experience Points (XP): 2369/10600]


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Ms. Claire then layered the word "Rest" with the word "Inspire" to keep everyone''s mood up and hasten stamina regeneration. She smiled as she learned something new. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She now knew she needed to form her own group. It would need to be recruited helpers, those she could employ and strengthen, just like Logan''s beast.


    Her idea was still vague but necessary for her to gain her own power in this world. Alone, she couldn''t fight like the rest or use spells that would cause destruction. This was fine for her since she hated violence, but she also knew that the demons were going to get stronger. The revelation that a few million demons would soon arrive made her fear for the future, but it also forced her to focus ahead.


    "Ms. Claire? I think we are done here. We have found a dead end, so I think we need to head back and see which of the other two groups found the entrance to the next floor." Chloe, who had finished packing the last of the crystals, called out to the teacher who was deep in thought.


    "Yes¡­ we have rested enough as well. We should be good to go back¡­ hopefully, we can clear four or five levels, supposing this is just like the labyrinth in Dracone Ridge," Ms. Claire nodded and began giving the command to move out.


    "Your magic is amazing, Ms. Claire. It helps me clear my mind from all negative thoughts and make me focus on what''s ahead," Kai, who was next to Chloe, added as they were on their way back.


    "Well, it depends on who I am using it on¡­ sadly, it''s not good with the heroes who should have benefited from it the most. Being kids, they just do what they want," Ms. Claire sighed.


    "I might have a suggestion then¡­ Logan can bless those with a monarch skill. It will let you rule over a group. In your case, it will let those you command keep up with your growth, sharing a part of your hero abilities with normal folk. I think it will be a good choice if you decide to lead your own small army in the future," Kai said without giving it much thought.


    "Do you understand what that entails, Kai? She will have to be Logan''s tame¡­ think a little more before you suggest," Chloe said, lightly punching the boy''s shoulder.


    Ms. Claire thought about the suggestion, giving it more thought as they continued forward. The idea of becoming Logan''s tame was daunting, but the potential power it offered was undeniable.


    She weighed the pros and cons in her mind, knowing that she needed to find a way to make her abilities more effective in the battles ahead.

 Chapter 180 - 180: Tenth Floor

    Using the tactics of the first floor, the three groups spent the next two days reaching the ninth floor. It was terribly slow; Logan even wanted to go back to get more monsters to help them clear more floors faster, only to be told to hold on until they cleared the tenth floor.


    "Damn, we need someone to help create teleportation arrays. I doubt we will have enough time to get to the fifth floor without them," Alma said, grabbing her throat as the pain from singing so much started to accumulate.


    "At least the monsters didn''t stay so weak. After being cleared so fast on the first floor, the dungeon adjusted itself to our strength to keep us from progressing with ease," Logan said, sharing his thoughts.


    "I wonder if that will also affect how many floors this dungeon will have¡­" Lisa added as they entered the boss room.


    "Let''s talk later. Start getting ready; I see what looks like a dragonkin, four meters tall, around the length of Silis," Serana informed everyone as she was able to see the best from afar.


    "Wow¡­ we only faced one of those around the fortieth level," Lisa recalled, trying to buff everyone before the coming battle.


    "Just relax, we will finish this easily," Serana sneered, trying to keep everyone''s spirit up.


    As soon as the group went forward, they spotted what looked like a four-legged dragon. Its amber scales radiated like Silis before she evolved.


    "Earth elemental by the look of things," Logan called out, feeling excitement from fighting a dragon. He only wished he could have one of his own.


    Kai, on the other hand, felt a little fear¡ªjust enough to cause him to waver for a few seconds. His last encounter with such a beast was a near-death experience. Chloe, who saw how he had reacted, placed a hand on his shoulder.


    "It''s fine, we are stronger now. Let''s show everyone just how much we have grown since then," Chloe said, creating a spear. Kai did the same, but unlike before, the spear was formed around a crystal, allowing them to strengthen it at will.


    Wanting to leave the fears of his past behind, Kai was the first to rush forth, making Chloe facepalm at his actions.


    "Don''t just go alone, we still need to get buffed!" she said, creating a wall of earth just fast enough to cause the boy to trip.


    "Ouch! What was that for? I need to get in a hit to clear these feelings, you know." Kai rubbed his nose, which had hit the ground.


    "Kai, get a hold of yourself, we need to work together here," Logan said, casting a healing spell before getting ready to shoot a volley of darkness arrows, each one enveloped by both fire and wind magic.


    "When they hit, we go!" Logan yelled, releasing the arrows. They flew through the air like bullets, hitting the dragon in various scales, breaking some while causing devastation to others. And yet, the large beast did not bleed. If anything, it leaked a little bit of mana.


    "Tough cookie," Logan said, taking out his best whip. Like the others, he rushed forth. Serana''s minions were already working to cut one leg while the warks and wolves kept the dragon''s attention on them, jumping around to avoid its attacks and using earth javelins to slowly break its protective armor.


    Kai and Chloe, on the other hand, used their own javelins like high powered cannons, targeting the weakest points of the beast¡ªthe eyes, ears, and any other easily spotted weak areas.


    Overwhelmed by so many small creatures, the dragon flailed its tail, trying to keep them off while roaring.


    Logan took this as a chance to go in. He used Arcana Burst, his giant mushroom''s strongest skill, while tossing mana crystals around the dragon''s tail. The powerful explosions caused the large limb to recoil from the impact, stopping it in place.


    Seeing as the cave''s ceiling was six meters high, Logan manifested his wings. Lisa, on the other hand, had to keep healing. If she used Holy Nova, it would also harm Serana and her minions who were right in the middle of the fight.


    Using his whip, Logan charged in, trying to keep the dragon''s attention. The creature felt that Serana and her group were close to breaking one of its legs and was stomping around to keep them from continuing.


    Using Searing Whip on its snout was enough to keep its gaze on him. He flew around, trying to create webs to hopefully soon wrap them around its mouth. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was going well until the large dragon roared, but this time it added flames to the noise. Logan was caught off guard, thinking it was just a normal earth monster. He had to leave the webs and create Luna''s Glacial Veil, mixing it with Riptide''s Glacial Armor. The flames luckily only burned one of his wings and a part of his armor.


    Without one wing, he had to use Zephyr''s wind magic to keep from falling, creating a tornado to slow his descent. Lisa, on the other hand, created her own wings and jumped up to help him in time. She grabbed his hand, giving Logan enough time to manifest the lost wing.


    "Be careful, Logan." Lisa used healing magic to clear the burned skin on his back before Logan rushed forward again.


    "Thanks, but start helping the others, Lisa. Some of them need healing; those flames are intense," Logan yelled, as he did not have time to wait for a full recovery. He needed to distract the beast now more than ever; the flames it was spewing were being directed at Serana''s group.


    Filled with anger, Logan placed the whip back in his storage and created a knuckle of earth using Digger''s magic, which empowered its claws to dig through rocks. He rushed with his wings, using both magic and fire to propel himself forward, ready to punch the dragon in the face.


    Just before the strike hit, he used Voltar''s strongest spell, Thunder Strike, to add a paralysis effect. The hit caused the dragon''s face to twist to the side, stopping it from blowing its powerful fire breath.


    As it was about to retaliate, two of its legs had been dealt with, causing the beast to roll to the side, out of balance. Logan saw how Serana and her group were beginning to drain the monster of its mana, its body no longer able to keep up with the drain.


    "Your time is up, now give me a great reward," Logan said before using Mana Surge to join in on the feast of mana.

 Chapter 181 - 181: Pause and Return

    Logan could only smile, seeing the large mana crystal twice his size. Everyone stared at him, waiting to see what he would choose to do with it.


    "Well, don''t just stare at me. We all defeated it together. What should we do with it?" Logan asked, wondering who to give it to. He thought that if it were given to one monster, it might raise their level to the late sixties.


    "I think¡­ we should give it to the Warks," Chloe pitched in, while Kai nodded. She felt they were lacking in the battle, so having all five nearing level fifty would be a good idea.


    As for Kai and Chloe, before they were tamed, they measured their stats in colors. Now, with Logan''s hero system, they noticed that they had a numerical value to their stats. Both Chloe and Kai were in their late fifties, so using the crystal would be a waste. At most, they calculated they would get to level sixty-two if they both used it.


    "Anyone else have a say in this?" Logan asked before doing what his two knights suggested.


    "I don''t mind, as long as we can clear the next floors faster," Ms. Claire pitched in. She was a little excited to use her skill on a stronger army.


    "I basically just stood there¡­ so I don''t really have a say," Alma added while yawning.


    "Good then, Wayana, Wohan, it''s yours. Have the Warks use it; it should be enough to get the others to their next evolution," Logan beckoned them to come closer. While the girl and her father were already evolved, it would at least help them get stronger, hopefully reaching level fifty by the end.


    "I think we should stop our progress here. I have to get back and handle my town. Only after that should we return with Silvia, who could hopefully make teleportation arrays so we don''t have to walk from the first floor to this one and waste time," Logan suggested as everyone waited for the Warks to finish draining the large crystal.


    Everyone nodded, realizing that walking any further would mean wasting time. Their supplies were also limited, having been six days since they arrived. Adding in the three days to return, a total of nine days would be used, and their supplies would just be enough to get back.


    "Good, well at least we didn''t waste time going to the fortieth floor to fight such a beast. As for our class, we couldn''t go above the fiftieth floor, and that was with everyone fighting those beasts together," Lisa shuddered, thinking about how they almost died at the hands of the gargoyles that prevailed on that floor, especially the three largest ones that made it hard for the class to defeat with their coordinated attacks.


    "Yeah, I think we could take them now that we''ve evolved, but even then, we would need no less than twenty of us," Alma recalled the horror they experienced and survived with the help of the soldiers.


    "So you''re telling me we have to fight whatever you faced during the twentieth floor?" Kai asked, a little hesitant to keep going.


    "Probably¡­" Alma nodded while yawning again.


    "Well, we now know that the space is big enough for Scorch and Silis to enter, even if a bit crowded¡­ but they will be the firepower we need to keep going without problems," Logan said, noticing that the Warks were almost done with the crystal.


    "We should leave then. Staying here will probably cause the dungeon to spawn another beast to prevent us from going further," Ms. Claire warned, recalling what Theron the commander had told her before when they had taken too long on a certain floor in the labyrinth of Dracone Ridge.


    Having marked the return points, they exited the labyrinth in about a day. It was a long journey back, requiring many breaks and buffs to keep going.


    After that, they met the camp waiting outside. Ruri rushed forward, seeing the unspirited team that exited the labyrinth.


    "We have made a grand meal with the little we have so you can enjoy yourselves and relax!" She tried cheering everyone up while handing out pieces of fried meat in platters that made everyone''s stomachs growl with the scent of spices and meat. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan had spoken to her just prior to leaving the dungeon to have the meal ready for when they got out.


    "Thanks, Ruri. As always, you know how to raise my spirits," Logan said, biting into his steak, making him feel alive again.


    The trip back took half the time it took them to find the labyrinth. Logan took to the sky with Zephyr to mark major landscapes to speak with Rubina about. They had yet to understand if it was part of his territory or if it belonged to the country to the north. So far, there were no man-made structures, meaning the land was not owned yet.


    Logan did see a fort on the other side of the mountain, only visible by using Sharp Vision, Zephyr''s useful buff that let him see even further away. He did not try getting close to it, wanting to know first if this was his part of land so that later it wouldn''t be contested.


    Three days later, they arrived back near his town. At first, Logan thought he was imagining things. The Warks village was larger, and his own town now had housing outside of parts of the walls. The rose-covered dome that still protected it seemed larger for some reason.


    Logan, who was in the sky, got closer to the dome as it opened a space for him to fly inside. His mansion was no more. He was confused as the area where it should have been was now covered by a large medieval castle. If his mansion was a yacht, the castle seemed to be a cruise ship. Logan just wanted to know why the radical change had happened without his consent.


    He rushed forward, hoping it wasn''t caused by an invasion.

 Chapter 182 - 182: The Royal Reception

    Logan quickly landed to check on the situation. He did not expect such a change in nine, almost ten, days. The castle walls were huge, fortress-like, and filled with crystals, making him wonder how they were embedded into the stone.


    As he was observing, someone came running from inside. It was Rubina and three others who Logan did not know.


    "You should have arrived from the main gate; it would have been better!" Rubina yelled.


    "Sorry to ruin my expected entrance, but what happened?" Logan asked, scratching his head.


    "A surprise from the townspeople, your monsters, and well, me. So go back with the caravan and enter normally again. Your townspeople and even the Warks are waiting to see your reaction," the red-haired girl said, gently pushing Logan away.


    "Fine, fine. We will be arriving in like half an hour or so, so prepare whatever you had planned," Logan sighed and took flight, getting on Zephyr''s back to exit before anyone else saw him.


    Soon, he was back with the group who were traveling back from the labyrinth. Everyone wondered why he returned, but he just placed a finger over his lips to silence them.


    "Whatever¡­ I am too tired to care right now," Alma said, placing a towel on her face. She thought it was just some joke until she heard cheering as they approached the town gates.


    "What the?" Alma removed the towel that acted as a blindfold, looking around a little scared.


    "Don''t worry, you will see¡­" Logan waved as the cheers rose in intensity. Unsure of what to do, he called out for Scorch, who was nearby the gate, and got on his back. Everyone knew Scorch was his mount.


    As the red dinosaur passed now with Logan on his back, the cheers grew, seeing the strength displayed by Logan. To make things even grander, Marie created large screens projecting from crystals, showing Logan walking towards his castle.


    Logan cast his wings to cause those around him to feel his power. He knew that it was no time to cower, as showing himself correctly would improve his citizens'' opinion of him.


    Lisa knew she couldn''t stay still now that they were back, especially with Rubina around.


    She created her own wings and gently stood behind Logan on Scorch. The dinosaur did not mind, as he was strong enough to probably lift twenty or thirty people.


    "Why are you¡­." Logan wanted to ask.


    "Don''t look at me like that. Keep waving, get used to this, Logan," Lisa said, patting his back to remind him to look normal.


    Using the long straight road that led from the gates to the new castle, the caravan kept moving forward. Lisa and the others who saw the majestic building now understood why Logan was forced to go back.


    "Your new home?" Lisa whispered in awe.


    "Seems so¡­ Digger and his colony must have done most of the final touches¡­ Marie sure taught them well¡­" Logan could now see why Rubina had him return.


    "That castle¡­ I wonder why that design," Logan muttered, face-palming as he saw a replica of a certain castle that appeared in a movie of a sleeping girl.


    "Well, if you want money, why not? It will be an iconic spot for years to come," Lisa said, admiring the detailed castle from a certain amusement park.


    "Ugh¡­ I guess. I hope my room isn''t in that tower," Logan sighed as he continued forward, waving to those who stood in the final stretch of the long road. "Why did they place a gold road also¡­" Logan tried to keep a smile on his face. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As soon as they finally arrived, fireworks were shot up, just high enough so they wouldn''t hit the thorn dome.


    "Well, at least everyone is happy," Logan said, seeing the cheering crowd that began forming around the castle.


    Rubina and those inside got close to Logan''s group as a day of celebration unfolded. Logan was made to give a speech as food and money were distributed. As soon as the celebration ended, Logan looked towards Rubina, who knew what he wanted to ask.


    "Well¡­ why didn''t you tell me earlier?" Logan fumed a little, as four hours were spent in the tiresome endeavor.


    "And have you miss the fun? No, I knew you would run. Now then, King, please tell us if you want to change the name of your capital or keep it. We also need a name for your new nation," Rubina asked as one of the guys who was with her nodded.


    "I¡­ haven''t given it proper thought. What do you all suggest?" Logan said, sitting at a large ovular table in a new meeting room made for the occasion. He was told to sit in his throne but still had to take everything in.


    "Think about it, Logan. It''s your city and nation; we don''t want problems by having someone else choose," Lisa said, and the others agreed with her suggestion.


    Logan sighed, knowing it was true. He began mumbling various words, wondering which one would fit.


    "For the capital¡­ Rosethorn, since we live protected under a huge thorny dome. And for my kingdom¡­ Highrule Kingdom, it should be fine, right?" Logan smiled as Lisa rubbed her temple, while Marie, on the other hand, clapped.


    "I have finished recreating games like those. They are in the arcade if you want to check them later. Of course, I will make a copy for you," Marie said in a low tone. She was, of course, talking about a certain RPG.


    "Well, you can have a little more time to think it over. We have sent news to all nearby countries. Of course, the Kingdom of Elris is a little mad, but seeing how they treated you at the start, they seem willing to accept it to make amends. We have sent a few crystals to show our appreciation," Rubina informed.


    "If I may, my name is Leonard. I have worked under the royal advisor of the Kingdom of Elris''s King. There will be no problem, or so I can say. They are economically in turmoil, and your crystal offerings will help them, but do think about the future when the demons are dealt with¡­" the young man bowed after saying his piece. He looked thin, frail, but with a face full of wisdom. His long greyish hair was braided back.


    "Welcome to my kingdom, Leonard. I hope we can form a trust-filled relationship¡­ anyways, just speak with me normally," Logan said, looking at the other two new employees.


    "My name''s Lydia. I will be the one in charge of the economy, sir. I hope we can speak later to find a sustainable solution to keep our finances healthy. I am not from these parts. I had worked with a lord from the north and heard about the job offering. He passed away, so I had to look for work." The lady was in her mid-twenties, with a stern but gentle expression when she spoke about what she liked.


    She had long amber hair like Chloe, letting Logan understand her core element. It was on the weak side by the look of things.


    "Welcome¡­ Lydia. I guess there is much to speak about. Let''s work on that later, though," Logan replied.


    The girl nodded, unable to take her eyes off her new boss. The young boy should have been in his late teens, but something changed him to look like the perfect man, radiating a look of maturity.


    The third guy also noticed that all of those around Logan looked strangely perfect, even if they weren''t heroes.


    "I am Ferris, the one appointed to be your herald as well as run the spy networks within your kingdom. I hope to work to keep your city safe and keep demons out," Ferris winked as he looked towards Rubina and Serena.


    "Of course, those you consider enemies," Ferris said in a whisper. Logan made a crystal appear within his hand, crushing it into pieces that made everyone look in amazement.


    "Good, you should understand. Please tell me if you need anything then," Logan nodded while smirking at Ferris, who bowed as if understanding the small warning Logan gave him.


    Logan did not just break the crystal for show; he redirected the mana using Kryst''s skill to empower the man who wielded darkness energy for his spy work. The short, black-haired man in his thirties tensed his muscles after feeling the energy well up in his core.


    "Understood, Sir. I will work hard!" he bowed sincerely this time.


    "Well then, I think we can start working on future plans. I was thinking about visiting Midar to see the goblins dwelling with Zephyr and Krexa. She will be needing a group of her own soon," Logan suggested. He had already blessed Krexa, but she never had the chance to find more of her kind; she just didn''t like going out.


    "About that, I think you should wait a little. It seems the king has sent someone over to speak. They will arrive within a few days. I think it''s best for us to show our power when whoever was sent arrives," Leonard, the new advisor, added.


    "Very well, I wonder who it will be," Logan mused, placing a hand on his chin.

 Chapter 183 - 183: Throne and Crown

    A while later, Logan was told to sit on his new throne. It was placed in a throne room, accessible straight from the large entrance.


    He went up the five steps that elevated his throne from the ground and sat on the throne made of polished stone and crystals. He knew it did not look as attractive as other seats made from gold and silk, but for him, it was beautiful. He appreciated the work put into it.


    "Well¡­ how do I look?" Logan asked, wondering what those standing below would say.


    "I think¡­ you need to work on it¡­ and you might need special clothes for sitting there, to improve your image," Lisa said, sizing him up.


    "Well, you also forgot one thing¡­" Rubina went up and took out a crown from her storage device. It was carefully crafted by Ruben, the best craftsman when it came to metals. The boy in question was also present, smiling as he saw his creation being used. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As Logan wore the crown, he felt it strengthen him somehow. He looked toward Ruben for an explanation.


    "Well, you should know by now that we have¡­ game-like abilities. So why wouldn''t they also add special buffs to our equipment? My new class lets me infuse stats, as it now affects the soul of the wearer. The crown I created helps boost your intelligence stat while also improving the flow of mana and its conversion into different elements, so you can fire off spells faster and stronger. Also, it''s a living armor, so it grows with you... in a way, if you keep wearing it," Ruben joyfully informed, waiting for Logan''s reaction.


    "That is impressive, I indeed feel the effect right away." Logan took off the crown and placed it again. He loved the effect, but what this also meant was that he would have to wear it all the time to benefit from its living ability.


    "I guess we need to toast to this. Don''t act like it''s something normal," Alma said, having Ruri and other maids bring out juice and wine-glasses. Alma already had a band of musicians ready to play, and she began to sing.


    As everyone made merry, Logan had time to look around the room. He was amazed by the many stained glass windows embedded throughout the walls, wondering if this was possible by his tamed beasts. He knew that the glass was, in reality, elemental crystals that shone with their own power.


    "Say¡­ isn''t my castle just a bit too well done? I doubt my beasts could have done this," Logan asked, puzzled.


    "Of course not, they did help, but the true mastermind is Bobby. That workaholic is busy working on the underground dungeon. I told him you probably wouldn''t need it¡­ but he well¡­" Ruben shrugged, drinking with Wayana and Irma who were chatting it up near him.


    "Bobby? The hero of building? He is here?" Logan asked skeptically, wondering why so many heroes were in his town.


    "Yeah, he came a few days ago. I actually asked him to come before you left to find the labyrinth. As you know, I needed heroes to wear my equipment so I could finish my quest. Luckily, with you, Ms. Claire, Lisa, Alma, Marie, Silvia, and Bobby, I finished a portion of my quest. The other part was just sending weapons to those who asked for them. As soon as they got them and you all wore them, it was completed," Ruben explained.


    "I see¡­ so that is why this place looks so refined¡­" Logan nodded, giving his castle another look. The smooth polished surfaces, wooden flooring, arches, and stained glass windows were indeed more than his creatures could have made.


    "Ah, I did forget to tell you¡­ You must ask Bobby for the key to this castle later. Just like my own living weapons, this place is somewhat living in nature also. Only the owner can live here, so it''s something important you must do later," Ruben said before speaking with the girls again.


    Logan, tired of sitting, got up to join the others. They seemed hesitant to come up due to him sitting on the throne, making him feel distant.


    "So how does it feel, being a king and all that?" Lisa asked the boy as he got closer to their group.


    "A bit lonely. You all didn''t come near¡­" Logan said, acting sad.


    "What do you expect? The spot looks too lavish for a commoner like me," Lisa bowed to him playfully before standing next to Logan.


    Rubina didn''t let this slide and also got closer.


    "I know we didn''t do this today¡­ but did you perhaps have plans to have people come in and do a banquet or something, Rubina?" Logan asked, wondering why they hadn''t invited anyone else to the castle.


    "Well, you might have forgotten, but we have no nobles. We are just too small of a nation for that. But we have invited others once you have been officially recognized by our two surrounding nations. Don''t think they will accept this warmly; they will only come to ask things of you in return. I think it will be good to gather some crystals to appease them. Maybe with enough money or crystals given out, they will even sell you land. Talk about this with Leonard later, though. We need to get the labyrinth under our control as soon as possible," Rubina suggested, getting even closer to Logan as if whispering in his ear.


    Lisa''s cheeks almost puffed in anger as she tried to contain herself. She patted Logan hard on his back, making him wonder why.


    "So, you still have to tell us where our new rooms will be. How about we take a tour of the castle¡­ alone," Lisa said, squinting at Logan and almost ordering him to accept.


    "Sure¡­ I don''t know the area well, but I guess it will be good to see how much everything has changed," Logan replied.


    Alma, on the other hand, laughed at his incompetence to see how the two girls were blatantly fighting over him. She knew she had to intervene before things got ugly.


    She got closer to Logan and placed her arm around his neck, pushing him forward.


    "You don''t mind telling me where my own room is, right, Logan? I am very tired. And seeing as two certain girls can''t do something this simple¡­ I might just have to teach them how to do things," Alma said while pulling him towards the grand staircase that would take them to the upper floors.


    "Alma?" Lisa called out, chasing behind her. Rubina, on the other hand, stood there shocked, wondering why she didn''t just do that earlier.

 Chapter 184 - 184: Future Conflict

    "So, you''re telling me¡­ the kid we sent up north¡­ the taming hero is trying to separate his territory!" King Holven glared at his advisor, Theron, and all those who suggested the idea of sending the hero away.


    "Well¡­ we may lose a bit of land, but it''s worth it to have him away from the grasp of the other heroes¡­" one of the voices said, trying to make the situation seem smaller than it was.


    "And tell me¡­ now that we have heard he has an army of powerful monsters, who will oppose him? Especially when they killed demons not once, but twice?" the king said in a stern tone towards his so-called advisors.


    "Well¡­ maybe he will want to return and give us back the land?" another voice called out.


    "Do you really think I will just keep accepting those excuses? He found a damn crystal mine, damn it. How else is he getting so many crystals? Can someone here tell me? Can one of you tell me where he is amassing economic power to put us under him?!" Holven spat out, trying to stay in his seat after yelling. He tried to control his breathing.


    "But your majesty, it might be just one of his beasts'' abilities¡­" another voice called out weakly.


    "Enough! Theron. Tell me, you were one of the ones that pushed the hero out the most. How will you fix this? I will ask this from each one of you." Holven said, going straight to the problem.


    "Your majesty, I can''t. I apologize, but it was what I saw at the time, a necessary step." Theron clenched his fist, not knowing what to say.


    "Anyone else¡­ care to add anything? I need an answer, not more apologies!" Holven said angrily.


    "I¡­ advise making terms for giving the land. Maybe we can benefit from having him give us crystals as a priority, and then after the war, we could focus on reclaiming it," a lord who previously suggested Logan be separated from the class spoke out. Discover stories with My Virtual Library Empire


    It was then that a voice rang out from somewhere in the back.


    "Problems with Logan, huh?" Brian said, clapping his hands.


    "I guess ganging up on a boy is how you do things here," Jonathan added, sitting near Brian.


    "What are you three doing here? You surely don''t think we will do anything to your friend, right?" someone within the crowd in front of the king said, scared of the heroes'' retaliation.


    "Friend? The guy who didn''t help us with the demons? Well¡­ it wouldn''t have mattered even if he came¡­ but he did take those heroes that we needed for battle away," Brian clenched his fist, thinking how Lisa had run off to help the boy instead of staying with the group.


    "But don''t mind that. We heroes should be together. Instead, that guy Logan has separated half the class already. I don''t think we should allow that. I even heard a rumor that some of those around him have already been tamed," Brian added, having heard news that some of Logan''s close aides were showing power and changes comparable to heroes.


    "Why don''t we three go up there and visit our ''friend'' for his transgressions? You will have to pay, though," Brian said, making an offer that the others began to accept.


    "Well, not unless we want infighting and hasten the demons'' arrival to destroy us while we fight. We should leave that for later and plan it out. What the hero of taming did well was inform us that the demons were getting ready to make gates to the demon realm. Within months, we will be infested by millions of demons. We need to get ready for that, so let''s forget the hero of taming for now," Holven tried getting the reins of the situation back on track, knowing that a fight between heroes would only cause problems.


    "Alright¡­ I doubt we will be weaker than Logan either way, but you will have to pay more if he does get stronger." Brian said before getting up to leave with George and Jonathan. Some wanted to accept his offer before he left, but the choice was ultimately the king''s.


    "Sir, we could¡ª"


    "Don''t even think about it. Millions of demons will come. I have already made the mistake of sending the boy away, plus my daughters are already on their way there to mitigate your mistakes. I just hope they will return safely." Holven placed a hand on his face, knowing he was ultimately at fault for not stopping things earlier.


    After Brian left the throne room with George and Jonathan behind him, the three wanted more information about what Logan was doing now that he had many of the class''s girls in his territory.


    "How did the runt get them to go help him? Did looking like a girl bring them, or did being weak do the trick?" Brian punched a nearby wall, making some maids cry out in fear.


    "I think it was the second choice. They always have to care for the weak ones," George spat out.


    "Now, now, we are scaring these beautiful ladies. Don''t worry, we are mad about not having anything worthy to fight with. You should all return," Jonathan tried to have the maids go back to their duties.


    "So, what do you think we should do to get back at Logan?" Brian said, addressing his friends who were now seated on a large room''s sofa to rest. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I doubt we will lose to his monsters, but we should find something to kill and level faster. I want to be the first to reach the next job change. You saw the message, right? The one who changed first got a reward. I don''t think they got any random item either," Jonathan added.


    "True, we can squash the bug later, and when I do¡­ it will be when he least expects it, plus his monsters should give better experience points when that happens right?" Brian called in his first mistress before waving off to his two friends.


    "I will be having fun. Let''s meet tomorrow to see what we can kill. Make sure you''re not late; we need to be the first to reach the next job change," Brian reminded the two.

 Chapter 185 - 185: Name Your Price

    Logan had too much to do after returning from the labyrinth, so much planning to do and also working with his new advisors, each of them were useful in forming his new kingdom.


    His only saving grace was that even if he did not train, the mana in the form of experience was given by his creatures who not only absorbed it from crystals but from killing for food.


    Logan had also placed large crystal farms outside of his castle to feed the creatures who would be prey for his tamed monsters, making the experience even richer.


    Just as he was about to get up to eat, he was told someone had come to meet him as the king.


    "Oh, who is it this time?" Logan said, placing his hand on his chin while sitting on his throne.


    "It is¡­ Princess Vianell and young Princess Myrea¡­ from the Kingdom of Elris," Leonard reported as Ferris soon announced their arrival.


    "We present Princess Vianell, First Princess of the Kingdom of Elris, and Princess Myrea, Second Princess of the Kingdom of Elris. They are welcomed to Rosethorn, the heart of the Kingdom of Highrule, and to his majesty, King Logan."


    Rubina, Lisa, and most of the important people quickly stopped what they were doing and joined him in the throne room, knowing this was probably going to be an important meeting.


    The two girls took their time to stand in front of Logan, walking slowly with a large entourage of guards, maids, and an advisor behind them.


    "We greet you, Hero of Taming, and recognize your separation from the kingdom¡­" Vianell said, bowing slightly.


    Myrea, as always, silently observed. Logan was interested in her point of view, as she did not speak but seemed to have something more going on in her thoughts.


    "Just Logan will be fine. You are both the first two who treated me well. I welcome you to my new kingdom. Now, I know we have our differences to settle, so let''s go to my meeting room. I think I will find it far more enjoyable to speak face to face." Logan got up, and everyone followed him to the meeting room next to the throne room.


    "You have such a beautiful castle, Logan¡­ I wonder how you managed to create it in such a short amount of time," he heard Vianell say from behind him. He only took a small glance but saw the glint in her eyes as she looked around.


    "I have many creatures, you see¡­ some can make a house in mere hours and are taught to not only create them but make them in a form of art. They are currently working on my dungeons¡­" Logan added the last part to warn that he would not take well to being seen as a weakling or a lesser in negotiations.


    "I¡­ wouldn''t dare, Logan. We only came to accept you as a new king, and negotiate," Vianell said, staring at the daring boy who had changed so much, thanks to her father and his advisors.


    "I wasn''t directing those words to you, princess. You should know who it would be directed to, but I also extend a friendly hand in peace, for now." Logan finally stood before the meeting room as a guard opened the door to let them in.


    "Good. Now, let''s speak as equals. We will need to work out the details so we can move forward. As you know, the demons will come in millions, and I need to prepare my own forces," Logan continued.


    As soon as everyone sat down at the round table with originally twelve seats, they began to speak.


    "So, first off, you have accepted our kingdom. We would like to negotiate the land we will keep, and we would also like to purchase additional land," Logan began, having already been informed of the zones they needed after his advisor took a tour in the sky to see what would be good additions for their kingdom.


    "Sure thing. We can''t accept it right away, but I am sure if we open communications with my father, he will have an answer to them right away," Vianell nodded as her team began to wait for Logan''s explanation.


    "Well, let''s start then. This is a map of the territory I want to have and the parts I want to purchase. I won''t extend much knowing your kingdom''s size. I will also be buying from our neighbors to the north. I only want peaceful negotiations, so please make sure you clarify that part," Logan began. He used a hologram Marie embedded in a crystal using her magic of illusion, which impressed the princesses and their entourage.


    "To think you already have such¡­ technology. How much would it cost to be given such wonderful¡­" Vianell was more impressed with what she was seeing than the content spoken. She knew it would be revolutionary for the war situation.


    "It isn''t my personal magic, but it does use the crystals I produce, and yes, I do produce these and any crystals found in my kingdom," Logan clarified, knowing that if they knew he had a mine, they would want to invade him for that.


    "Produce crystals?" someone within the group called out in an incredulous tone. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Sure, they are actually two species of monsters that I have especially for this. Don''t ask more, please. I know every nation has a secret or two, right?" Logan winked while keeping the conversation forward.


    Read latest stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    "About the lands, we will need to set a price. They seem to be woodlands and not near a major border of one of our nobles, so they will most likely be accepted. Now, how will payment be done and how much are you offering?" Vianell asked after speaking with her people.


    "We can pay in crystals or money, you decide. We have already worked a stable chain with the empire a few days ago; they will be buying crystals in bulk. So I will ask you to name your price, and I will pay it," Logan said with a smile. He wanted the Kingdom of Elris to know that they had enough money to pay any amount they would ask.


    "I will work the details with my father then. Give me a few hours. Now then¡­ what will be your compensation for us giving you your kingdom¡­" Vianell said, trying to word it as gently as possible.


    "Name your price, we will pay," Logan said without batting an eye. He knew he would have to pay them to keep them off him for now. He needed to amass more power to fight any kingdom off in the future.

 Chapter 186 - 186: Relaxing and Training

    Given time to think about the proposal, Vianell was free to check out the town. To make things simpler and safer for her and Myrea, who wanted to explore the town, they were guided by Lisa and Alma, whom they knew well.


    Back when they were in the capital city of Midar, they enjoyed walking and talking with each other as friends.


    "It''s good to see you again, Saintess Lisa. I actually wanted to come to see how you and Hero Alma were doing," Vianell said after hugging both of them. Myrea also reached out to hug them both.


    "Yes, we are doing fine here. The city is probably unlike anything you have seen before, so I hope you enjoy your stay," Lisa said while they walked through the busy street under the comfortable shade of the vines above.


    "Yes, it is unique to be under such an imposing dome. I wonder if it''s just one creature or if it''s many¡­" Vianell wondered as she looked at the green covering over them with many red flowers.


    "Oh, it''s just one creature¡ªScarlet, to be precise. She is Logan''s first tamed beast," Lisa informed as they were getting close to a caf¨¦ the girls enjoyed visiting.


    "And this is probably my favorite caf¨¦. Please order whatever you want; we will cover the expense," Lisa said to the princess as they were given a menu. The waitress, dressed in cat ears and anime-themed clothing, looked a bit surprised and scared. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Vianell, seeing the distressed girl, just waved and asked Lisa for a recommendation.


    "Sure, if you want, we can order various dishes, and you can take some with you. How about we start with some ice cream and see how you like it before we go on with pastries?" Lisa suggested.


    "I will just have the usual," Alma said, as they knew her taste already from being a regular customer.


    "So¡­ now that we are settled¡­ tell me, how are you really doing, and what are your plans for now? I was asked by the church for the latter, so please do give me two versions: one as a friend and another for those old guys," Vianell asked Lisa while they waited.


    "I am doing great. As with most in the class, we are in our second job class, so in terms of strength, we are far stronger. We do worry about the future, but for now, we are slowly building what we can. As for the future¡­ we will be getting ready to go to the empire in the coming months to help aid in the large battle happening. We will head with Logan now that we have stayed here, and he even helps us train and level up with crystals, which is nice," Lisa said, showing a radiant smile.


    "Hmm¡­ I knew you had some feelings for the boy. Did you do something about that yet, or is there nothing going on yet?" Vianell asked, wanting gossip.


    "Er¡­ well, we are working on it. I just want to get over the war before progressing, but yeah, I am doing well in that front¡­ Was it that obvious though?" Lisa said, feeling a little shy.


    "Why wouldn''t it be? Back during the first banquet, you two just kept looking at each other," Vianell added.


    The girls continued their conversation as the day went on. Logan, on the other hand, made other plans for the coming days.


    "So, what do you think? Do we have enough to pay the asking price?" Logan asked, seated on his throne again, feeling more comfortable with each passing day.


    "Yes, your majesty, we have more than enough. I think they will ask for more later, but for now, this is fine. However, we will need to earn more for the coming deal with the Kingdom of Veridith," Leonard replied.


    "Well, it''s fine. I will do something about that soon," Logan smiled thinking about a few future ventures he could delve in to earn money.


    "Anyways, is that all we have planned for today? I need to get training. I can''t fall behind the others, especially when my own monsters will be fighting in the fields," Logan said, getting up and stretching before leaving.


    "Alright, your majesty. I will work on anything that may happen. Please don''t return late," Leonard warned before returning to his tasks.


    Having been told he was free to go, Logan began going up the stairs into the tower where he manifested his wings and flew outside towards the training field.


    He saw how Chloe and Kai were sparring. It was a beautiful display of swordsmanship as they clashed using two scimitars.


    The one guiding them was Voltar, who was observing them like a sensei, noting and correcting their errors.


    Logan landed a bit further away, taking his time to look around. The soldiers were also working with monsters to create better cavalry units. Ms. Claire was giving out orders to make their movement more coordinated and refined.


    Logan then began checking through spells before choosing four to use today. He wanted to train using not only magic but also his mana regeneration and recovering the mana from spells that did not hit. This would allow him to sustain long fights with many enemies.


    Using Aqua Shield to create orbs of water and then Septa, his turtle''s Elemental control, Logan made the orbs act like shields that turned into a thin veil around him, spreading like a bubble.


    He then used Elemental Rejuvenation to absorb the spell he had cast previously, recovering the mana used.


    Discover more stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    "That went well¡­ only lost about 3/4ths of the original spell. Now, how about with something faster or harder to control?" Logan mumbled while using the same spell but now with Cyclone Vortex, creating a layer of razor-sharp winds around him in a bubble. Even the earth around him began to be sliced away.


    He did the same and used Elemental Rejuvenation to absorb the mana, but this time it failed. The winds lost some control during the process, and he had to cancel it.


    "Nope¡­ only absorbed a third of the spell¡­ It''s hard to do without thinking about how to direct the winds and concentrate on their form while finally adding the last spell to absorb them," Logan sighed but did not give up. He wanted to try again before noticing that everyone around him was staring in amazement.


    "That¡­ was crazy, Logan¡­ No way I want to train with you if you can make a bubble of swords that slice anything in their path¡­" Kai said, coming next to him.


    "Well, that is not even the worst I can probably do," Logan thought about showing off what he believed was the strongest he could do.


    He began creating an orb of light from the magic Holy Nova that everyone now knew as his deadliest spell and then formed it into a thin bubble like before.


    As soon as the floor was designated as an enemy, it was not even given the time to be expelled from the orb; it seemed like it was swallowed by some eerie void.


    Kai wanted to see what it would do to his earth lance and acted like he was going to poke Logan, but it was eaten up as soon as it touched the orb, making the rest of the lance disappear from the powerful magic.


    "I give up," Kai raised his hands.


    "No, you still have one more test¡­ come closer, Kai," Logan sneered, looking at the frightened boy.


    "Do I have to¡­" Kai placed a finger close to the orb. Only his fingernail touched it when he felt a healing sensation. He then placed the rest of his bruised hand inside and saw how it began to heal.


    "Come here, give me a hug!" Kai ran forward, causing Logan to cancel the spell and hold on to Kai''s forehead.


    "I am not into guys, man." Logan pushed him lightly as those around him laughed.

 Chapter 187 - 187: King of Highrule

    "So, do you have your answer?" Logan asked from his throne during the evening of the same day.


    "Yes, we have called the king and accept the amount given. We would also like to make a special trade route with your kingdom," Vianell said, having changed clothes and looking refreshed after a shower in Logan''s mana spring baths. It was a part of the castle that even the commoners could enter to shower in the mana-rich water.


    Of course, they separated it into parts so Logan and those within the castle could enjoy themselves without having to be near so many people who filled the general public section during the evening.


    "Very well, Lydia, if you will," Logan said. The one in charge of finances began giving the princess three small rings.


    "One is filled with coins, another with crystals, while the third is a separate amount for the new territories," Lydia bowed before going back to her place.


    "Then our negotiations are completed, Hero of Taming and new King of Highrule. May your rule be long and prosperous," Vianell bowed slightly.


    "That is good. We will have a grand banquet with my citizens tomorrow. You are free to join or return," Logan smiled as he concluded the deal. Stay tuned for updates on My Virtual Library Empire


    "It''s fine, we will be returning soon. We have to prepare the other heroes who are still with us," Vianell bowed again before getting ready to retire for the night.


    Logan saw how Lisa and Alma joined her as they were probably going to have a great girls'' night party. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "So, what do you think, Rubina? Did things go as expected?" Logan asked one of his most trusted companions.


    "Yes, very well indeed. Now stop acting like a distant king. Let''s go play that game Marie just finished. I want to finish building my house in Your Sims and see if my character will finally have its child," Rubina said, pulling Logan to the gaming room in his mansion, which was probably the most expensive room in the world, having supercomputer crystals that Marie finished building.


    They were living crystals, making Logan wonder if they were getting closer to making robots.


    After a long session of gaming, Logan noticed someone following him around as he was heading back to his room. He wondered why she was always like this, quiet but always with a weird way of staring at people.


    "You know¡­ you can just go up to people and say what you want. You''re still a kid, so they will comply with what you want," Logan said out loud.


    He saw how the girl was trying to decide whether to come forward or go back with her sister.


    "I know your guard is always with you, so you shouldn''t be scared of me. Just tell me what you want," Logan said, wondering why she hadn''t noticed the blue-haired knight who always followed her and Vianell.


    "Fine, you caught me. I just want to know if you are a danger to us¡­ I need to tell my father the truth¡­" Myrea finally stepped out from a corner, looking up at Logan.


    "Why would I want to be a danger to you? I just want what everyone here wants¡ªpeace¡­ and quiet if possible," Logan yawned, wondering why the young girl was so overprotective of her kingdom.


    "I know what the rest think¡­ I knew it since they arrived. But you¡­ I can''t understand what you think. I can''t hear you," Myrea said, making Logan wonder what she meant.


    "Do you perhaps have¡­ psychic powers?" Logan asked, wondering if she was like his monkey in a way.


    "Psychic powers?" Myrea repeated, not understanding.


    "I think it will be better to show you. Come," Logan beckoned not only to the girl but also to her guard near a window.


    Logan, on the other hand, called his monkey who would no doubt be sleeping.


    "What, master¡­ I am tired¡­" Darv said from his barn.


    "I will give you stones, now come," Logan ordered using his mental link.


    "Fine¡­ better be many," Darv responded before running to the large castle and easily lifting his body using his power.


    Logan asked his two guests to stand a little away from the window as the monkey floated up, scratching his butt.


    "Right¡­ sorry about that. This creature¡­ he probably shares your power," Logan explained, facepalming.


    "My power¡ª" the girl stopped speaking after hearing a voice in her head she did not expect.


    "Well¡­ I guess you two are talking now," Logan nodded, watching his monkey closely.


    They noticed how each one introduced themselves with actions. They both bowed before having some kind of inner monologue. It was strange to see them laughing and smiling while nodding as if speaking without words.


    Logan tilted his head to the side, wondering if that is how people saw him these days. He would usually speak to Lisa and Rubina using their telepathic link most days.


    He shrugged while looking at the knight, who was eyeing the monster warily.


    "No need to be scared. He would probably be too lazy to even try killing. He was sleeping, so he looks a little menacing, but he''s a friendly fellow," Logan whispered to her.


    "Right¡­ well, I wonder how a monster shares our young princess''s power¡­" the knight looked perplexed, wanting information.


    "Oh¡­ well, there are more than seven magics in this world. The seven are just the most used, but I know, for example, that vampires use blood magic. Think of young princess Myrea''s power as something similar," Logan nodded while explaining.


    "I see¡­ more than seven¡­ Try not to spread that right now. We need people to have faith in the seven great spirits," the blue-haired knight said in a stern tone before taking a few steps back.


    "Fine¡­" Logan shrugged, wondering if there was a difference but accepting the suggestion.


    It was some minutes later that both the monkey and the princess finished their long conversation.


    "Well, I understand you now, Logan. Please be a little more gentle with my friend here," Myrea said before going back with her knight.


    "Well¡­ are you going to tell me what that was about?" Logan asked his monster.


    "No, but you still owe me crystals, master," Darv said, grinning.


    "Fine¡­ here. Now go back to sleep," Logan handed over the crystals he had ready.

 Chapter 188 - 188: Return Flight

    "Well, I hope you enjoyed your stay here, princesses. You are welcome anytime¡­" Logan said as they finished eating breakfast and Vianell informed them that she would be leaving that day.


    "Thanks, Logan. It was a pleasure to visit your kingdom. I expect a good relationship between our two nations in the future. Sadly, we can''t stay longer to enjoy the rest of your city and all it has to offer..." Vianell said with sadness in her voice. She loved the video games and the mana baths that made her skin healthy and shiny. They also added the intoxicating power that one felt when leveling up; it was like a drug that made you want to stay in the bath all night.


    "If we had¡­ more flying creatures, we could probably make a flying transportation for tourists," Logan coughed out an idea he had.


    "Well, we will think about it," Vianell said. She then wondered where her sister was.


    "Have you possibly seen my sister?" She looked around, trying to see if her knight was around.


    "She is probably with Darv. I have asked him to bring her," Logan nodded.


    "Darv? Well, alright then," Vianell said, a little confused.


    "So, how will you be returning?" Logan asked, wondering how they had arrived.


    "By magic teleportation. We will take the old fort''s array," she replied, wishing there was a faster method.


    Logan did not want to add an array that connected both kingdoms without first knowing the kingdom''s stance in the long run.


    "How about a suggestion¡­ we go back in griffins, I am sure we could make it far faster then teleporting, but your entourage will have to go back using the other method. I am sure with your blue haired knight and Lisa you won''t mind." Logan suggested.


    "Flying back?" Vianell gave it some thought.


    "Sure, it''s a smooth ride if I empower the beasts, the wind wont even be an issue." Logan tried to offer.


    "Well¡­ Fine, if it gets us back faster." Vianell finally consented.


    Logan smiled knowing a part of his planned worked, he would take Krexa and Kryst to find new creatures to bring, he would also have Silvia join them to add a teleportation array within the goblin dwelling leading to the underground mine.


    "Perfect, we shall leave soon then. Leonard, have some knights escort our guests with care back to the fort," Logan instructed while getting everything settled.


    "Yes, Your Majesty," his advisor smiled, knowing of Logan''s plan and the riches they would soon gain.


    Soon enough, Logan, along with those that needed to go, departed with Vianell, Myrea, and her knight. Lisa rode on Orus while Logan rode on Zephyr. Silvia was informed of what would happen, nodded, and accepted the proposal after being told about the crystal mine. Alma, on the other hand, joined to empower the creatures with her voice, making those around them feel normal even a few kilometers from the ground with her songs.


    Logan used his power over wind and asked Zephyr to help protect the rest from the gales as they were in the front.


    Lisa, on the other hand, kept a portion of her wings out to make those around her feel safe. She alternated with Logan to keep this effect as they needed to take a day and a half to reach Midar, taking breaks along the way.


    It wasn''t long before they reached the large city, the capital of the Kingdom of Elris, giving Logan slight nostalgia from his stay there.


    "We are here¡­ please tell us where we should land¡­" Logan asked.


    "It should be alright if we stay near the castle''s entrance!" Vianell yelled, trying to keep herself from falling.


    "Sure thing," Logan smiled, almost laughing.


    It wasn''t long before they reached a safe spot to land and finally got off the flying mounts. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Everyone except Vianell looked well. Logan did not like seeing her like that, recalling the old times when he couldn''t stay in a carriage without feeling sick. He got close to the girl.


    "Here, this should help," Logan said, placing a hand near both of her ears, knowing that the problem was with the inner ears that controlled human balance.


    He employed various healing techniques, using magic from Lisa, Kryst, and his mushrooms to cause slight anesthesia and a calming effect.


    "Better?" Logan asked as Vianell nodded in appreciation.


    "Thank you, I really needed that," Vianell said as she stood up as if nothing was wrong.


    "No problem. Now then, we must return. I hope you three can deliver our greetings and appreciation," Logan said, smiling.


    "Ah, you weren''t going to come with us?" Vianell asked, wondering.


    "No, we were just here to return you safely. Now then, we must really get going," Logan said again while the others readied themselves to take flight.


    "Alright, Lisa, please do visit us soon!" Vianell called out as she saw the griffins and eagles fly away.


    Those in the castle looked at the sky in amazement. Fears of an invasion rose at first, but as soon as everyone noticed Vianell and her knight, they knew who it was and did not attack.


    Logan quickly went up before signaling everyone to take off their rings.


    "Hope they didn''t catch on to our plan," Lisa said as a new member joined them.


    "Don''t worry. I worked hard with Silvia on the rings to prevent mental communication. Good thing they stayed an extra night to have them ready in time," Marie said, as she was previously invisible, hiding around them before.


    "So you know the plan, Marie. Keep the illusion of us going back to our lands, and return after some time. We will be waiting for you to return before leaving," Logan began detailing the plan.


    "Sure, no problem. I will only take a few hours to make sure no one is following," Marie said, taking Zephyr, whom Logan trusted to keep her safe.


    "Good, now let''s go. We need to get this right on the first try." Logan used the function of another ring to hide his appearance while Marie maintained the illusion of them flying back to Highrule, using Zephyr''s speed to lose any spies.

 Chapter 189 - 189: Rematch

    Logan and the others kept advancing until they reached the spot where the goblin dwelling should be and landed after seeing that no one was around.


    He was glad to see a few goblins coming in and out from the pit.


    "Krexa, time to say hi to your family." Logan smiled, seeing the goblin who looked like a young girl cheer up.


    "Yes¡­ I will finally see mom," Krexa said in a low tone.


    "Good, we will head under to find the crystals. Tell them what we plan to do. Silvia, we should create an array around here. Tell us what we should do¡­" Logan asked, wanting to hurry things.


    "First off, we need to keep things hidden¡­ it would be better if it was within the crystal cave so it could maintain itself from the crystals'' powers. I will teleport your creature inside and then back to Highrule," Silvia instructed.


    "Good, let''s go in then. Krexa, go." Logan went inside as the goblins looked at Krexa, wondering how she had changed so much.


    "I''d hate to ruin your reunion, so I will keep going." Logan tapped the goblin''s shoulder, pushing her forward so she could greet her family.


    Logan, on the other hand, knew where he needed to go and rushed with the others down. The goblins either greeted him or stood aside, feeling the power he displayed.


    They only stopped when they reached the cavern filled with crystals.


    "Seems like everything is the same," Logan said, informing the rest who kept at his brisk pace.


    "Alright¡­ we need to be careful now. Silvia, try to make the teleportation array fast so we can bring in our fighters. We might need to battle the beast found here, who, I may remind you all, had us cornered last time we were here." Logan then went inside after everyone nodded and began casting buffs and spells to prepare for the large lizard if it showed itself.


    The place was just like before¡ªserene, peaceful, the lake as clear and radiant as the first day he visited. The crystals shone brightly around him, making him wonder how they were growing here normally. There must have been a great source like the vampire heart, which attracted mana like in his volcano.


    Behind Logan, Silvia was busy making the teleportation array while the others stood around, either helping her or keeping watch.


    Kryst, on the other hand, wanted to enter the lake she grew up in. She knew the danger of the beast and it would have bothered her before, but now that she was different, she knew she would be attacked.


    "Good, seems we are fine for now. Just work on it, Silvia. Lisa and Alma, focus on helping her. I will keep watch."


    "Alright," he heard the three say.


    Logan kept his gaze on the water, focusing on any movement that might happen. He did not know how strong the creature was but knew that anything surrounded by crystals would certainly be powerful. He was glad they had exited without anyone dying the previous time.


    "Almost done, Logan. I will go up to fetch your flying monsters while you all keep this area safe," Silvia called out behind him.


    Just as Logan was about to clear the sweat from his brow from the tension, he felt Kryst pull at him from his shoulder.


    "Don''t tell me¡­" Logan turned back to the lake, seeing ripples large enough to be from a large monster''s fin.


    "Lisa, Alma, go near the entrance. The beast felt the magic." Logan readied his stance. He wanted backup, but it wasn''t going to happen, it seemed.


    The two girls rushed back, looking at the lake where a large monster''s mouth rose. Its sharp teeth made out of crystals sparkled but kept it perfectly camouflaged if it didn''t move within the cave.


    Its scales, made out of the same material, made it hard to see as the water did not let them make out just how big it was.


    "Be careful, Logan, we will provide backup¡­" Lisa began casting Holy Nova before Logan stopped her.


    "No, don''t. I want this one alive. He will be under my command. Just wait." Logan smiled as he began casting various shields to see how much power the large beast possessed when it hit.


    He braced himself as the large crystalline leviathan lunged forward to bite him.


    Logan''s Cryst Shield, Agua Shield, and Storm Shield were shattered as the beast bit into them. Its large, two-meter mouth was far larger than what he remembered. Then again, he didn''t have time to process this last time.


    Logan did not hesitate to enter combat. Since the large beast''s head was out, he began with Electro Web to bind the creature, which was dripping with water. He then amplified the power he borrowed from Voltar with Electromagnetic Pulse to create waves of powerful electricity and finally rushed forward with Thunder Strike, wearing his stone gauntlets.


    He added blood magic while he was at it, having previously set up blood to find a weak spot in the creature. Since its body and scales consisted of crystals, he aimed for the area near its mouth, controlling the blood to enter it and begin drilling into one of its teeth.


    The creature recoiled a little from pain but went for another lunge. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan was ready this time and pulled on a web he had created to get himself out of there fast.


    The large serpent''s mouth bit into an afterimage of Logan, a Shadow Minion he created using Serana''s magic.


    It was painful to create since it was basically a part of him, but as soon as the beast bit into it, blood splattered within its mouth as if it had bitten into a person.


    Logan had to recover the missing blood using mana water as Kryst helped him recover. She had made a thin film around his body, acting like armor, just like what she previously did as a round, weak slime.


    "Thanks, Kryst, I am feeling good enough to go back in to fight."

 Chapter 190 - 190: Leviathans Submission

    Logan did not back down. With a lot of his blood now inside the monster''s mouth and being swallowed, it was only a matter of time before it would turn sluggish, having to fight not only Logan but also his taming ability.


    Logan took this as a sign to hit it with his strongest abilities; he needed to set the beast straight and have it understand his position.


    Starting with his strongest skills right off the bat, he went with Holy Nova in the form of a whip. He knew he had to get ready for this fight, and this was probably going to be the best chance to test it out. He did not want it in the form of a sword or lance that might kill the beast, but using a whip might put fear into the large tyrant.


    It was hard to maintain its shape in this form, but he had practiced it for a few days. He had to keep not only Holy Nova up but also Elemental Control. The whip lashed around, hitting the large beast in different parts of its body.


    "Come on, attack me if you dare!" Logan shouted, losing the fear as he saw the monster waver, each hit cutting off a piece of its scales with ease. The serpent coiled, looking for an angle from which to attack. Meanwhile, Logan kept lashing out, keeping his distance.


    Seeing the beast not coming close, he made a feint and let the whip turn small, as if he had lost too much mana.


    Seeing the weapon used to harm him was no longer as long, the serpent opened its large maw and went forward, not caring about being whipped but wanting to end the boy''s life. Logan did not let this pass. He used wind to push himself back before the giant snake could bite into him.


    "Come on, I know you''re holding back, use your skills!" Logan shouted, turning his whip long, letting go of Holy Nova, and instead switching to Electromagnetic Pulse compacted into the whip.


    The serpent, sensing danger from the crackling weapon, reeled back and produced crystals to send towards the boy from the water.


    "See, I knew it." Logan used the ground to produce pillars of stone to protect him.


    He knew he needed to end this soon and went with a large stone cannon to the creature. He wasn''t going to keep on having mana if he did not do this much.


    He readied as much power into a round stone that became bigger before making the pillar before him be absorbed by the ball before sending it out in a surprise attack. The large stone was directed towards its large face, hitting it as it was charging the next volley of crystals.


    "That one is for Kai!" Logan yelled out, happy that his blow landed. The beast almost fainted from that hit as it staggered to stay up. Logan was beginning to feel it; the connection between the two was forming. He needed one more push, something strong but not enough to kill it.


    He went with another vampiric blood skill from Serana''s arsenal. The beast was already showing a few cuts around its skin, so it was time to use them so that his own blood could seep in.


    Logan collected some of his blood and dark magic and created a few needles he needed to control. They were to enter the beast, which was still out of it. Logan walked forth with care and threw the blood in form of sharp needles at three different parts: the face, the neck where it had a large wound, and one of its fins, which was cut.


    After doing so, he rushed back to find cover to control the blood from afar. It was tedious, but he felt with each drop of blood entering the beast''s system, the mental defense of the beast wavered.


    Lisa and Alma were still taking cover, seeing the fight in front of them. They saw how Logan was slowly winning; he was behind a large pillar while the beast was growling out of its mind. They both looked tired and mana spent, but out of the two, the large serpent looked worse.


    "Do you think we should help now?" Alma asked, feeling that they could tip the balance if they worked together.


    "No¡­ he''s got this. If we interrupt¡­ it would take from his achievement," Lisa said, feeling conflicted. She did prepare herself to cast healing at any time if needed.


    Logan, on the other hand, closed his eyes. He could feel his blood and the darkness spell in front of him drilling into the monster as it coiled and rammed the walls, breaking crystals and rocks.


    "Come on!" Logan called out, trying not to lose hope or concentration.


    It wasn''t long before they were both interrupted by the sound of something entering the place with a crackle. Orus, along with numerous griffins and a few of Zephyr''s eagles, entered.


    Logan smiled as the beast wavered, feeling the strength of the incoming monsters. That was enough for the boy to strengthen his mental power, which needed to hold on to the leviathan''s defenses. It was slowly being tamed; Logan felt it even if his mind wavered from time to time.


    Kryst kept healing him, but she knew she couldn''t heal his lost blood easily.


    "It''s fine, Kryst¡­ I am almost done." Logan closed his eyes, feeling the power of the large beast. The experience points from taming such a large and ancient monster were beginning to strengthen Logan, giving him the euphoria of gaining more than enough levels, each one healing him and making him stronger.


    "Weak child¡­ why do you want to form a pact with me?" He heard the voice of an elder, a powerful voice that reverberated in his mind like that of a certain masked villain wearing a black helmet who wielded a red plasma sword.


    "Demons¡­ they need to be stopped. We need power to defend ourselves," Logan used his mental link to explain.


    "For such a thing¡­ you invade my palace¡­ very well, I shall help. In return, you stop taking more than needed from my home," it said, putting a clear condition. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "It''s fine, I won''t take without giving back." Logan stood up. As he got closer, he took a sip of the magic water, which was far stronger than what he had in his volcano. It quickly aided in helping him recover.


    The monster, meanwhile, looked towards Kryst, who had separated from him.


    "Little one, so you left me for this¡­" Logan heard the voice speaking towards Kryst.


    "Want to help more¡­ need to be stronger." Kryst said, wrapping her body over the large beast''s wound to heal it.


    "You did get stronger¡­ I may have acted hastily. Not first of humans to enter with greed," it spoke to Logan, almost in an apology.

 Chapter 191 - 191: Milenia Old Serpent

    Logan was confused about how the serpent and Krexa knew each other so well, and yet the slime did not say much about it before now.


    "If you''re confused, then you must not know slimes. They aren''t supposed to be this smart," the large beast''s voice rang through his mind, as well as Lisa and Alma, who were standing near Silvia, getting ready to send the flying mounts back.


    "A little, yes. But then, who are you, great creature? I am Logan, hero of taming," Logan introduced himself to the wise leviathan.


    "I am a forgotten guardian of sorts. I was a keeper chosen by Ferra but stumbled here after being heavily injured many, many, many years ago. Since then, I have healed and turned into what you see now. I need the crystals to keep living, and in return, I provide the necessary protection so they can keep growing. As for names¡­ I have forgotten. Just give me one if you wish; I have never gone outside after finding my place here."


    It was probably the wisest of the creatures Logan had tamed, being able to speak so clearly just after being tamed.


    "Well, it''s nice to meet you. I will give you a name, though, just let me give it some thought as I don''t want to offend you. As for why I came, it''s two things this time: to get more slimes hopefully living around here, and to get more goblins," Logan explained.


    "Oh, those¡­ noisy creatures. They are smart, and their smell is what probably kept more humans from entering," the serpent coughed in disgust.


    "Yeah, well, but they will hopefully change with my power. I wonder how many will choose to accept it, though," Logan sat on top of a rock, now speaking normally with the serpent as if a battle between them didn''t just happen a few minutes ago.


    "Good, if they can stop stinking so much, it would help me," the serpent seemed happy at Logan''s announcement.


    "So, what kind of beast are you?" Logan asked, wondering if there was a way to add a friend or something for the lonely serpent.


    "A¡­ serpent of sort, I was changed by Ferra, so you should ask her," it informed Logan.


    "Just don''t tell her where I am¡­ I will get an earful," it said while entering the water, showing a little fear of the fox.


    "Just how strong is she?" Logan asked, wondering.


    "I am¡­ probably strong enough to fight her when she had¡­ eight tails. She now should have twelve or fourteen tails¡­" it said while calculating.


    "She didn''t have many when I spoke with her¡­ I forgot the exact number. I assumed it had a max of nine since a fox of that number is known as a myth in my world," Logan replied, trying to recall the exact number.


    "She used to have more, but problems with humans occurred in the past. She had to use the accumulated power to calm them down," the serpent said, its voice shivering.


    "Damn, just how old is she?" Logan asked, wondering.


    "More than a thousand years, that is for sure. I am about that age also, so you can probably say a thousand and two hundred years?" the serpent calculated.


    "Damn¡­" Logan and the rest looked up towards the serpent with amazement.


    "Don''t look at me like that. If I had trained and not slept constantly for the last hundred years, maybe I wouldn''t have lost as easily as I did. Anyway, I am tired, we will speak later. Just make sure you don''t take too many crystals; it takes years to regrow them." It tried to go back inside the water but stopped as Kryst used her skill Crystal Cultivation.


    "I see¡­ that is how you expect to repay the ones you take¡­ very well, just heed my warning. We may be linked by our soul, but I can easily peel that small blessing off." The serpent then dove inside, leaving the group of teens and Kryst looking at the water.


    "Well¡­ that went well?" Logan said out loud as everyone gathered near the water''s edge.


    "So this is where you found so many crystals, Logan¡­ good to know," Silvia said, looking around.


    "You might not have heard this because¡­ well, you''re not one of my tamed, but our new serpent friend said we should take only that which we can replace¡­" Logan said, trying to have the girl know what the problem was.


    "Oh, about that. It''s about time you give me that blessing as well. It should have been since the start, but with the war and all that going on in your town, I figured I should wait," Silvia said with a stoic expression.


    "Blessing?" Logan asked, wondering what she meant.


    "Well, it''s only logical. If joining your group brings so many benefits, then I should also join. It''s not like we are getting married or anything," Silvia shrugged, getting close to Logan.


    "So, what do we do, kiss or something?" she asked Logan, wondering what needed to happen.


    "No¡­ just a drop of blood, and you accept my¡­ ability¡­" Logan said, confused.


    "Like this?" Silvia got close and lifted her shirt, then pulled Logan''s hand towards her chest.


    "What are you doing!" Logan jumped up in surprise.


    "Having you mark me, of course¡­ it needs to be well hidden, right? What is more hidden than the place of one''s heart?" She closed her eyes to feel the connection forming. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "So this is what it feels like to speak telepathically," Silvia sent out words that everyone near them could hear.


    "Yes¡­ it''s taxing on your mana but great to send out¡­ feelings and words," Logan sent out his communication, keeping the chat between him and the girl.


    "Try to search for the channel you need to use. One is for all those around you, or you could pick a specific person. It takes time," Logan informed, trying to get the girl up to speed.


    "Like this?" Silvia said, making Logan want to shut down his mind.


    "Yes¡­ good," Logan replied, feeling the deep thirst for knowledge the girl had included in the mental link. It was truly a powerful emotion he never thought he would have.

 Chapter 192 - 192: Silvias Choice

    Everyone sat around the lake, feeling safe around the water.


    They were waiting for Kryst, who had entered the water to look for more of her kind while they talked about the battle and how Silvia felt now that she was Logan''s new tame.


    "Well, that was really a weird way to be marked¡­" Lisa said, wanting the girl to know that she did something weird even if she didn''t mean anything by it.


    "Why is that, Lisa? I don''t intend to interfere and compete to be Logan''s number one spouse or number two if Alma is going for that position. It looks like I will be behind the maid if I continue to pursue that position. If it''s only to procreate, then I think I could leave it for later. I need so much to do before then," Silvia shrugged, wondering why they were making such a fuss about the placement within the harem members.


    "Do you understand¡­ what you are saying¡­" Lisa scratched her head, wondering if she was the one in the wrong.


    "Well, thinking about it, Brian would have been the better choice in terms of genetics, but Logan''s power is becoming far more potent with each person and monster he adds as a tame. I doubt he will be any weaker than any of the other heroes individually in the future," Silvia said, not fully understanding what Lisa was talking about.


    "What do you mean in terms of genetics? Do you not know how that boy acts? He is just a pain to deal with," Lisa said, tossing a rock into the water.


    "Yes, well, that is why I had to skip him and chose to help you with Logan. I doubt I will find a better man to help me in my future studies," Silvia nodded, thinking they were finally on the same page.


    "Why do you just accept harem as a normal thing?" Lisa cried out, while Logan and Alma looked at each other, shrugging, not wanting to be caught in the center of that conversation.


    Logan did feel a bit of a sting being compared to Brian at the start but wondered how he was the better choice in the end.


    "Why not? We aren''t on Earth anymore¡­ power is what matters most in this world, and it''s also what I need to get stronger and find clues to the endless possibilities we now possess. Maybe your ascension test is over, but mine is different; it started the day we arrived here. With every bit of knowledge I acquire, I grow stronger, able to do more, create more spells, have more elements to wield. You know just how much I gain from learning about the three new elements Logan discovered. I can now use them and add them to my endless repertoire of spells. Imagine how it will be when I find more. Having this power to understand monsters will be far more important. I won''t mind being one of Logan''s wives if that is the case.


    If attraction matters, then tell me, who will be better than Logan when he gets his next evolution, or the one after that? Will we still be human by then? My soul is already under his control, so why not just give him the rest and not worry about finding a spouse? Cheating? Well, we already share this bond. We can feel what he feels and hear each other from so far away.


    Well, I said what I needed. Choose, Lisa. You know what we got ourselves into by accepting the pact. I doubt anyone entering did not know they would have to give a part of their soul to join. As for Kai and that girl, they are a set, so no need to worry about them. Serana has no one else. Ruri was as good as sold to Logan. Alma¡ªI can''t say more than I should with her here. Rubina¡ªno need to say what she feels. Also, the fact that she is a demon will make it impossible to find another. Marie is a master of illusions. Try to break her illusion; I hope you don''t, though. She is patient, but I fear what she could do to our minds if that happens."


    Silvia then went quiet; everyone else did too.


    Logan was sweating beads, not knowing what to do, hoping Kryst or Krexa would hurry up so he could leave.


    Five minutes or more passed when Kryst finally surfaced. Everyone turned to the water to see what she had found.


    Kryst turned to her human form before innocently smiling at Logan.


    "I found kids¡­" Kryst said gently.


    "Kids... or Slime?" Logan asked as he saw how the creatures that surfaced with her turned into small blobs, trying to form feet and hands.


    "Well, they look a little strange, but sure, they seem like kids?" Logan stared at the small blobs trying to form a semblance to Kryst''s appearance.


    "They will improve," Kryst smiled happily.


    "Good, now we all have to wait for what Krexa will do¡­" Logan said, yawning. He was starting to feel the pain in his body from the prior battle.


    It wasn''t long after that a group of goblins entered the bottom floor, still fearing the problems that might arise from entering the ancient beast''s lair.


    "Did master win?" Krexa said worriedly.


    "Does that need to be asked? Of course, I would win. Now tell me, what did you do while I was fighting?" Logan asked, wanting the report so they could leave.


    "I found brothers and sisters who want to join me. They will help in fights. We want a powerful tribe, better than Warks!" Krexa called out, while those around her raised their small daggers.


    "Well, good. I hope you will get better¡­" Logan yawned as the others accepted the small tribe of eight new members.


    "Now then, let''s return. I am so tired¡­" Logan yawned once more. Silvia nodded and opened a gate to return back to a designated place near the castle.


    Logan looked around and noticed why Silvia did not join them; she had to wait for Marie and Zephyr.


    "Well then, I will take a nap. Let''s talk later." Logan walked inside and to his room.


    The monsters had all gone their own way, leaving Lisa and Alma looking at each other.


    "So, about what happened with Silvia¡­" Lisa began speaking. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 193 - 193: Lisas Choice

    "What about it?" Alma said, trying to keep her cool. She didn''t know the little girl would rat her out so easily in front of Lisa and Logan at the same time.


    "Well, I did notice you had¡­ feelings for Logan, but does it bother you if we, like, get together?" Lisa said, trying not to fight with her best friend.


    "If it''s about that, then you should know I have already spoken to Logan, and I want to help you two get together, so just worry about that for now, Liz. Everything else is for later," Alma said, grabbing her by both shoulders and patting them.


    "Well¡­ fine, but there is still Rubina, Serana, and Ruri to worry about. I just don''t know what to do," Lisa said, feeling down now that she knew each girl more. Having lived with them, she even learned that Rubina was a half demon, just like Logan''s mentor Valeria. It was a secret he had told her and wanted her to keep.


    "Take your time, Liz. I can''t really tell you what you should do, but if you do decide to push forward, do it fast. Hearts can waver, and if one day Logan gets tempted¡­ well, you will feel like you did not do enough. One thing Silvia is right about is that with the way things work in this world, we should start thinking about everything we do a little differently. Plan out your future tonight; think about it hard. We can''t just worry about millions of demons coming and live life waiting for that moment..." Alma said before waving to Lisa to give her time. She also wanted to think more about what she needed to do. If there was one thing the shortcake did, it was hasten things up between the three and others.


    A few hours later, Logan finally got up. His mind stopped buzzing after a good rest. He thought about what he needed to do, and one of those thoughts was about pushing forward with Lisa. He did not know what to do when Silvia was speaking so much, but with rest, he figured he couldn''t just keep waiting for her answer idly. This was something that was going to blow up sooner or later.


    Logan sighed a few times, trying to make up his mind. He was still alone in his room and wouldn''t be expected to eat when it was so late. He did not know what to do; it was nearly midnight, so it wasn''t like he was going to start working.


    "If only things weren''t so complicated when it came to feelings." Logan went out near his balcony. It was great to have a room in a tower, but sometimes he wondered why exactly he was placed so far from the others.


    He knew it was probably because he got into the habit of using his wings to exit from the window, as well as being ready at all times to ride on Zephyr when problems arose.


    Tonight, the moons were slightly covered by passing clouds, but the spring winds made the night cool but comfortable.


    He leaned near the rail and began checking each part of his city. The nightlife was just as busy as in the day, especially with the introduction of casinos to bring more tourists and money.


    Marie was slowly becoming the richest hero, and with that, Logan was also. He not only gained from the tax revenue but also from crystals, animal products, grains, and fruits. After finding interesting cash crops, he tamed and began growing them outside of his town in large farms, and like animals, these also had a monarch.


    Fruit trees grew plentifully, and corn and wheat-like crops took vast plains and turned them into either green or gold fields. Each one provided mana-rich food that helped his city''s growth with various harvests, which were even faster than normal. This made shipping them to the empire, which was on the war front, essential to feed the large number of soldiers.


    Not only did crops produce well, but also meat and milk from Starhoof Cows and Celestial Rooks and chickens. These last ones also provided the best eggs.


    As for the Silkmane Sheep, their wool was what even Ruben used for crafting armor. It was not only strong but also durable, and its texture was heavenly.


    Logan''s clothes, and even bed and furniture, were all made from this material.


    The boy smiled at all he had achieved thanks to coming to this world, and of course, he was grateful for the spirits themselves for giving him this chance.


    As for his strength, he wondered just how strong Brian was. Based on Lisa and the others, Logan should now be the strongest out of anyone, especially when he earns experience passively through all his creatures.


    Even now, he was earning mana from some Wark tribe member killing in the distance. He wondered why they were training so late, but it was great to see the motivation they showed nonetheless.


    What Logan did need to worry about was being selective in his future beasts. He needed to push forward and find dragons or mythical creatures to tame. He needed this power for the coming war, and with the wealth he amassed, he could now not only buy them but also buy the information to find them.


    He needed to be quick with this, especially since they only had a few months before the great invasion. If possible, he wanted to enter the war front in the empire before that happened, so he needed his best combatants ready by then.


    Logan sighed, thinking about all this. His mind may not have been as tired as earlier, but there was so much to think about. New people to recruit, more soldiers to place under Kai and Chloe, checking on their personal situation, and also on Krexa who seemed to now need a new settlement. She needed more variety in her members, possibly new goblins from other tribes to stop any inbreeding.


    The Warks also asked for more land since they began bringing more of their kind from other territories.


    Terra needed more space now that her size could no longer be contained in the city¡­ Voltar needed more of its species. Just so much to think about.


    Logan sighed once again, but this time as he breathed in, he smelled something sweet. It was strange as nothing had changed in his surroundings. Just as he was beginning to look for its source, he felt two hands wrapped around his eyes. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Guess who?" a sweet voice called out.


    "Lisa?" Logan asked, wondering what she was doing here at this hour.


    "Correct, guess you need your prize." Lisa said in a soft, alluring tone.


    Logan felt how her hands which were pressed over his eyes, slightly shuffled around while still covering his eyes, before feeling a warm sensation on his lips that tasted sweet, warm, and inviting. It was nothing like the one they shared before.


    It was a blend of flavors and textures that Logan could not pinpoint. All he knew was that he needed to enjoy this hopefully not brief moment. He kept his eyes closed even as Lisa''s hands detached themselves from them and used them to hold back his long ebony hair.


    Logan did not do the same. His own hands were already on her back and thighs, feeling every curve and enjoying each second of it. Her wings slowly came undone, letting him pull her in for a more passionate embrace.


    The two stayed like that for seconds, minutes, until one finally relented. It was Lisa who seemed to have come for something more.


    "I¡­ kept you on the fence for far too long¡­ now come, we are doing this tonight."


    Logan''s heart thumped loudly. He did not dare ask what she meant but followed her inside while not leaving her to do all that needed to be done.

 Chapter 194 - 194: The Morning After

    Logan opened his eyes as someone lightly tapped his arms. They were currently embracing Lisa, who was cuddled in front of him.


    "Logan¡­ as much as I want to keep being here, I need to go. It''s already morning, and I doubt we want to find out what happens when Ruri comes to wake you up," Lisa said in a soft whisper.


    "Sure thing, Lizzy..." Logan said near her ear as her back was on his chest.


    He smiled as she shuddered at his voice before getting up to rub her ear.


    "Don''t do that, I am still¡­" Lisa got a pillow and swatted him gently before getting up to change.


    "Then we will see each other later. Don''t go telling the others, Logan!" Lisa said as she jumped down from the balcony using an invisibility device to conceal herself.


    Logan, on the other hand, just stayed in his bed, his eyes wide open, looking at the ceiling, still wondering if this was a dream or if things went as well as they did last night.


    He could still smell the sweet aroma Lisa left behind in his pillow and blankets, something he would have to air out before Ruri came to clean.


    "Damn it¡­ she will notice, right?" Logan began putting everything in his ring. He needed to keep all this to savor for later.


    He definitely couldn''t let his maid notice.


    Luckily, there were more blankets and pillow covers somewhere around his room. He just needed to find them.


    He turned to the sky. It was still dark, but a few rays shone from the first sunrise, which would happen soon.


    Logan couldn''t keep staying in bed and got up. He stretched himself before flying outside; he needed a bath quickly. He hurried to the mana springs and took a quick shower before returning just in time to fix his bed.


    He exited the room just before Ruri would enter and went to get a quick meal. He was terribly hungry now that he had been up for an hour, and well, because of the previous day''s exercise.


    Logan spotted the kitchen staff beginning to make a great meal and just went with toast to start things off. He was handed some coffee and some marmalade.


    For the small things, he did not rely on someone to make them. He wasn''t some pompous king; he had an idea of what he wanted others to think of him and declined the chefs'' help for trivial matters.


    Just as he was about to sit, he spotted both Kai and Chloe seated while eating together. They had been close since the trip to the labyrinth.


    As soon as they spotted Logan, though, Chloe distanced herself a little.


    "Don''t worry, I won''t bother you, just getting some food in me before I go train," Logan said, sitting a bit further away, knowing the two needed some space. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "It''s fine; we were just about done. Enjoy your breakfast, Logan." Kai smiled while getting up as Chloe had done so already.


    "See you later, Logan. We will go train." Chloe said with a bow before leaving.


    Logan did not know in what way, but the girl slowly changed. She was less strict these days, more forgetful at times.


    He shrugged and began eating, wondering if someone would join him soon. He heard some footsteps coming to the kitchen.


    His heart thumped before settling down. It wasn''t Lisa but Alma who seemed to be looking for him.


    She stared at him a little before tilting her head a few seconds to the left and then a few to the right.


    "What?" Logan asked, wondering what changed about him that made her react that way.


    "Nothing." Alma said, sitting herself next to him while picking up a toast.


    "Early shower, shiny skin, something happened, hmm¡­" Alma said, using her mental link while squinting her eyes.


    "Really, I don''t know what you mean?" Logan said while coughing, having bitten a bit more bread than normal.


    "Strange¡­" she continued.


    "Just out with it. What happened?" Logan sent back.


    "Fine, just tell me where Lisa was all night. I went to look for her to see if she was going to be alright after what Silvia said, and well, she didn''t come back," Alma finally added, speaking with the most likely culprit.


    Logan didn''t know what to say, wondering if the truth would hurt her. He had already heard from Silvia that Alma had more feelings towards him than he had known.


    "Out with it. I know what you are thinking, but if what I think happened, happened, I will actually be happy for Lisa¡­ and you." Alma got closer to Logan, trying to put pressure.


    "Fine, yes, that happened." Logan said, pushing the toast and drink away.


    "Good, Logan. I will say this¡­ work hard, change Lisa''s mind, because you will have big problems coming if you don''t. Also¡­ I won''t act on my feelings unless Lisa accepts, so give that a thought," Alma winked before getting up to leave.


    Logan stood still, the last words Alma sent through their link were filled with different emotions. He felt the love in them, the want, but also the sadness. He felt them as if they were his own, just like the emotions his monsters sometimes sent through his link.


    Logan sighed, knowing he was at the best moment of his life but also knowing how it would affect the others. He really needed to find a solution to this and fast. He placed his hands on his temples while closing his eyes for a few moments before getting up to sit on his throne. His assistants and Rubina would no doubt be looking for him soon.


    Logan walked through the hall, still somewhat happy. He had to stop himself from skipping at the last stretch. Just as he was going to sit, he saw Rubina''s gaze. She did not look any different, but something in him made him clench his teeth while feeling a little regret.


    "Damn it¡­ I need to fix this." Logan sighed as a long day awaited him.

 Chapter 195 - 195: Future Tames

    "So, Earl Rosenguard, as a leading figure in monster breeding, do you think there are any great monsters I could find to tame? I now need to focus on quality. My main goal is to find a dragon. I need something grand to deal with the demons. I need to be ready to join the war soon and take out as many as possible before they open the gates," Logan asked the Earl, who had been brought in by Rubina.


    "Don''t address me as Earl here, Logan. I am just Victor when speaking with you like this, and I may have a few ideas. You will need to start traveling, which means you will need to leave your kingdom for long periods of time, but if it''s to find what you need, then there is no other choice," Victor, the Earl of Rosengard, said.


    "It''s fine. Whatever the case may be, I will do it. I now need to protect what is mine, and to do that, I need to step up my game," Logan nodded while asking Marie to make a map hologram.


    "These will be the places then¡­" Victor went up towards the large display and began pointing to different areas. Each one stayed marked with a red dot after he pointed them out.


    Logan, along with everyone in the room, kept quiet, waiting for the earl to finish.


    "Well then, that is all the ones that may have a possible beast of interest. As for what they contain, let''s start with the ones I think will be easier. The closest ones are¡­ the Frost Wyverns to the north of us in the Kingdom of Veridith. They are a great part of the nation''s power, so getting one will be hard if you don''t have something they might want. But let''s face it¡ªyou have crystals, and everyone wants them. Take a few dozen water elemental crystals, and they will accept if it means making one of their knight''s wyverns stronger," the earl began, then placed his finger to another marker.


    "To the west, in the Verdant Lands, one of our closest neighbors, you will find Ents, large walking trees that will make for great defenders. They are old and wise, making them important assets for you¡­ Going further west to the Kingdom of Eta, you will find great electrical plains where monsters who rule over this element live. It is said to be caused by great birds that rival even the power of dragons. Maybe you will even find more companions for your mantis." Stopping to think about the rest of the pins he had placed, the earl pointed back near Highrule before going up to the Red Iron Republic.


    "This point¡­ it may be the most dangerous. You will find fire creatures here. It''s a dormant volcano, mainly because its power is being syphoned by a terrible beast. It may not be a true dragon, but a Hydra is not less powerful than one." Rubina gulped a little after explaining, wondering if her father was doing the right thing by pointing out this terrible creature that has killed many who had tried to hunt it down.


    "Even those ruling over the country stay out of its way to keep it from rampaging," the earl warned before placing his finger on another area.


    "Going east of here, you will find your mentor''s lands and with it the Guardian who watches Gernel, an earth dragon. You might not be able to tame such a beast, but I am sure you will need to visit it. With luck, just like with Ferra, it might give you one of its kin. Actually, that is why I was able to breed a dragon. Sadly, the dragon had to be returned to Gernel. Our treaty is that we need to keep it on the border between the Kingdom of Elris and Gernel, so even while I managed to breed one of these species, it''s not fully the Kingdom of Elris''s property..." The earl sighed, thinking about what power Logan would have gotten if he had managed to breed more than one hatchling that time.


    "There is just one more¡­ I think this will probably be for your last resort¡­" The earl pointed to a spot near the Tsardom of Korsun, an area covered by a black portion of the map where the demons had already invaded.


    "There is¡­ an island here." Earl Victor said, pointing to a portion of the map that looked to be just water.


    "Back before the invasion¡­ I visited here with my parents¡­ long, long ago, and there you will find¡­ the most secretive guardians. Vadel, the Dreaded Night Drake, a beast that reverted to this state after forcefully breaking its bond with its master. It might be a full dragon after all this time; no one knows. We only saw it during an expedition. My parents were also creature breeders like me. Before the creature took over the island, it was one of the best places to find darkness elemental creatures. You may not know this, but¡­ the spirits used to have temples of sorts in the past. When the vampires attacked, they kept humans safe in them during the great war. The temples were spread out throughout the region to keep people safe during those times. Humans would have been extinct if it wasn''t because of that." The earl paused a little before continuing. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Discover hidden stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    "People may not be able to live in those temples or around them now that they have so much condensed energy found around them, but monsters of certain elements do, and that is where you will find the strongest." Victor sighed as if he had read a long essay in front of a class.


    "Does that mean the empire of Garnel has an Earth temple and the Red Iron Republic have a Fire temple?" Logan asked, wondering if that was why the earl explained that.


    "Yes, and the temple of the spirit of electricity is in Ata, the water temple in Veridith, the wind temple is¡­ well, in demon infested lands. As for the temple of Light, it''s here in this kingdom, in the east of here, in a large mountain that is said to have been created by the spirit of light to keep its temple at the highest point of the world." The earl pointed to a small dot to the right of the Kingdom.

 Chapter 196 - 196: Preparations

    Logan looked at the map in front of him, trying to make a plan. He needed to visit a total of six areas, including the mountain near the temple of light to possibly find a powerful creature of this element.


    "Well then, I will need to head north to find the Frost Wyverns first. I want to give these enough time to train as we travel to find the other creatures. They will probably be the best to tame and easiest since I can work with the Kingdom of Veridith to get them," Logan nodded as he could imagine riding a large, powerful frost dragon.


    "Sounds like a good plan, Logan." Leonard, his advisor, agreed, as did everyone in the room.


    "How long will it take to reach where I need to be?" Logan asked, looking at the map.


    "Well, I can probably say with the speed you reached Midar, it will be no more than five days. That is if we get permission to travel over their lands without problems, so add in two days so you can comfortably reach the capital Mevesza without problems," Leonard added, pointing to small cities where he could rest as he went north. The capital was in the highest part near the sea.


    "So a week of flying¡­ I might need to take two mounts to alternate and not have Zephyr get tired," Logan nodded while coming up with a plan. "Who will go with me will be the next problem¡­ We only have so many mounts and to keep them rested, they will need to be two per person. Not many can ride eagles also due to their carrying capacity." Logan had placed lightweight riders for the eagles, hoping they would evolve soon to solve this problem.


    He then looked around the room to check who wanted to volunteer for the long journey. Lisa raised her hand first. Logan smiled at the gesture and nodded while looking around the room. He saw one hand raise beside him; it was Rubina, who glared at Lisa before speaking.


    Continue your adventure at My Virtual Library Empire


    "I will go; you will need someone who knows a little about the politics to smoothen the deal," Rubina added, trying to add value to her participation.


    "No problem, I was going to ask you to join." Logan consented, looking at the next hand that went up.


    "I doubt you need firepower, being one of the strongest in this world possible, but another warrior wouldn''t hurt," Kai stepped forward.


    "You weren''t going to stay¡­ here?" Logan asked.


    "I am your knight before anything else, Logan. I need to worry about the coming future before I can plan for what happens for the rest of my life¡­ and, well, I want a flying mount. Maybe I will be a great frost knight warrior, able to compete even with the Elites of Veridith." Kai joked, giving away the real reason he wanted to join.


    "Yeah, yeah, I was going to ask one for each of you two. Not only do you need a mount, but also one you can be on while wearing heavy armor," Logan said, looking around to see that no one else asked to join.


    "I will stay this one out. I need to train within the city. Remember, I need to be near a crowd to gain experience," Alma said, looking a little sad about the separation.


    "Well then, we will be heading out tomorrow early. Make sure you speak with who you need to in Veridith so we can plan things, Leonard." Logan said, standing up. He needed to go collect crystals to make it less stressful for the birds during the coming long flight.


    He needed to go to the volcano and meet up with Serana, who wasn''t present at the meeting. He did not want to leave without asking her if she wanted to join.


    Logan left after telling everyone his plans for the afternoon. He needed to be back for dinner and the meeting after to know if he would leave for Veridith the next day.


    He quickly went out and used his wings before climbing on Zephyr to fly to the volcano. His bird was becoming fast and used to his weight, but Logan knew that his bird needed time later to train instead of being his taxi all the time. He hoped that with the dragon, he would be able to interchange with the two to give them the time they needed to train.


    Scorch, on the other hand, was already his strongest beast by a landslide. His pack of raptors was deadly and trained each day with knights to make the most feared cavalry unit. When Logan was not on top of him commanding his troops for practice, Valor used the spot to direct the raptors. Somehow, Earl Rosenguard was able to bring more Scorchwyrms and now increase the pack number to fifteen, while Scorch personally got his mate near his level. Now, two large carnivores reigned over the battlefield.


    It wasn''t long before Logan reached the volcano when he had contacted Serana. Logan was curious why over the volcano there was a large shadow that caused a section of the volcano to create a zone that looked as if night had descended even when the sun was overhead.


    "Serana? I am just reaching the cave, are you the one causing the abnormality?" Logan asked, using his communicator.


    "Don''t worry, we will end the drill soon. Wait for me, Logan." Serana strained herself to say through the link.


    Logan noticed that not long after, the shadow compressed itself to look like a giant bat, about a hundred meters long. It flapped its wings, causing the air around the mountain to whirl as if there was a small hurricane. Logan then saw how the large bat separated into parts before entering the volcano.


    After a few minutes, Serana''s form appeared behind Logan, hugging him from behind.


    "I smell something different in you¡­" she whispered behind him as she tiptoed to take a bite out of his neck. She stopped a little earlier than usual. "Ugh, not the best taste. It''s as if something is missing, and this smell¡­"


    Logan felt Serana pull up his shirt as she sniffed him. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Logan¡­ what did you do? It''s as if you wrestled Lisa for some reason. There is still the smell of her sweat on you¡­" Serana said, as if accusing him of trying to kill her friend.


    Logan gave it some thought before asking Serana a question.


    "Serana, what happens after a boy and girl kiss?" Logan went for the question that would probably give him what he needed to know.


    "They¡­ hug? Is that why you smell like Lisa?" Serana said, giving it more thought.


    "Wait, who told you about kissing anyways?" Logan delved deeper into the mystery.


    "Valeria, of course. She told me I could do it to you and see what happens before." Serana said, blushing a little.


    "So she taught you about kissing but not what comes after¡­" Logan mumbled as the girl kept thinking.

 Chapter 197 - 197: Crystal Abnormality

    "So is there anything new happening within the crystal mine?" Logan asked, trying to get back on track. He was using the long tunnel created to visit the area.


    "Not much, the giant mushrooms have grown even more after their last evolution, but they still do the same: filter mana from the surroundings and cultivate crystals. Although there are more of the giants, the crystals are about the same, small but more potent at least," Serana said as they finally reached the area where crystals thrived.


    "Wow, is the lake getting larger?" Logan watched how the two-meter hole he had seen last time became wider, almost three times the size.


    "Oh yeah, that also grew in size. I don''t usually drink water, so I haven''t given it much attention." Serana began picking out crystals which Logan could take.


    "Let me test the water while you help me remove the crystals," Logan said, walking near the large hole and taking out a vial to test the water. He also took out water from the other mine and checked if they were the same.


    "Hmm, a bit less concentrated as expected¡­ but it''s getting there slowly." Logan then checked how the crystals were growing. He had parent elemental crystals separated in seven parts so each one could grow crystals with different elements.


    That was when he spotted one particular area within the middle of each of these crystals.


    "That one which is blue is supposed to be water, right¡­ and this one which is green is wind¡­ but why is the crystal here¡­ turquoise¡­ and look¡­ it radiates a strange mix between both elements¡­ it''s almost as if it found a perfect balance¡­" Logan picked up one of the crystals to see if any reactions happened. Luckily, it was stable enough to stay as it was without problems.


    "I wonder what a bomb created from this will create¡­"


    Logan then went towards the darkness and light section. Within the middle of the two elements, he spotted the same thing happening.


    This time, he tried to drain the crystal of its mana as he could use both of those elements natively.


    Logan began feeling something strange. The power was twice what he would have gotten from a crystal of the same size.


    "What is this?" Logan picked up another and drained it slower to see what was causing this. He tried draining one element this time and quickly felt the stability within the small crystal crumble.


    Just before it could go any further, Logan drained most of the energy before tossing the almost depleted crystal away. It exploded before he could move out of the way; luckily, it was just a small portion of the mana it had left.


    "Are you alright, Logan?" Serana yelled as she came closer.


    "Yeah, I wonder just how deadly that would have been if I had left most of the energy¡­" Logan checked his ruined clothes and the floor, which now had a crater.


    "I was only able to contain it a little with my magic. Thankfully, it was mostly darkness energy," Serana said, having felt the explosion''s strength as her shield was destroyed.


    "Seems we have new weapons, too bad they will require mages of different elements¡­ but they should have different reactions depending on the element used to cause the explosion¡­ Darkness and light¡­ well, since they are both opposites in nature, they caused a grand explosion." Logan knew that Silvia would love to study this and called her up along with Marie, who was quickly becoming a great researcher exploring how to use crystals and employ them in different fields.


    "I will check this out, Logan¡­ I will be there in a few seconds," he heard Silvia''s voice before being cut off.


    "I also find it interesting. Actually, it might just solve a problem we had while trying to find a power source for the train we are making. If we can harness the power of fire and water to create a steam engine, we might finally be able to create a motor¡­ Bobby and Ruben will be excited!" Marie said, using her own crystal for communication as a hologram to see what was happening around her.


    "Let me get Ruben and Bobby to watch this. Silvia should be arriving there soon so we can watch how things go," Marie said happily.


    Logan, on the other hand, had sweat rolling down his cheek. He hoped the girl would not do something strange like before.


    Soon, the teleportation array glowed and a girl appeared from it. Logan looked at the rainbow-colored hair that changed in different colors when she had activated her magic and then turned back to silver.


    "Hey there¡­ so here are the crystals I wanted to show you." Logan beckoned the girl over and pointed out the union between the elements of each crystal. He was still next to the darkness and light elemental zone where he had picked out three crystals.


    "You will need to test out each element, as draining just a little bit can cause a reaction, making the crystal unstable. This one, for example, caused an explosion," Logan pointed towards the crater.


    "Interesting. I know you have your trip soon, so leave the rest to me. As for Marie, how about it? Do you want me to make an array so you can teleport here?" Silvia said while looking at Marie''s hologram.


    "Sure, the three of us want to go, actually. We need to test this carefully for future usage," Marie answered.


    "Alright, I guess you have a free trip back to the castle then, Logan," Silvia said as Marie turned off her communication to get ready for the warp.


    Stay updated with My Virtual Library Empire


    "I guess I do. How about it, Serana? I was going to ask if you wanted to come north in a group to find powerful monsters, or will you stay here?" Logan asked before returning.


    "I will stay. My work with the bats is almost complete. After combining our power, we may temporarily create a new form for future battles. They are slowly getting stronger, especially the vampire bats who are able to use blood magic," Serana said, looking at Silvia start up the teleportation array. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Alright then, tell Zephyr he can go back soon. I bet he wants to hunt around here," Logan asked, seeing the vampire girl begin leaving. Only he and Silvia stood there.


    He was expecting to have the teleportation array activate soon, but Silvia stopped casting after seeing Serana off.


    "Say¡­ Logan, before you leave, let me ask you. Did you hear what I said last time?" Silvia said, looking at him.


    "Yeah¡­ I couldn''t help but overhear what you said to Lisa," Logan gulped, wondering what she was going to say.


    "Then you should know my position in the matter, but now tell me what you are planning to do next. I know ultimately it depends on you," Silvia stared at him intently, making him waver a little before sighing.


    "What can I say, I love Lisa¡­ but yeah, I know how the others feel and it will be pretty hard not to respond to them, especially when I can feel their emotions through my power¡­ Being the tamer, I can feel them even when they aren''t speaking to me. It''s like smelling the scent of a flower when it''s near you¡­ it''s just there." Logan said, explaining his position.


    "What I am curious about though¡­ is how¡­ is it possible that you are slowly having this scent? We haven''t been near each other often, we haven''t spoken much¡­ is it my power or did you perhaps¡­?" Logan stopped before continuing, hoping for an answer.


    "Both, I guess. You are extremely attractive, or should I say you have become after evolving¡­ I guess we are slowly becoming something more than humans¡­ transcending in a way. Based on your power to invoke evolution to your monsters, we are going to evolve even further¡­ into what, I don''t know. But know this¡­ I did have a little interest in you before this¡­ you can say Brian detested you for a reason. You just weren''t polished enough to know what it was until you arrived here." Silvia smiled while placing a hand on his cheek.


    "Just know that if you do decide to make a harem¡­ I will be no less than the 4th, so be ready." Silvia then pulled him in to kiss him before pushing him into the hastily created warp portal.


    Logan then found himself back in his castle. Everyone looked at him, who was on the floor, strangely.


    "Logan? Did something happen, are you alright?" Marie said, helping him up.


    "No, nothing. You can take the portal back to the cave, you three. Make sure you be careful when testing the crystals and make sure you don''t do it in the room filled with them," Logan coughed before seeing them off.


    "What a crazy girl I added to the group." Logan sighed as he recalled what happened with Silvia. She was truly a cunning girl.

 Chapter 198 - 198: Growing Family

    After returning back to the castle, Logan quickly got changed from his torn clothing and readied himself to visit all the creatures he had to check on. It was a little after noon, so he had more than enough time before dinner to ready himself for the trip.


    He really wanted to visit his strongest and most loyal creature, Scorch, before he left. The large dinosaur should be resting after training with Valor while eating his lunch.


    He went towards the area where Scorch and his raptors would usually be eating and began calling them as he entered the large pen. Within it, there were two large apex predators, while a group of raptors were being given their food and fire mana crystals.


    Logan loved seeing them, as it reminded him of a certain dinosaur movie. The pack felt like a family that was slowly growing in power.


    "Hey buddy, how are you doing today?" Logan got closer to Scorch while going for a hug, knowing the large dinosaur would want to be petted like a big dog.


    "Master! Need to show you!" Scorch said, wagging its large tail that made Logan''s hair flow wildly.


    "Show me what?" Logan asked as he followed the huge beast.


    "Look at this!" Scorch walked so fast Logan had to run. He was being led to a section of the large pen where hay was placed carefully.


    Logan then went towards the part his beast wanted him to see. There he saw his mate sitting.


    "Hey there, Flare. What did this big kid want to show me?" Logan then petted Scorch''s mate, a large dinosaur that was equal in size to Scorch but not in power. She was a lighter tone but nearly identical to her mate.


    "Master Logan, he wanted to show this¡­" Flare stood up slowly, revealing two large eggs that radiated fire energy.


    Logan smiled, looking at the two reddish ovals. Their size was almost half a meter in length. He smiled while taking out more firestones from his dimensional storage. They were the purest of his crystals, which he did not want to use yet, but now that Scorch had shown him this¡­ he simply couldn''t just let it pass without giving his best monster a present.


    Flare, seeing the crystals, gently nodded as Logan placed them closer to the eggs. She did not sit on them as a hen would but was sitting around them as if taking care of them.


    "I hope you will be a great father, Scorch¡­" Logan said, leaving the mother and her two new eggs, going back to Scorch, who would not stop wagging his tail.


    "Now stop causing a hurricane. I think that is why Flare is glaring at you¡­" Logan went back to petting Scorch, who controlled his tail.


    "I will be leaving soon, so I hope they won''t hatch before I come back, buddy. But if you need anything, please don''t hesitate to ask Chloe or the others." Logan said while looking around. He saw how three Raptors were laying around their beds.


    "Could it be?" Logan then went to check on one of them.


    "Blaze?" Logan patted the small female raptor who called out to him in a weird raptor call.


    "She mated with one of the other raptors¡­ has eggs also," Scorch informed Logan.


    "Wow¡­ I wonder just how many of you all I will have." Logan then went to give love to the other two raptors who were happy with his presence.


    Since he did not tame them, he couldn''t hear their voice, but Scorch did translate their intentions.


    It wasn''t long before Logan went to visit Silis. She was slowly becoming one of his kingdom''s pillars. She and Terra were slowly creating structures around Logan''s land that would help its expansion.


    Logan went to her new barn, which was now outside the walls. It was a section for all the basilisks that were not able to fit within the castle walls anymore.


    There he found two of them fighting. He thought there was a problem until Silis called them to stop. Read new adventures at My Virtual Library Empire


    "So, you''re training your underlings, huh?" Logan said, smiling.


    "No, males fighting to be my mate," Silis said as the fighters continued.


    "Hmmm¡­ Guess everyone has their own problems in love," Logan mumbled, watching the fight happening in front of them. The basilisks were busy pushing each other like sumo wrestlers, trying to push one out of a section designated by Silis.


    It wasn''t long before one of the two fell over the line and was told off by Silis. Another challenger then came forward to compete.


    "Guess this will take some time. It was great to see you though, Silis¡­ tell me what happens later." Logan patted the large serpent, which nodded as she glared at the challengers, analyzing each one.


    Logan took some time after that to inspect the others until he arrived near Luna''s space. As before, she was practicing her ability to control a snowstorm within a small orb a few meters wide.


    Logan knocked on the orb a few times before casting water and ice spells to enter it.


    "Wow, this¡­ is cold," Logan said, seeing the blizzard in front of him. His armor did help reduce the impact of the storm, but the temperature still made him shiver.


    "Luna, you''re getting stronger," Logan sent out a mental message before reaching the fox to pet its head.


    "Not strong yet¡­ I want¡­ eight tails soon," Luna said, making the storm disappear, leaving only flakes to keep swirling around after the orb dissipated.


    "You will get there, Luna, I am sure you will. Here, I brought new crystals for you to have. I can''t give you more because I will need them for the Frost Wyverns¡­ but I hope they are enough to help you." Logan patted his beast, trying to cheer her up.


    "Will help, thanks, Master Logan," Luna said, draining the crystals dry within seconds.


    "See, you are already stronger now. You will have eight tails soon. Just make sure to enjoy the process, Luna. Getting stronger takes time." Logan hugged her fluffy fur, checking on her new size.


    "You have also grown so big. Are you sure you''re not just doing this to compete with Fenrir?" Logan chuckled as he didn''t have to bend down to hug Luna, who was now as big as the wolf had been when he got his second evolution.


    "Don''t compare, I am better, more pretty, more bigger soon," Luna said with a low growl.


    "Fine, fine, sorry Luna. You are indeed a beautiful creature. Too bad I don''t have much time nowadays to spend with you. How about you come sleep with me tonight? I miss sleeping on your cool fur." Logan scratched behind her ear, making her close her eyes.


    "Will you be leaving soon again?" Luna said sadly.


    "Guess everyone heard. Yes, I will be leaving for ten days, so you need to get your eighth tail before I come back. Make sure you train hard, alright?" Logan said jokingly.


    "Will try hard, I will have it!" The fox called out excitedly, creating her orb of ice again to train.


    Not wanting to be within the strong cold winds, Logan ran out of there. He had one more monster to visit today¡ªit was Krexa and her band of goblins.


    Like the Warks, she was given a separate fortified outer bailey connected to the city walls. This was to keep her and her kind safe from humans; it was also so that she could train them.


    They were by nature a race that used their waste to keep creatures away from their burrow, but now that they were introduced to human society and evolved into hobgoblins, which made their appearance more human, they needed to learn and adjust to their new surroundings.


    Logan used his wings to enter the goblin village. It was made for when Krexa needed to rule a hundred or more goblins in the future.


    Even though hundreds of houses were made, only ten or fewer were used. It wasn''t hard to find Krexa, though; she was standing in what seemed to be their training field, watching her goblins running around to get stronger.


    "Aren''t you supposed to be leading them while running?" Logan asked while landing next to the girl.


    "No, they will fight in my place. I will lead from behind," Krexa sneered wickedly.


    "I see¡­ make sure you work on your magic then, Krexa. I don''t want one of your soldiers hit by your spells," Logan patted her head while she looked up at him with anger.


    "Will not happen. I am now better!" Krexa said, casting an ice spell towards a nearby tree branch, causing it to fall.


    "Impressive. I take back what I said then. Good work, Krexa. It seems you have also been playing your part." Logan took out some sweets, knowing her fa?ade would fall with them present.


    "Uuuugh! Why take those out? The others will see." Krexa quickly placed them in her storage greedily.


    "Don''t worry, I have more for them. Now tell me, how are you all doing?" Logan asked, watching how the training was paying off. The goblins were faster than what he had seen from the goblins of the past.


    "Good, will be better than Wark!" Krexa said, yelling out orders to those running.


    "Why do my monsters keep comparing themselves to each other¡­" Logan mumbled, watching how Krexa ran to help one of the girl goblins who had fallen and used healing magic to help her.


    He knew Krexa was the perfect choice for a leader. She was slowly leaving the lazy part of her behind, which was great. Now, he just needed to find more of her race to make this village as prosperous as the Warks, who were now nearing two hundred.


    S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 199 - 199: Night to Relax, or Not

    Logan had a great meal. It was going to be his last one in his castle before he would come back after traveling so much.


    Having gotten the approval to visit the Kingdom of Veridith in the afternoon, he had nothing setting him back from leaving early the next morning.


    There was just one small, insignificant detail he had to worry about, and that was speaking with Lisa. He tried to make time before this as he kept stuffing his face with only the best pastries his chefs could bake for him, that and the delicious milkshake that made him want to never leave.


    "Too bad I won''t be having this tomorrow¡­ I just hope we find a warm bed at least. I don''t like sleeping out," Logan recalled the past week when he had to travel from the labyrinth towards the city. Luckily, they were able to keep the labyrinth without problems, adding towards their income. Continue your story on My Virtual Library Empire


    With Silvia''s teleportation arrays, his monsters were constantly being sent to train in it along with soldiers who worked together to subjugate each floor carefully. No one had yet to pass the twentieth floor, as the next boss monster was a menace. It needed to wait for when Logan and Lisa returned, hopefully stronger.


    "So, is everyone ready to leave tomorrow? We will be going early to hopefully get halfway through the territory before nightfall. Within two days, we should arrive in the capital city of Mevesza," Logan asked while looking around the table, mainly at the two girls who were going to join him the next day.


    "I have no problems. I have gotten everything I needed and am ready to leave anytime," Rubina said, smiling at him.


    "I also¡­ have everything I needed. I went for more equipment and supplies in case we need them," Lisa said, nodding.


    "Good, well let''s have a good rest then. Take a quick shower if needed; it will be your last to enjoy in the mana hot springs for a while." Logan then got up, and the rest did the same and began leaving.


    "Ruri, if you can have some nightwear ready for me, I will be taking a long shower to ready myself and then sleep," Logan asked his maid before leaving. He wanted time alone to think before going to Lisa to talk.


    "Alright, Master Logan. I will ready a cooled mint tea in case you need to relax after. Take your time," Ruri headed off to the kitchen.


    Having nothing left to do, Logan was about to get to his private bath. It would have all he needed¡ªtowels and fresh underwear¡ªso he just needed to get there and relax.


    The boy whistled as he was about to close the door to the large closet when he felt someone push him inside. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "What the?" Logan was about to yell when he felt his mouth being covered.


    "Shhh, Logan, we need to be quiet. Now relax, let me undo this magic," he heard Lisa say before deactivating the invisible illusion that even made him unable to see the hand that was over his mouth.


    "What are you doing here!" Logan mentally sent a link.


    "Don''t tell me you didn''t want to see me?" Lisa said, acting dejectedly.


    "It''s not that, you need to stop scaring me like this¡­" Logan said before sitting down on a bench while grabbing his heart.


    "Yeah, sorry about that, it''s just that I know you wanted to speak with me all day, but I was just too embarrassed to look at you till now..." Lisa whispered while sitting on his lap and hugging him looking into his eyes passionately.


    "I know how you feel. I was also jittery the whole day. Now, let''s just relax before speaking. How about a good soak in the bath¡­ you did bring spare clothes, right?" Logan asked, gulping while giving her a light peck.


    "Yeah, no problem." Lisa made some clothing appear from her ring.


    Within a few minutes of cleaning their bodies, they were sitting in the bath, relaxing. Logan felt like nosebleeds were going to be the least of his problems but tried to keep that for later. He knew the girl came to listen to him, so he needed to set things right.


    "Say, Lisa¡­ I guess it''s time to talk about us before we proceed any further¡­" Logan said, his voice losing power.


    "Yeah, I know¡­ how about you tell me how you really feel, Logan," Lisa said, looking up while sitting on his lap. Logan kissed her cute forehead before pressing his chin on her soft hair.


    "You know you will always be my number one, Lisa, my first friend, love, and whatever may come in the future¡­ but you know¡­ this world has changed so much for me," Logan began.


    "So what you''re telling me¡­ is that I should accept the others¡­ basically?" Lisa said, slapping the water in a slight fit of anger.


    Logan hugged her tighter from behind and then whispered into her ear.


    "No, as I said, you are my first love¡­ and so the one to make the choice about that will be you, Lisa. I do want to suggest the idea¡­ of course, but ultimately, I won''t do anything that will anger you... Even if it will be hard, you should know how my ability works¡­ and well, it not only lets me receive their emotions but they mine¡­ so it will be hard if I don''t do anything about it." Logan stayed still for a bit, wondering what the girl would say.


    "Logan¡­ I made you wait. I know what you are facing is difficult¡­ but give me more time at least to see what I want. When I am ready, I will tell not only you but also them. I will try to have an answer at least before we return. Now enough about that¡­ let''s have some fun¡­" Lisa turned to face Logan, who held her cheek and began kissing her passionately. He was slowly getting better every day.

 Chapter 200 - 200: Long Flight Ahead

    Logan got up groggily the next day; he was just not used to getting up so early. Ruri was already handing him clothing to get changed into, as well as placing clothes he needed to take in the long trip.


    "Thanks, Ruri. I hope not to take too long. I will miss your wonderful cooking," Logan said sadly.


    "If it''s about that, I have already packed some meals for you to have. They should at least last three or four days," the girl smiled towards him. Logan could feel her feelings making him wince a little from not being allowed to act on them, especially now that he knew what a girl''s touch could do.


    "Great, I will enjoy them then. Now help me with this strange shirt. I don''t know why I need to wear formal stuff when I will be flying about¡­" Logan sighed as the girl helped him put on a black suit with golden decorations.


    "Well, you will be visiting the first of the nearby cities at least before nightfall. You need to look the part when going to visit them; your status as King needs to be reflected in your wear, your majesty," Ruri finished tying his cloak before stepping back to check on him.


    "Looks¡­ like you''re ready. Clothing made for royals suits you nicely, Master Logan," Ruri said and nodded while looking at him.


    "Well, at least they feel nice. I hope no battles take place. I really don''t want to ruin such fine clothing, especially when they cost me a leg," Logan remarked with a sneer while looking at a mirror.


    "Let''s hurry, Master Logan. The others should be eating by now," Ruri pulled him down towards the dinner table. He had forgotten they needed to be out of there by sunrise; he would only have time to have a bit of toast, sadly.


    As soon as he arrived, he saw Lisa and Rubina staring at each other silently. He coughed a little to pause their glaring contest.


    "Good morning, Logan. You look nice," Rubina said.


    "So do you two. I guess I wasn''t the only one asked to dress formally," Logan said, smiling while evaluating the two girls'' dresses. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Rubina wore a crimson layered dress with gold embroidery, featuring long sleeves that extended to her knees. She looked like a rose as the layers added the effect of petals wrapping around her body.


    As for Lisa, her blue silk gown with silver accents perfectly fit her platinum hair. A large blue ribbon tied her hair back, revealing her beautiful facial features, as her dress flowed to the floor.


    "Well then, let''s get going after we finish eating¡­ where is Kai, by the way?" Logan asked as the three sat to quickly eat.


    "Kai! We are about to leave. Where are you?" Logan asked, using his mental link.


    "I, er, we will be down soon. Please wait," Kai replied, seemingly in a hurry.


    "Just take something to eat. We are almost done here. We will meet at the entrance," Logan replied. They were just going to have a simple meal.


    It wasn''t long after eating and chatting that the team of four had assembled to board their respective flying mounts. As with most things done by Logan, it was kept a secret from his cities people to keep any demons that might be hiding within his population; he did not spread information.


    Their farewells were quick as it was hopefully just going to be less than ten days before they returned.


    Soon, they set off, Logan taking the lead on Zephyr with two other eagles flying around in a triangle formation around five griffons. Logan was happy that all these beasts had just evolved early in the morning after intaking all the mana stones he could provide them and now looked like Zephyr and Orus. Unlike before, when they set out to the labyrinth, this time they wouldn''t tire as easily.


    Logan was the first to use his wind magic buff along with a song he did not want to sing but gave them Alma''s buff of constant mana regeneration. Lisa teased him to sing louder, but he did not comply with the request.


    After the first song, he felt parched and took out some mana water to drink. So far, the trip was relaxing; the four of them enjoyed seeing dawn on the horizon as they headed north, the small rays hitting the side of their faces.


    It wasn''t until eight hours and a few rests later that they arrived at the first stop, a small city by the name of Nyirmat. They would stay there a few hours to rest while also informing the Kingdom of Veridith of their position to avoid conflicts.


    Logan was the first to land as they glanced over the large city from above before landing. It did not have a stone wall like his own town but was very wide with buildings made mainly out of pinewood from the surroundings. Their roofs were beginning to gather ice and flakes of snow as some clouds from nearby mountains passed through, bringing a chilling atmosphere to the town as the second sun was setting.


    Its people seemed kind and hardworking. As they rushed to hide from the cold, many chimneys were blowing smoke as some sought refuge in inns and taverns.


    Logan, along with his group, was asked to join the town''s ruler for dinner. His large estate was able to house his creatures, as he did not want to leave them outside in the cold during the night. To keep them warm, he used fire elemental stones before entering the mansion of the noble who had welcomed them.


    Logan was the last to enter the home as Lisa and Rubina were guided to take a bath by the owner''s wife.


    "It is so great to finally meet one of you heroes. We will hold a grand meal, so I hope you enjoy it. Also, if there is anything you need, please ask!" A short but kind man in his forties, Lord Henrik, spoke towards Logan, who had been asked to sit for tea.


    "Thank you, sir. I appreciate the hospitality. This is my knight, Kai Rubyheart, my most trusted, so I hope he can join us," Logan sat down, inspecting the comfortable room.


    "There are no problems. I hope the ladies will be out soon so we can enjoy the meal," the man said as the two boys nodded. Logan''s eye twitched a little as the lord''s daughter did not stop staring at him. She was about his age, so that made things worse.

 Chapter 201 - 201: Withering Forest Pt. 1

    After a good night''s sleep and talks with the lord about starting a new trade route, Logan left the town with vigor. Sadly, he was too tired to speak with Lisa or Rubina the night before. It did not matter, though, the flight was long and they could converse using their link when flying.


    "So, what did you think about the lord?" Logan asked, wanting to know Rubina''s take on the man.


    "Seems like a kind guy, his daughter sure didn''t hide her¡­ attraction though," Rubina said jokingly.


    "Er, yeah I was far too tired to care. How did you two sleep? I hope they gave you just as good a room as mine," Logan asked, cracking his neck. He was used to his soft, silky bed, so sleeping on a normal cushion just did not feel the same.


    "They were good¡­ I guess for a small city''s lord''s house. We are just too used to the best," Lisa said as she directed Orus to fly next to Logan.


    "Well, we are back to seeing endless forests until we reach the next city¡­" Logan sighed. He at least kept an eye out for local fauna to see if a particular animal caught his interest. With Zephyr''s sight skill, he would be able to see even a small rabbit move about below them.


    It wasn''t until a few hours later that Logan spotted something strange. There was a section of the forest that seemed dead. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Say, do you think we should check that out?" he heard Lisa ask after they crossed over the withering trees.


    "Well¡­ I guess a look around wouldn''t hurt¡­ we are close to our next break, so doing so will at least give us something to do," Logan said. He jumped down from Zephyr and manifested his wings. Lisa did the same, while Rubina and Kai stayed in the air to check things out from above.


    "It''s a pretty large area, I doubt this kingdom saw it since we spotted it from the air¡­" Logan said as he checked the surroundings out before reaching the withered trees.


    "Let''s just be careful, we don''t know what caused it¡­" Lisa communicated following close from behind Logan.


    Soon they reached the floor. The trees around them were drained of all mana and life. It looked like the mutation crystal incident, except that there were no animals around that showed signs of being berserk.


    Logan walked slowly, trying to hear if any creature was around. Using his improved sight, he couldn''t even spot a bug.


    "This is strange. At least with the mutation we¡­ could see a few bugs, but here, not even those survived," Logan said as he grabbed onto the bark of a tree and began pulling on it. It seemed to tear off with ease, disintegrating before him. The tree fell, but it weighed less than a fourth of its original weight as it hit the ground.


    "Could this be caused by demons?" Logan asked Lisa, who tried using her magic to heal a withered tree that looked like it still had a small part of life.


    "I can''t completely heal it. It will continue to wither and die¡­" Lisa said with some sadness in her voice.


    "Let''s go back up. We can''t do anything for this place, but maybe we can check who is causing it or stop it from spreading."


    Logan manifested his wings again and flew back to Zephyr. He had the three keep going north while he, along with Zephyr, went higher to see just how much the dead zone stretched. It was at least three kilometers. It looked grotesque, like an infected tumor that was killing off the vegetation. He quickly went towards the edge where his group stopped and got down again.


    "Look, it just keeps killing. How about we try doing something here to stop it?"


    Kai used earth magic to create a pillar behind him to stop the invasion while Lisa used healing magic to try to keep the healthy parts from withering. Logan, on the other hand, thought about using darkness to combat it, and Rubina used fire to burn the already withered areas. Even with everything they employed, the disease kept spreading.


    "Damn it, it just won''t stop, it''s as if it''s not¡­" Logan stopped and looked at the ground. "It must be something underground. Kai, try to make a pillar of strong earth but underground. I will help you test this!"


    Logan then ran a few meters away where the rot did not reach the vegetation and began casting earth magic. He made a ditch and then had Kai compact the earth to strengthen the part below the ditch as if it were stone.


    "There, see, it''s stopped at least in this part¡­ we won''t be able to save any more of this forest, so let''s stop here. We should go back up and try to find the center again¡­ maybe there is something there that is spreading the corruption¡­ it must be underground though."


    Logan rose up in the air. He did not know if he was correct, but that did not stop him from trying to stop the situation.


    "Zephyr, over there, by that large tree. Let''s see what we can find there." Logan guided the others as they rode towards the central part. He cast his wings again but stayed in the air. The earth around them seemed darker for some reason. It was not only surrounded by withered plants but also what seemed like ash, as if the withered trees could no longer sustain their form and began to turn to dust.


    "Yes, it must be here¡­ something¡­" Logan then went back up. "Lisa, help me. I can recall that using Holy Nova left a huge crater... maybe by using both of ours and dropping it in the center of that area, we can see if there is anything underground causing it."


    Lisa nodded and began casting, Logan did the same as Kai and Rubina rose higher to keep an eye out for anything that might happen.

 Chapter 202 - 202: Withering Forest Pt. 2

    "Alright, release it!" Logan yelled as he released his own bomb of light energy. The condensed magic slowly dropped until it reached the center of where the illness started.


    Logan, along with everyone around him, covered their eyes. The strong light shone strong enough to disorient them before it cleared, leaving a deep ten-meter crater.


    "I don''t think it was planned to be that deep¡­ it must have had something to cleanse if it went down that deep," Lisa called out as they began to descend.


    "Look¡­ there seems to be a tunnel, and what seems to be the remains of a crystal¡­ a very large one," Rubina said. She was on top of a griffin, a little sad she couldn''t come with Uriel since it wasn''t ideal for long flights.


    Logan went down to check on it. The crystal was slowly starting to break into pieces. With it, the spreading withering should have stopped as well.


    The tunnels were much more serious. They seemed to be dug out by a creature Logan knew well. They had the same shape that was caused when Terra created them. Its sharp scales caused it to have a certain texture that looked as if various blades passed through the tunnel.


    "I think they may have a tamer along with a large worm-like Terra," Logan explained.


    "I don''t think we should use the tunnel if it''s like that. I may be able to keep us safe underground but¡­ I won''t be able to dig us out if they trap us inside a deep tunnel," Kai said, flashing a light into the tunnel.


    "It seems long and goes deep¡­ we might have to report this. I don''t think we can handle such a thing on our own," Rubina added, a little scared to already be near such a dangerous area.


    "Have someone call the capital of Veridith¡­ we will leave the area as soon as someone arrives," Logan called out. Rubina, who wanted to get out of there in a hurry, took to the air and began contacting Leonard. He would be able to explain the situation correctly as she added a video of where they were and how they had stopped the withering.


    Without much to do after that, they just created a large smoke signal to attract the soldiers'' attention while taking a break near the edge of where the withering stopped.


    "We spent a few hours here already¡­ I hope we will have time to reach the next town¡­" Logan sighed, as it would probably end with them having to camp out.


    It was already three in the afternoon, and the soldiers who would be coming would need to be guided inside the forest and then explained about the situation.


    "At least we solved the problem¡­ do you think that crystal was going to be one of the gates for the demons?" Lisa asked while combing Orus, who had small thin feathers that acted like fur on its back.


    "If it spread so far without anyone noticing, it means we should start checking around more. We should warn the other countries as soon as possible. If we hadn''t seen this in time, imagine what would have happened when it did become a problem¡­" Logan got chills imagining the gate opening and thousands of demons pouring out to destroy Lord Henrik''s nearby city.


    It wasn''t long before a few soldiers arrived on large Rocs. The birds seemed very tired, meaning they had run fast to reach them.


    "Are you Logan and the Saintess? We have been told a situation happened around these parts and followed the smoke," a stern man in his forties explained, trying to be respectful but failed at it since he did not even give his name.


    "Yes, I guess you will want an explanation. How about we just take you to the site? It''s about a kilometer and a half inside this decaying forest," Logan said. He then explained to the best of his ability why informing them of similar events when facing demons.


    "Guess it adds up. A month ago, we were attacked by various monsters. Soon it stopped, but it did not add up. We thought something great would happen soon¡­ I think the demons just needed a diversion to do what they did here. We did get a few reports of other sites with this similar situation in other parts of our kingdom. This is actually the third in this area... we are glad you solved the problem though. We will try doing the same in the other infected areas. Also, forgive me for my rudeness. My name is Captain Halder. We will handle things here," the stern man said, clearing his throat and causing those under him to spread out.


    "We will be leaving then. Please tell us what happened here later, it will be important if it could happen to our kingdom as well," Logan said before getting on Zephyr to fly. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Sure thing, hero. We will have the best mages we have start using diagnostic spells." Without caring any more about the situation, Logan and his group began going north again. They thought the problem was solved until they spotted another section of the forest with the same problem an hour away.


    "Damn it, at least this one is smaller, but twice in one day?" Logan said as he went higher up and began checking where the center of this new decay section was.


    "It''s about half of what the previous one was. We should handle it using the same tactics¡­" Logan said towards Lisa. The others were already contacting the army who had given them their communication details.


    "How about we wait for them to arrive before cleaning this one? If they bring in the mages, maybe we can enter the large caves to see what is happening underground¡­" Logan added. Like before, they would have to wait for the army to arrive.


    "Hope we get someone friendlier at least. That last commander seemed to want us out of his way¡­" Kai said a little annoyed.


    "Can''t be helped. He seemed like an injured soldier from the war¡­ Many who can''t fight anymore on the frontlines decide to return and be given a job like him," Rubina said, recalling hearing such things.


    "Yeah, I did see his earth-made leg. He must be a good earth magician to be able to move earth like a limb," Kai added while trying to create an extra finger to show how it worked.


    "We may have to sleep here today, so let''s set up camp¡­" Logan was annoyed but he knew it was for the best. He began making the tents which just needed magic to activate. The small housing began to exit its storage device and rose into a small simple wooden house.


    "That is top-notch. I wonder what Marie and Bobby will make next," Lisa said, happy that the tent wasn''t just a thin layer of plastic that would not shield them from the vermin outside.


    "Yeah, now let''s hurry. We still have to reheat the food." Logan was about to take out items from his storage when he saw Zephyr fly towards them at an incredible speed.


    "Master, blue skins, I saw them coming out of the ground."

 Chapter 203 - 203: Test Run Pt.1

    As Logan and his group were busy with their trip, within his city there was something huge happening as four heroes busied themselves on a great change.


    Ruben, Marie, Bobby, and Silvia were busy working with crystals and a large metal box. With the help of Bobby and Ruben, they were able to craft what the box needed to look just like a train, while Marie and Silvia were busy working with crystals to make a motor of sorts.


    "Good thing you could remember how a motor works," Ruben said, wiping the sweat from his brow.


    "Well, it''s not like I tried. It''s just something that working with crystals helps me with. It sort of extracts my memories, even those I forgot. I really want to work to try extracting other people''s memories, but that project will have to wait," Marie explained as they had an image of an electrical motor in front of them.


    "Well, thanks to Logan''s magic crystals, especially the fire and wind combo, we have a great fuel for the motor. With the electric and earth stones, we can harness the electricity and keep it contained within the mithril with the help from the earth mana. We just need the water and light elements to accept the metal as something it should cool and heal, and we will be able to keep it not only contained but also add self-repair functions," Silvia said while studying the motor and manipulating the different energies with precision.


    "True¡­ now help me finish the wheels. The Warks are already setting up the tracks. We just need it to circle around the city a few times to test it," Ruben said. Bobby built him a few molds using his earth magic while filling them with molten steel, just regular metals for the first test car.


    "You know¡­ I really wanted to make a car instead of a train, but the roads would need to be adjusted¡­ sadly, we don''t have the resources for that," Bobby said, a little sad.


    "Yeah, I can already imagine myself just going back and forth from the gate to the mansion since that is the only usable road," Ruben huffed at the idea, especially when he created the gold bricks that adorned the road. They were no ordinary bricks but self-adjusting bricks that would create a golem if the town needed to defend itself.


    Unlike the ones Logan had stationed around the city, the golem that would be created from the bricks was artificial. Using mana crystals and his own soul magic, it would let him join in the battle without having to be present. It was his best creation in the disguise of a road.


    "There, we have finished¡­ now to get this huge thing on the tracks¡­ I bet Silis will be perfect for that¡­ who wants to bring the huge snake, though? I am still a little scared of her," Bobby said, shivering. He did not go out much, so seeing huge monsters like the large stone snake still made him jittery.


    "Relax, Bobby. It''s one of Logan''s best and smartest beasts. It won''t attack anyone it doesn''t deem an enemy, and you''re far below its list of potential targets, like probably third from the bottom. Seriously¡­ you need to work on a way to fight to finally feel like the rest of us," Ruben patted his friend''s back while laughing.


    "Bro, I can''t believe it when you''re the one saying it. How many battles have you partaken in? I heard you were underground when Logan, the weakest amongst us, was fighting the demons," Bobby returned the pats with a bit of force while fixing his glasses. Although he used to need them to see, now he uses them to appraise what he is building. They were given to him by Logan.


    "Alright, alright, kids, stop fighting. Silvia already called Silis, she should be here in a few seconds¡­" Marie said, wondering where she should stand to avoid getting in the large serpent''s way.


    As soon as they felt the tremor, they all stood back as the large serpent emerged from below, its body cutting through the ground easily.


    "Hey there, Silis, can you help us move this large steel box to the weird metal tracks right there?" Marie said, trying to keep it simple for the snake.


    "Just speak to me with your link. I know what a train is. Just take this to the tracks, right?" Silis said using her mental communication. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yes, that. Sorry, Silis, I am not used to speaking to Logan''s creatures¡­" Marie said, a little embarrassed.


    "No problem. Now then, let me do this gently to not break anything," Silis said as the others watched.


    Using her large tail to coil around the train, she lifted it as carefully as possible and placed it over the tracks. Silis knew she would have to help them, as Logan explained the situation to her and the Warks before leaving; she just didn''t know when she would have to help.


    "Alright, I think we are ready. Where is Silvia, though?" Bobby asked while still a little scared of Silis.


    "She is with the Warks to check on the progress. She will be here soon," Marie said, watching the interaction between the Warks and Silvia using a crystal. She already had a surveillance network, making crime almost impossible in Logan''s town.


    They only had to wait a few minutes before Silvia warped back to them.


    "There are no problems with the tracks. Everything is ready, and all the citizens were told to keep away from the tracks. They are actually excited about what will happen and are standing beside them to see the train go by as we run the first test," Silvia said while getting on the vehicle.


    "Hey, I was supposed to be the driver!" Bobby rushed to join her.


    "How about it, Irma and Wayana? Do you want to join us?" Ruben asked the two girls who would always follow him.


    "Sure, I don''t mind!" Wayana, the Wark girl, said while rushing forward into the cart.


    "Is that thing safe though?" Irma asked a little hesitantly.


    "No problem, we took safety into account. With Silvia there, she should be able to warp us out if anything goes wrong," Ruben said while pulling the girl inside the vehicle.


    Marie decided to stay behind to watch how things go using her crystal. She would need to not only inspect the tracks but also monitor the various sensors she had placed to check temperature, speed, and such from the motor.


    Ruben, who had boarded last, saw just how impressive Bobby had made the large cart. It was supposed to be only for the driver, but he made it big enough to keep a group of ten comfortable inside. There were two rows of seats and a pilot''s seat that would be used to check the dials. The train had a sort of AI implemented into a crystal, so it didn''t really need someone to maneuver it, but Ruben and Bobby added the choice if needed, just to have fun.

 Chapter 204 - 204: Test Run Pt.2

    "Well then, let''s begin. We just have to press the red button and this baby should start¡­ let''s try going at 35 kilometers per hour during our first run, just to test if the tracks work correctly," Bobby said while standing behind the pilot''s seat. He did not want to move Silvia, who could teleport him a kilometer into the air and make him drop with a snap of her finger.


    "Let''s start then," Silvia did the honor and pushed the button, making the large locomotive''s engine come alive.


    The large motor began spewing fire, and the wind fed it while it produced electricity to feed the electric crystal. The pistons moved, the crystals condensed their energy, and soon the large train moved forward. It started slow but slowly achieved the speed it was set to. The windows were opened as everyone looked outside to witness how fast it was going.


    "Everything looks great. You can''t even feel the small bumps on the road, meaning we could try going a little faster after the first lap," Bobby said excitedly.


    Ruben stood up to see the road ahead. Since the motor was placed under the train''s chassis, they could freely see in front of them. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The tracks led around the town, making a few stops in important parts such as the entrance of the city, the main guild buildings, Logan''s mansion, and finally two added stops: one at the Goblin village and the other a bit further at the Wark village.


    As soon as they passed through the shopping district, they heard cheers and applause. It wasn''t until they reached the mansion once again that they sped up to 100 kilometers per hour, which was its medium speed. Going any faster would be too quick to enjoy the trip; one would reach a section before they even sat if they placed it at 200 kilometers, which the motor could probably handle.


    "Well then, it was a successful run. Now if only we could make it reach the nearby towns to spread the prosperity to this new kingdom. I can even see us making this place a trading hub for the other nations," Ruben said excitedly. He wasn''t really informed well about the subject, but if he could get his hands on more precious metals like orichalcum to create better equipment, then he would do his best to make Logan''s land more prosperous.


    "True, true. Then I might just be given the funds to create a new mega city. Do you know how much I have been wanting something like Tokyo or Shanghai, with large skyscrapers and an urban city like back home with a cyberpunk twist? Heck, even Marie is making androids¡­ I can already see it now, where robots do all the work," Bobby smiled while staring off into the distance.


    "Boys, before that we need to win a war. How about we just focus on getting the money for supplies? Ruben, you should start working on those weapons Logan asked for his creatures. They will need armor of sorts also. I suggest you finish with Scorch''s armor so that Logan can test it out once he returns," Silvia said while pushing a certain button to open the door.


    As soon as they exited the train, Silvia was hugged by Alma, who had already congratulated Marie.


    "Hey, I just came to praise you for the work you''ve done. Everyone in town is in high spirits seeing this new invention. I just wished Logan and Lisa were still here to see this¡­ Also, I know you could not wait as we have so much to do still, but you should have called me so I could have also boarded the train," Alma said, a little dejected. She was already sad having been left behind but wanted to give Logan and Lisa time, so she did not go with them.


    "Sorry, it''s just that we needed to test it before we add in the cargo carts. You can ride it within a few days as those will also need to be tested," Silvia said as both Bobby and Ruben nodded. They were a little tongue-tied since Alma was probably one of the most popular and beautiful girls they knew. Sadly, they also knew what she felt for Logan, so they made no attempts at her, not that either had a chance, or so they earnestly believed.


    "So, what is next on your agenda for today? I was hoping you two would help me with something¡­"


    "You see, I have been tipped off that some in the class will be arriving soon. We need to make a plan in case Brian and his two followers come¡­ I am sure you know why, Silvia, especially when you changed a bit more¡­ As for you, Marie, being one of Logan''s tamed and having gotten through your class change evolution, well, you will no doubt attract them also¡­" Alma warned them as she pulled both to the side to keep Ruben and Bobby from overhearing.


    "Ugh, that is one of the reasons I came here. I hate that they keep calling me shortcake and pretend to not know I heard them," Silvia said, a little annoyed.


    "I think that is basically their stupidity at play, and you just overheard their loud megaphone-like conversations. Now think, we need a way to keep them away from the castle," Alma said, trying to get back to the main point.


    "I can think of three things that might help us¡­ First off, Ms. Claire is here. Second, I can make some illusion crystals to change our appearance to something less favorable. And third, we need a diversion. You know, I actually wanted to test out my golems. They may look like people but are in reality just disguised stone golems created from Logan''s golems. I just hope they can somehow remain small and not grow like the large golems that protect us," Marie said while smiling wickedly the two others around her did the same as they began working out a detailed plan.

 Chapter 205 - 205: Cleanup Pt. 1

    Logan tensed up. So far, meeting demons was mostly done around his beasts. This time, though, he would have to rely only on Rubina and Lisa. Kai would not be useful in the sky as he needed earth around him to really shine. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zephyr and Orus, on the other hand, were flying-based beasts, meaning they would struggle with the forest-filled terrain where they would no doubt find the demons.


    Logan thought about what to do and decided to just confront them. He would gauge their strength after seeing them.


    "You heard him, everyone. We will take different positions to avoid revealing our numbers. Zephyr and I will take to the air and hopefully check if they are enemies we need to deal with. If so, I will need you to make a few distractions so they can''t pinpoint our location." Logan then went up. Kai kept on the ground, ready to manipulate the ground around him to cause a disaster, while Lisa and Rubina both went in opposite directions.


    Everyone was ready to listen to Logan''s instructions while making sure to stay out of sight and within Logan''s mental link range.


    Logan was just above where Zephyr had spotted the demons. There were at least a hundred of them, each making groups of twenty. Those with the toughest build carried stones just like the one he had destroyed, the one that was withering the forest.


    "Bingo, I have spotted the cause of the forest dying. At least a hundred of them, maybe even more, and all of them ready to cause more problems," Logan sent out a link while looking at the path the demons were taking all the way into the distance using Zephyr''s magical vision, which let him see a large mountain range free of any towns.


    "It seems they are getting wise with their plans, trying to take out areas that won''t bring them fights. The numbers they are coming with must be to stay stealthy while they set up those death-bringing stones. They are black instead of blue, though," Logan informed.


    "Just give us the order, sir. I am ready anytime," Kai responded.


    "Logan, please be careful when you fight them. I will take them by surprise from the rear. Just tell me how far I have to go to not be seen," Lisa asked.


    "Hmm¡­ from where you are, go back about half a kilometer. That is where they start to dwindle. Please do activate your invisibility crystal if you''re planning on getting close," Logan warned while waiting for a response from Rubina.


    "I¡­ will start a good flashy forest fire to keep them from coming to this side. Focus on the right side as Kai will probably stop their advance from the front," Rubina waited for his input.


    "Sure, good. Just give me a countdown before you start. I am ready anytime. Also, Rubina, be careful," Logan sent out.


    "3¡­ 2¡­ 1¡­"


    As soon as the last word was spoken, a thundering boom echoed. Logan even felt the blazing storm that the girl had unleashed from where he was standing. A large flaming cloud was released right where the demons stood, giving them only the chance to run and drop whatever they held.


    Logan used this chance to cast his refined darkness bolts, each laced with venom of both darkness and fire from his two arachnids, his scorpion Sting and Regis. He could only conjure up a total of twenty with pinpoint accuracy, and with Zephyr helping to guide them with his wind, he made sure that it counted.


    Just as soon as he released them, he noticed things did not go as planned. The crystals around the demons began sucking in the energy he had released. While some arrows did manage to kill a few demons, they weren''t powerful enough to avoid the mana draining properties that drained all the magic he produced.


    The only thing that kept the demons from retaliating was the flames that roared from one side.


    Logan caused more flames from his side to hopefully burn them while yelling to the others, "Everyone relax, don''t fight yet! Those damn mana crystals are going to drain our mana dry. Lisa, just relax. Kai, instead of walls, make various spears and launch them. Those will be our only hope¡­ Rubina, just keep bringing those flames. This forest will at least work in our favor," Logan yelled to each member.


    "Zephyr, keep feeding the flames. I will get off here so you can concentrate." Logan manifested his wings and got down, creating water magic to protect him from the flames. He was going toward where most of the demons would be running. The only good part was that with the flames causing a chaotic mess, they left the crystals behind.


    Logan readied himself with his whip, using Holy Nova as he did with the Crystal Serpent. He also set traps, having only to throw them using wind magic to spread them out through the forest.


    Flailing his whip a few times, he tried to designate the trees as something he could heal, making it pass through them without harming the poor plants.


    It wasn''t long before the demons ran to him and in their fright most did not see him.


    Logan scrunched his face a little. He was still not used to killing, but he now knew it was necessary, unlike the past. He was not only capable now but willing, as he now had things to protect¡ªa girl or girls, a city, and a kingdom.


    He clenched his teeth tight before rushing forward. He was going to make each one of them pay.


    Extending his whip to its maximum size, he began flailing it around, cutting each demon into parts. The harsh light magic did not forgive those that Logan deemed enemies; it was like plasma, not only cutting but also searing each demon with its radiant power.


    Those who survived fell back after feeling the power of the whip, while those that were still frenzied rushed forward without care.

 Chapter 206 - 206: Cleanup Pt.2

    Logan continued the onslaught. Each demon coming near him was met with a ruthless response. His whip at times got shorter, but he just needed to spill mana water around him and use his skill to absorb the mana without having to drink it. This not only saved time but also movement, as previously taking time to drink the water was dangerous.


    "Come, each one of you will pay for your deeds." Logan yelled, his voice laced with Alma''s power. He began singing in a low tone, a rock song while imagining the beats to the song. He wished he had brought something to deafen the sound of his terrible singing, but the noise did its job perfectly, making all those who heard it and were considered enemies go into a mindless rage.


    This caused some to even go after their fellow demon companions and begin bashing eveb trees while Logan smiled at their reactions.


    "Perfect, just keep coming!" Logan yelled, adding more mindless minions to his cause. Not all those present reacted as he wanted; a few seemed too strong to be affected. That''s when Kai and Lisa came to help.


    "Relax, Logan. Drink some mana potions; we will help with the rest," Kai said, seeing Logan heave heavily. His soaked shirt made it known just how much magic he had used.


    Lisa, on the other hand, rushed towards the boy and placed her hands on his cheeks.


    "You keep doing too much, rely on us a bit more," she said lovingly, while anger seeped into her watching just how spent the boy in front of her was.


    Rubina wanted to rush over, but she had to keep the fire up along with Zephyr, whose winds directed the flow of smoke and flames to make large pillars and walls in an inferno that would put even Scorch to shame.


    Lisa, having healed Logan, began casting her area of effect spell Holy Nova to its maximum size. The demons that were left in the battlefield were no pushovers and should be trouble even for Logan, who was already mana spent.


    "Kai, keep me and Logan safe. I just need a few minutes to charge this to its limit!" Lisa asked while trying her best to concentrate on the spell.


    "I will try, Ms. Lisa," Kai said, making wall after wall of earth raise up before him to shield them from the coming onslaught as well as to deter the enemy if only for a few seconds.


    The demons did not take this sitting. They all grouped up to create magic barrages that would hit each stone wall. Luckily, the thick walls held on. Kai had not been idle this past month; he had trained in earnest with Chloe to strengthen himself.


    Over the walls, spears of earth of various sizes shot forth in numbers. They aimed at nothing specifically, but the sheer number of them made it impossible for the demons to keep going forth without stopping to think of the consequences.


    Kai unleashed everything he had. As he did not have the mana capacity of a hero, he was quickly drained of mana, only able to stand up by pure will. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hope this is enough¡­ Ms. Lisa," Kai said, huffing.


    "Thank you, Kai. I have finished my preparations," Lisa then created her wings just to take her high enough to go over the stone walls before releasing the Holy Nova like a volleyball that floated to the other side of the court. The small ball of radiance made the sun pale in comparison. Its powerful beam made the demons cover their eyes as it made contact with one of them, releasing its chain reaction. It not only killed all the demons around it as it expanded like an atomic bomb but also healed all that Lisa had set as an ally.


    Rubina, who was on top of a griffon, was hit by the light and healed instead of killed instantly like the rest of the demons. She wondered what would have happened if Lisa saw her as an enemy and shuddered seeing the sight before her. Some of the damaged forest was healed, all but the parts that had already died.


    Logan had to sit down while watching the others fight. Using the whip in the form of a plasma cutter was extremely taxing, but he also felt the strength that every kill had given him. If not for it taking three times the mana of the mana gained from kills, he wouldn''t have gotten to such a state.


    "Rubina? I can''t see you, are you alright?" he asked, wondering if she was safe.


    "No problem, Logan. I am just checking if there are any demons that survived. Luckily, the range of effect of that spell was enough to even reach me. In other words, there should be no survivors. Most of the crystals also seemed destroyed," Rubina informed from afar. She was just a little exhausted from using her flames, but looking at the rest, she was basically in perfect condition.


    "Good, contact the captain from before, tell him we found the culprits from the other incident. Have them know what they were doing. They will need to start checking all their forests. I doubt we have impeded the demons'' plan; this country is far too big for a few crystals to affect it," Logan said while drinking mana water, his head pulsing with pain from the lack of mana.


    "Here, Lisa and Kai, take a cup. You will need to recover. We might need to stay here for the night. I doubt we can continue again as tired as we are. We will probably have to also wait for the army to come and explain things again." Logan sighed, hoping his trip would be easy but now that this was happening, he felt a little useless for not having a way to bring his most powerful beasts with him.


    Lisa was not doing too badly but decided to sit beside him. She placed her hand on his cheek and used healing magic to remove the small cuts and bruises that he had gotten from stray magic spells. The only thing Logan lamented was his expensive clothes that were riddled with holes.

 Chapter 207 - 207: Short Respite

    Having spoken with the army that had arrived via teleportation after giving their location, Logan and his group created their temporary housing using earth magic and bringing items out from their storage. Even the army commander was impressed with how comfortable their lodging was.


    The commander had no choice but to order his soldiers to make housing to inspect this place, which had far more evidence. While the crystals were mostly gone, their effect radiated throughout the field, sometimes sapping the mana, making it necessary for mages within the army to make barriers to contain the stone''s power.


    "With what we found, we can start making countermeasures. Thanks, heroes, for finding the demons¡­ I apologize for my behavior this morning¡­ I have been on edge this past month. Hopefully, we can create a way to find the demonic stone''s energy and keep them off our lands."


    "As long as you relay our help to your king, I''m sure you know why we came," Logan said while setting up a table with food to eat. Lisa and Rubina were also busy either cleaning vegetables or serving tea before the meal.


    "Well then, I will excuse myself. Please enjoy your rest, we will keep the perimeter safe so you can relax," the commander said as he got out of their tent without waiting for a response.


    "Still seems a little stiff, but at least he apologized¡­" Rubina said while finishing her work and sitting in her seat.


    "Yeah, I should have given him a warning. With the church backing me, I can even have him jobless," Lisa said in anger as she sat on the opposite side of Rubina.


    "Just leave it, we will probably never see him again," Logan said at the edge of the table and began eating.


    "Logan, it''s important to keep them in their place. You are a king; something like that should be enough to have him beheaded," Kai said while passing everyone the meat he had finished grilling.


    "Let''s not talk about that for now. How about we put on a movie? I want to watch something fun to forget all this," Logan asked as he set a crystal in the middle of the table. It let each person see the movie about a certain dragon tamer. Logan regained his spirit watching the movie, wanting his own dragon soon.


    Later that night, the two groups split in two, Logan and Kai in one tent while the two girls in another. Logan hoped they wouldn''t fight as he quickly changed into his nightwear and went to sleep. He did send out a mental good night to each of the girls respectively before sleeping.


    "That Logan¡­" Rubina said while smiling. She had placed a wisp of fire around her to keep her warm as well as to have enough light to read a book.


    "Does the light bother you, Miss Lisa? I will be up for a little to finish reading this book," Rubina asked while looking to the bed next to her where Lisa was busy stretching.


    "No¡­ I have no problems, just doing some light yoga before I sleep. It really helps me relax," Lisa said while doing a few weird poses that left Rubina wondering. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yo¡­ ga?" Rubina asked, putting the book down.


    "Yes, it''s a type of exercise. It helps the mind. My father taught me how to do it as he usually worked late and needed it to help keep his mind clear," Lisa said while stretching her back almost like a cat would.


    "Never heard of it¡­" Rubina said as she put the book aside and tried doing what the hero did. She quickly gave up as she did not have the elasticity to keep up.


    "Keep doing it every night. I know you are a mage, but you should at least have enough muscle to keep up with Logan''s crazy adventures," Lisa said as she cast healing magic on Rubina to keep her from having muscle pains in the morning.


    "I will¡­ at least I did feel my mind settle¡­ that Logan sure knows how to keep me busy. If it wasn''t for Leonard''s help, I would have still been swamped with so much work," Rubina said, beginning to explain the harsh environment she was in before Logan acquired help.


    "Sounds rough, I doubt I could have done it¡­" Lisa said while yawning. The small talk between the girls at least reminded her a little of how she would act around Alma. The two were inseparable.


    "Well then, let''s sleep. I doubt even my most powerful spell will remove our baggy eyes in the morning. I sure wouldn''t want Logan to see them¡­" Lisa said while turning off her light.


    "Sure thing, if you need help with that though, I could cast some illusion magic. I could even cover something as small as a pore with it, so it should be easy," Rubina said while laughing.


    "I hope it''s not like Marie¡­ I don''t even know if that is her real appearance. She could be a guy, and we wouldn''t know. Good thing I knew how she looked in the past¡­" Lisa said in a light voice, almost feeling her consciousness fading.


    "Yeah¡­ she has changed a lot though, like all the girls around Logan¡­ she doesn''t fall behind¡­ I wish I was also a hero though, even Serana looks better¡­ than me," Rubina said a little sadly.


    "Don''t be like that, you have your own charm, Rubina¡­" Lisa said before snoring.


    "Guess even the others don''t compare to you¡­ you don''t even have to worry about the other heroes'' looks," Rubina said in an almost inaudible voice, only meant for herself.


    She knew just how much above them Lisa was in Logan''s heart compared to the rest, including her. But at least she wasn''t alone in her endeavor to be part of Logan''s heart. She just needed to find a way to secure a place and later even overtake Lisa as Logan''s favorite.


    She just did not know how yet.

 Chapter 208 - 208: Scenic View

    The next morning the group took off early, they were cheered by the army who remain behind as the two girls attracted the attention of all the soldiers present, even if one of them wasn''t a hero, her contributions to the safety of their kingdom was appreciated, especially when they saw just how powerful Rubina''s flames were, half a kilometer of forest was burned to the grown while not fully destroyed thanks for Lisa''s magic.


    "So how far do you think we will get today?" Lisa asked while yawning, the strong sunlight in the horizon had yet to reach the group, its rays were still being contained by a tall mountain range in the distance.


    "Not sure, I hope we get Megyeszorosz by the end of today, that would at least give us a place to rest¡­" Logan said while looking at the map using a crystal, it was displayed in a way that looked like a laptop screen.


    "That city should be the second largest one after the capital Mevesza, so we should be able to find a good inn there," Rubina informed while trying the griffin she was on next to Logan.


    "How about it Zephyr, do you want to sleep inside a warm barn tonight?" Logan patted the back of his bird who controlled the wind around him to make it easier for all the birds in the flock to have a good easy flight.


    "Want warm place, outside is cold at night." It shrilled as it sent out his mental communication.


    "Alright, that just means we will need to reach it before tonight, lets keep going today, I doubt we can keep helping this kingdom as we are, we need the firepower the wyverns will add to our team before we start fighting again." Logan said with determination, he really wanted to see the dragon-like creatures that would bring power to his army.


    Luckily they didn''t find anything strange throughout the morning, and with the want to reach the capital soon they did not stop for eat until they had to, it was nearly one in the afternoon before they stopped a small town near the edge of a lake.


    "This makes a beautiful scene to have a picnic, if only Chloe came with us¡­" Kai said with sadness in his voice.


    "Just do a video chat with her, set a blanket over there and take our time¡­" Logan pointed to a secluded spot and gave a suggestion the boy had probably forgotten to do with his new crystal communication device, Logan was tempted to just call it a smartphone since its rectangular shape let them create a hologram that not only let them see who they were talking to in front of them but also show the recipient the area around them.


    Logan thought about it and did the same, he knew Alma and the others would probably want to see them.


    He called up Alma and placed the crystal on the floor, he then added Marie as he asked Rubina for her communications device.


    The two appeared before them as Logan had set up the meeting in a way that the two girls could see the sight of the crystalline water, snow-capped mountains in the distance, and an endless green forest beside it. The serene landscape even had normal animals, as swans and duck floated over the water and deer and boars were busy drinking from the waters edges, making it a perfect backdrop for their gathering. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hey there Lisa, what a perfect scene¡­ make sure you don''t waste it," Alma winked as she said with a bit of envy.


    "Nice to see you to¡­ I don''t have time sadly." Lisa said sarcastically, she sat next to Logan to speak with her friend.


    "Is there any new happening with Highrule, other then Leonard my advisors report?" Logan asked a little worried.


    "No, I guess he told you about the arrival of the other heroes, but no nothing happened so far, they are mainly keeping Ruben busy as he makes new weapons and armors, they are also enjoying there time here¡­ you are just going be richer with all the cash they will no doubt leave." Alma smiled wackily at Logan.


    "Well we did have an increase of cash flow from the casinos¡­ I was going to tell you if we should put an age limit on it¡­ since they are getting a little too addicted to it." Marie said with a worried expression.


    "Whatever you consider good Marie, you are in charge of them, I would just suggest you give them a free pass to the arcade to keep them off the casino¡­" Logan sighed at the prospect of losing money even if it was from his fellow classmates, he knew they were rich and given unlimited funds from the ones that backed them but that would not help them if the kids were stuck playing games instead of training.


    After speaking and enjoying the company of all the girls as well watching the lovely scenery before them they soon packed up and continued on their journey, they needed to be in the next city within a few hours.


    The group luckily did not get into any more problems, the girls while a little tired did not complain nor did the birds, Logan did however need to keep a flame up along with Rubina, to warm them up, the temperatures were so cold that they could see their breath.


    The trees were beginning to be covered in snow, as soon even the ground had a thick layer of snow.


    "Guess we should hurry, keeping the flames up is going to drain us of our mana," Logan said watching as the suns were setting faster then he had anticipated.


    "Just a few more kilometers¡­" Lisa said as she was looking at the map through her crystal, they were going just fast enough to reach it within half an hour.


    "Alright then, guess we should drink another bottle of mana water¡­ ugh" Logan said patting his already full belly.

 Chapter 209 - 209: Accepting Hospitality

    As they finally reached the city of Megyeszorosz, everyone breathed a sigh of relief, especially Logan and Rubina, who had to spend mana to keep everyone warm.


    The city was bathed in the last rays of the sun as the evening was slowly engulfed by darkness. Its radiant golden light hit the top of the tallest buildings, where the snow reflected the rays in brilliant colors, almost blinding Logan and his group as they flew to the nearest inn.


    Being a city near the capital, no one batted an eye since Frost Wyvern riders were usually seen patrolling the skies. The city itself resembled a northern Russian country in early February, knee-deep in snow, while the cold air bit at all those who stayed out.


    The snow blanketed the streets in a thick layer, making Logan want to stay in the air. Sadly, he needed to find a place large enough for his eagles and griffons to stay for the night. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As soon as they were about to land, three knights rushed to them on mounts. They were careful with their approach and actually helped guide them to a safe spot to land.


    Logan took the chance to manifest his wings along with Lisa to gently reach the floor and have a quick word.


    The knights, having never seen the image of an angel, suddenly felt the need to get on their knees to bow, making Logan cough in embarrassment when all three did just that. They quickly hopped off their mounts and placed one knee on the cold ground. Luckily, their armor was made of metal with various enchantments that prevented them from feeling the cold.


    "No need to kneel, but thanks for the warm welcome," Lisa said as Logan kept quiet.


    "Thank you for coming. We will be needing a place for my monsters to rest. Could you possibly lead us to the best inn?" Logan added after seeing that the knights got up but still did a light bow.


    "There is no need for an inn, heroes. We have been instructed by our lord to receive you with honors as thanks for helping our country," the leader of the knights said. The three then got back on their mounts and led the group through the streets. Logan and Lisa followed while flying just far enough to hear what they would say.


    "Duke Alaric Frostbane has long wanted to meet one of you heroes. Please do enjoy your stay in this city; we have prepared only the best in the castle to welcome you both. My name is Sergei Frostbane, his son and commander of this city. Please do enjoy my father''s reception and company while you''re here," the young man said, his golden hair swaying as it cascaded a little below his shoulders, most of it covered by his silver-blue helmet. His dark blue cloak fluttered in the wind, and his armor was both functional and ornate, allowing those close to him to see his muscular physique while protecting his vitals.


    Logan noticed a tinge of both water and holy power coming from the young warrior. As for his two followers, they could only control water, but to such a degree that they could keep the ice from affecting their mounts'' movements.


    The three had giant Roc birds with blue feathering as mounts. Some of these feathers even protected their feet from the cold, and their bodies were covered in various fitted clothes that did not hinder their movement but provided a layer to keep them warm.


    The three knights guided Logan and his group atop a hill where a large castle nestled itself overlooking the city. Its large walls blended with the surroundings as they were covered not only in snow but white marble-like rocks that gave the castle a wealthy look.


    As they entered the gates, they were saluted by various knights stationed to guard the castle. The three knights who led them here got off their mounts.


    "We are here. As for your tamed creatures, they can be set over at that barn. Please do keep them fed as we don''t know what they eat and don''t want trouble," Sergei said, giving the reins of his bird and wondering how Logan''s group would react, since half of them were in the sky while Logan and Lisa were now standing near him.


    "Good. Kai, if you will, please take the creatures to where they guide you. We will enter to speak with the lord, so give me a heads up if anything happens," Logan ordered. He then went up to help Rubina get down, doing a princess carry as she wrapped her arms around his neck while he flew back down.


    "I guess we are ready then. Please take us to your father," Logan said, nodding.


    "Sure thing¡­ hero." Sergei led the three towards two large doors which remained open. Logan noticed a small barrier of water that kept the cold from entering; it was in the form of a bubble that made him wonder how he could replicate it.


    As soon as they entered, their bodies felt the warmth of a cozy home again. They saw how lavishly the duke lived as the ornaments rivaled even the king of Elris''s castle.


    Unlike the castle in Midar, this one was covered in blue and silver, its emblems of wyverns adorned every part of the entrance.


    "My father should be waiting in the guest room. I have already informed him of your arrival, so dinner should be served soon." Sergei then guided them inside one of the rooms within the large castle. It was about forty steps from the entrance, showing just how huge the castle was.


    Each wall was adorned, and the temperature was regulated to keep the guests happy.


    Soon they entered a room where a large man in both height and length in his fifties sat. His stern calculated gaze, along with his silver mustache, made Logan straighten his back.


    "Relax, we are just here to speak. Please rest a few minutes while my maids prepare our feast," Alaric smiled as everyone settled in.

 Chapter 210 - 210: Night in Megyeszorosz

    "It''s an honor to have you, the king of Highrule. We all have great expectations for your kingdom," Duke Alaric said while drinking some particularly strong liquor that Logan could smell from where he was sitting.


    "Thanks, I will do my best to help with the demons first, though I just hope I finished gathering my forces on time," Logan said politely. They were already done with dinner, which was a large hog with various dry dishes. Logan had to wash them down with sweet sparkling water, which he enjoyed.


    Logan looked around him. They were already finished, but he was still marveling at the luxury within the Duke''s castle¡ªthe polished silverware, blue gems, and carefully carved wooden chairs and table.


    His own round stone table, even if polished, paled in comparison. Logan just admired them; he did not covet them. He knew with time his own kingdom would be far more enviable than anything previously seen in this world, especially since he could hire Bobby for this.


    "Well then, it''s getting late. I enjoyed the chat, Duke Alaric. Can we speak tomorrow before we set out?" Logan asked. He was tempted to keep eating but was even more excited to get through the night. The next day should be the one that he would get his new monster.


    "I guess you are tired, young man. Alright, we will leave this for today. Please enjoy your rest." The duke served himself another cup while everyone exited the room.


    Logan was ready to just go to bed but was asked by both Rubina and Lisa to join them for a talk. He nodded and followed them to the room Lisa was given.


    "Wow, what a large room. I don''t think my own room in the Rosethorn castle is this big," Lisa said as she opened the room. Within it, there were various paintings and tasteful furnishings, a little too blue for Logan''s taste.


    "Well, what did you two want to talk about?" Logan said in the comfortable bed. It was pretty good, still not as great as his own.


    "About that, well, we were thinking that we needed to discuss what to do in the future. We basically won against the demons relying on you. We need to start getting serious if we are to enter the war¡­ this means practicing together," Lisa said, a little tired by the day''s events.


    "If it''s about that, then yes, we do need to work out our teamwork. How about we practice as soon as we return? I also felt useless without my other tamed beasts. As Silvia said, we need to get to our next major breakthrough. Hopefully, it will give us the power we will need."


    Logan looked at his status window and tried assessing his current strength. The numbers and statistics flashed before his eyes, giving him a comprehensive overview of his abilities, skills, and current power levels.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Logan Aiden


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Class: Primordial Soul Bound Tamer


    Level: 72 / Health: 897 / Mana: 913


    Strength:68 Agility: 64 Dexterity: 71 Constitution: 81 Intelligence: 89 Charisma: 79


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Skills:]


    Taming (Rank: Advanced): Forms a permanent bond with a marked beast or being using the masters blood; the being must be willing to form a pact and can now be of higher rank or level than the master. (Max Beings: 52/216 / +3 Per Level)


    Empathic Link (Rank: Advanced): Establishes a mental connection with a tamed creature, allowing for silent communication and understanding of their emotions and thoughts within a certain distance. (Max distance: 720 meters / +10 per Level)


    Beast Synergy: Logan achieves a synergy based on the loyalty of his tamed creatures, allowing him to harness their abilities as extensions of his own power. (Max abilities: 36 / 1 Per every 2 Level)


    Primordial Command (Rank: Advanced): Grants the hero the ability to issue commands infused with power to his tamed creatures, enhancing their strength and coordination while following the command.


    Primordial Aura (Rank: Advanced): Surrounds the hero and tamed creatures with an aura that boosts their defense and resistance to elemental damage. This aura also grants minor healing over time. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Abilities:]


    Tamer''s Bond (Rank: Advanced): Allows the hero to form a soul bond with creatures, making them permanent allies.


    New* Beast Monarch (Rank: Legendary): Grants Logan the power to designate one of his tamed creatures as the King of its kind. The chosen creature, now a monarch, can create and command minions under its authority. These minions will follow the monarch''s commands and be able to gain some of the tamer''s blessings, including evolutions.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Experience Points (XP): 11265/24539]


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Logan thought about what Silvia said and realized he needed to not only gather strong beasts but also hunt them. He placed his bet on the electric plains in Eta, which would have to be their next destination as well as the longest journey they would probably have to take.


    "As for what we need to do, well, we can start training after we acquire the Wyverns. I am sure this kingdom is dying to see how strong we have gotten. Let''s ask for a test fight with their elites. Maybe then we can also ask for resources to further our strength. I am sure they will comply after seeing our strength," Logan pitched in.


    "You should know I can''t really do much, but if you do cut a limb or two, I can at least regrow them," Lisa nodded, as if asking Logan to go all out.


    "Guess that will mean I can use my strongest spells and you would be able to heal them," Rubina provoked, smiling slyly at Lisa.


    "Well, if they are an inch from death, I can, so go all out. I bet you haven''t noticed that most of the people here are mainly water users¡­ I wonder how your fire will damage them," Lisa rebuked.


    "How about a friendly wager then¡­ whoever wins¡­ will have a date with Logan," Rubina said while placing a hand on Logan''s shoulder.


    "Fine, but you will surely lose. I doubt you will stand a chance without Logan helping you, so let''s make it simple. If you take care of ten soldiers here without needing my help, you win. I doubt it though," Lisa added.


    "Oh alright¡­ fine, I will only use fire to make it fair. Maybe you forgot, but I can also use darkness magic," Rubina placed a self-imposed rule. She wasn''t going to fail either way, or so she felt.


    Logan did not know why they just decided to bet on something, especially when he was involved. He just decided to lie back and enjoy the banter between the two.


    "Hey Logan, you''re not supposed to be sleeping. Get up and go back to your room!" Lisa said jokingly, yet the boy did not get up.


    "I think¡­ he went straight to sleep¡­" Rubina said, wondering what they should do.


    "Should we wake him?" Lisa said, playing with his hair.


    "I don''t know¡­ it''s your room, right?" Rubina replied, watching Logan sleep peacefully.


    "Seems you''re right. Now shoo, you should just go back to your room." Lisa tried pushing Rubina off the bed.


    "And leave you two¡­ I don''t think so. You either leave with me and sleep in my room, or we all stay here." Rubina huffed, not wanting to back down.


    "Well¡­ fine, let''s just sleep here. I wonder how Logan would react in the morning¡­ do you have a spell to keep him asleep?" Lisa said, wanting to try something.


    "I do¡­ have a mental skill that makes it hard to feel one''s body, but what will you do?" Rubina asked with curiosity.


    "Nothing, just draw on his face and move him to a more comfortable pose." Lisa laughed, wanting to try the first.


    "Why would you want¡­ well, whatever, just do it. I will cast it¡­" Rubina began placing her hand on Logan''s head. She did not tell Lisa one part of her ability, though. She began making Logan have a dream about her.


    "Let''s see what you remember in the morning¡­" Rubina said, smiling, happy she had the chance to hopefully move Logan''s heart in her direction.

 Chapter 211 - 211: Meveza

    "Rubina!"


    Logan opened his eyes, feeling a little sad. His dream had been so good that he thought it was reality. He tried to recall it before noticing where he was and the situation he was in¡ªLisa on one hand, while Rubina was on the other.


    "How the hell¡­" Logan said while laying back down. He had just dreamt about this; it was so vivid. Did he possibly do what he thought he dreamt?


    It wasn''t long before he felt a tug on his right hand where Rubina was. "Did you enjoy your dream?" she said with a wink before kissing his cheek.


    "Now let''s get up. We need to get to the capital today, right?" she said with an alluring voice that left Logan dazed.


    He did not want to, but he lightly shook his left hand where Lisa was. Her eyes quivered a little before she took in a deep breath.


    "Logan?" she said, rubbing her eyes.


    "Yes, now let''s get going, Lisa. We need to eat and finally get to the capital," Logan said gently, making Rubina pinch his arm.


    "Ouch¡­ why?" Logan said while rubbing his arm.


    "Why didn''t you wake me up like that¡­" Rubina said reproachfully.


    "Because you were already awake. Now let''s hurry, we have a lot to do." Logan got up and began walking to the door to give the girls enough time to change and fix what they needed. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Just as he was about to reach his own room, Logan spotted Kai, who stared at him for a few seconds and began to laugh.


    "Logan, why do you have writing on your face?" the young boy said, taking out a handkerchief to pass to Logan.


    Logan checked his face in a nearby mirror before rubbing it off, knowing whose ploy it was. Luckily, the ink quickly washed off.


    Within two hours and having eaten a grand meal provided by the Duke, Logan was ready to head out. He thought it was just going to be his group when a large greyish-blue dragonoid creature appeared before them. Its rider was Sergei, the Duke''s son.


    "Hero, I want to join you on this trip. Please accept my help. I will guide you on the route we use to get there the fastest. You should know that the kingdom is heavily watched these days. With what you found, no one is allowed to step even within 5 leagues of the capital, so you will be stopped again and again. With me, we will have clearance to see the king¡ªmy uncle¡ªwithout problems." He tried to make a point which no one could refute.


    "Well then, I guess we have a tour guide," Logan said, nodding.


    The rest of the group accepted the presence of the Wyvern, all but Zephyr, who did not like the flying snake. He thought it was acting haughty for some reason.


    "You''re the strongest, Zephyr. Now calm down, we just need new friends," Logan patted him to reassure the large eagle. It cried out before they set out, making even the Frost Wyvern back down a little before the large kite. Its winds empowered the rest so they could move faster.


    Using the hidden passage that Sergei knew, they passed through a long canyon that the Frost Wyvern knew well. The griffins had a bit of a difficult time, but with Zephyr taking charge of the wind, it enhanced even the tailwind of the wyvern to keep everyone in a line that would keep them at the same speed.


    Within two hours, they finally reached the capital, Meveza, a city that far surpassed the kingdom of Elris in size. It was strangely built into the side of a large mountain, which helped the wyverns come in and out of the castle that was at the peak of the mountain.


    It was a beautiful magical sight that Logan never expected to see. The light of the sun even helped to make the grand structure radiate as they headed towards a tower made out of ice.


    "This is where we can enter. Try to stay with me, as only the Wyvern Knights use this entrance," Sergei yelled as he slowed down his pace. His Wyvern called out, making others within the tower of ice do the same as if to welcome him.


    Logan looked around to see more than thirty beasts around them, each as powerful as Sergei''s mount. They did not move, caring for their young as others flew about the tower.


    They were taken inside the mountain into a well-lit tunnel that took them up into a part of the castle at the tip of the mountain.


    "We have arrived! Try to leave your creatures around here; they should be taken care of while we speak to the king," Sergei said. He jumped off his mount and passed the reins to a nearby soldier who saluted him with respect.


    "Sir, to what do we owe the visit?" the soldier asked.


    "We come for a visit. I have brought two heroes, one the king of Highrule, the other is the saintess. Now, ask the king to make time for our arrival. Please hurry," Sergei said to another soldier who ran off in a sprint.


    "Thanks, Sergei. We have arrived faster than I expected. We were pressed for time, so being here today makes my work easier." Logan gave his appreciation, as did Lisa and especially Kai, who had never had a flying mount and was tired of flying.


    Logan asked his tamed beasts to settle as they began to walk towards the king''s throne. Unlike the duke, who showed off with splendid decorations that even made Logan envious, the real castle of the Veridith Kingdom did no such thing. What it did have was a lot of respect for the Wyverns. This was apparent in each room they passed, which was filled with decorations of the beasts.


    Even the scales were used as decorations. Their blue glimmering shine was hung up in various ornaments and trims, including chandeliers that contained mana crystals to keep the long hall well-lit.


    They walked for at least fifty meters as soldiers stood on each side of the long hall, windows letting in the cool outside wind that did not seem to faze those that lived in the kingdom. They even welcomed the cold, using their animal skins to protect them from it.


    Logan had to resort to making a small flame around him and Lisa, keeping the wisp in front of them to radiate just enough heat to keep them, who weren''t wearing coats, comfortable. Rubina did the same behind them to keep both her and Kai warm. On this occasion, she wore light metal armor with fire crystals placed around it. Since Lisa and Rubina spoke about sparring with the soldiers, she wanted to look strong from the start.


    As soon as they entered the throne room, they found it full of soldiers and some important nobles of the Veridith Kingdom, as well as the King who was a few steps above everyone sitting on his throne.


    "Welcome, King of Highrule and Saintess. We have been waiting for you. It''s good to know we were right in our prediction in your arrival. Now let''s speak," a voice resonating with a regal tone welcomed them as all those around bowed down to greet them.

 Chapter 212 - 212: Reunion Between Kings

    Logan looked around, trying to decide what he was going to do. As a king, he needed to show a certain presence and couldn''t keep hiding and being as meek as before, ruining his image.


    He walked forward, trying to look as graceful as he imagined a king would be.


    "It''s good we did not make you wait long." Logan stopped just before the King, not kneeling down but looking him straight in the eyes.


    "Guess it''s not good to be sitting here while talking to a peer. Let''s speak in private. I am sure you want to speak as equals, young king and saintess." The king got up from his throne and guided them to a nearby room. Those around them followed from behind.


    Rubina and Kai wondered if they should keep following but were signaled by Logan to stay close.


    "Here we are, please take your seat. As it''s a round table, we are speaking as equals," the King of Veridith said as he took a seat.


    "Very well then." Logan sat in front of him as the others who were to participate in the immediate discussion sat. Kai decided to stand behind Logan, while Rubina and Lisa sat next to him.


    "Now I guess we should introduce ourselves properly to start this conversation. I am Thalor, the King of Veridith," the king said with a light cough.


    He held a formidable presence even in his late fifties. His white beard reached his chest while his white hair was braided back, clearing any strands from his face. His thin but impressive gold crown had various jewels and took the shape of two wings, which Logan identified as a symbol of the wyvern from their coat of arms.


    Despite being past the age to fight, he still wore armor as if to announce that he was ready to fight at any time.


    "I guess I should do the same. As you may know, I am Logan, Hero of Taming and ruler of Highrule. This is my knight, Kai Rubyheart, and Duchess Rubina Rosengard, someone who helped me found my kingdom." Logan then waited for Lisa to introduce herself since she had just as much power as him.


    "As you may know, I was given the name Saintess by the church of the great seven spirits." Lisa kept it short and even stood up to bow as she did so.


    "Guess we can start. I understand why you have come, but before that, I must thank you for your help in uncovering the demons'' ploy within my lands. I must honor our forefathers'' tradition and will ask what you may want in terms of rewards," the king asked as everyone stood in wait for Logan''s response.


    "If it''s about that, then I don''t need anything. As a hero, I should handle at least that much. But I do want to go ahead and ask for what I came here for. As you know, I am a tamer, and what I need are strong creatures to join my ranks. What I need is one of your wyverns, if possible, a few. In return, I am ready to pay for them, be it in gold or in crystals," Logan said, anxiously hoping for a good response.


    "Hero¡­ you do know that our Wyverns are very¡­ delicate creatures. They only choose to live here because of the terrain and food found in these lands. But I will not just negate your need for one of our creatures. Prove yourself first, hero. I need to know if you can handle one. Our tradition is simple: defeat a Wyvern to earn its trust. You will need to do the same without using your taming skills," the king said as those around him accepted the terms.


    "Fair enough. It won''t be the first creature I fight to earn its trust. When can we start?" Logan asked excitedly.


    "Guess we shouldn''t keep you here. We can talk business later. Let''s go straight to the challenge," the king said, getting up to lead them towards the arena.


    Logan wondered why he was being dragged left and right when he could have just gotten to the point from the start. Then again, traditions meant a lot to the people here, so he just went with it.


    The group was led to a section of the castle where a large hole let wyverns in and out of the castle. It seemed that instead of a castle being built for people, it was built to ease the wyverns'' travel within the castle. Within each wall, there was a small space where wyverns had their hatchlings, while large chains hung across the large dome-like structure that let wyverns rest as they played and fought with each other.


    The large dragon-like creatures were at least three meters long, their bodies consisting mostly of their long bat-like wings, which had a large claw. Their long tails and two legs helped them balance themselves.


    While they mostly looked the same, Logan gauged which one was the strongest and most suitable for him, hoping it wouldn''t already have a master.


    "Don''t worry, hero. All these are untamed wyverns. We don''t keep them leashed or anything of that sort. They roam when they want, and only those that make a bond are let into the stables where your birds are waiting," the king said, having seen through Logan.


    Logan looked around until he saw one particular wyvern who kept looking around to find someone to fight with. It flew a few times, trying to find a challenger, but was ganged up on and forced to leave in their own body language.


    No female wyvern got close to the creature, and no male tried to fight or play with it. It was a loner of sorts. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The boy kind of saw himself in that particular wyvern, as he noticed how it just did not find a way to fit in.


    Logan manifested his wings and went up to it, using Riptide''s, his snow bear''s, magic to initiate a fight.

 Chapter 213 - 213: Aerial Combat

    The wyvern took the challenge head on, using ice breath to try blowing Logan away, but the boy did not back down. Instead, he cast Glacial Veil to shield himself from the cold beam. He only wanted to use ice magic and beat the large lizard at its own game.


    Seeing that its breath would not harm the human, the large wyvern took to the sky and began casting ice spears. It knew it couldn''t unleash its full power in a place where others of its kind were present and dared Logan to go up to fight within the top of the dome.


    The rest of the onlookers could only see from below, straining their necks to catch a glimpse of the fight. That was until the king ordered them to enter a special array that would teleport them up to some stands near the top of the dome where the wyvern and Logan were clashing. Normally, they would have used this array to get to the top and find a wyvern to fight, but with Logan having the ability to fly, it was rendered useless.


    A regular challenger had to battle a wyvern using ice magic¡ªnot only to fight them head-on but also to keep the ice below them stable so as to remain in the air. Those who would spectate used their own water magic to keep a thick bridge of ice, allowing the one fighting to stay in the air long enough to see if they could convince a wyvern to bond.


    This time, no one tried to create a bridge and only watched as the two sent out magic after magic. While the wyvern dominated in terms of speed and aerial combat, Logan triumphed in defense, keeping the large beast from getting close enough to bite him.


    The king smiled with joy, as not even his own son displayed such power when fighting. It reminded him of his own fight with his personal wyvern so many years ago.


    Lisa, on the other hand, was ready to jump in at any time. She knew Logan would win, but the doubt of him maintaining his wings while using spell after spell worried her.


    Kai was also prepared to intervene and create a bridge in case Logan failed to maintain his magic-created wings.


    While the others worried for him, Logan was having the time of his life. He loved having a good fight nowadays and even more so testing a creature''s abilities. To use his monsters'' skills, he needed to personally know them, and what better way to understand them than to face the monster head-on.


    While the ice spears and shields were fundamental magic that all ice creatures could use, the wyvern also used one particular skill that surrounded its body in a whirl of ice, causing area-of-effect damage.


    Logan was busy casting more shields when he was unable to see as the wyvern extended its area of effect skill, covering them both in snow. He began to tremble, feeling goosebumps form around the exposed parts of his skin.


    He really wanted to use fire magic to warm himself up but did not want to win that way. He needed to step it up, and yet the boy did not see the wyvern''s movement as it dove in, breaking one of his shields and causing Logan to cancel his wings for a moment.


    The boy plunged down for a few seconds, almost hitting a few chains on his way down, but recasted his wings in the nick of time. He flew back up and created claws of ice. He wasn''t going to win by repeatedly casting ice shields and needed to go on the offensive.


    As soon as he got close, he channeled magic in his throat, ready to use Riptide''s Tundra Roar¡ªan ice skill that would probably leave his lips frozen but would be great to make the wyvern lose its balance.


    The creature, on the other hand, did not expect the human to get so close. It parried the claws of ice by strengthening its scales with ice and was getting ready to use its large tail to swat the boy away, yet it felt danger from above.


    Logan was readying Frostfall as shards of ice formed above them. He tried to make them in a hurry to keep the wyvern from noticing while it was preoccupied with the close-range fighting.


    As soon as it noticed, the wyvern tried to fly away, only to have one of its wings grazed by the large pillar of ice. Its blood began to freeze, leaving a large red icicle, while Logan dispelled the magic to avoid hurting the wyverns still under them.


    Knowing he needed to attack fast, Logan went with a water skill. He knew it wasn''t ice, but at least when it reached the wyvern, it would turn into it. He went with Hydro Cannon, a high-pressure water skill that, when it neared the frozen aura of the wyvern, turned into ice. It hit the large lizard with great force, pushing it to the side, almost making it bash into the side of the large dome.


    It breathed in and out a few times, a little tired from the fight, but its will did not let it give up. It took Logan another blast of Hydro Cannon to make the wyvern wail in pain as it hit the wall.


    "How about it, do you give up?" Logan said, readying Agua Shield while huffing. He knew his mana was about to run out soon and did not have the liberty to give the creature more time to recover.


    He took out his whip''s handle and used the water from Agua Shield to create the thong of the whip. He used ice to create the cracker, using the remainder of his mana carefully. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He cracked the whip a few times near the wyvern until it cried out in what seemed to be a surrender.


    "Good boy, now help me. I will fall soon since I don''t have enough mana to keep my wings up," Logan asked. The wyvern noticed the boy''s wings were about to disappear and swooped down to catch him.


    Those in the audience cheered as the bond between the tamer and wyvern formed. The king was probably the happiest; he stood up and clapped, glad to have witnessed a great fight.

 Chapter 214 - 214: King Frost Wyvern

    Logan did not wait and gave his new creature the best water crystals he had on hand. Everyone within the group of onlookers and even the other wyverns were greedily looking at the stash he placed before his new tame.


    He had brought all he could gather before coming and only the purest of crystals.


    It was when it was about to finish draining the pile that the wyvern suddenly shook, its large body convulsing a little as it began to shine, its features being hidden within the light that enveloped it. Its silhouette began to show signs of growth. Logan was excited to see what it would transform into and stood near it to be the first one to see its change.


    As soon as the light dimmed, he saw a blue-scaled, larger version of the wyvern. If before it was three meters from head to tail, now it was almost double that size, its powerful limbs showing a muscular body. Its wings radiated mana within them, causing even the ground around it to frost over.


    It no longer had the head of a lizard but one of what Logan could imagine to be a dragon. Its spiked back and two large horns made it look fierce, as did its powerful glare.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Wyver / Species: King Frost Wyvern / Level: 26 / Blood Mark: Left Rib / Loyalty: 16/100


    Str: 32 / Agi: 38 / Dex: 29 / Con: 26 / Int: 39 / Char: 24


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Ice Shards: Wyver can shoot small shards of ice from his wings, used both offensively and defensively.


    Frost Breath: Wyver can exhale a chilling blast of icy wind, freezing anything in its path and causing significant ice damage to enemies.


    Glacial Armor: Wyver encases itself in a thick layer of ice, increasing its defense and resilience to attacks while reflecting some forms of elemental damage.


    Blizzard Cloak: Wyver shrouds itself in a swirling blizzard, making it difficult for enemies to see and target it while damaging and chilling any enemies that come too close.


    Subzero Dive: Wyver soars high into the sky and then dives down at incredible speed, crashing into its target with immense force and creating a shockwave of ice that damages and freezes enemies in the vicinity.


    Frozen Aegis: Wyver creates a protective shield of ice around itself or an ally, temporarily granting immunity to physical and magical attacks and chilling any enemies that come into contact with it.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    The beast was far from finishing its growth, but Logan did not mind. He quickly used the last of his Monarch blessing, at least for a while, until his mana could keep up with the next time he would use it.


    As soon as he finished inspecting the strong creature in front of him, he called out to understand its nature.


    "I am Logan. We will from this day forward be friends and companions in battle. Pleased to meet you, Wyver." Logan got close and patted its scales, seeing that the monster''s control over ice was so fine that it made the cool air around his hand vanish to let Logan touch him.


    "You have fought well, my master. Our bond is what I needed." The wyvern twisted its neck to check every inch of its improved body, stretching its wings and feeling the pulse of mana that radiated throughout its wings.


    Before they could speak any more, they felt the presence of the King get close. He had to stop himself from shaking with excitement, his eyes watery as he closed in to look at Wyver. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You have gotten¡­ what my father had told me to find. He was the only one that was able to raise his wyvern to such a creature, the king of the sky," Thalor said while not daring to touch the creature they worshipped.


    "This¡­ should only be its second form, though?" Logan said while looking at Wyver, a little puzzled.


    "Second form? There is more!" King Thalor raised his voice loud enough for all those present to gasp.


    "Well, yes, my strongest creatures have achieved their third form already. I don''t know how many there are, but I can say there is at least one more¡­" Logan said while placing a hand on his chin in thought.


    "Lies! No such thing should exist! We, in our hundreds of years of training these creatures that even demons dared not attack, have never seen such a beast." A youth from the crowd said as he rushed forward to confront Logan.


    "I have studied these creatures since I learned to read and have never heard or read such a thing!" said a twelve or thirteen-year-old kid, his hair braided back and seeming to just start his growth spurt.


    "Brother, stop! We shouldn''t interrupt!" a young girl around the same age said. It was quite apparent they were twins by the similar facial features they both shared.


    Both had blue hair that looked like ice, with light blue eyes almost nearing silver. While the boy''s muscles were a little thicker, the girl was also just starting to grow. Lean builds, tall, and trained to survive the tough northern lands, the two youths were pulling and pushing each other.


    "Now kids, don''t make a scene in front of me. Tess, what did I say about keeping your brother inside? And Terry, I specifically told you to stay in your room today and self-study." Thalor looked up to see a maid that should have kept the kids away, especially today when they would meet the heroes.


    "But father, I wanted to see the fight, and also I need to see the strength of the heroes. I will soon join the war!" Terry said proudly, as if not taking in the risks of the coming battle.


    "You will not, not until you come of age. Now go back!" Thalor gave them a cold glare that made them shudder.


    Logan passed more crystals to his tamed beast, not caring about the drama. He needed it to be at its best before they would return, and he also wanted to show just how wealthy he was, passing the creature more crystals than what the Kingdom of Veridith could provide for their own creatures.

 Chapter 215 - 215: Negotiations

    "Forgive the rudeness my children displayed. It''s not easy to be the father of eight," Thalor said while returning to the group, the mood soured by his children''s deeds.


    "Eight?!" Logan coughed, looking a little surprised.


    "Yes, three from my first wife who are already on the front line, three from my second wife who are either on the front line or married off in various parts of this kingdom, and lastly those of my mistress, whom you just met." The king laughed, beginning to speak about each one as Logan zoned out a little.


    "Sounds nice, king," Logan said as his eye twitched a little while trying not to look at Lisa who looked just as surprised as he did.


    Logan kept following the group inside while talking with the king about how his power worked and why he believed the wyvern would have two other stages. He also emphasized the fact that it held a monarch blessing he could give out, and those under him would grow to be like him.


    "And that is how my best creature, Scorch, got his mate to be like him. They are currently about to have hatchlings. I wonder how they will look." Logan said as they went back towards the round table, which was filled with snacks of various kinds so they could enjoy themselves while they continued speaking.


    Logan, as before, sat in the same seat while Lisa and Rubina each took one beside him.


    "Sounds interesting, hero of taming. I am guessing you want to extend the effects of this blessing and possibly make a deal with us?" Thalor said, trying to hold back his excitement. He wanted his personal wyvern to be the first on the list, but also knew that Logan would first choose some wyverns to take back and give them priority on the blessing.


    Thalor was busy thinking of how many to give away. Wyverns were possibly why his country was feared, so he needed to at least add terms that would help them keep Logan from handing them out, as well as keeping those that weren''t born in his country from being prosperous.


    "As I said before, the wyverns thrive here because it''s cold. You should know what it would mean if you take them from these lands that are always covered in snow," Thalor tried to make a solid point.


    "If it''s about that, I have my way to make biomes that could keep them happy. I have various ice creatures like ice golems, Arctic bears, and even a special ice fox who can make my city a frozen wasteland within minutes." Logan smiled at the king''s attempt while informing him about his capabilities.


    "But I do understand your point. I only ask for¡­ four of these creatures. I will not add more to their numbers without permission, and if that does happen, I will pay for each offspring produced out of this country. I am sure we can set a good price that would benefit you. As for my creatures¡­ I can rule over a maximum of fifteen. So remove three from that, and it means you can have twelve creatures that will keep evolving, sir. I think you can calculate how invaluable that would be for you. I may even need to ask for payment for that." Logan began explaining, knowing that sooner or later, he would get what he came for.


    "Twelve!? That many?" The king began to get ideas. If they were already feared because of their wyverns, he could possibly help even his sons who were in the midst of war.


    "Sergie, I am sure you will need your beast to evolve, am I right? If so, you will take it and join the war effort after it gets strong. I have left you behind because I needed at least one knight to protect us. But if my beast becomes strong, then that means you can go out and join my sons, make sure they are safe." The king looked at his nephew, who had always asked to join his sons in war, and now he would be able to join.


    "Yes, your majesty, should I call them back so their creatures can be blessed? If so, I can take them to the kingdom of Rosengard, which is closer, and then return back to the battle."


    "Yes, have the ten best riders return to be blessed. Now go, you should be able to bring them back when my peer, his majesty and hero Logan, returns to Highrule." The king ordered. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "If it''s about getting your beast blessed, just have it meet Wyver before you leave. I can ask him to give the blessing from where I am," Logan said while accepting the king''s request.


    "Yes, thank you, Logan!" Sergie ran out like a kid, making those that watched his actions smirk or laugh.


    "Well then, I am sure you won''t just need wyverns but also mana crystals," Logan began negotiating what he could offer to those who would receive Wyver''s blessing.


    "Seeing the effect it had on your new creature, I am guessing that they will need it to grow just as strong." The king sighed, knowing that his treasure would be emptied out by the end of the long talk.


    "Precisely. Don''t worry, I don''t need immediate cash. We can extend it into plans for the future. How about a fifteen-year contract? I will be lenient with the price as well. There is no use in money when the stakes are this high. I will need all the power I can gather. My plan also extends to each nation. Eta, as you know, has powerful electric birds and such. I will keep looking for strong monsters to join me in the coming fight." Logan then began going over his future plans. The king was more than willing to provide the help the hero of taming would need, even going as far as to give him access to their teleportation arrays for trading.


    "Then that concludes our talks. I would like to enjoy all that your capital has to offer before leaving, King Thalor. As for your personal wyvern, you can just do as Sergie did," Logan said as he was given the okay to go out and check the city of Meveza.

 Chapter 216 - 216: Outing

    Logan was currently walking to the city along with Rubina and Lisa, who had taken a while to change. Lisa wore a brown fur-trimmed cloak with midnight blue linings. It was elegant and, most importantly, warm for the occasion.


    Rubina, on the other hand, didn''t need to wear as much. She opted for a layered icy gray gown with a hooded shawl to shield herself from the snow that trickled down. Both girls wore winter boots to keep the snow out, and each had different accessories to complement their outfits.


    Kai had decided not to join them. He stayed behind to pick out a wyvern for Chloe and himself, with the help of Wyver.


    Logan, however, had a girl on each arm as they descended the castle''s long staircase into the town. The town wasn''t built flat; instead, it incorporated the mountain''s peak, with buildings even carved into the mountain. Stairs would go up and down as they made their way through the market district.


    Since it was midday, most of the shops weren''t as full as they would be in the morning. This allowed them to enjoy themselves without worrying about crowds.


    No one seemed to recognize them, assuming they were tourists¡ªan oddity at this time of year, especially since most boys were out on the battlefield fighting demons. Because of this, Logan wasn''t met with much kindness.


    Still, no one dared to make a big deal out of it. The boy was clearly a noble, or so the townspeople whispered. Logan didn''t mind their judgment, though. He was more concerned with keeping both girls happy.


    "Hey, look! There are lots of jewelry shops. Maybe we should see if they can craft something useful with our mana crystals," Lisa said, pointing to a few shops with various jewels on display.


    "No, forget that! We should take a look at the magical appliances. Maybe there''s one Marie can use as a reference," Rubina replied, slightly pulling Logan toward a nearby shop filled with intriguing tools powered by mana.


    "Hey, relax," Logan said, his tone calm. "We''ll have time to look at everything. Just enjoy yourselves¡ªwe won''t get a chance like this later."


    He led them to the closest shop, his focus on keeping things balanced between the two.


    At first, it was just normal clothing¡ªoutfits that looked good on both of them¡ªbut then things got out of hand. They were now looking at what Logan could only describe as swimsuits. He had to intervene, creating a dark fog using one of Regial''s magic spells, which employed darkness magic to obscure vision and prevent any trouble.


    "Sorry, Logan. How about this one?" Rubina asked as she stepped out of the changing room. She wore a gown fit for royalty¡ªor so Logan thought. It was white, layered, and paired with a veil.


    "Err¡­ isn''t that a wedding dress?" Logan coughed, trying to keep his voice low enough that Lisa wouldn''t overhear.


    "Oh? So this is the style your world uses for marriage? I''ll take it, then," Rubina said mischievously, twirling to show off how she looked from every angle.


    "You look great, Rubina. Now please change into something less likely to trip you¡ªI''m getting hungry here," Logan pleaded, boredom evident in his tone. He had already spent an hour waiting.


    "Sure thing... Now, what would be good¡­" the red-haired girl mused, wandering off to search for another outfit.


    Logan was about to yawn when the curtain of the changing room Lisa was in opened, revealing her in a white dress that reminded him of the one Rubina had tried on earlier.


    "So, how does it look, Logan? Does it look better than Rubina''s?" Lisa asked, turning to show off the dress from every angle.


    "It looks beautiful on you, Lisa¡ªstunningly so," Logan said with a nod.


    "I guess your previous remark to my other outfit was fake, then. That''s how you should have reacted before," Lisa teased. "But fine¡ªI''ll change into something practical, as I overheard you were hungry. Just give me five minutes," she added before disappearing back into the changing room.


    After finishing their long shopping spree, they headed to a restaurant that many of the shop owners had recommended. Though it was a bit far, the glowing praise from everyone convinced Logan it wouldn''t be a waste of time.


    The small shop had fewer than eight tables, and they waited to be seated. A teenage girl around their age greeted them; she looked like she had just come from the kitchen, further emphasizing that it was a family-run restaurant.


    With how highly people spoke of this place, I thought we would have needed reservations, Lisa sent to Logan through a mental link.


    "I know, but it does look just like what they described. Let''s give them a chance¡ªmaybe it''ll be as good as they said," Logan suggested as he was guided to a table for four. He was about to sit on one side to let the two girls sit together.


    "Where do you think you''re going, Logan? You''ll sit here," Rubina spoke, pulling him into the seat between her and Lisa.


    "Just what I was thinking... nice, Rubina," Lisa added, adjusting her chair with a smirk.


    The teenage girl, waiting to take their order, stood uncertainly as the trio settled in.


    It wasn''t long before their food arrived. The advantage of visiting such a small, quiet place during off-hours was the quick service. The selection was limited but, as it turned out, incredibly delicious.


    Logan was surprised to learn that the beef used in his dish had come from his hometown. While it wasn''t directly from the herd under the rule of his Starhoofed Bull, it was part of the herd raised specifically for food.


    Logan enjoyed spiced steaks paired with what seemed like mashed potatoes. Lisa opted for an omelet filled with assorted vegetables and diced chicken, while Rubina chose a pasta dish made from a type of potato shaped like ramen.


    Once they paid, the trio exited the shop and began slowly walking back to the castle. All three were equally pleased with the day''s events. They had purchased enough to fill one storage ring and still needed another. Thankfully, with their earnings, it hadn''t been too hard on their pockets.


    Just before they entered the castle, they paused to take one last look at the town. Its landscape was truly breathtaking, with the sunset casting a perfect blend of colors that reflected off the snow. Each rooftop was tinged with soft pastel hues, creating a serene and picturesque scene.


    "It was a great day. We finally found the wyverns¡­ and I really enjoyed spending time with both of you," Logan said, exhaling slowly. His breath was visible in the cold air. "It''s just a shame there wasn''t a cinema or something to end the day with." S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The chill was beginning to seep through his clothes, making him shiver slightly. Lisa noticed and instinctively pressed herself closer to him. Rubina, however, gently pushed her away and summoned a small wisp of magic to chase away the cold.


    Logan chuckled at their antics before wrapping an arm around each of them and leading them back into the warmth of the castle.

 Chapter 217 - 217: Fiery Battle

    "So, it''s finally time to see who will win the bet," Rubina said, directing her link toward Lisa and Logan.


    "Yes, but you will undoubtedly lose. The king has chosen his best royal guard," Lisa smirked, her eyes fixed on the battle about to unfold before them.


    As soon as they returned to the castle, Logan approached the king with a proposal for a friendly match. He wanted to showcase the strength of each nation''s mightiest warriors. Of course, Logan knew he hadn''t brought their absolute best, but Rubina''s abilities were formidable nonetheless.


    To start, Logan requested that the King of Veridith, Thalor, allow Rubina to test her skills against nothing less than his ten strongest men. This proposal was met with a mix of skepticism and indignation from the royal guards, who felt the request implied their weakness. They decided to send their most capable soldiers to fight the girl. They were cautioned, however, about her ability to wield fire magic and advised to prepare accordingly.


    "Well then, I believe the rules are set. Begin!" Thalor announced, his gaze shifting between the two sides. On one side stood ten equally armed soldiers¡ªhis elite royal guards, entrusted with his protection above all else.


    Among the ten, a few exchanged skeptical glances, clearly underestimating the mage before them. Meanwhile, Rubina calmly began casting various spells. The soldiers hesitated, unwilling to be the first to launch an attack.


    Annoyed by their condescending attitude, Rubina fired a flaming arrow, disrupting their close formation. It was more a warning shot than an attempt to injure, but it succeeded in rousing their anger.


    "We''ll show you why we''re tasked with protecting the king!" one soldier declared, charging forward. His action spurred the others behind him to follow suit, each having already cast protective shield spells in anticipation of Rubina''s fiery onslaught.


    None of them anticipated a barrier of flames erupting before them, forcing them to collide headfirst into it. Their shields activated instantly, repelling them backward. Only a few on the fringes suffered minor burns, which only fueled their growing anger.


    "Fine, have it your way!" one of them shouted, summoning ice magic to form spears. With a swift motion, he hurled them toward the girl. However, the spears melted into water before they could even reach her.


    They were baffled. Somehow, she was able to cast magic with such speed and precision that it left them scrambling to reevaluate their strategy.


    "Five and five," one of them called out. At first, no one understood what it meant until five soldiers rushed forward to attack, while the other five¡ªlikely the best spellcasters among them¡ªstayed back and began weaving spells to weaken Rubina''s fire magic.


    Realizing her opponents were getting serious, Rubina retrieved a staff from her storage. The staff bore two large red mana crystals. Unlike the ones Logan had given to his creatures, these crystals were refined and compacted by Ruben himself. He had added layers of personal craftsmanship and rare minerals, enhancing their ability to both absorb and redirect mana with incredible efficiency.


    The staff doubled the potency of her spellcasting, enabling her fire magic to hit with the force of a hero''s regular spell¡ªa formidable upgrade to her already impressive abilities.


    "Get ready, everyone. This is going to hurt," Rubina warned. She had no intention of killing anyone, but her words carried an edge of determination. Nearby, Lisa placed a hand on her forehead, exasperated, while Logan merely shook his head. The outcome of the battle seemed all too predictable.


    Rubina conjured three fiery serpents, each slithering forward with purpose, seeking their targets. The serpents required her full concentration to control, but their sheer presence prevented the knights from advancing. Two of the serpents confronted the five soldiers who had charged forward, while the third bypassed them, heading straight for the spellcasters. Its mission was clear: disrupt their casting.


    The fiery serpents unleashed powerful streams of flame, forcing the soldiers to defend themselves. Though they managed to hold their ground, the serpents deftly avoided the water-based magic used in attempts to extinguish them. Their agility and power kept Rubina firmly in control of the battlefield.


    The five guards who had rushed forward found themselves halting in their tracks. Two of them even hesitated, almost retreating to avoid the fiery serpents. Unlike the serpent targeting the casters, the two near Rubina grew larger, their bodies expanding to two meters in length and thickening to twenty centimeters. Being closer to Rubina allowed her to maintain better control over them while also increasing their size and solidifying their consistency.


    One serpent used its coiled body as a spring, launching itself forward and striking a guard holding a shield. The impact forced him to drop the shield, its steel glowing orange from the heat, as just a graze had been enough to scorch it. The second serpent whipped its tail toward the remaining four soldiers, stretching and lashing out with such force that it momentarily drew their focus away from Rubina. They quickly resorted to water magic, frantically attempting to neutralize the fiery creature.


    Meanwhile, King Thalor clenched his fists. He understood the source of the girl''s strength and did not oppose the means by which she had attained it. Though tamers taming humans was outlawed in most kingdoms, he valued power above all else. Yet, witnessing his elite soldiers faltering against a single girl stoked a quiet anger within him¡ªnot at the hero or the girl, but at the possibility that others might prevent the hero from bestowing such strength upon others.


    Thalor, fully aware of the outcome, rose to his feet.


    "Stop. Ms. Rubina wins. Remove the serpents¡ªeven from here, I can feel their heat," the king declared, his commanding tone leaving no room for argument. Those present had no choice but to accept the result.


    Rubina couldn''t resist shooting a triumphant grin at Lisa, who clenched her jaw but gave a reluctant nod.


    "You have shown us the strength of your army, Logan. I''m relieved to know you will soon join us on the battlefield," Thalor said, his gaze steady. "Now, if you would, please demonstrate one of your strongest skills. Let there be no doubt in anyone''s mind about the power you wield." Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 218 - 218: Demonstration of Power

    "Sure you do have dummies right? I don''t want casualties just for testing." Logan smiled while waiting for a response.


    "Bring them, I really want to see this so make sure they are as armored as any knight would be, as well as have them be enchanted with shield spells, we can''t make this easy." Thalor ordered as some soldiers scrambled to bring the materials.


    Logan looked around to see a total of twenty to thirty people around the king, while there were retainers many there were nobles from this kingdom. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logn wanted them to have a better impression then those in Elris who ended up pushing him away at the end.


    Within a few minutes various dummies with tough armor and even magic stones to channel magic shields as normal humans were placed before Logan, he stood in front of them and then to the ones spectating.


    "So Lisa, Rubina, what skill should I show off to them?" Logan said while his hands were grabbing onto his whip.


    "Well they have witnessed your water and ice skills when you battled Wyver, how about your most powerful elements, holy and darkness. Remember that control with power will impress them better then just raw output of a certain skill." Rubina said as she tried recalling her use of the fire serpents and the heavy use of mana, but also recalling Logan did not have a staff yet.


    "How about a mix of all your monsters best skills, while your strongest is holy and darkness, a showcase that you can use all the elements will impress them greater.


    Logan thought about it before putting the whip away, Holy Nova in whip form was not going to cut it today.


    "First he used fire and darkness, molding them into a small tiny ball, he then added Zephyr''s Gale Force to create an aura of wind around the ball, intensifying the fire and darkess as the orb spun. He went with electro field around the ball adding a layer of electricity that mixed well with the wind, he then caused a few pebbles from the floor to float up and add them into the mix, they rotated around the rest of the elements as if it was a small planet.


    With it having a core and a magnetic field that kept the earth magic compacted, adding a layer of water was now possible, the earth prevented it from cooling the fire.


    Feeling his mana plummeting so fast it was almost at half, Logan quickly added light magic to finish the small deadly bomb before sending it to the middle of where the dummies were placed, the King made sure it was far from where the spectators were to keep everyone safe while his royal guards had readied various spells in case of an emergency.


    The small sphere of compacted mana with the layer of light was so bright that it looked like a small sun as it glided to where Logan wanted it, he then let go of the control he placed upon it causing the small marble shaped sun to lose the fine stability that held it together.


    Within milliseconds each elemental battled with each other as it exploded at the center of all the armed dummies leaving only a bright light that battled with darkness, a burst of wind that danced with electricity making even Logans hair go wild from where he was standing.


    Fire and water clashed causing the dummies to burn instantly while steam caused the armor to explode.


    As soon as darkness and light finished battling each other they engulfed the other elements until nothing but a round implosion happened eating away even the floor and ceiling around it, leaving a smoldering, perfectly round crater at the heart of the room.


    Logan exhaled deeply feeling that he only had a third of his mana left from using such a skill while his mind rang out in pain from the overload of control he employed to keep the elements together. He glanced over to King Thalor, whose wide eyes easily gave away a mix of awe and caution.


    "That," Thalor began, his voice heavy with disbelief, "was beyond anything I''ve seen. A force like this¡­ on the battlefield¡­" He paused, his gaze hardening. "Your enemies will tremble before you."


    His royal guards on the other hand breath in a sigh of relief that such a spell did not reach them, they doubted they could even stop such a think and shuttered while wondering what would have happened if the hero used the same spell but with the size of a fist or a common childrens ball instead of a marble, they of course did not know how much mana Logan had to use.


    Rubina and Lisa exchanged glances¡ªLisa, looking amused, and Rubina, visibly proud of Logan''s display.


    "Well," Lisa smirked, breaking the tense atmosphere. "If your barriers were meant to keep us safe, I feel sorry for anyone foolish enough to challenge him." She folded her arms, her tone teasing but containing a far deeper meaning.


    "Indeed, Saintess, I question why the Kingdom of Elris acted as it did, you are far more powerful then what I have been informed, they simply did not do their job correctly, I will do my best to vouch for the hero of taming and have that old fool Holven to give his reason for what he did and repair the damage to the heroes reputation." Thalor said in a stern tone while looking at his advisor and minister of foreign relations.


    "It''s alright King Thalor, I apologized though¡­ I wasn''t planning to destroy half the room," Logan muttered, brushing soot off his clothes.


    "It is fine, hero, we couldn''t expect a room to hold out with such a powerful magic, now that we have seen a display of your power I can only see the hope of giving you a wyvern will add to the battlefield, how about we celebrate, I heard you will be leaving tomorrow, correct?" Thalor tried to ease the tension in the air, everyone around him was still in shock by the magic used.


    "That is correct, and sure I would like to enjoy the rest of the day before we have a good rest." Logan said trying to keep himself upright and look strong, he was tired from the spell but did not want to show weakness after being praised so much.

 Chapter 219 - 219: Feast and Fatigue

    Logan was glad there was no dancing involved in the celebration. While the king enjoyed himself with his wives and mistresses, Logan and the three in his group were still busy eating and entertaining those who wanted to praise and speak with them.


    Lisa and Rubina made no attempt to stand, as a line of admirers had formed¡ªeach waiting for the opportunity to introduce themselves and hopefully draw the women away from Logan''s side.


    Kai, on the other hand, was bombarded with invitations from women who couldn''t get close to Logan due to the two beautiful girls seated next to him.


    The only ones who seemed unaffected by the lively atmosphere were the king''s youngest children, Terry and Tess. Both were dressed for the occasion and sat in front of Logan, engaging in small talk. Terry, clearly impressed by the hero''s display of power, couldn''t hide his excitement.


    "So, can I come to your kingdom soon, hero? I really want to see how your country looks! I''ll also be getting my own wyvern soon¡ªmaybe my father will let me ride it to your city!" Terry exclaimed, grinning as he dug into a large drumstick.


    "Err... sure, just make sure to get your father''s permission," Logan replied awkwardly. Unsure what else to say, he decided to leave the matter to the boy''s father. To ease the conversation, Logan showed Terry some of his video game crystals, which quickly softened the boy''s attitude. Logan had an ulterior motive: he hoped the kid would become a future client for Marie''s new games. He was confident Terry would pay a premium for them.


    The small party didn''t last much longer. The king, thoroughly drunk, was dragged away by his wives to retire for the night. Logan, feeling drained, returned to his own room alone. Changing out of his formal wear, he eagerly prepared for what he hoped would be a long and uninterrupted night''s sleep.


    Logan''s mana had risen to just over half of his capacity. With nearly 900 mana now at his disposal, it typically took around ten hours to fully replenish under normal circumstances. Not wanting to waste his mana-filled water or endure the long wait, Logan decided that sleep would be the best way to speed up his recovery.


    He was just about to pull the blanket over himself when a sudden knock interrupted him.


    "Who is it?" Logan called out, unwilling to leave the comfort of his bed. In his drowsiness, he missed how Ruri would usually handle such trivial matters for him.


    "It''s me, Logan¡­ or should I say, us," came Rubina''s voice, tinged with a bit of anger.


    As the girl approached the door, she sensed another presence¡ªa girl using invisibility magic, attempting to enter the room.


    "Can you just leave us alone for one night?" Rubina said, her voice filled with frustration.


    "Why should I? Anyway, what are you doing here?" Lisa retorted, her tone just as sharp.


    Hearing the exchange of words and insults in his mind, Logan abruptly opened the door. Though he saw no one outside, he knew the two girls were there, using magic to conceal themselves.


    "Just come in¡­" Logan said while sighing, too tired to deal with the situation while standing in the hallway.


    Lisa stepped inside first, immediately casting magic on Logan. Though it only healed his physical wounds, it did nothing to ease his mental fatigue.


    "Are you fine, Logan?" Lisa asked, concern evident in her voice.


    "Yes, just need sleep," Logan murmured as he lay back down. The girls quietly closed the door behind them and entered.


    Rubina, still a bit annoyed at having her time with Logan interrupted, didn''t know what to do as she saw how exhausted he looked. Lisa, on the other hand, felt relieved that she hadn''t ignored the nagging feeling in her mind telling her to check on him.


    They were about to speak to Logan but noticed he quickly drifted off to sleep.


    "Guess we came for nothing¡­" Rubina muttered, lightly tapping Logan''s cheek.


    "What did you want to do anyway?" Lisa asked as she settled comfortably next to Logan.


    "Nothing¡ªjust talk for a while," Rubina replied before pausing.


    "I did win the bet, right? I''m owed one date with Logan, and I wanted it before we return to Highrule again. You know why." She used their mental link to avoid waking Logan, her tone sharper than usual.


    "Yes, I know," Lisa responded, clenching her fist slightly. "I suppose it''ll have to happen near one of the cities while we return. Ugh, why did I make that dumb bet? And why are the soldiers here so useless? Just... leave it for later, alright? I don''t want to talk about the bet right now." S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Fair enough," Rubina conceded with a mental sigh.


    "So, what should we talk about? We only have... Logan, and, well, Logan in common as a topic. How about this: you tell me about his past, and I''ll tell you about his rise to power. Seems like a fair trade, no?" She tried to bargain, clearly curious to know more about Logan.


    Lisa''s eyes narrowed slightly. "You still owe me. There''s more to his past than just a few months of being here," she countered, her mental tone sharp. "How about instead of his past, you tell me about your story? I''d like to know why a half-demon is helping a hero."


    "It''s not so strange. Sure, I''m half-demon, but just like humans have criminals, I see demons who want to ruin this world the same way. I''m only trying to protect my home and those I love, like my father," Rubina explained, her voice softening as sleepiness crept in. Her eyes lingered on Logan, who slept peacefully beside them.


    "That''s all? What about your mother? She''s the one with demon blood, right?" Lisa pressed, clearly wanting to learn more before delving into Logan''s past.


    "I didn''t know her well¡ªonly the fleeting memories I can recall," Rubina admitted, her tone tinged with melancholy.


    "I was too young to ask her about demons or what they were like. Honestly, I''ve always considered myself more human than demon in that respect. I don''t know what they plan or think¡­" Lisa felt the wave of loneliness wash over Rubina through their mental link, a sadness that the girl couldn''t quite conceal.


    "Fine," Lisa said, relenting.


    "Let me start by telling you how I met Logan. We were just neighbors¡ªat least, that''s where my memory begins. We used to play in this big playground near our houses, before starting elementary school. That''s a school for kids around five to ten or eleven years old¡­" Lisa began her tale, recounting the adventures of their childhood¡ªhow they grew closer as friends and the mischievous tricks they played on an elderly neighbor, which she now looked back on with fondness and guilt.

 Chapter 220 - 220: Emperor Frost Drake

    Logan woke up for the second time in under a week with two women beside him. He didn''t know whether to laugh or cry at his luck, especially since he wasn''t taking the time to enjoy it more. Unfortunately, he had to get up and start his day, leaving no room for indulgence.


    "Hey, girls, we really need to get going. We need to get the wyverns stronger before heading out to the Verdant Lands. Hopefully, with the new wyverns, we can take a larger group," Logan said, glancing at Rubina and Lisa''s sleeping faces, a small smile tugging at his lips.


    "Just five more... minutes¡­" Lisa mumbled, turning over to escape the noise.


    Rubina, on the other hand, rubbed her eyes groggily. Slowly attempting to sit up, she quickly pulled the blanket over herself after realizing her current position.


    "Fine, let me get out first. Just don''t take too long," Logan said before hopping off the bed.


    He hurried to take a quick bath and ready himself for the long flight ahead. Afterward, he made his way to check on Wyver and Zephyr. The two were now kept in the same area to help them adjust to each other, along with the three other wyverns that had been entrusted to Logan.


    As Logan approached the tamed wyvern enclosure, he spotted Kai brushing his wyvern''s scales with a special tool. The wyvern looked relaxed under Kai''s careful attention.


    "Hey there, Kai. It''s great to see the other wyverns have reached their next evolution before we leave. I just came to give Wyver his last meal¡ªhopefully, he''ll evolve to his third stage today. I can''t wait to see how strong he''ll become," Logan said, feeding both Wyver and Zephyr. The two creatures expressed their slight annoyance at being left alone for so long, but they eagerly accepted the food and mana crystals.


    "Sorry, buddy. We''ll be out of here soon, so don''t worry. We''ll need your help to get back as quickly as possible, so eat up¡ªyou''ll need your strength," Logan said, patting Zephyr gently. The wyvern accepted the offered wind crystals, though not without voicing its frustration.


    "Want to fly. Need fresh meat!" Zephyr grumbled like an irritable child. Logan chuckled and quickly calmed him down with some well-placed neck rubs before heading back inside to eat breakfast.


    Lisa, however, didn''t join him. She was outside with Orus, focusing on feeding her own bird. That left Logan and Rubina alone in the dining area.


    "So, did you hear what we were talking about yesterday?" Rubina started, taking the chance to speak with Logan directly now that Lisa wasn''t around.


    "About what?" Logan asked, though he already had a good idea.


    "Don''t act dumb. You know about my prize," Rubina said with a playful smile."We''re going out on a date during one of the stops, so make sure you ask me out."


    "Oh, and don''t worry¡ªthe other one won''t say a thing. She''s the one who made the bet in the first place." Rubina''s smile shifted into an adorable grin, prompting Logan to affectionately pat her cheek.


    "Yes, I''ll think about it when I see a good spot. For now, let''s just focus on getting to Nyirmat by the end of the day. Hopefully, now that we know the route back, we won''t need to stop for demons or anything," Logan replied as he finished his meal.


    "Aww, don''t jinx it. You know it''s bad luck to mention ''what ifs'' before trips," Rubina warned, recalling countless situations like that in Marie''s movies.


    "Sorry, I forgot. But if we do run into trouble, I''ll only warn the people of this kingdom. We really need to hurry back," Logan replied, patiently waiting for Rubina to finish her meal.


    "You rushed through your food, you know... Here, have this¡ªI don''t like it," Rubina said, placing her fork near Logan''s mouth.


    Logan paused, looking at her for a few seconds, then leaned forward and took the bite out of the meat which was in the tip of the fork.


    "It''s not bad. Why would you hate it?" Logan asked through their mental link, his curiosity piqued as he wondered if there was something wrong with the meat.


    "I just ate too much, but you enjoyed it, right?" Rubina replied, her smile radiant. The emotions she was sending through their bond made Logan''s heart stir, and for a fleeting moment, he felt the urge to kiss her.


    "Quit cheating, Rubina. We can save that for our date," Logan warned, recognizing that she was deliberately using her ability to appear irresistibly cute and perfectly tailored to his preferences.


    "Fine," Rubina said with a playful pout, puffing her cheeks.


    "Just remember to make the date perfect."


    "Will do. Now hurry up¡ªI want to leave before the king throws another celebration. These people sure know how to party," Logan said, glancing around to check if Lisa was planning to eat.


    "Don''t worry about Lisa," Rubina assured him. "She''s probably eating food she had stored to stay with her pet." She knew Lisa was likely giving them space to talk about the date.


    "Oh¡­ well, then I think we''re almost ready to leave."


    After finishing their meal and giving their thanks to the king, the group made their way back to the tunnel they had emerged from earlier.


    The king watched them leave, visibly pleased with his own tamed creature, which bore a striking resemblance to Wyver''s second evolution. Its powerful build brought a broad smile to Thalor''s face, as he admired the beast with pride.


    Everyone''s gaze turned to the largest wyvern¡ªWyver. After consuming today''s portion of crystals, the creature had finally reached its third evolution. It transformed from a three-meter beast into a towering creature twice its former size, now equipped with two powerful arms. The transformation was breathtaking, and even Zephyr seemed small in comparison. However, in terms of raw power, the large eagle still held its position as the strongest, thanks to its higher level.


    "It was no lie when you said you expected the wyverns to grow even more¡­ Please, do tell me the species of this majestic beast," Thalor said, his voice brimming with excitement. Behind him, his son Terry looked visibly shaken, struggling to accept the evolution of the beast he had once dismissed. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Sure it went from King Frost Wyvern to Emperor Frost Drake. I guess it''s getting closer to a dragon¡­" Logan informed, his eyes scanning the creature''s status.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Wyver / New* Species: Emperor Frost Drake / New* Level: 48 / Blood Mark: Left Rib / Loyalty: 34/100


    New* Str: 51 / Agi: 59 / Dex: 49 / Con: 46 / Int: 60 / Char: 53


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Ice Shards: Wyver can shoot small shards of ice from his wings, used both offensively and defensively.


    Frost Breath: Wyver can exhale a chilling blast of icy wind, freezing anything in its path and causing significant ice damage to enemies.


    Glacial Armor: Wyver encases itself in a thick layer of ice, increasing its defense and resilience to attacks while reflecting some forms of elemental damage.


    Blizzard Cloak: Wyver shrouds itself in a swirling blizzard, making it difficult for enemies to see and target it while damaging and chilling any enemies that come too close.


    Subzero Dive: Wyver soars high into the sky and then dives down at incredible speed, crashing into its target with immense force and creating a shockwave of ice that damages and freezes enemies in the vicinity.


    Frozen Aegis: Wyver creates a protective shield of ice around itself or an ally, temporarily granting immunity to physical and magical attacks and chilling any enemies that come into contact with it.


    New* Cryo Surge Drawing energy from its ice magic, Wyver temporarily boosts its Agility and Dexterity, increasing its speed and precision for a short burst. While active, its attacks have a higher chance to critically hit and slow enemies on impact.


    New* Icy Dominion Wyver radiates a freezing aura, lowering the temperature of the surrounding battlefield. Enemies caught in the area gradually lose Agility and Dexterity due to the biting cold, while Wyver and its allies gain increased resilience to ice-based attacks. The chilling effect builds over time, ultimately freezing weaker enemies in place.


    New* Polar Rift Wyver channels its mana to create a rift in the air, summoning massive icicles that erupt in a targeted area. These icicles deal devastating ice damage while creating hazardous, frozen terrain that slows and damages any enemies trying to cross it.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤

 Chapter 221 - 221: Return Trip

    Logan smiled to himself, feeling a step closer to his dream of owning a dragon. Rubina, however, was quick to point out that Drakes were not dragons¡ªthey were a weaker subspecies, smaller in size and far less powerful.


    Despite her comment, Logan was satisfied with the creature he had acquired. He was confident it would grow into a powerhouse, capable of rivaling even Scorch and Zephyr in strength.


    Climbing onto its back, Logan chose to conserve Zephyr''s energy to ensure the group could maintain their top speed. The four of them waved to the king and the entourage gathered to see them off.


    Two knights on wyverns accompanied them, ready to guide the group through the canyon that would lead them back to Megyeszorosz. From there, they planned to head south, traveling as far as possible until they reached a city where they could finally rest.


    Logan was the last to take flight, with Wyver following close behind. The drake''s massive wings stirred up a powerful whirlwind as it flapped a few times to get airborne.


    Instead of reacting with fear, the crowd below broke into applause, impressed by the display. They knew that soon the king would have a formidable creature like the one causing such powerful winds.


    Logan couldn''t help but laugh at how much this kingdom adored wyverns. They seemed to worship everything about them¡ªeven their flaws.


    He patted Wyver''s tough scales, silently letting the creature know how proud he was. As soon as they entered the passage leading to the canyon, Zephyr activated its magic, creating a strong tailwind to propel the group forward. The boost helped everyone maintain their speed, even Wyver, whose large size made it slightly slower compared to Zephyr, leading the formation.


    The sight of Eagles, Griffons, and Wyverns flying together was nothing short of breathtaking. Those who witnessed the grand procession could only stare in awe, especially as the group emerged from the canyon and soared over towns and cities.


    With his enhanced eyesight, Logan could clearly see the people below straining their eyes, their excitement palpable as they watched the flying caravan pass overhead.


    The sight filled him with a sense of satisfaction, lifting his spirits and making the journey all the more enjoyable.


    They soon passed through Megyeszorosz and continued heading south without stopping. The journey was going smoothly, and they even managed to pass the small lakeside village where they had rested before.


    By nightfall, they had reached Encszent and proceeded to stop for the night in Nyirmat. Logan already knew where they would rest, as Lord Henrik greeted them warmly from afar.


    "All right, let''s rest for the night," Logan said, beginning his descent. Wyver barely needed rest, as the drake didn''t feel Logan''s added weight. Even the griffons, comparable in size to Oras, managed the journey without much strain. As for the eagles, they carried no passengers, allowing them to focus entirely on using wind magic to assist the group.


    The smooth ride made it easy for the flying creatures to conserve energy. If one of them needed a break, they could simply glide along, letting the tailwind carry them while maintaining their altitude.


    As they landed, they immediately noticed that most of the townspeople had gathered around the lord''s castle. Their excitement was palpable as they eagerly admired one of their nation''s treasures. The drake''s appearance, more dragon-like than anything they had seen before, added to their awe.


    "Guess you''ll be making a change to their culture¡­" Kai whispered with a smirk as he removed the saddle from his wyvern. Although his mount hadn''t yet evolved into a drake, it was strong enough to carry him with ease.


    Kai then approached the wyvern he had chosen for Chloe. Its scales were a lighter tone compared to both Wyver and his own beast. Similarly, Wyver''s partner, who also had a lighter tone, stood patiently beside Logan as he patted her. While feeding her crystals, Logan considered how the creature might one day be used by either Marie or Ruri, should they decide to join him on his journey.


    "It is great to see you again, King Hero Logan. We have been eagerly awaiting your return," Lord Henrik greeted warmly.


    "Sergei passed through here yesterday to inform us of your arrival. He has likely already reached the war front and should soon be making his way back to your town with his knights." Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan nodded at the Lord and thanked him for the update. "So, have the problems with the demons been solved?" he asked, gesturing for the caretakers to guide the beasts to their shelter. The wyverns and the drake, accustomed to the cold, didn''t need to hide from it. Instead, they seemed to embrace the snow, resting on it as though it were a comfortable blanket.


    "Yes, we''ve had no trouble here, fortunately," Henrik replied. "It seems the demons only intended to damage our forest. I heard the king dispatched wyvern knights to hunt down the remaining demons wherever they could be found." As Henrik spoke, he waved to the gathered crowd, then turned to lead Logan and his group inside the large home.


    Before stepping inside, Logan glanced back to check on Wyver. He had already commanded the drake not to harm anyone, but he hadn''t expected it to display its power so boldly. The crowd''s reaction was one of delight¡ªcheers and applause erupted around the drake, as if it were putting on a grand performance.


    Wyver seemed to revel in the attention, its confidence and charisma drawing even more admiration from the townspeople. Logan couldn''t help but smile¡ªhis companion''s presence was proving to be a remarkable asset.


    It wasn''t long before they had eaten and bathed. As usual, it now seemed normal for Rubina and Lisa to show up in his room. Logan couldn''t help but wonder when this had become a regular occurrence, but this time, he decided he wouldn''t go to sleep without having a proper conversation with both of them.


    He knew he needed to take Rubina out tomorrow and silently hoped the town had at least one good spot for a stroll, with great scenery to make the outing special.

 Chapter 222 - 222: Date With Rubina

    Logan woke up a little calmer than the day before. He was still tired from the long journey but decided his beasts deserved a day of rest while he spent time with Rubina.


    As he stirred, he noticed both girls were still asleep and wondered why he was always the first to wake up. He felt Lisa''s hair brushing against one arm, while Rubina''s face rested on the other.


    Trapped in place, Logan realized that even the slightest movement would rouse the girls. Such situations were rare, and he gulped, marveling at how chaotic his life had become. Contemplating who to wake first, he decided on Rubina and cautiously shifted to her direction.


    Logan gazed at her peaceful face for a few moments before planting a soft kiss on her forehead. Then, he nuzzled her silky red hair gently. Rubina groaned softly, her closed eyes fluttering until they opened, revealing her dazzling ruby-colored irises that took in the world around her.


    She flinched back slightly, only to relax when she realized where she was. Rubbing her eyes, she smiled sheepishly.


    "What a lovely way to wake up. I''m sorry for getting startled," Rubina murmured, hiding her face under the blanket.


    "What are you doing¡­ don''t tell me you''re using magic to hide your face¡­" Logan teased, his tone playful.


    "Of course I would. I don''t want you to see me without my illusion on," Rubina replied, pulling the blanket over herself until she felt she was in her perfect state.


    "Guess makeup isn''t a thing in this world," Logan chuckled softly, careful not to wake Lisa.


    "It is¡­ it''s just that not everyone needs it to fix themselves. Now, let me get up and change. I''ll get ready for the day." Rubina yawned as she stood, still not comfortable enough to wear revealing negligee. Instead, she opted for her usual nightwear¡ªa long shirt and light, comfortable silk pants.


    With one girl out of the room, Logan turned his attention to the other. He wasn''t sure if Lisa had woken up amidst all the movement, so he gently brushed her hair aside and began to kiss her neck.


    "Hi there. You should wake up now¡ªwe really need to get up before Lord Henrik''s maids come to clean the room," Logan murmured, planting one last kiss before rising.


    "Too bad¡­ I really wanted to go further," Lisa said with a tone of mock sadness. Logan squinted, trying to figure out if she was teasing him. Ultimately, he decided not to do anything inappropriate in someone else''s home.


    "We can do that back in the castle, Liz. Now, let''s go eat before the maids really do come," Logan said as he got up and straightened his clothes.


    After breakfast, Logan went to speak with Lord Henrik. Who better than the city''s leader to know the best spots to visit¡ªor so Logan assumed.


    After hearing Henrik''s suggestions, Logan began forming a plan. He had already asked Rubina to meet him at the door around one in the afternoon.


    As the hour drew near, Logan put on his best suit. It was one he''d brought as a backup after his previous suit had been almost entirely scorched during his battle with the demons. After that first fight, Logan had stop wearing suits, opting instead for his usual comfortable tunics.


    But today called for something more refined. His tunic, ebony with gold trims, was one of his favorites¡ªnot only because it was comfortable, but because it looked as though it had been tailored for royalty. The gold wasn''t merely decorative; it was genuine gold, making the tunic feel regal. It had been a gift from Rubina, and it seemed perfect for the occasion.


    As Logan approached the door, the fragrance of flowers, predominantly roses, wafted through the air. The scent tugged at his memories, reminding him of Scarlet.


    He knew there was only one woman who would use something like that.


    As he turned around to confirm his suspicions, he spotted Rubina in a comfortable yet elegant ensemble. It was unusual¡ªshe typically wore tunics and gowns that reminded Logan of medieval-themed games. But this time, her outfit was more modern. She had paired a long skirt with a layered blouse, the latter adorned with prints of delicate petals that gave it a contemporary style from Earth.


    "Looking great, Rubina," Logan said, swallowing hard as his gaze lingered on her. Her hair was tied back in a neat bun, with two loose strands framing her face, which was lightly enhanced by makeup¡ªor at least the illusion of it.


    Logan welcomed the sight all the same. He understood that she had a true form she chose to hide and accepted her regardless of the appearance she used. She was still the same woman he had grown to care deeply for. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I guess it''s time to go then," Logan said, taking her hand as they stepped outside.


    It took about ten minutes to reach their first destination. Naturally, Logan had planned to begin the day with a cozy spot where they could enjoy a light meal. He had chosen a small caf¨¦ renowned for serving the finest desserts, a place designed specifically for the nobles of Nyirmat.


    Nyirmat, a city with fewer than fifteen thousand residents, didn''t have many establishments catering to the wealthy. However, Lord Henrik had invested in his town, ensuring there were at least a few places where the affluent could indulge¡ªand this caf¨¦ was one of them.


    As Logan browsed the menu, he quickly understood why Henrik had recommended the place. The offerings were luxurious, though the prices made him pause. Still, he didn''t mention it and opted to order the dish Lord Henrik had suggested.


    "So, what will you have, Rubina? I think my premium steak should be good, considering it came from my own town," Logan said, trying to keep his smile steady as he inwardly questioned why he was paying for his own produce.


    "Hmm, I think I''ll go with something light," Rubina said, eventually settling on a salad topped with Roc meat¡ªwhich, in essence, was similar to chicken.


    As they waited for their food, the two began to chat about the town, filling the air with lively conversation which reminded Logan of when he just arrived here and only had Rubina with him at all times.

 Chapter 223 - 223: Awakening Powers

    Half a day passed as they explored various shops, enjoyed a fruit salad by the fountain, and watched the bustling city folk go about their day. Later, they strolled through a garden, an elegant space funded by Lord Henrik to enhance the town''s beauty.


    Logan truly appreciated Henrik''s suggestions; not only did each location feature excellent food and captivating sights, but some, like the garden, offered peaceful seclusion. These quiet moments gave Logan a chance to talk more freely with Rubina. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "It''s great to just have some time for us again, right?" Logan said as they sat near a cluster of flowering bushes. The blooms, protected by magic, thrived despite the ice and snow outside.


    "Yes, I do miss the brief time we spent together back in Elris," Rubina replied, her gaze fixed on the setting sun. A faint melancholy crossed her face as she realized the day was nearing its end. "It''s also nice not to be drowning in work. I hope Leonard has settled in and found more people to help him."


    "True. I gave him enough money to hire any help he might need. Then again, he''s a workaholic¡ªa genius, really. I''ve never seen someone use water magic on ink to speed up their work," Logan mused, recalling the impressive efficiency his advisor had demonstrated.


    "Yes¡­ so, Logan, what do you really think about us? Do you believe it will work out?" Rubina finally voiced the question that had been on her mind all day. Her hesitation was evident, but the weight of her words lingered in the air.


    "I guess you know about me and Lisa, huh? I did give her an ultimatum, but I can''t keep you girls waiting forever either. So, I''ll say this¡­ I''ll do my best to make you happy, if you can just wait a little longer for the answer to that question."


    Logan moved closer to Rubina, hoping the cool evening air could serve as an excuse to lessen the space between them. He couldn''t help but feel like a fool¡ªshe had waited so long for him, only to be asked to wait even more.


    Taking a deep breath, Logan slipped his arm around her shoulder, gently pulling her closer.


    "You know¡­ everything about this power is strange, Ruby. I know I''ve made you wait, but you should also know how I feel. Then again, it''s getting harder to keep holding back, knowing how you all feel."


    Rubina felt the tension in his arm as it pulled her even closer. She hadn''t yet kissed Logan as a true couple might, and as he leaned in, she found herself uncertain about what to do when he closed the remaining distance and kissed her.


    Closing her eyes, Rubina decided to go with the flow this time. Logan, on the other hand, had a bit more experience and quickly noticed the tension in her body begin to ease.


    Not wanting to overwhelm her, he kept the kiss simple yet lingering, savoring every second. But slowly, he found himself ensnared by her sweet allure¡ªsomething he had forgotten to account for.


    Her recent second evolution had brought with it a special power, one she had never dared to use, having never had a true companion before.


    Logan''s body felt like it was on fire. The sensation was invigorating, like being healed and experiencing a sugar rush all at once. Realizing the kiss was escalating into something he might not be able to control¡ªespecially with others nearby¡ªhe pulled back.


    "Ruby, please warn me before your power activates. I was seconds away from tearing off your clothes in public!" Logan said, his voice strained as he worked to steady his breathing.


    Rubina, suddenly remembering her power, facepalmed in embarrassment. She had never used it before and had completely forgotten about it.


    "Sorry, Logan, I forgot¡­ you should clearly know why. But thanks for not going crazy," Rubina said, coughing lightly to mask her embarrassment.


    "There''s no problem. I forgot too¡­ Now, how about we take our time heading back? My heart''s still racing," Logan admitted, glancing at his trembling hands. Feeling too exhilarated, he decided to channel Zephyr''s magic, summoning a gentle breeze around him to calm himself.


    "There, that''s better. Let''s go, Ruby." Logan stood and extended a hand to help her up.


    As they walked, they placed their hands on each other''s waists, the space between them mere millimeters, Logan enjoying the warmed Rubina radiated in the cold spring night.


    They tried to prolong their date, walking slowly to savor every moment, but their time together sadly came to an end as they reached the door of Lord Henrik''s estate. Logan knocked, and a maid promptly opened the door, allowing both youths to step inside.


    Rubina was the first to head back to her room, while Logan decided to pay a visit to the city''s lord. He had brought along a few gifts as tokens of gratitude for Henrik''s assistance, including some crystals specially chosen to help the count grow stronger. Based on Henrik''s hair and aura, it wasn''t difficult to deduce that he was an earth mage, so selecting an appropriate crystal was a simple task.


    "Thanks, Henrik. Everything went perfectly. If you ever need anything in the future, please don''t hesitate to ask," Logan said with a warm smile, taking a seat opposite the lord, who was sipping tea to warm himself after a long day of paperwork.


    "There''s no need for thanks. It''s wonderful that even a hero can enjoy himself in a small city like mine," Henrik replied, setting his teacup down. "That said, I do hope you''ll continue to help us grow. If there''s anything you can do to support our development, please let me know. I would be more than willing to split the rewards handsomely."


    "I do have a few plans to expand some merchandise. Do speak with my assistant, though¡ªit''s primarily meant for nobles, but I wouldn''t mind if you could set up a few arcades so the commoners can enjoy it as well," Logan said, keeping his explanation vague.


    He didn''t want to delve into the intricacies of video games and arcades without first consulting Marie to confirm they''d have enough supplies for the project. For now, he decided to leave the details for later discussion.

 Chapter 224 - 224: Visiting the Tamed

    Logan was finally soaring above the skies of his kingdom. Exhausted from the long journey, he knew this was just the start of what lay ahead as he would need to fly to new lands to get more monsters.


    As he glanced around, the now-familiar terrain near his country unfolded below him. He had memorized most of it by now and could easily estimate how long it would take to reach his castle.


    "Home sweet home," Logan said loudly enough for the others to hear over the rushing wind.


    [We''re almost there¡­] Rubina communicated through their link, avoiding the need to shout.


    [Yes¡­ almost home. I''m so tired.] Lisa added, her exhaustion clear as she silently resolved not to take part in the next monster expedition.


    Within thirty minutes of flying through the familiar skies, they finally caught sight of the large walls that defined their home.


    Rosethorn was coming into view, its details growing sharper by the minute. Logan noticed the outer sections had expanded since his departure. Three areas he recognized¡ªone for the warks, one for the goblins, and another he couldn''t quite place. But he also saw new additions that hadn''t been there before.


    One area, layered in visible snow, was clearly for ice monsters. Another, marked by glowing pools of lava, was meant for fire beasts. There was yet another for lightning creatures, and more still. In total, there were now seven of these new zones.


    [Girls, I''ll be taking Wyver to the newly constructed ice zone,] Logan communicated, noting with satisfaction the addition of a tower he had requested. Wyverns needed high nests, and the new structure stood tall and proud, a perfect home for his companion.


    As Logan approached, he took in the remarkable craftsmanship of the new walls and towers. Each stone edge was rounded and polished to a marble-like finish, giving the structures an air of elegance and sophistication.


    The only downside was the biting cold that seeped through the air. The dome-shaped design kept the sunlight from warming the vast, frigid area, intensifying the chill.


    [Wyver, buddy, I''ll have to leave you here,] Logan communicated, unable to proceed further into the freezing zone while on its back. Curiosity got the better of him as he wondered what was generating the icy air. Scanning the area, his gaze fell upon a small figure at the center of the dome.


    [Luna?] Logan called out, surprised to see her there. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Master back?] Luna replied eagerly, her cold aura dissipating as she dashed toward him. Her figure had grown noticeably larger, almost reaching half of Ferra''s size, with a sleek, streamlined appearance that caught his attention.


    She darted toward Logan with a speed that left him dumbfounded¡ªhe hadn''t anticipated just how much her figure had grown. As Luna came closer, Logan realized she now stood at an impressive two meters in height, her nine tails fanning cold air with every movement.


    To shield himself from the chill, Logan summoned extra layers of protection. However, as Luna neared him, she skillfully controlled the cold air, ensuring the space around him remained comfortably warm.


    [You''re getting better every time I see you, Luna,] Logan remarked. This time, he didn''t even need to crouch to hug her face.


    [Yes, stronger¡ªwant to be like Mother,] Luna replied, puffing her chest out with pride.


    [It won''t be long then. I wonder how your fourth evolution will be,] Logan said with a smile, ruffling her fur gently before taking a step back to admire her.


    [Please take the time to get to know Wyver and the new monsters I''ve brought. Show them the ropes, teach them how to use the crystals, and keep an eye on them for me, alright?] Logan added, giving one of his most loyal companions another affectionate hug before stepping away.


    Summoning his wings, he prepared to leave. Just as he was about to take off, his gaze landed on Riptide near the entrance of a cave. Surrounding him was a group of fifteen creatures, some playing while others were sparring, honing their skills in what seemed to be an organized practice session.


    Logan made his way to the nearest section designated for his earth creatures. It was one of the largest areas, thanks to Terra and Silis, whose massive sizes required ample space. Additionally, their ability to reshape the terrain to suit their preferences likely meant the section was expanding by the day.


    One advantage of the earth creatures was their ability to burrow underground, creating homes hidden from view. Logan didn''t spot his mole colony, which likely meant they were beneath the surface, busy in their subterranean havens.


    Silis, however, was impossible to miss. The colossal serpent lay coiled, basking in a moment of peaceful rest.


    [Hey there, Silis, where are the others?] Logan asked, glancing around. The basilisk, who usually accompanied Silis, was noticeably absent, prompting his curiosity.


    [Hunting and sleeping¡ªmost are underground,] Silis replied, remaining in her spot. Logan felt a pang of guilt at her lack of enthusiasm compared to Luna''s energetic greeting.


    [Aren''t you going to greet me?] Logan asked, puzzled by her distant demeanor.


    [Can''t move¡ªeggs will break,] Silis explained, shifting her head slightly to reveal two large eggs nestled beneath her.


    [Oh¡­ well, keep at it then,] Logan said as he approached, gently patting her side and wondering when the eggs would hatch.


    [Ask my kin if you need help,] Silis added before closing her eyes once more.


    Logan left her to guard her eggs in peace and made his way to check on his strongest beast. Unlike the frost and earth sections, the fire zone posed a greater risk to him, so he unfurled his wings and flew over the fiery terrain. He scanned the area until his eyes landed on a pack of dinosaurs.


    [Scorch?] Logan called, spotting four of the massive dinosaurs that were as large as Scorch himself. The rest of the herd, about eleven, were still raptors, smaller in comparison but no less fierce.


    As Logan''s voice carried through the area, he finally located Scorch and his mate sitting protectively near two eggs. The eggs gleamed with vibrant, fiery hues, and Logan suspected they were close to hatching. The abundance of fire stones scattered throughout the zone seemed to benefit the creatures, strengthening them without requiring them to drain mana from the crystals.


    Marie had previously informed Logan that, with the collaborative efforts of Kryst, her new colony, and Silvia, they had successfully developed special crystals. These crystals could now replenish energy reserves efficiently, serving as a sustainable power source without depleting to the point of disappearing.


    Hearing Logan''s voice, Scorch dashed toward him with the eagerness of a loyal dog greeting its master.


    Logan, however, prepared himself by summoning a few protective shields. Hugging the fiery creature without taking precautions would be a challenge.


    As Scorch closed the distance, he skillfully adjusted the heat of his scales, containing it to a safe temperature that wouldn''t harm Logan. With this done, he nuzzled up to Logan, his affection evident even in the air.


    Taking a deep breath, Logan carefully climbed onto Scorch''s back, cautiously testing to ensure he wouldn''t sear himself alive. To his relief, the temperature was manageable, and he settled in.


    "I hope you''re enjoying your new home, Scorch," Logan said, settling onto the dinosaur''s broad back. Scorch wagged his tail in excitement and made a series of sounds that Logan could only describe as a dinosaur''s version of dog-like whimpers, showcasing just how thrilled he was to see his master.


    [Yes, hot and nice¡ªjust what we needed. We grow stronger every day and don''t have to kill all the creatures anymore,] Scorch replied with evident joy.


    "Good. Just make sure your raptors don''t cause trouble for the ones that feed you. The staff mentioned the heat''s been a bit overwhelming, even for fire mages," Logan said, his tone firm as he reminded Scorch to better manage his underlings.


    [Will warn them!] Scorch responded enthusiastically before nudging Logan closer to the eggs.


    [So, when will they hatch?] Logan inquired, leaning in to observe the brightly-colored eggs.


    [Soon. I want you to see them born. Please stay today¡ªI feel movement,] Scorch said, his voice filled with pride and anticipation.


    Logan hesitated, briefly reconsidering his plans for the day. "I won''t leave until they hatch, Scorch. Just call me when something happens," he promised, gently patting the proud father''s head.


    Scorch, clearly pleased, rumbled softly as Logan prepared to stay and witness the birth of his loyal companion''s offspring.

 Chapter 225 - 225: Back to His Throne

    After visiting the rest of his creatures, Logan finally stepped into his castle. The first to greet him was Leonard, who had plenty to report¡ªfrom updates on the city''s progress to news about the heroes now residing in the kingdom. Many of them had bought homes within the country and were making use of the teleportation arrays to travel to the labyrinth.


    "So, is it worth it to keep the heroes here?" Logan asked, curious about whether they were adhering to the kingdom''s rules or causing any trouble.


    "There have been no issues so far, Your Majesty. We did, however, receive a notice from other kingdoms urging us to ensure the heroes continue their training. Notably, the Kingdom of Elris has requested to send Theron to check on the heroes'' progress. Of course, he''ll need your permission to enter our borders," Leonard explained.


    "Oh, that guy¡­ Fine, give him what he needs to pass. If he can keep the kids in shape, it''ll benefit everyone," Logan replied, recalling the strict commander who had once regarded him with open contempt during their first meeting. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Now, onto the next issue," Leonard continued. "We need to discuss the new cities being built. Should we construct walls for them as well? I believe it would be wise to plan the infrastructure before the settlers arrive."


    As he spoke, Leonard looked through his terminal¡ªa translucent screen projected above his hand by the crystal embedded in his ring. This ingenious creation was another of Marie''s innovations, part of her ongoing efforts to condense the functionality of a computer into the form of a simple ring.


    "Sounds good. Have the basilisk and moles help¡ªI''ll inform Digger and Silis so they can send their best to handle whatever''s needed," Logan said while adjusting the position of his legs, comfortably seated on his throne.


    "Right. I''ll get the builders started on it," Leonard responded, tapping away on the translucent keyboard of his screen. Despite having never used a computer or tablet before, he was becoming remarkably adept with the new technology. "One more thing related to this: should we expand the magic train network to the other cities?"


    "I wouldn''t mind, as long as we have enough gold for it¡­ Then again, expanding it would create more jobs, right? Check our finances¡ªI''m fine with it. We can recover the investment later," Logan replied with a nod, considering the potential benefits.


    "Well, that wraps up the most urgent matters, Your Majesty. I assume you''ll want to try the train later? It''s functioning perfectly now. Not only has it become a major attraction for the city, but it''s also indispensable for commuting, especially as the city''s size has increased," Leonard added, pulling up a map that displayed the city''s recent developments.


    Logan, still recovering from his fatigue after visiting his beasts, realized just how much larger the city had grown since he''d last seen it.


    "You managed to accomplish all that in two weeks? How about Scarlet? Was she affected?" Logan asked as he gently patted his bracelet, the creature within responding with vines that softly caressed his skin.


    "Nothing of the sort," Leonard replied confidently. "We worked hard to ensure she wasn''t disturbed. The dome remained the same size¡ªonly the outer sections were expanded." He proceeded to show Logan the improvements, which included new areas for the Goblins and Warks, as well as space for the growing population.


    "Nicely done, Leonard. I''m glad to have your help with this¡ªit looks neat and orderly, far better than anything I could''ve managed," Logan said with an appreciative smile, momentarily wondering if he could get a ring like the one Leonard used.


    "It wasn''t just me. I''ve hired staff to assist with the expansion and to address any issues we might face. Please make time to meet them when you can," Leonard added, finishing his report as others waited to speak with Logan.


    At Leonard''s signal, the castle doors opened, and three individuals entered the room. It was Ruben, Marie, and Bobby, who had been collaborating on several key projects.


    "Hey there, you three. I keep hearing about the fascinating ideas you''ve been working on. I just hope we''re paying you enough," Logan greeted them warmly, addressing the heroes who were pivotal to the kingdom''s growth.


    "No need for thanks. We''re simply helping this city become a place where we can all live comfortably. Honestly, I doubt any other kingdom would provide us with the resources or manpower to achieve what we''ve accomplished here," Bobby said, speaking earnestly despite having only just met Logan.


    "Relax, Bobby. While Logan does sit on his throne, he''s just like us. Right, Logan?" Ruben teased, patting his friend''s stiff shoulder in an attempt to lighten the mood.


    "That''s right, Ruben. We''re essentially equals. But if you ever decide to build your own kingdom, do consider the immense amount of work that goes into it," Logan replied, rubbing his temple as though feeling the weight of his responsibilities.


    "I still have so much to research¡­ I doubt I''ll have enough time before the war," Marie added softly, her voice carrying a tinge of worry.


    She had yet to find a moment to speak to Logan alone, and now that she saw him again, embarrassment crept over her. Something about him seemed different¡ªhe carried himself with more confidence that hadn''t been there just a few weeks before.


    What caught her attention most was the way he held his gaze steady when he looked at her. He didn''t glance away after every few seconds as he used to, making her heart flutter with admiration.


    "So, what brings the three of you here? I hope it''s to test that train I keep hearing about," Logan said, his voice tinged with excitement.


    "About that¡ªsure, we can try the train¡­ though, honestly, it''s lost its novelty after the thirtieth ride," Bobby admitted with a grin, pausing to let the others speak. "But I''d really like to hear your take on it."


    "I actually came to give you some new gear," Ruben began. "And also gear for some of your monsters. I hope you can equip them so the soul equipment can grow with them, hopefully keeping them safe in the future."


    "As for me¡­" Marie hesitated slightly before continuing. "I also wanted to give you some things¡­"

 Chapter 226 - 226: Improved Gear

    Logan shifted his legs again, his gaze moving between Ruben and Marie, wondering what they had brought for him this time.


    "I will accept anything you make¡ªso far, it''s helped me greatly. Just let me know what you need, and I''ll do my best to get it for you. Also, to tell you the truth, we ran into complications with demons on our way north, so any help would be appreciated before I leave again," Logan said, his voice steady yet tinged with expectation.


    Ruben didn''t make him wait long. He began pulling out a cloak, a few clothes, and another whip.


    "No armor?" Logan asked, surprised by the absence of heavy metal gear.


    "No need¡ªyou''re not suited for that kind of equipment. What you need is an increase in speed, intelligence, and mana. Based on what you''ve told me about your use of the whip, it seems you''ve started wielding it in a rather unconventional way. So, just another whip like the one I gave you before wouldn''t suffice," Ruben explained.


    He held up the whip, its sleek design unmistakably different. "This isn''t just any whip¡ªit''s embedded with your two strongest elements: holy and darkness. We cultivated a duo elemental crystal to make this possible. It''s not only a whip but also functions as a magic staff or rod that works perfectly with your crown, which already boosts intelligence.


    "This whip will reduce mana consumption by using it more efficiently. As for the clothes, they''re embedded with lightning and darkness. That''s why they''re black with yellow lines. The mana stones were crushed into fine dust and fused with the robe''s magical fabric. It''s perfect for blending in with illusion magic while also emitting electric pulses that disrupt your enemies."


    Ruben huffed as he finished his explanation, clearly proud of the effort that had gone into the equipment.


    "That''s great. I really needed new clothes¡ªthe last ones ended up in tatters. I''d rather not go through that again¡­" Logan sighed, his mind briefly drifting to the ruined suit still stored away in his inventory.


    "Did you already receive payment, or should I pass it along to you now?" Logan asked, his curiosity piqued.


    "No worries¡ªI was paid in advance. I just hope you like it," the blacksmith replied, his tone humble yet confident.


    "I more than like it¡ªI love it. The clothing is both stylish and practical, and the weapon is incredible," Logan said with enthusiasm, holding up his old whip as he continued. "This one has been through so much it almost broke under Lisa''s magic."


    Logan showed the blacksmith the wear and tear on his trusty weapon, his appreciation for the new gear clear in his expression.


    "Yeah¡­ I don''t think I can fix that. Use the new one and keep this one as a memento of your journey," Ruben said as he inspected the cracked whip. He couldn''t help but wonder if the new one would survive the onslaught Logan put it through¡ªafter all, even living weapons required proper care and treatment to endure.


    After handing over the items, both Bobby and Ruben excused themselves, understanding that Marie would likely prefer some time alone with Logan. Leonard had quietly left earlier while the four heroes were still conversing.


    "Hey there, Marie. How about some tea? I''ve made it a habit to relax in the afternoons with tea and sweets," Logan suggested, his tone light and inviting.


    Although Logan was eager to test the new gear, he knew it would have to wait. Marie''s expression made it clear she wanted to talk, and he didn''t need his taming connection to sense her desire for his attention.


    Marie nodded, shaking off the nervous feelings that often made it hard for her to speak around Logan.


    "Sorry, Logan. Sure, I''ll accept your invitation," she replied, her voice soft yet earnest as she followed him into a cozy room adjacent to the throne room.


    Inside, Ruri was already preparing Logan''s favorite black tea¡ªor at least something that resembled the taste of it.


    "Thank you, Ruri. Could you prepare a cup for Marie as well? We''ll have a chat and, of course, you''re welcome to join us and relax," Logan offered warmly.


    But Ruri shook her head, her focus on the tasks at hand. "I still have work to do. You brought back a week''s worth of clothing¡ªI''ll have the staff clean and organize it. I do hope you can spare some time to speak with me after dinner and before your bath," she requested as she finished her duties.


    With a quick but respectful bow, Ruri placed Marie''s cup close to her and exited the room, leaving the two alone to enjoy their tea.


    "She is shy¡­" Logan said while blowing on his tea while waiting for Marie to begin speaking.


    "I can''t blame her¡­ but I do appreciate what she did. Now then, how about I give you your version of Leonard''s ring terminal? I''ve made sure to include games, shows, movies, and everything else you''d want. There''s even something new in it, just for you," Marie said, her earlier shyness melting away as she spoke excitedly about her creation.


    "Oh, go on¡ªyou have my full attention now," Logan replied, taking the ring in both hands and inspecting it carefully before slipping it onto the middle finger of his right hand. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I noticed you have a small shard of the Chronical Crystal," Marie began. "If you bring the ring close to it, it''ll display detailed information about your creatures, as well as data on monsters, biomes, locations, and all that good stuff. Silvia and I are even working on a new project¡ªa hybrid between a drone and a satellite. The idea is to deploy them to orbit a few kilometers above us to provide even more detailed information. Of course, they''d need to stay near the planet to function properly, since the mana flow only works here," she explained, her voice filled with enthusiasm.


    As Marie went on, she became more like Ruben, speaking in rapid detail. By the time she finished, Logan had not only drained his first cup of tea but had already poured himself a second.


    "That''s great, Marie. It''s also nice to hear you have so much planned here. I just hope what I''m giving you is enough," Logan said with a smile, taking a bite out of a pastry.


    "Of course, Logan. I don''t think I could live in any other kingdom¡ªor even back home. I can only imagine all the things I''ll be able to do here: the people I''ll help and the projects the others and I will bring to life," Marie replied, her mind racing with thoughts of everything still left to accomplish. From further refining the improved crystals to designing motors that could revolutionize everyday objects like fridges and even washing machines, her excitement was evident.


    "As I''ve said before, if you need anything, just ask," Logan said, shifting closer and sitting beside her. His tone softened as he added, "Also¡­ you don''t need to hide behind your illusion, Marie. Use your real form. Don''t worry about your figure¡ªit''s great as it is. Trust me, there are others who don''t even have the chance to show their true selves."


    "If you insist¡­" Marie replied, her voice quiet but steady. She closed her eyes, concentrating briefly before letting go of her illusion. Her real form emerged¡ªa more petite frame, not as ample in certain aspects, yet still exuding a refined elegance shaped by her evolution and Logan''s taming correction.


    "There we go. See? You still look great," Logan said warmly, gently tilting her chin up so she would meet his gaze.


    "Now tell me, how have you been? Aside from your inventions, how do you feel here? And do you think you need a monster like Rubina or Lisa?" Logan asked, his tone warm as he tried to convey just how much he appreciated Marie''s tireless efforts to improve his kingdom.


    "A slime like Kryst would be perfect!" Marie responded enthusiastically. "I don''t like flying, and I''d rather not jump into battle, so having a friendly crystal slime would be ideal for me." She paused for a moment, her expression softening as she continued. "As for how I''ve been¡­ well, I did miss having you around. It''s just that felt a little lonelier without you here, so I hope you finish your monster exploration soon." Marie said happily before turning it to a sad smile.


    "I will hurry¡­" Logan said hoping he could stay without worrying about demons and monsters.

 Chapter 227 - 227: Joke and Hatching

    Even though Logan wanted to return Marie''s feelings, he knew he had to let her go for now. There were others he needed to speak with¡ªLisa, in particular¡ªbefore making any final decisions about how he would treat the other girls.


    Marie had left after a lighthearted conversation about her days in the kingdom and how much she enjoyed working with Kryst. With so much to do before his next departure, Logan waited for Lisa and Alma, who he knew would return soon after their work in the town.


    Lisa had gone with Alma, the singer, to catch up with her best friend after being apart for so long. They needed the time together, while Logan focused on finishing his official duties.


    It wasn''t long before the two arrived at the castle. By then, Logan was seated on his throne, sifting through documents. When the girls entered, they presented themselves in a way that caught him completely off guard.


    "What are you two up to¡­ especially you, Lisa? I know you''re not the type to wear something like that¡­" Logan said, glancing around to ensure no one else was in the room. He was relieved to find they were alone, as the two girls stood before him dressed in a casino bunny suit like outfit.


    "Well¡­ one of the most famous casinos I sing at during peak hours has this as an official work uniform. Now then, why didn''t you just start with a compliment instead of interrogating us, idiot?" Alma retorted, her tone sharp but playful as she flashed Logan a mischievous grin.


    "Yes, well, you two look great, of course. That doesn''t even need to be said, but¡­ why here, you know?" Logan stammered, gulping as Alma began walking toward him. She moved with deliberate emphasis, her fishnet stockings accentuating the red swimsuit-like outfit that clung to her curves. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Lisa, on the other hand quickly turned invisible the moment someone opened the door. It was Ruri, who peeked in, only to dart back out, flustered and clearly puzzled by Alma''s choice of attire.


    "Alma¡­ I appreciate what you''re showing me," Logan began, coughing awkwardly as he tried to maintain composure, "but how about we move this to a more private area?" He couldn''t help but wonder if they truly wore outfits like that in the casino.


    "So, you don''t want others to see us, huh?" Alma teased, sitting casually on the edge of his throne, her playful grin showing no signs of fading. "Fine, I guess I''ll stop."


    With a snap of her fingers, her outfit transformed into a stunningly vibrant gown, the kind one might wear to an elegant ballroom dance. She twirled slightly to show off the details of the magical fabric.


    "How about this one, then?" Alma asked, laughing lightly, clearly enjoying her ability to catch Logan off guard.


    Logan glanced at Lisa, now back in her casual school-day attire of jeans and a pink hoodie, before shifting his gaze to Alma, who rested her head on his shoulder.


    "It was you, huh¡­" he said, his tone a mix of amusement and exasperation.


    "Of course! I wanted to show you my new toy. I guess the runt Marie didn''t tell you, since I wanted to trick you," Alma replied with a playful wink, clearly pleased with her successful prank.


    "Also, I can change it to anything you desire in the future," she whispered into his ear, her teasing earning a sharp glare from Lisa.


    "Okay, we did what you wanted, Alma. Now let''s let Logan finish his paperwork," Lisa said, trying to pull her best friend away.


    "No, it''s fine. How about we talk in one of the rooms? I''m tired of staring at all these documents," Logan said, placing the stack of papers into his ring. He knew Leonard would likely give him an earful later if he didn''t review them properly.


    Logan took a moment to look at both girls before standing up. "It''s fine. I''m going to lose my mind if I keep going. It''s bad enough coming back exhausted after a long trip, but having to read more than twenty pages just to figure out what laws need to be added to my town is brutal," he sighed, his weariness evident.


    Just as he was about to leave with the two girls, a sudden call echoed within his mind, stopping him in his tracks.


    "Master, hurry¡ªcome!" The urgent voice of one of his creatures echoed in Logan''s mind, pulling his attention immediately.


    "Hey, you two, Scorch is calling out to me¡­ do you want to come along?" Logan asked, barely containing his excitement as he almost sprinted toward the nearest window, ready to rush to his creature''s side.


    "Why? What''s happening?" Alma questioned, watching Logan''s sudden urgency with curiosity.


    "The eggs are about to hatch," Logan explained, a broad smile spreading across his face. "Of course, he wants me there to see his kids."


    The girls exchanged glances before nodding, recognizing the significance of the moment. They eagerly followed Logan, excited to witness the hatching.


    "Sure, let''s go. I don''t mind seeing what kind of creature will hatch from the two dinos," Alma said, her curiosity evident as she clung to Logan''s arm.


    Logan glanced at her with a soft smile before turning to Lisa. "You coming?" he asked, his pace already quickening toward the window.


    Lisa sighed at her friend''s antics but gave a small nod in response. She followed quietly, her expression with a little anger before manifesting her wings to follow Logan.


    As they began to fly to their destination, Logan lifted Alma into a princess carry, earning a startled but playful look from her. While carrying her, he had also reached out mentally to Victor and Rubina, requesting their presence to help check on the hatchlings.


    They soon arrived at the fire biome. The intense heat radiated through the area, but Logan cast a few ice shield spells to keep the girls comfortable as they approached Scorch and his mate. The two creatures stood protectively over their shaking eggs, their eyes locked on the fragile shells that trembled with life.


    It wasn''t long before Victor Rosengard and Rubina arrived, accompanied by two fire mages tasked with maintaining the biome.


    "Seems we arrived just in time," Victor said, clutching his chest and catching his breath after hurrying to the scene.

 Chapter 228 - 228: Newborns

    "Yes, you did. Good thing I warned you earlier." Logan began inching closer to the eggs, only as far as he felt Scorch and Blaze would permit. He was careful not to imprint on them, as he had no intention of taming them just yet. He didn''t want every infant to grow prematurely to their adult size.


    The eggs quivered a little more, swelling with mana until they reached half a meter in size.


    "I can hear small chirps." With each movement of the eggs, one began to develop cracks across its shell. Everyone remained silent as Blaze, Scorch''s mate, moved closer, ready to assist if needed.


    Scorch, meanwhile, stood tall, asserting his dominance to every creature in the vicinity. His protective demeanor was so intense that even those familiar with him instinctively stepped back.


    Logan, however, did not fear his beasts. He understood they only wished to ensure the safety of their offspring, making it clear that no one should interfere.


    "Interesting¡­" Victor''s voice broke the silence as he observed the process intently, taking notes on his new terminal.


    Logan''s gaze never left the eggs. One of them began pushing fragments of its shell aside, its small snout biting through with enough force to send bits flying. Soon, it had cleared a space large enough to release a small jet of flames.


    The mother remained calm, refraining from interference, though she called out softly to her hatchling. Meanwhile, the other infant in the second egg began following the same process.


    "If you can recall, Scorchwyrms aren''t naturally kind to their young; otherwise, we wouldn''t have so much trouble collecting their eggs. It seems their intelligence has developed to a point where affection plays an important role in raising their offspring, and this is just their first generation... Very interesting. You don''t just alter them physically, Logan. Your evolutions could be described as... genetic, was it?" Victor spoke thoughtfully, recalling the scientific books Marie had introduced him to. They had made it easier for those in the scientific field to explore areas that were still underdeveloped in this world.


    "I hadn''t considered it that way¡­" Logan admitted, his attention fixed on the two new creatures as they began to fully emerge from their eggs, their skin glistening like oiled fried chicken from the remnants of their egg liquid.


    Their mother gently licked away most of the liquid, lovingly tending to them as they adjusted to breathing and began wobbling around.


    "What cute little babies; they look almost like tiny versions of Scorch," Alma said, trying to hold back her urge to rush over and hug them.


    Logan waited a few seconds longer, ensuring he wouldn''t imprint on the hatchlings, before walking over to congratulate Scorch, who patiently waited for Blaze''s approval to approach as well.


    "Nice kids, Scorch. You must be happy," Logan said, patting the massive creature''s leg. Scorch let out a booming roar in response¡ªonly to receive a swift whip to the face from Blaze, who grunted angrily in rebuke.


    "Well, that was deserved," Logan chuckled, amused by Blaze''s indignation.


    [Forgive me, I was happy...] Scorch lowered his head toward his offspring, nuzzling them gently. The hatchlings responded with small, delighted shrills.


    Taking this as a sign that it was safe to get closer, Logan approached and carefully placed two stones and some food on Blaze, trusting her to know what to do with them. She had already hunted beforehand, but the meat Logan provided was fresher, having been stored specifically for this moment. The fire stones were also a welcome addition to aid in strengthening the younglings.


    Logan was about to leave when he felt a tug on his sleeve. Turning back, he found a small, adorable snout gripping the fabric¡ªa sight that instantly brought back memories of his first day with Scorch just a few months ago.


    "To think I would see a member of my creatures so soon." Logan couldn''t resist hugging the small creature, which stood just shy of a meter tall.


    Within moments, the other infant followed its sibling, nudging for attention. Logan was quick to oblige, giving it plenty of pats before stepping back to allow the others to join in. The group spread out carefully to avoid overwhelming the hatchlings. Among them, Victor Rosengard stood out, eagerly measuring and studying the young creatures while the two mages meticulously documented every detail.


    Amid the excitement, Rubina found herself in front of one of Scorch''s offspring just as it sneezed. A small flamethrower burst forth, but Rubina effortlessly deflected it, leaving her completely unscathed¡ªnot even a single strand of her hair was burned.


    "Easy, little one. You need to learn to control that," Rubina said with a warm smile, gently tapping its tiny snout to prevent another outburst.


    The moment Scorch''s chirp rang out, the raptors assembled and began producing harmonious shrills, as if forming a choir to honor their leader. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Scorch and Blaze joined in, and the two infants eagerly mimicked the adults'' behavior. Seeing the healthy newborns, Logan decided it was time to let them rest. The sight of the whole family together was truly heartwarming.


    "Alright, we should get out of here before my mana runs dry. Keeping the shields up to protect you from the heat is getting tough," Logan said, prompting the girls to start gathering their things. The team began traversing the magma-like floor to reach the entrance. Only the fire mages and Rubina seemed completely unfazed, walking across it as if it were nothing more than warm beach sand.


    "Good thing they hatched safely. So, Mr. Rosengard, what''s your take on the beasts? Do we need to give them anything special?" Logan asked, considering whether they might require something akin to vaccines, as he had once provided for his dog.


    "No¡­ They seem very healthy. The fire crystals will ensure proper growth without any issues. Fire and light creatures tend to be among the healthiest in terms of diseases but are also more vulnerable to ailments stemming from their environments," Mr. Rosengard replied thoughtfully.


    Relieved, Logan was glad to know he had more than enough fire crystals to provide for the two younglings.


    "Well then, we''ll split here. Let''s regroup tomorrow to work on a strategy," Logan announced, already aware he needed to speak with a certain someone.


    "Lisa, we should talk later... If you can make some time, please come by," Logan requested.


    "Sure, no problem. I''ll be in your room later," Lisa replied without hesitation.

 Chapter 229 - 229: Other Heroes

    Logan went back to his room, feeling elated after witnessing Scorch''s happiness with his monsters. He couldn''t help but wonder how things would be when Silis''s eggs finally hatched.


    But his thoughts shifted to the conversation awaiting him with Lisa¡ªit was going to be a crazy night, and he had no idea how it would unfold. Lisa had mentioned she''d make her decision after the trip, so Logan was bracing himself for her answer. He tried to calm his nerves, yet he couldn''t stop pacing.


    The boy continued pacing until exhaustion overtook him, and he finally sat down on his bed. He didn''t even notice the window opening or the girl quietly approaching him from behind.


    "Logan... I guess we need to talk before we head out to find the new monster," Lisa said softly, wrapping her arms around him from behind.


    Fortunately, Logan had caught the scent of her perfume just moments before she hugged him, saving him from being startled.


    "I guess you''ll never use the door or come in without relying on invisibility magic," Logan sighed, feeling the warmth of her soft embrace.


    "Why should I? It takes the fun out of meeting you. Don''t think I didn''t notice the fright I gave you," Lisa teased, pressing a playful kiss to his cheek before sitting beside him.


    "So, I guess we should start with the dreaded stuff so we can relax afterward," Lisa said, rocking her legs nervously as she tried to steady herself.


    "I''ve spoken with each of the girls¡ªyou should know who they are, except for Serana since she isn''t here right now. But I''ve gotten the gist of what''s going on with them," Lisa began, her golden almost silver eyes glowing as they locked onto his her white skin tight gown let him see every curve in her perfect body.


    "And what did they tell you? Or... what conclusion did you come to?" Logan asked, gulping as he tried to prepare for any counterarguments he might need.


    "First off, I know how deep their feelings are. I can feel them too¡ªand how jealous some of them... are. I also know how yours are. It''s not hard to imagine how much your power influences you. So, I''ll make it simple: don''t tell me what you do with them, and set two days only for me, that is all I ask until I can handle more¡­" Lisa said with a sigh, fully aware of how chaotic their situation was.


    Feeling a little conflicted, Logan nonetheless accepted the deal, knowing that just a few weeks ago Lisa hadn''t been willing to agree to even do this much.


    "I guess we can do that for now, Lisa. So, did you see the other heroes?" Logan asked, curious about how she had spent her day while laying back while looking at the ceiling.


    "Yes, a few. I went with Alma to the casino. It was fun, I suppose, though I only spent a little¡ªand lost it all in an instant. Guess I just wasn''t lucky," Lisa replied with a small laugh before continuing. "As for who was there, at least five of the boys showed up. Luckily for you, Brian and his friends stayed behind in the kingdom of Elris with a few others. The ones who came were Victor, Owen, Darin, Freya, Halie, Jin, and Xander." Lisa paused, deciding to leave out a few names¡ªespecially the girls she''d heard were around town.


    "I guess you could remind me a little about them¡­ Or never mind, I suppose they must be mentioned in one of the reports," Logan said, attempting to match faces to the names.


    "Don''t strain yourself trying to remember them all. Victor is a Shadowcaster¡ªor whatever his powers have evolved into. Owen is a Soul Sniper, specializing in ranged combat. Freya is an Enchantress; Ruben actually approached her for assistance with imbuing powers into weapons. And Halie, the Summoner, came to explore the labyrinth. She needs to gather monster essence to summon her creatures. She''s somewhat similar to you¡ªa monster user in her own way¡ªand she''s close friends with Darin. He''s a boy who focuses on flowers and plants, almost like your counterpart, though his specialty lies in flora. The key difference is that he operates more like a breeder¡ªhe cultivates and grows plants but doesn''t train them. Meanwhile, Halie relies on monster essence for her summons."


    Lisa explained, her voice steady as her thoughts wandered to the other heroes she''d seen around town. She leaned into Logan''s arm, which was gently pulling her closer.


    "Jin¡­ He''s a monk who needs to be near crystals to siphon power. He can manipulate his aura using mana or something along those lines. As for Xander, he''s making money as a top cook. He relies on the mana here to enhance his food. I''d bet they''ll visit you tomorrow either to ask for permission to use the crystals or to purchase some," Lisa explained before pausing to think about the other girls she hadn''t mentioned.


    Charlotte, the knight, was likely going to be a challenge. Her abilities seemed to require a lord''s presence to develop further. Yui, the ninja, was probably with her twin brother Ren, the samurai.


    As for Reina, the druid, she was thoroughly impressed with Scarlet''s growth. While not a monster tamer herself, Reina used monsters as the foundation for her abilities. She could even transform into them when she saved their spirit in runes.


    Lisa sighed a few times wondering why Logan was the only one who was pushed away when there were so many others with abilities like his, she then looked at the ring tattooed in her finger arriving to her answer. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "So are they¡­ good enough to be left alone?" Logan asked interrupting her concentration while whispering in her ear.


    "Yes, don''t worry none of them mean harm to you, and even if they did¡­ your in your territory, I doubt even a demon general would want to be here alone." Lisa reminded him.

 Chapter 230 - 230: Problem with Kryst Pt.1

    Logan woke up the next day feeling refreshed, the sweet scent of Lisa''s hair lingering beside him. He was slowly getting used to waking up with her by his side, though he couldn''t help but feel a pang of disappointment that Rubina wasn''t there as well this time. Still, he enjoyed his moments with Lisa and appreciated the calm before the storm.


    He knew he had only a few days left to plan for the journey to the furthest country on his list¡ªEta. There, he intended to seek out the great thunderbirds that resided in the region, as well as hunt for mantises to train under Voltar. Voltar''s fighting style had even inspired the creation of a special dojo within the soldiers'' ranks, turning them into his temporary students.


    For now, Logan pushed thoughts of travel and battle aside. He turned toward Lisa, her sleeping face peaceful and serene. She seemed exhausted, so he decided to let her rest undisturbed. Just as he settled back, a knock at the door broke the tranquility.


    [Liz, I hate to wake you, but could you use your ring to conceal yourself?] Logan communicated through their link as he rose to answer the door.


    He assumed it would be Ruri bringing fresh clothes, so he made his way to greet her. However, before he could reach the door, it swung open unexpectedly, revealing Silvia. She stood there, silently appraising him with her sharp gaze, her eyes scanning him up and down.


    "Hey Logan, glad you''re back safe. Sorry to interrupt your rest, but we need to head out to the cave. I''ve got a few things that need your help, and it wouldn''t hurt to check on Serana¡ªshe''s been wanting to see you," Silvia said, her eyes betraying a momentary distraction as they lingered on Logan''s partially open robe, revealing his abs and muscles.


    Logan smirked, casually running a hand through his hair. "Sure, I''ll meet you downstairs in ten," he replied, briefly considering a joke but deciding against it, knowing Silvia would likely respond with her usual dry tone.


    "Sure. I''ll wait for you, so do get changed¡­" Silvia coughed lightly before turning to leave.


    [Don''t you think you enjoyed that a little too much?] Lisa teased through their link, yawning as she deactivated her invisibility ring.


    "Well, it was at least a little cute. I caught a hint of embarrassment from her, so at least she''s not made of stone," Logan chuckled while getting dressed. Even though Ruri hadn''t arrived with fresh clothes, he had more than enough stored away to manage.


    "Well, I''ll see you later. Do enjoy yourself today," Lisa said as Logan leaned in, giving her a passionate kiss that left him momentarily tempted to linger. But with a timer ticking in his mind, he pulled away and hurried to get ready.


    "With the new games Marie made, I think I''ll relax in my room for a while. She sure was a nerd to keep so much in her mind," Lisa said, pulling the blanket over herself.


    A few minutes later, Logan was downstairs, curious about why he had been summoned. He greeted everyone he passed along the way. He noticed Ruri heading upstairs, which made him wonder if Lisa had already left. Leonard had also been informed about Logan''s plans for the morning.


    "There you are. How about we leave now?" Logan approached Silvia, who was standing nearby, typing something on her terminal.


    "9 minutes and 45 seconds¡ªyou almost didn''t make it," Silvia remarked, taking his hand.


    Within moments, they warped to the teleportation array that connected the city to the crystal mine. As soon as they arrived, Logan felt the overwhelming concentration of mana emanating from the crystals and the many monsters cultivating them.


    The large fungi in the cavern had grown even bigger, though they hadn''t evolved. They moved with deliberate care, using tendrils of pure mana to nurture the crystals that required growth.


    Logan surveyed the vast cavern, impressed by its progress. The mana content here surpassed even that of the mine in Elris, though the crystals themselves were smaller.


    "I see that the crystals have grown and even improved in quality, but I''m guessing that''s not the reason you brought me here, right?" Logan asked, his steps trailing just behind Silvia as she led him out of the crystal mine toward the site where the laboratory once stood.


    "I didn''t ask for permission, but I cleaned this place along with Serana and her minions," Silvia said. "By the way, she''s added another to her ranks¡ªone of the bats that demonstrated extreme loyalty toward her. You can ask her about that later. What I wanted to show you is the lab we''re building alongside Marie. It''s shaping up to be one of the most advanced in the world, as we''re incorporating Earth''s technology as the foundation."


    Silvia guided Logan through a newly constructed area. The space had been transformed¡ªcleansed of its previous gloom¡ªwith the old metal repurposed to form a sleek corridor. The eerie atmosphere had vanished, replaced with an immaculate design reminiscent of a high-security governmental facility. Even the doors opened automatically as they moved deeper inside. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "There are four main parts right now," Silvia began. "The first is the autonomous section that Marie is working on. She''s experimenting with golems and crystals to see if she can create stone warriors capable of aiding in the upcoming fight.


    The second section is Serana''s lab. She''s focused on using the undead to contribute to the fight as well, but it''s not progressing as smoothly as the golems. Her hesitation to use certain members of her kin has slowed the process, but those she has given life to are stronger, faster, and able to think independently¡ªunlike the golems." Silvia gestured toward a red-colored door.


    "Now then¡­" Silvia continued, "The next section belongs to Kryst. She''s occupied with training her slimes to handle and cultivate crystals. She''s grown strong enough to imitate a human almost perfectly, although her skin remains blue. What I want you to do is¡­ help calm her down. She''s trying too hard to perfect herself¡ªto look completely human. I think that''s impossible for now." Silvia paused outside the room, waiting.

 Chapter 231 - 231: Problem with Kryst Pt.2

    Logan glanced at Silvia, who stood by the door with a stern expression. Without a word, she pressed a button to let him in, making it clear she intended to wait outside.


    He entered quietly, taking in the serene scene before him. A gentle waterfall flowed, while various slimes used the water to keep themselves hydrated. Nearby, some slimes attempted to shape their bodies into human forms, each one fixated on a crystal that Marie had placed. These crystals displayed examples of different human traits and characteristics, serving as inspiration for the slimes.


    Logan wandered further into the room until he spotted Kryst. She was intently focused on her own crystal, which displayed the image of an angel¡ªan impossibly perfect being that no human could truly resemble.


    The boy sighed, now understanding the root of the issue. He approached his tamed slime and gently placed his hands on her shoulders. Kryst was so engrossed in the crystal that she hadn''t even noticed his presence.


    "Hey, little one," Logan said softly. "You should stop trying to be something you can''t be¡ªat least for now." With that, he sat down next to her, offering quiet support for a few seconds before speaking.


    "This image, this picture¡­ it''s something that even I can''t be, look¡­" Logan showed her a scar he had on his right arm.


    "You see, we can''t be perfect, Kryst. Even I have markings and parts of myself that I don''t like," Logan said softly. "It''s okay to look the way you are though. If anyone dares to say otherwise, then they aren''t welcome in my kingdom. This place is meant for you and all those I''ve tamed. Humans who can''t respect that are simply secondary here, plus I like the way you are also, it is cute, the best!" Logan tried to cheer her up she looked at the image and then at him.


    "Best?" Kryst said with a bit of hesitation still in her voice.


    "Don''t you think so? Can anyone make crystals like you? Who can transform like you? Have more confidence Kryst, you are one of my best creatures and friends." Logan hugged the slime girl who kept repeating his words as if taking them in.


    Logan''s gaze shifted to the image displayed on the crystal. He reached out and touched it a few times, examining the flawless depiction. The figures were simply too perfect to be human. Their features seemed overly stylized, idealized beyond reason. Logan couldn''t help but wonder why Marie had chosen these particular examples to show her. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "So, what I mean is that you shouldn''t focus so much on these things, Kryst. I don''t know why you''re so determined to look human, but your slime form is perfect just as it is." Logan paused, summoning an image of her old form¡ªthe one he had always known her as¡ªbefore continuing.


    "Don''t worry about how you look, Kryst. You''ll keep growing stronger, better. You still have evolutions ahead of you. I''m sure with time, you''ll achieve what you want. But for now, just relax and appreciate who you are," Logan said, watching her carefully as she processed his words.


    "Want to be better. Want to speak normal," Kryst replied, a tinge of frustration and pain in her voice.


    "Do you remember, Kryst? You couldn''t even speak at the start, right? Now you can speak¡ªeven using your mouth. Can Scorch do that?" Logan asked, giving her a moment to think.


    "No. He can only growl," Kryst said, imitating the dinosaur''s roar with a childlike enthusiasm.


    "You see? And here you are, talking with me right now. Even humans need years to learn to speak properly, and you''ve done this in just a few months. Look at you!" Logan continued, his voice filled with encouragement.


    "Now then, I know staying here won''t help you grow any further, right? I''ll be heading out on my next trip soon. How about this time, you come with me? I want you to experience more than just a few humans and cities. What do you say, Kryst¡ªlike old times?" Logan asked, his hand gently resting on her arm.


    After a moment, he felt Kryst shift back into her slime form, wrapping around him in her usual affectionate way.


    "There we go. We''ll be heading out soon. I also want you to meet new friends, and as I said, we''ll keep getting stronger," Logan assured her before asking her to return fully to her slime form. With that, he prepared to speak with Serana.


    "Now wait for me while I check on our vampire and see how she''s doing¡ªshe might need blood," Logan said as he stood. A faint shimmer, a thin layer that had coated his skin, returned to Kryst as she settled back into her slime form by his side.


    "Will wait here!" Kryst responded cheerfully, turning her attention to the slimes under her care.


    Logan stepped out of the room, finding Silvia waiting for him just as before. This time, however, there was a subtle shift in her demeanor¡ªa small but noticeable happiness radiated through their connection.


    "I will be checking on Serana. What about you?" Logan asked Silvia.


    "I''m heading back to work. There''s a drone I want to finish setting up so we can detect any potential threats in the future," Silvia replied before turning and heading toward her lab.


    Logan made his way to the red door that had been previously sealed. With a press of a button, he entered Serana''s room¡ªa space that led directly to the blood crystal. It wasn''t a place Logan particularly liked; for those who weren''t vampires, the crystal''s energy felt like poison, draining their vitality and leaving them weak, as though it were greedily seeking their blood.


    Serana, however, was sitting near the crystal, drawing energy from it instead. This unique connection allowed Logan to remain in the room without suffering its effects.


    "Hi, Serana. Good to see you here. I hope I''m not disturbing you," Logan said as he stepped inside.


    The girl, deeply focused on her task, remained silent for a few moments before finally responding.


    "You''ve finally arrived, Logan. I''ve been waiting for you," Serana said, her voice carrying a seductive allure that was more pronounced than usual.

 Chapter 232 - 232: Time with Serana Pt.1

    "Oh? What for?" Logan asked, standing cautiously by the door, unwilling to get too close to the blood crystal that seemed capable of turning him into a vampire.


    "There¡­ I''m done here," Serana said, finishing her meditation and rising to her feet.


    "I really need blood, Logan. I''ve been relying on the crystal to nourish me, but I won''t take blood from another person¡­" she admitted, her crimson moon-like eyes locking onto his. Unlike Rubina''s fiery glint, Serana''s gaze was darker, like the essence of blood itself.


    "I understand. How about we leave this room first?" Logan suggested, stepping back as the crystal, no longer drained of its mana, began to radiate powerful pulses. The energy made his blood feel as though it were being pulled from his veins.


    "Sorry, I forgot it reacts differently for others," Serana said, attempting to stand but nearly collapsing.


    Logan didn''t hesitate. He rushed forward, scooping her up and pulling her out of the room as quickly as possible.


    "What are you thinking, Serana?" Logan asked, feeling her hunger through their connection.


    "I don''t need anyone else''s blood¡­" she huffed, her voice strained.


    "Don''t be like that. You need at least a few drops from someone else," Logan said firmly. Without waiting for her protest, he quickly cut his finger and placed it against her lips.


    Serana latched on, her strength returning with each drop of his blood. Logan could feel her hunger subsiding as her eyes began to glow, their crimson hue intensifying with renewed vitality.


    "You good now?" Logan asked, waiting a few more seconds to ensure she had her fill.


    "Yes, much better¡­ a lot better. Sorry, I wasn''t thinking straight," Serana said softly, licking the remnants of blood from his finger.


    "It''s just that unless I get the blood of a hero, it won''t suffice. And I don''t want things to get... complicated with those I know. I held back as much as I could until my mind nearly went crazy," Serana admitted, her voice tinged with frustration.


    "Didn''t you have any more in storage?" Logan asked, puzzled as to why her reserves hadn''t lasted as planned.


    "I did, but with the creation of my minion, I had to use more than I anticipated. After that, it all went downhill. And like I said, I won''t drink from others¡ªonly creatures," Serana replied, licking her lips as if the thought alone stirred her hunger.


    "And what will you do if you start turning on your friends because of that choice¡­" Logan flicked her forehead.


    "Now then, let''s begin with our day. I need to know what you were up to while I wasn''t here and why you''re not sleeping at this hour." Logan pulled her up, now that she had regained her strength. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I had to use the crystal''s power to stay strong. I didn''t even warn Silvia since it would have put her in danger. Thankfully it didn''t come to that, thanks to your arrival. Now, I guess we should hurry¡ªI know your time is precious. I''ve made one of the bats my minion, just like those I turn into. We can swap places, even from a greater distance. It would be great if you could take it along with you when you go looking for beasts, so I can always be with you," Serana explained, summoning her minion.


    "This is it. She''s small now but can also grow large depending on how much power she chooses to use," Serana said as a tiny bat clung to her finger.


    "And, of course, she needs blood," Serana added, handing the bat to Logan.


    Logan studied the five-centimeter creature with fascination. Despite its size, he could sense the pulse of blood magic emanating from it.


    He opened his wound again, letting his blood drip into the bat''s mouth. It hung from Logan''s index finger, eagerly drinking the drops as they fell.


    "Just how much does it drink? I know it can get bigger, but it''s hard for me, especially after just giving you blood," Logan said, placing his storage ring to his mouth to sip mana water, replenishing his strength.


    The minion, now sated with his blood, flew off his finger. As it soared, its body began to grow in size before gliding effortlessly out of the cave.


    "Where did it go?" Logan asked, puzzled by its sudden departure.


    "It wasn''t enough blood," Serana explained calmly. "It''s likely gone hunting. Thankfully, with your blood, it can resist the sun for a little while by using its power."


    "That is good to hear. How about the other minions¡ªwhere are they now?" Logan asked, wondering why they weren''t present.


    "They''re sleeping. They should be out and about after sunset," Serana replied.


    "Guess we can enjoy a bit of time together then. Have you noticed any demons around? Since I took Zephyr, only the bats have been here to check for demons. I wonder if they''ve seen anything like what we saw in the northern kingdom happen here," Logan said, walking toward what seemed like a resting area in the lab.


    "No, they haven''t seen anything so far, but they keep watch every night to see if anything changes. What they did find, though, is that monsters are drawn to the energy from the crystals. It might be helpful in the future if you tame a leader from each species," Serana said, sitting next to Logan, who had found a comfortable long sofa in the room.


    "I''ll have to get stronger first. I only have enough mana for another monarch so far, and it will probably be either an ent or a thunderbird, which we''re going to try taming next," Logan said, pausing for a few seconds before pulling Serana closer.


    "Serana, thank you for helping me and understanding my situation so far," Logan said, pulling her in for a kiss.


    "We can''t really do much more due to time, but we can at least enjoy this much, right?" Logan smiled, kissing her again while holding her close.

 Chapter 233 - 233: Time with Serana Pt.2

    Logan hadn''t expected Serana to push for more, but he had underestimated her. He now found himself in her bed, dragged there using her shadow powers. Serana had grown strong enough to warp not just herself, but others as well.


    "Do you ever get tired?" Logan asked, heaving as he glanced at Serana, who was panting beside him.


    "No, but I know we should stop here. You should head back to the castle soon. Silvia is probably returning shortly to eat¡ªshe said she doesn''t like eating here for some reason. I think it''s the lingering traces of death from before," Serana said, recalling the effort it had taken to clean every part of the lab.


    "I do have one thing to show you, though," Serana said, pulling Logan along to a room beneath them after they had finished dressing. She led him to a chamber filled with coffins.


    "Each one of these holds a vampire. But I haven''t awakened them all. Too much blood would be required if I did, and I can''t have you dealing with that problem just yet. If war breaks out, however, we could use them as allies. They will need a significant amount of blood to awaken¡ªpreferably yours¡ªto grant them the strength they need. So, if possible, have blood collected to revive them when the time comes," Serana explained, opening one of the wooden coffins.


    Inside lay a boy with ivory-white skin and black hair. His delicate features could have made him mistaken for a girl, if not for his short hair and boyish attire.


    "They only used teenagers for their experiments. My guess is that the older ones didn''t survive. Or perhaps with the vampirism injected into them¡­ they simply didn''t grow as quickly," Serana said, closing the boy''s coffin. She then led Logan back upstairs to the first floor.


    "Well then, until we meet again, Logan," Serana said, skipping back to her room with a small smile.


    Logan, meanwhile, made his way to Silvia''s lab, hoping she hadn''t left without him. He pressed the button that opened the door and called out, "Silvia?" S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Logan," Silvia responded in her usual stoic tone. "I expected you to arrive sooner, but it doesn''t matter much. You''ve given me enough time to complete what I had planned for today."


    Logan stepped into the lab, taking in its sheer scale. It was massive¡ªlikely the size of his throne room¡ªstretching thirty meters deep into the cavern. Crystals filled the space, their surfaces glowing faintly as they acted as intricate machinery. Some emitted holograms, while others blinked with lights, giving the appearance of a supercomputer hard at work.


    "Nice place¡­ You know, I really appreciate your work, Silvia. Are you sure you don''t need more funds, crystals, or resources? How about helpers?" Logan asked, wondering if there was anything she needed to speed up her research.


    "Not yet, Logan. First, I have to fully understand what I want to do. These small projects are only the beginning," Silvia replied, her tone as composed as ever. "Also, I know what humans will do if we introduce them to guns, weapons of mass destruction, and such. They''ll just end up using them on each other once the fight with the demons is over. That''s why I''ll be seeking out helpers who don''t have a tendency toward violence."


    Silvia paused her work and pressed a button. A crystal floated into the air, its surface radiating the combined energies of light and wind elements.


    "This is what Marie and I have been working on. By using her illusion magic to imbue the crystal with light magic, she has effectively turned it into a sort of long distance camera," Silvia explained, her eyes fixed on the glowing crystal.


    "I just need it to be able to absorb enough energy to stay airborne, and yet it''s hard to achieve that when it''s so far from land," Silvia mused.


    Logan stepped closer to the machine, considering possible solutions to her problem, including monsters that might assist in keeping it airborne.


    "You need it to stay in the air, right? How about we switch from wind¡ªwhich I know is the logical element for this¡ªand try electricity instead? If I bring out the thunderbirds, they might be able to keep it charged. As for staying in the air, we could create a motor powered by the electricity to propel it," Logan suggested, sharing his idea.


    "Yes¡­ Unlike other elements, electricity can easily pass from crystal to crystal. If a monster could supply a mana stone with it, that would solve the problem perfectly. I guess I''ll be joining you this time¡ªhopefully we''ll find the monster we need to keep this project running. When are we leaving? I really need this operational as soon as possible," Silvia said eagerly, her expression lighting up like a child anticipating a new toy.


    "If that''s the case, then tomorrow we''ll head out. I need to move quickly¡ªwith three more areas to explore for monsters and such little time, I won''t stop to rest like I originally planned," Logan said, sighing as he felt his body wasn''t at its peak yet.


    "Don''t worry. We should both go this time. Let''s establish a few waypoints, and I''ll ensure the others join us using them," Silvia replied, her mind wandering as she imagined what a long journey might feel like.


    "Well, there''s nothing more to say. It''ll be a long journey¡ªprobably the longest for me, since it''s twice the distance we took to reach Mevesza," Logan said, getting up and almost ready to leave.


    "I''ll gather my things then. Meet me at the array in a few minutes," Silvia replied with an unusual hop to her step. Logan couldn''t quite figure out why she seemed so excited about such a long trip, but he shrugged it off.


    The boy then went to get Kyrst who he needed to take with him, she like Silvia really needed to come out of the lab and see the outside world.

 Chapter 234 - 234: Back in the Sky

    Needing to reach their next destination quickly, Logan decided to forgo any fun that night. He woke up ready to depart with Silvia and Kryst. This time, they would rely on Zephyr and Wyver¡ªtheir speed and ability to sustain long stretches without stopping would be invaluable.


    They aimed to arrive within five days, though Logan hoped they might manage even less by rationing their strength and using Silvia''s power to return home at night for rest.


    "I understand why you''re not taking me this time, but do try to come back to rest," Lisa said, kissing him softly.


    "Don''t worry. We''ll return using the array by nightfall. At least this time I won''t have to spend hours with pleasantries in each lord''s city," Logan reassured her, pulling her into an embrace. They shared one final kiss before Logan exited the room.


    Silvia and Kryst waited at the entrance, ready for the journey. Rubina, Alma, and Marie stood nearby, bidding farewell to the trio.


    "Make sure you take us when you finally reach the thunder temple. I want to see more than just boring cities or labyrinths," Alma said with a sigh.


    "Trust me, you''re lucky you won''t have to travel ten hours a day. I''m more than happy to stay here this time," Rubina said, smiling at the thought.


    "Just remember to call me when you find the creature. I''ll be preparing the crystal and working with the fungus to ensure everything is ready for your return, Silvia," Marie said, hugging her tightly, as if she were leaving for a year.


    "I''ve left the seedlings ready to grow. Just harvest them when the time is right and place them on the machine. Hopefully, we''ll be back in less than ten days," Silvia said, returning the hug before opening the door to leave.


    "Well then, we''ll see each other tonight. Leonard, if anything happens, don''t hesitate to send me a ring," Logan said, noticing his assistant standing beside the throne, absorbed in his terminal. Leonard simply nodded in response.


    Logan approached Kryst, allowing her to envelope his body before mounting Zephyr. Meanwhile, Silvia prepared to take Wyver for the journey.


    [Sorry, buddy. I know I wanted to let you rest more, but we need to find our next friend to tame,] Logan thought, patting Zephyr gently while infusing mana into him from a crystal.


    "Now let''s go¡ªyou should have the strength to keep moving all day," Logan said as they ascended into the air. He patted his bracelet, Scarlet, prompting the dome of vines to open up so they could leave.


    It was a little after nine in the morning, and the spring sky felt refreshing and cool. Moisture hung in the air as they elevated, flying just below the clouds that hovered a few meters above them.


    With Silvia''s ability to manipulate wind magic, Logan focused on maintaining his own air supply, ensuring it didn''t feel like a high-power fan was blasting in his face. Meanwhile, both Zephyr and Wyver seemed intent on competing for dominance, vying for the title of "king of the sky" as they headed northwest.


    Zephyr, the faster of the two, had an advantage, but Wyver wasn''t far behind. Silvia''s wind magic bolstered Wyver''s pace, making it difficult for the large eagle to outdistance him entirely.


    [Let''s keep this up. We should reach Nyirmat within four hours. After that, it''s all west until we hit Nabolcs. Once we leave the Kingdom of Veridith, we''ll enter Eta,] Logan explained through their link.


    [I can maintain this speed for as long as needed. Just keep going,] Silvia replied, her nearly inexhaustible mana reserves proving to be even more potent than Lisa''s.


    A few hours later, they reached the outskirts of Nyirmat but pressed on, not stopping until nightfall. By the time they arrived in Nabolcs, it was late, but fortunately, there were no interruptions like a demon invasion to delay them this time.


    Upon reaching the city, they stopped just outside, where it was safe to set up a teleportation array that would last until their return the next day. Thanks to Logan''s status as a king and a welcome guest in the Kingdom of Veridith, setting up the array was a straightforward process. Silvia got to work, crafting a few intricate magical runes that connected to the arrays back in their own kingdom. The process wasn''t instantaneous, so they had some time to wait before the teleportation would activate.


    Logan took this moment to feed Wyver and Zephyr, ensuring the creatures could rest and regain their energy. Meanwhile, soldiers from the city gathered nearby, staring in awe at the frost wyvern. The majestic creature was a symbol of their nation, embodying the dreams of countless men who aspired to become frost wyvern riders.


    The boy couldn''t help but smile as some soldiers brought their families to witness the rare sight. Children approached cautiously, their curiosity overriding their hesitation. When Logan assured them it was safe, a few even tried petting the large, dragon-like creature, their faces lighting up with wonder.


    He had instructed both Wyver and Zephyr to stay calm and relaxed as humans approached them, marveling at their majestic presence. Meanwhile, Silvia finished her task and moved closer, sitting on a conveniently placed log that served as a perfect makeshift seat.


    "You know¡­ we should enjoy our time here. Whether we find a way back or decide to stay, it won''t do us any good to constantly focus on death and killing. It''ll only sour our lives," Silvia remarked, her tone thoughtful. She knew Logan had grown accustomed to battle and its toll.


    "Oh? I didn''t expect the person who spends all day in a lab to tell me this," Logan chuckled, savoring the tranquil atmosphere. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "What I meant was... I''d like to have some of your time. I don''t know how others ask each other out, so I hoped you would understand," Silvia admitted, her demeanor shy but sincere.


    "Alright, guess I was a little slow on the uptake. How about we take a relaxing tour of this city? Even if it''s not the largest in the kingdom, it might be nice," Logan said with a smile, standing and gently pulling her hand.

 Chapter 235 - 235: Evening with Silvia

    Logan never imagined himself strolling through a village, enjoying ice cream with Silvia. It wasn''t the ideal weather for it, but with the limited food supplies available to the villagers, they had to make do. Most of the locals were accustomed to the cold and didn''t mind indulging in a frozen treat that also helped preserve their food longer.


    "So, what do you think of rural life?" Logan asked as they wandered past shops preparing to close for the night. Some merchants eyed them with hopeful expressions, clearly wishing they''d step inside to make a purchase. They obliged, mostly because Silvia insisted they explore every shop. Logan suspected she was trying to stretch their time together.


    "I like it, but I don''t think I could ever fully adapt to it¡ªespecially the poverty. It''s painfully obvious how much the demons have affected these people. The lack of men, the sight of children working¡ªit''s heartbreaking," Silvia said, her voice tinged with sadness as she handed a piece of candy to a young girl selling flowers while Logan bought some for her.


    Logan glanced around, taking in the full extent of the village''s hardship. The weight of their struggles pressed on him, and he decided he had to do something before they left that day.


    "I think you''re right¡­ Monsters are plentiful here. I''d wager there might even be some goblins nearby. What do you think about bringing Krexa in and starting to form an army with her monarch ability? Considering how well the hobgoblins in our kingdom have turned out, I''m hopeful that, in a few years, they might even become creatures capable of coexisting peacefully with humans," Logan suggested.


    Silvia thought for a moment before nodding. "That might actually work," she agreed.


    "True, they don''t have a tendency to stink up the place anymore, and some can even serve as guards or mages," Silvia added. Her words sparked an idea in Logan¡ªperhaps he could tax the kingdoms in exchange for the services of his goblin and wark mages and guardians. Providing the two creatures with a safer environment to work in, away from the wild, could also bring wealth to his kingdom.


    "I''ll speak with Krexa tomorrow," Logan said, thoughtfully. "Now then, how about we return home? As much as I''d love to extend our date, we need to rest and be ready for another ten hours of flying tomorrow."


    Logan took Silvia''s hand, gently guiding her back toward the teleportation array where Wyver and Zephyr were resting.


    "Sure, no problem. But I do have one final request before I teleport everyone back," Silvia said, walking beside him.


    "What is it?" Logan asked, pausing to listen.


    "Why do I have to be the one telling you what to do? Isn''t the guy supposed to lead here?" Silvia teased, pulling Logan''s shoulder to bring him closer, her smaller frame emphasized by the fifteen-centimeter height difference between them.


    Logan chuckled and, seeing no one else around, decided to play along. He helped her by lifting her gently, placing her on top of a nearby rock. A small groan escaped her lips, drawing a faint smile from him, though it didn''t deter the passionate girl from holding onto him tightly.


    It wasn''t until she needed to catch her breath that she finally let go. "I didn''t expect it to be so great¡­ No wonder everyone makes such a big deal out of it," Silvia said, her face mere centimeters from Logan''s.


    "Yes, and what comes after is just as addictive," Logan replied with a grin. "But we should head back for today. Let''s save the rest for when we''re not facing a ten-hour trip tomorrow that''s bound to leave us sore."


    He hugged her warmly before helping her back down to the ground.


    "You know¡­ I appreciate the way you placed me at a good level to enjoy the kiss, but please don''t lift me for every little thing," Silvia said, giving Logan a stern gaze that only made him laugh. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Anything you want," Logan replied, leaning down to kiss her forehead, smoothing out the small wrinkle that had formed there.


    "Now, let''s go. I bet Wyver wants to get back to his icebox¡ªhe''s been sending me mental complaints all evening," Logan sighed, knowing the day had finally come to an end.


    Within ten minutes, they were back at the kingdom''s teleportation array. Both Zephyr and Wyver wasted no time, leaving as soon as they returned to the castle. Silvia headed straight to her lab, which was the closest thing she had to a personal room.


    Left alone, Logan made his way inside, hoping he wouldn''t be overwhelmed with work. Unfortunately for him, Leonard was already waiting in the same spot he''d been that morning, ready with a detailed list of the kingdom''s pressing issues.


    One of the items on the list was patrolling, which gave Logan the perfect opportunity to bring up his idea. He thought it might be time to form groups of Wark and Hobgoblin mercenaries to assist counties struggling with insufficient patrols. The idea of turning these creatures into valuable assets for the kingdom seemed promising, and Logan was eager to discuss it further with Leonard.


    "I''ll ask Thalor about it, as well as how much they''re willing to pay. Remember, we need to cover the cost of the creatures'' meals and crystals. I''ll talk with the treasurer, so let''s keep that idea on hold until then," Leonard said, prompting Logan to push his plan back for later consideration.


    "So, I guess that''s all for now, Leonard. I think we''ve gone over everything except the heroes'' growth in our kingdom. How about telling them that for every two levels they achieve, they''ll earn a free meal or something? That darn Kingdom of Elris keeps pestering us to get them to train," Logan grumbled, scratching his head in frustration as he wondered why he was in charge of the teens.


    "I''ll try that¡­ Now, I''ll leave you for the evening. Just make sure to get some rest, Your Majesty. We''ll need to iron out a few more things tomorrow before you leave," Leonard said, placing his terminal away and gesturing for Logan to follow him to the dining room.


    "Guess I will head out to eat. The smell is seriously strong today¡ªI wonder what they''ve made," Logan said, finally feeling a sense of relief at having completed the day''s work.

 Chapter 236 - 236: A Moment with Ruri

    Logan was really grateful that he didn''t have to settle for a lukewarm shower in some small-town inn. Though he felt sympathy for the villagers, one of the undeniable perks of being king was enjoying the kingdom''s finest hot spring bath. The springs extended to a communal bathing area near the castle, allowing his subjects to share in the luxury.


    Leonard had shared glowing reviews about the springs, which had become one of the kingdom''s best sources of income¡ªnot from the baths themselves, but from the services offered during them. The VIP areas, reminiscent of Japanese hot springs, provided food and drinks to enhance the experience. It was yet another of Marie''s brilliant ideas to generate revenue, and Logan had learned to trust her instincts; her plans hadn''t failed them yet.


    As for Logan''s personal bath, it was a vast space, thirty by thirty meters¡ªfar larger than any one person would need. But who was Logan to critique Bobby, the architect who designed it? It featured a jacuzzi, a bathing area, a changing area, and even a massage zone where Logan relaxed after his shower.


    He was currently lounging in one of the vibrating chairs, feeling his tense back muscles finally unwind. The soothing motion almost lulled him into sleep when he heard the door to his bath open. Logan opened his eyes to find Ruri entering, carrying tea and fresh clothes.


    Logan twitched slightly, realizing that he had forgotten something important from the day before.


    Logan gulped as he caught sight of Ruri''s reaction¡ªthe unmistakable cold shoulder he was receiving for forgetting, no doubt. She placed the items near him with a small but very perceivable thud, her gaze lingering for a few seconds as he pretended to enjoy the massage chair with his eyes closed.


    Just as she was about to leave, he called out.


    "Ruri? Is that you?" Logan asked, trying to keep his voice steady despite the tension he felt in the air.


    "Yes? Do you need anything else?" Ruri replied, her tone sharp enough to make Logan feel the sting of her disappointment.


    "Yes, I do¡­ Actually, I need some of your time, Ruri," Logan said, opening his eyes and meeting her gaze.


    She stared at him for a few moments before sighing, and Logan could sense through their connection that her anger had softened slightly.


    "First things first¡­ Lock the door. I don''t want anyone interrupting us while we''re speaking," Logan requested, knowing there were at least two people who might dare to barge in while he was bathing.


    "Alright¡­" Ruri said, turning the lock on the knob before stepping a little closer to him.


    "You know¡­ you''re always so stiff. Relax, Ruri. Take a seat and let the chair do its work," Logan said, gesturing to the seat next to him. Fortunately, there was more than one available.


    "I need to make¡ª" Ruri began, only to be cut off.


    "Not today. Now come," Logan insisted, pulling her closer. He knew most of the girls had been reserved around him lately, likely because of Lisa.


    When she hesitated to sit beside him, Logan gently lifted her and placed her on his lap.


    "Look, Ruri, I''m sorry for not speaking to you much these days. You know how packed my schedule is, but I want you to know how grateful I am. You''re one of the reasons I can relax like this. So please, take a few minutes to enjoy this time together," Logan said, settling into the chair and letting the massage continue. He squinted slightly, trying to gauge her reaction.


    He couldn''t help but suppress a smile as he noticed her dazed expression. She seemed unsure of what to do, but he could tell she was at least happy an emotion she transmitted through their connection.


    Logan leaned closer and kissed her cheek. "I really enjoy your company¡­ even if it''s just for a few brief moments each day," he said softly, waiting this time to see how she would respond, hoping she might finally come out of her shell.


    Logan knew that among the girls, Marie was the shyest, followed closely by Ruri, who often carried herself with an older sister-like demeanor.


    Ruri glared at him for a few seconds before finally reacting to his teasing. "You know¡­ Even I will get angry if you keep laughing at me," she said, pounding lightly on his chest before locking eyes with him.


    "Sorry, but you''re just so cute at times," Logan said with a soft chuckle.


    "Now, how about you tell me what you wanted before someone starts banging on the door," he added, holding her gaze steadily.


    "It can wait, if we only have a few minutes at least let me enjoy this." Ruri got closer and kissed him, Logan accepted it and even wanted to go a little further pulling a part of her dress down revealing her light colored shoulder as he went from her lips to her neck enjoying every part and noise she was producing.


    He used her link with him to know what she liked and didn''t, and so far it indicated that she was enjoying every second of it. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Sadly, they could only enjoy the moment to a certain extent, he did not want to ruin her first experience while in a rush.


    Kissing her once more he buttoned her blouse back and ran his hands through her hair before lifting her and placing her in the seat next to his.


    "I know it was a little crazy for our first kiss, so relax, Ruri. Take at least ten minutes before you start moving," Logan said, his voice gentle as he handed her the cup of tea she had brought to calm him down.


    He leaned in, kissed her once more, and then stood to leave, letting the moment linger before stepping away.


    Logan had to rush back to his room in order meet Lisa, he was to excited by his tease with Ruri to sleep without some action.

 Chapter 237 - 237: Warriors from the North

    Even though Logan had planned to rest the night before to save his strength for today''s long journey, he couldn''t resist the warmth of Lisa''s embrace. Waking up beside her on a cool spring morning was a comforting addiction. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Letting her sleep in, Logan got up to prepare for the day ahead.


    After speaking with Leonard, he set off to find his creatures. He was about to call Wyver out of his ice cavern when he noticed Kai and Chloe getting onto their mounts. Kai called out to him, catching his attention.


    "Good to see you, Logan. We actually needed to talk. It seems you''ll have to put your trip on hold for a few hours. King Thalor''s wyvern knights are coming here today. We''ve been informed they were spotted at the edge of the kingdom yesterday, so they should arrive any moment," Kai said, approaching Logan on his mount, with Chloe close behind.


    "How about we show them how strong their mounts can get? You did feed Wyver, right?" Logan asked, considering whether he should feed his creature again.


    "All taken care of¡ªfed and powered. Only the best mana stones for the leader," Chloe replied, smiling as she affectionately petted her own mount.


    "Also, thank you, Logan. I never expected to be like the Frost Wyvern Knights. To have such a powerful creature¡ªit''s a dream come true," Chloe added, her voice filled with joy.


    "You''re both my knights, right? You''ll need your own rides. Now let''s go¡ªI bet the others will arrive soon. I just wonder what''s taken them so long," Logan said as he climbed onto Wyver.


    Once they took flight and soared over Scarlet''s defensive dome, they spotted what looked like ten or more specks in the distance.


    "Do you think that''s them?" Kai asked, unable to use the long-range eyesight magic that Logan employed through Zephyr''s magic.


    "Yes, it''s them. They look a bit tired, so make sure they have a place to rest once everything is settled," Logan replied, leading the way as they closed in to assist the weary travelers.


    At the front of the group, three riders stood out¡ªone of them was Sergie. The other two, judging by their resemblance to the king, had to be the king''s sons. However, most of the riders had striking blue hair, making it difficult to discern which of the others were the king''s sons.


    As they flew closer, the wyverns began to call out to Logan, Chloe, and Kai''s creatures, their roars echoing in the skies. Wyver and the others responded in kind, the interaction almost like a long-awaited reunion.


    "Well, they''re from the same colony¡ªthey must recognize each other," Kai said with a shrug, curious to see how all the wyverns would react when they finally met.


    Before long, the distant specks on the horizon became clear, and Logan could make out the faces of each rider.


    "Well, the king didn''t mention that not everyone who went to fight was a man¡­" Logan murmured, noticing at least two women among the group, one of whom appeared to be leading them.


    "Good to meet you, Hero of Taming. We''re here to have our wyverns join your pack," a feminine voice rang out as the leader removed her helmet. Long blue hair cascaded down, framing a stern yet strikingly beautiful face. Her features brought to mind someone from Russia or a country in its neighboring regions, exuding both strength and dignity. Despite the helmet she had worn, her makeup was flawless, adding to her commanding presence.


    "I am Jenin, leader of the Wyvern Knights," she introduced herself. "Sergie told us we had to personally bring our ten best. So, here we are. Tell us what we need to do and where we can rest. As you know, we must return to the battlefield soon¡ªwe''ve left most of our forces there," Jenin said firmly, her tone commanding.


    Logan couldn''t help but wonder if Thalor had been just as authoritative in his youth.


    "No problem. We''ll have your wyverns rest in our city, and as for you, you can take a warm shower and recover as well," Logan said, leading the group forward. He could feel the excitement radiating from the knights as they took in the sheer power and size of Wyver.


    His frost creature''s cold aura was so potent that Logan had to keep a slight barrier active around himself to avoid frostbite.


    Logan took the fastest route, leading the group into what he now referred to as the frost dome. There, he had the wyverns settle themselves while the riders dismounted, their expressions filled with anticipation as they looked to him.


    "I guess we should start then. I know you''re all tired, so let''s move quickly. First, bring each of your wyverns closer to Wyver here, who will bless them as they join his pack. Keep in mind that they''ll most likely not evolve," Logan said, explaining the process. He was about to continue when the girl leading the group stepped forward, placing her wyvern next to Wyver. To everyone''s surprise, the creature began evolving immediately.


    "Well, I guess the fight gave it the boost it needed¡­" Logan began, but before he could elaborate further, three more wyverns started evolving soon after receiving Wyver''s approval to join the flock.


    Within minutes, the rest of the wyverns began evolving as well. Sergie, however, was given crystals to aid his creature''s evolution. While it lacked a few levels, it quickly gained them within the town, which seemed to empower beasts simply by being there.


    "Well, that went smoother than I thought. I guess we''re not doing our part, staying here in safety while you''re all out there fighting¡­" Logan said, feeling a pang of guilt. He admired the soldiers'' experience and bravery and wanted to contribute more, so he handed them a few crystals as a gesture of support.


    "Don''t worry about it, Hero. We want you to join the fight when you''re at your best. So far, they''ve only sent their army. None of the named generals have entered the fray yet. We''ll hold out, hopefully for another month. After that, though, we''ll probably be too exhausted to continue fighting," Jenin said firmly as she petted her own wyvern.

 Chapter 238 - 238: Near the Border

    Returning to the castle with his guest, Logan was pleased to hear the wyvern riders speak about him. They exchanged pointers on how to properly ride a beast for extended periods, especially powerful creatures like wyverns.


    Many topics came up, including their care, the illnesses that afflicted them, and techniques to avoid remaining in the same position for too long while riding.


    Logan not only discovered what he had been doing wrong with Wyver but also gained valuable insights into managing his other flying beasts and monsters in general.


    Healing magic was indeed helpful¡ªespecially when Lisa used it¡ªbut he also learned the importance of not relying on it excessively. Overuse diminished its effectiveness over time.


    "As you know, we haven''t been here long. You''ve provided me with invaluable knowledge. Now, I must leave you here. Please take your time resting and enjoy my kingdom as I''ve enjoyed yours.


    I have to seek out more beasts to tame before entering the war. So, the next time we meet, I hope it will be amidst the battle," Logan said to Jenin, who had been conversing with him throughout their walk.


    "Sure thing. I''ll have a good meal and bath before we head back. Thank you for everything you''ve done. My beast will no longer be limited to fighting from a distance. If it becomes like yours, I hope it can finally perform land-based attacks. Using its arms for balance will address the weakness all wyverns share."


    Jenin smiled radiantly. He noticed Thalor''s best features reflected in the girl, who couldn''t have been older than 21. Her tired face revealed the toll of the fight, but seeing Rosethorn''s vibrancy gave her hope and a renewed sense of purpose for why she was fighting.


    "I''ll return later tonight. I''ll have my administrator issue you a free pass for anything you need within this town. Take it as a token of my appreciation for the knowledge you''ve shared and repayment for your long fight," Logan said.


    Rubina, Lisa, and Alma were near the entrance, waiting for Logan to arrive with the guest.


    "Girls, please give them a thorough tour of the place. I''ll be leaving with Silvia shortly," Logan instructed, calling for both Zyphyr and Wyver, who had been following them in the air.


    Not long after, Logan and Silvia returned to the small city of Nabolcs. Their journey would take them to Spignano by the end of the day, a settlement nestled on the border of the Kingdom of Veridith.


    This stop was chosen strategically, as it allowed them to initiate communications with the Kingdom of Eta to gain entry into its borders.


    During their stay, Logan needed to determine whether they would have to visit the capital to meet the king or if they could proceed directly to the electrical plains.


    According to their map, traveling to the capital would be the longer route, requiring them to first head south and then spend another day going north to Corileven. Logan was confident the king would want to meet him before granting free passage into his territory.


    "So, we''ll keep going north. Are you ready, Silvia?" Logan asked as he secured his saddle on Zephyr. Silvia, meanwhile, was doing the same for Wyver. Both were nearly ready to depart.


    The townsfolk, eager to witness the dragon-like beasts take flight, gathered around them in anticipation. In this small village, there seemed to be little else to occupy their time, which made Logan consider introducing more of his world and kingdom to the people of this land.


    Zephyr and Wyver finally took flight, with Silvia adding a touch of flair by setting off fireworks around her. She clearly enjoyed the attention, determined to give the small town a memorable show.


    The next few hours of their journey, however, were less eventful. Flying over endless forests, they only encountered a few battles between other airborne creatures¡ªnone of which piqued Logan''s interest for taming. At times, he found himself dozing off, lulled by Zephyr''s expert use of wind magic to stabilize the flight.


    Logan occasionally switched places with Silvia during the long flight, as her weight helped ease the strain on Zephyr, preventing exhaustion. Wyver, on the other hand, struggled against the cold; his tough scales made the blankets placed over him rigid like stone. Fortunately, the saddle was well-designed to handle such situations, and a few shield spells sufficed to ward off the biting chill.


    Their only stop during the flight was to eat, giving both beasts the energy they needed to continue.


    With at least two more days of flying ahead, their return journey would rely on teleportation arrays. Silvia''s unique ability to maintain up to twelve arrays at once was invaluable¡ªa skill that would surely grow over time. However, it also limited the number of arrays they could prepare for an active teleportation gate. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Luckily, they arrived at the city before nightfall. Unlike the others Logan had visited, this was a heavily fortified city.


    [Seems the two neighbors aren''t exactly on friendly terms,] Silvia said through their link.


    [Yeah¡­ if the high walls didn''t already give it away, the ice spears lining the top of the walls and the constant surveillance definitely do,] Logan replied.


    As a precaution, he waved the flag of his new kingdom¡ªone he had prepared in case anyone demanded identification. The flag bore a shield adorned with symbols of four creatures: an eagle, a dinosaur, a slime, and a fox. Few, if any, would recognize that the rose vines encircling the shield symbolized Scarlet.


    A torch was being waved around in the distance. Logan could only guess it was the signal to descend, so he did so carefully. Whether it was the flag of his kingdom or Wyver''s imposing presence that caused the soldiers to stir, he couldn''t tell. Among the commotion, a general stepped forward to greet them.


    "I''m guessing you''re the Hero of Taming. We''ve been expecting your arrival. Please forgive my soldiers for not extending the proper courtesy of our kingdom''s welcome," the general said.


    He was stout yet well-mannered¡ªlikely the first of his kind Logan had encountered. He reminded Logan more of a merchant attempting to curry favor than a battle-hardened warrior.


    "Yes, I''m Logan, Hero of Taming and ruler of Highrule. Thank you for allowing us to land," Logan replied, helping Silvia dismount from Zephyr. It was clear she wasn''t accustomed to flying; her legs trembled from sitting for so long.


    Logan cast a quick healing spell before turning back to the general. "We won''t take much of your time. We just need to set up a teleportation array before departing for the night."


    Reaching into his storage, Logan retrieved food as an offering. He wanted to extend hospitality to the soldiers, believing it would help foster goodwill. Of course, he didn''t forget to include some alcoholic drinks¡ªthey would undoubtedly appreciate that gesture.

 Chapter 239 - 239: Unique Way

    Logan and Silvia arrived back at Rosengard around eight at night. The suns had long set, allowing the cool night air to welcome them as they teleported into the bustling city.


    "Logan, I''ll see you tomorrow. Let me know when we''re set to leave. I''ll be heading back to my lab," Silvia said. This time, before departing, she reached out to him. Logan didn''t keep her waiting¡ªhe lowered his head and kissed her.


    Finding no one nearby, he embraced the moment, lifting her slightly before letting her go. "Have a nice rest, Silvia," Logan said softly, letting her waist go as he wondered when he''d get to savor more time with her.


    It was only then that he noticed two creatures still standing by, patiently awaiting his command to leave.


    "You know... you''re free to go anytime," Logan chuckled, glancing at Zephyr and Wyver.


    [Many mates, no offspring?] Zephyr teased through their personal communication, causing Logan to cough.


    "Hey, I don''t pry into your life... How''s your mate doing? Do you have any eggs yet?" Logan sighed, knowing he shouldn''t get annoyed with his creature.


    [Soon. She needs a proper nest,] Zephyr replied with a shrill before soaring into the night sky.


    Wyver, however, lingered, glancing around¡ªa clear indication of what the large wyvern desired.


    "Ah, I almost forgot. My apologies, Wyver." Logan retrieved a pile of water crystals, fully aware that the imposing beast would never forgive him for working without adequate compensation. Like any dragon-like creature, Wyver displayed greed¡ªa trait Logan''s other creatures never showed.


    "Now go back and rest. We''ve got another long day tomorrow. If you perform well, I''ll make sure you get a proper feast," Logan said, giving the wyvern''s head a firm pat.


    [I''ll be waiting... make it two large cows,] Wyver replied, licking his toothy lips with a sense of anticipation. With that, the creature whipped up a swirling wind laced with snowflakes before vanishing into the night.


    Logan headed back toward the castle, and as he approached the throne room, he spotted the wyvern knights conversing with Kai and Chloe, who usually remained within the castle walls. Their ongoing discussion about techniques and pointers piqued Logan''s curiosity, prompting him to get closer to listen.


    Before he could reach them, however, he was intercepted by Sergie, who ran up and greeted him with an unexpected hug.


    Logan blinked in surprise at the sight of Sergie, nearly in tears, before gently pushing him away with a pat on the back.


    "It''s good to see you too, man, but save that kind of welcome for the ladies," Logan chuckled, though he couldn''t help but wonder about Sergie''s sudden display of emotion.


    "You''ve created heaven here¡­ I can''t imagine how I''ll return home knowing such a place exists. I''m certain my king will want most of the¡­ appliances you''ve introduced here¡ªthe gadgets, the train. I rode it four times just to grasp how magnificent such a project is. To think it will travel across your entire country¡­ it makes me wonder how much we can connect this world. Having something like this would revolutionize trade and improve the lives of my countrymen.


    My father has already said he''s willing to pay anything for such a marvel," Sergie confessed passionately.


    "Well¡­ we are still experimenting with everything we have here. A constant supply of crystals is essential, but to expand production, we''ll need a mana vein. I''m sure your kingdom has some. How about this: tell your king we can assist in growing crystals. Instead of mining them outright, we could cultivate them. Of course, I will have my terms," Logan proposed, hoping to not only entice Sergie but also catch the interest of the prince and princesses. Forming bonds with the likely future rulers of their kingdom would undoubtedly benefit him down the line.


    Jenin, drawn in by the promising offer, found herself ready to challenge her father for the opportunity to see their nation''s resources flourish. Even if it meant allowing the Hero of Taming access to a few mines, it seemed worth it to her.


    "I think I can help if that''s the case. We can''t easily reveal the locations of our mines, but if what you say holds true, we might be able to make an exception. Of course, this is something we''ll need to discuss further with my father," Jenin said, she even made herself look more attractive, running her fingers through her hair.


    Lisa and Alma stepped in between Jenin and Logan, fully aware of what the girl wanted and determined not to allow it.


    "Well then, discuss the rest of the details with Leonard. I''ll be taking a bath before heading to bed," Logan said with a yawn as he stood up and prepared to leave.


    He noticed the princess''s slight disappointment at not being able to continue their conversation, but he was already set on taking his leave for the evening.


    Relaxing in the bath, Logan wondered if anyone would barge in on him today. Just as he was about to get out, a gentle voice called out from behind.


    "Logan?"


    He immediately recognized the voice but couldn''t see the girl.


    "Marie?" Logan asked, curious about when she would reveal herself. He could sense her intentions, mixed with shyness¡ªit was a feeling that flooded his mind so distinctly it was easy to pinpoint.


    "Yes," came the reply, this time from right next to him. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You know... I''m impressed with how you''ve perfected that ability. I remember I could vaguely see the outline of a person before, but now it''s like you''re completely invisible¡ªnot even the water reacts to you," Logan remarked, reaching a hand forward.


    What he felt on his hand, however, was not what he had been expecting.


    "You are¡­ naked! You actually came here like that?!" Logan exclaimed, surprised by the girl''s boldness. It was both daring and bashful at the same time.


    He was actually impressed with her action, especially since she kept it that way while getting close to him, he was able to feel her soft skin and its warmth pressed against him.


    "You know there is always a first for everything¡­" Logan had to let her lead him this time, only using his sense of touch to learn where he needed to hold and kiss.


    It was very unique way, and a very enjoyable experience.

 Chapter 240 - 240: Future Conflicts

    Still unable to comprehend how the shy Marie had managed to approach him in such a bold and invisible manner, Logan returned to his room, ready to rest. Fortunately, Lisa and Alma had informed him earlier that they would be speaking with Princess Jenin tonight, leaving Logan alone to catch up on the much-needed sleep he had been yearning for.


    It surprised him to realize that the second person he would find himself drawn to was none other than Marie¡ªthe quietest and most reserved of all the girls.


    Logan sighed, recalling the unexpected encounter as he lay in bed, letting his thoughts drift into the calm of the night.


    The next morning, he found himself alone¡ªthe feeling was strange. Stretching himself out, Logan hurried to get ready for the day ahead.


    After changing and settling himself, he headed downstairs and spotted the group of wyvern knights. They appeared hesitant to leave, engrossed in conversation among themselves. Logan''s footsteps on the stairs were loud enough to grab their attention, cutting through whatever heated discussion they were having.


    "Forgive me, Hero. We were just about to leave. It''s just... we were thinking about requesting more crystals before we head out, and if possible, the mana water we''ve heard about. We felt its effects while bathing, but it seemed so diluted that we wanted to ask," Sergie said on behalf of the princes, who seemed to have nudged him into making the request.


    "You know what? Sure. Speak to Marie¡ªshe keeps track of our crystal supply. Take what you need, and even a bit extra for others who might require it," Logan replied. "As for the mana water, that would have to be brought from our mine, so I can''t provide it without revealing its location."


    To soften the request, Logan handed them his rings, thinking it was a worthwhile trade. He knew he could always have more crafted, and with the promising deal regarding the mines, what he spent on those rings would be a mere fraction compared to the gains in the long run.


    Jenin accepted the rings graciously, while the others bowed respectfully toward Logan.


    "I''m sorry I didn''t take the time to get to know you all better, but we''ll meet again on the battlefield soon. One more thing¡ªbefore you leave, make sure to get some armor checked or buy new set from Ruben the hero of blacksmithing," Logan said, shaking hands with most of them before heading off to eat breakfast.


    He knew he could have lingered longer to strengthen his bond with them, but time was slipping away. He needed to return to the border and secure permission to cross.


    Within an hour, Silvia and Logan were back on track, returning to the fortress where they had previously set up the teleportation array. It was positioned in an open field near the fort, guarded by two tents for protection¡ªa precaution Logan appreciated. It reassured him that the free meal and beer he had provided earlier were worthwhile investments.


    The soldiers greeted them with a stance unique to their country as one of them hurried off to inform the commander of their arrival.


    Silvia, unconcerned with formalities, pulled out a communication device and began contacting someone from the Kingdom of Eta. It was a duke from a nearby city, whose number Leonard had managed to obtain for her.


    Logan, meanwhile, waited patiently for either of the two¡ªSilvia or the commander¡ªwhile sitting on a chair he retrieved from his storage. He absentmindedly petted Zephyr, who basked contentedly in the warmth of the morning sun.


    Nearby, Silvia worked on her call, using silencing magic to block out any noise that might interfere.


    Soon, Logan noticed a few soldiers approaching, their formal attire suggesting that they would no doubt be escorting the general to meet him.


    The chubby man, who reminded Logan of a merchant, walked slowly in the center of the group of four¡ªpossibly due to his age. Seeing this, Logan got up and decided to meet them halfway.


    "Hero of Taming, it''s a great day to have you here. We were just about to go on patrol, so it''s good we could meet before that," the stout man said as he approached Logan. This time, however, his demeanor was far less welcoming.


    "Before you leave, I need to ask something of you, Hero. You should know that our history with Eta is not a good one. If possible, I''d ask that you refrain from saying much about this place or our soldiers to anyone. We might have a truce in the war against the demons now, but once it ends, there''s a chance we''ll be at odds again. If you are truly a friend of our country, I''ll ask you not to reveal our secrets," the general added, his previously kind tone replaced by a stern and imposing voice.


    Logan narrowed his eyes, displeased by the shift in attitude. The general hadn''t outright lied, but his behavior felt disingenuous enough to irk Logan. Nevertheless, he nodded silently, keeping his thoughts to himself.


    "Sure, no problem. I consider your King a friend, so I won''t," Logan replied, accepting the general''s words. With that, the general departed, followed by his bowing soldiers.


    Logan lingered, his thoughts preoccupied. The fact that the two countries had fought in the past left a bitter feeling in his chest. While he didn''t fully understand their motives, the ongoing war with the demons already seemed to create enough problems. How many more conflicts would arise once the war ended? sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A troubling thought crossed his mind¡ªwould his own kingdom and that of Elris maintain good relations as neighbors, or would they end up like the Kingdom of Eta and the Kingdom of Veridith, locked in distrust and conflict?


    "No, it won''t come to that¡­ I hope," Logan murmured, shaking his head in an effort to dispel the uneasy idea. Yet, his thoughts drifted to the kingdom''s support for the so-called three stooges. Their animosity toward him was bound to complicate matters in the future, making peace feel like a distant dream.

 Chapter 241 - 241: Fake Angel

    "We have clearance to go, but we need to stop at the Duke''s mansion," Silvia informed Logan. "We can skip the trip to the capital for now and just visit the Duke. For the return journey, though, it might be best to visit the capital afterward to avoid upsetting the ruler of the Kingdom of Eta."


    Not wanting to waste any more time¡ªespecially with soldiers who didn''t fully trust him¡ªLogan took off on Wyver, while Silvia mounted Zephyr. The two beasts had been restless for hours, and a light meal had been provided earlier to keep them calm, particularly Wyver, who was still new to the team.


    Crossing the borders proved effortless. Within an hour, they were already near the first city, but they chose to fly past it, their sights set on reaching the Duke who had agreed to meet them.


    Conasoneto was their destination, and the journey offered captivating changes in scenery below.


    While the Kingdom of Veridith reminded Logan of Russia, the Kingdom of Eta resembled Europe in his imagination. The architectural differences were striking; houses in Veridith were sharper and more pointed, whereas those in Eta were rounded, smaller, and adorned with vibrant colors.


    Logan speculated that the lack of prominent mountain ranges contributed to Eta''s warmer climate. The absence of snow and the arrival of spring brought vivid hues to the landscape. Trees blossomed with bright greens and colorful flowers, and the land teemed with life. Herds of deer-like creatures roamed freely, accompanied by wolves and massive bears.


    Despite the abundant wildlife, none of the beasts captured Logan''s attention¡ªthey were too similar to those he had back in the Kingdom of Highrule.


    [Do you think we''ll be welcomed warmly with Wyver around?] Logan asked, noticing Silvia lost in thought.


    [I wouldn''t bring him when we arrive. I can create a temporary array to send him back while we continue forward¡ªat least close enough for you to reach him using your wings,] Silvia responded through their mind link.


    Her rainbow-colored hair was tied back into a neat bun, preventing it from being blown about in the wind. She wore a simple yet striking outfit: a silver tunic paired with dark violet pants, a minimalist look that suited her well.


    Logan''s thoughts wandered to Ruri, who had been expanded her efforts to support the other girls¡ªincluding Silvia, who refused to have a maid or servant. The girl detested to such assistance was something Logan still hadn''t managed to understand.


    "Silvia, I haven''t asked you this before, but why don''t you have an assistant for all your work? I''ve benefited so much from the help I''ve received¡ªenough to even leave my kingdom in Leonard''s capable hands," Logan asked, curious to understand her reasoning.


    [I don''t work well with others¡­ I need to be the best, and I won''t risk someone stealing my work. So no, I don''t plan on hiring anyone for that. But what I do need is a slime like yours¡ªI believe it would be incredibly useful to me,] Silvia replied, her gaze fixed on the translucent layer surrounding Logan.


    Despite being forgotten at times due to its subtle presence, Logan''s slime was evolving daily. Its speech had improved remarkably after watching movies and documentaries.


    Silvia might not get along with humans, but slimes were an exception. They lacked greed, ambition, or any drive to outdo her¡ªqualities she appreciated deeply. What she truly desired was her own slime, albeit one different from Logan''s. If possible, she wanted to create an entirely new species¡ªone that, like her, could wield all seven elements.


    Her experiment, however, remained on hold for now. She needed to carefully combine slimes with mana stones, blending their properties gradually.


    Slimes, as single-celled creatures, did not experience pain¡ªlosing part of their body didn''t matter unless their core was damaged. This made them ideal for such intricate experiments.


    [I think we''re close enough, Silvia. We should land here and create an array before their military spots us,] Logan called out, breaking her train of thought.


    Silvia snapped out of her musings about future plans and focused on Logan''s suggestion.


    In a small clearing, Silvia began working her magic, carefully forming a magical array in the shape of a circle. Using various mana powders and crystals, she focused intently to ensure it was crafted with precision.


    Logan used the time to feed his creatures. He had asked Silvia to create the array with enough power to send both Zephyr and Wyver back, allowing the two beasts to rest for the remainder of the day. He planned to carry Silvia to the Duke''s castle himself, using his wings, so they could continue their journey without overtaxing the creatures.


    It was already around four in the afternoon, and Logan didn''t anticipate traveling further today. The electric plains were still a half day''s journey north, making it impractical to push ahead.


    Once both beasts had been teleported, Logan turned to Silvia. Without hesitation, he lifted her in a princess carry, manifesting his light-elemental wings and combining them with wind magic. The two took off gracefully, leaving the clearing behind as they headed toward the Duke''s castle.


    The city wasn''t far¡ªonly about two kilometers away¡ªand it took them just ten minutes to reach the front gate.


    Logan had no intention of hiding his powers and decided to make his arrival as grand as possible. Flapping his wings with exaggerated force, he added four additional sets, which caused his mana to drain twice as fast. Still, the spectacle was worth it. His display caught the attention of everyone near the gate¡ªguards, merchants, and travelers alike, all pausing to watch the dazzling descent.


    Cheers erupted from the crowd as Logan touched down, his wings shining brilliantly in the afternoon light. By now, most people were familiar with the saintess''s ability to manifest wings, and it made for a spectacle they couldn''t ignore.


    "Hero, we have been awaiting your arrival, the duke has ordered us to take you to the castle in his personal carriage." A soldier made way through the crowd to get to the hero whose wings were blinding, some of those nearby even bowed before him asking to be healed, his wings caused those around to even feel a sense of serenity that calmed the angry merchants.


    Looking at some asking to be healed he had Kryst over him to begin healing them, they were some in the crowd who had missing limbs, but with Kyrst''s high level, it was an easy task. Being tasked with mana crystals, she was his highest leveled monster, even if she wasn''t his strongest.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Kryst / New* Species: Multicellular Mana Crystal Slime Level: 74 Blood Mark: Right Sheen Loyalty: 89/100


    Str: 41 / Agi: 54 / Dex: 47 / Con: 109 / Int: 143 / Char: 72


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    New* Improved Healing Touch: Heals allies by transferring mana through physical contact. The amount of healing depends on Kryst''s own mana reserves. It can now regenerate lost tissue, blood, and limbs while adding to mana consumption.


    New* Improved Mana Absorption: Absorbs mana from the environment or fallen enemies to replenish its own mana reserves, the absorption rate is 1.5 times faster then before.


    New* Improved Purifying Light: Emits a bright light that purifies toxins and curses from allies within range and heals the wounds caused.


    New* Improved Mana Regeneration: Passively regenerates a large amount of mana over time, allowing for sustained spellcasting.


    Crystal Cultivation: Kryst can cultivate and grow crystals by infusing them with mana. These cultivated crystals can be used for various purposes such as enhancing magical creatures or abilities, creating barriers, or providing mana reserves.


    New* Improved Adaptive Form: Temporarily changes form to mimic the abilities of nearby creatures or objects when exposed to their mana, gaining their strengths and weaknesses. Can sustain the form for much longer without spending as much mana.


    Symbiotic Bond: Forms a temporary bond with an ally, sharing a portion of each other''s stats and abilities for a limited time. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Split Form: Allows Kryst to temporarily split into multiple smaller slimes, each retaining a portion of her abilities and mana reserves. After a short duration, the slimes merge back into Kryst, combining their collected mana and experiences.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤

 Chapter 242 - 242: Duke Kalder

    The Duke''s castle resembled a Mediterranean-style mansion rather than a traditional fortress. Encased within large, protective outer walls, its interior radiated an air of distinct elegance and charm.


    Terracotta-colored roofs crowned the structure, complementing the sandstone walls that lent the mansion a timeless, rustic appeal intertwined with sophistication. The long road leading to the mansion''s grand entrance was adorned with marble statues of humanoid figures, strategically placed alongside majestic fountains whose cascading waters breathed life into the scene.


    Surrounding the estate, beige towers and high walls stood as a protective yet harmonious backdrop, merging fortification with refinement to encapsulate the Duke''s distinguished residence.


    Near the mansion, gardeners busily harvested olive-like fruits from trees, tended to small cypresses, and maintained the various magical plants lining the path to the house. In this tranquil setting, only two soldiers, alongside Silvia and Logan, lingered outside. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The air was warm, yet tempered by a gentle breeze that kept the atmosphere pleasant and comfortable.


    As Logan and Silvia approached the mansion, a man and a woman emerged through a door, held open by two attentive servants. The man''s wavy black hair and piercing black eyes were striking, but it was the aura of darkness encircling him that set him apart.


    The woman at his side was equally intriguing, her purple hair a rare and unusual trait that captured Logan''s attention immediately¡ªhe had rarely seen such features before.


    While Lisa had streaks of purple in her hair, the Duke''s wife seemed to radiate the color throughout her entire presence. Logan noticed faint sparks surrounding her, quickly deducing the element she wielded.


    The group soon reached the steps leading to the mansion. Observing the Duke''s approach, Logan noted the man''s deliberate actions. As a king himself, Logan understood the importance of avoiding even the smallest displays of weakness¡ªsuch as standing below others¡ªso the Duke ensured that Logan wouldn''t need to ascend to greet him.


    The two men began by shaking hands, their exchange formal and composed. Following this, Logan mirrored the Duke''s gesture to Silvia, taking the hand of the Duke''s wife and planting a polite kiss upon it, respecting the customs of their meeting.


    "Thank you for granting us permission to enter your borders, as well as your king''s," Logan began, presenting a handful of electrical crystals¡ªa gift no one could refuse.


    "Thank you for your generosity. Since we know so much about you and Miss Silvia, it is only fair that I properly introduce myself. I am Duke Joel Kalder, brother to the King of Eta, and this is my wife, Sereta Brimston," the Joel said, his tone warm yet formal.


    "It is a pleasure to confirm the rumors about your majesty, the King of Highrule, and your remarkable ability to create such wonders. We have also heard of how your city is thriving. Our merchants are eager to establish stable trade agreements to acquire the exceptional crafts you and the other heroes have introduced, Hero of Taming," he added with a respectful nod.


    As he spoke, the Duke gestured for them to follow. Once inside, Logan took note of the carefully orchestrated display. Maids and butlers stood in two perfectly aligned rows, bowing respectfully as they entered. It was a clear demonstration of wealth and status, but Logan found himself unmoved, bored even. He knew this meeting would follow the same routine as with all the lords he had encountered¡ªthe usual speeches about his kingdom''s prosperity, his betrothal to ward off ambitious daughters, his personal growth, and the reasons behind his visit.


    The discussions dragged on for hours. The monotony was only broken by the exceptional food served during the meeting. Even Silvia, who was not easily impressed, indulged with enthusiasm, particularly when presented with candies that had a rich, chocolate-like flavor.


    "So, how long do you expect to stay here, Logan?" Joel asked. Dinner was behind them, and now they rested in a cozy room where only the Duke, his son, and Logan were present.


    The Joel''s son, a fifteen-year-old boy, sat quietly, his eyes sparkling with awe as he gazed at Logan.


    "I still need to visit two other sites¡ªyou may know them, Duke Kalder. The ents and the hydra are the creatures I seek before heading off to the Empire to assist with the war," Logan replied, savoring a sip of hot chocolate. Its rich sweet aroma kept him from gulping it down too quickly.


    "I do know of such creatures," the Duke Kalder said with a thoughtful nod. "I just hope you might stay for at least a few days. We''d like to hold a parade in your honor¡ªit''s the first time a hero has visited our lands. Our people need someone to lift their spirits. Many of them are soldiers'' wives or children who may never see their fathers again." The Joel sighed, his concern for his people evident.


    Logan offered a small smile, touched by the Duke Kalder''s compassion. "Forgive me, sir. I really am in a hurry. I also need to complete the labyrinth in my kingdom. I''m aiming to become as strong as possible before heading out."


    He then shifted the topic, sharing details about the inventions in his kingdom and his need for mines to cultivate crystals.


    Throughout the conversation, Logan noticed the Duke''s eyes sparkling with newfound motivation. Whether it was discussing the extension of train tracks to his country or granting Logan mining rights after consulting the king, the Duke seemed intent on creating opportunities to ensure the Hero of Taming would return to his lands.


    "Actually, we do have a way to make a return trip here easier, if needed," Logan began, explaining Silvia''s ability to create teleportation arrays. He described how keeping one active would only require someone to periodically sprinkle mana powder to maintain its functionality.


    "No need to explain further, Hero," the Joel interrupted, his tone shifting slightly. "There is just one small favor I would ask of you." The Duke''s gaze then shifted toward his son.


    "My boy here is also a tamer. He even bonded with an electric rodent from the electrical fields you plan to visit. My hope is that you can teach him. My wife and I have decided that, if necessary, you may use your power on him. We''ve been informed that it is possible to make him stronger this way."


    Duke Kalder''s voice carried a mix of pride and concern. His son was nearing the age where he would soon head off to war, and the Duke wanted him to be under the guidance of someone who might ensure his survival. If Logan were to tame him, perhaps he could make the boy as formidable as the rumors suggested.


    "I¡­ will have to think about it, sir," Logan replied hesitantly, glancing at the boy. The young tamer looked back at him with unwavering admiration, his gaze brimming with determination despite being only three years younger than Logan.

 Chapter 243 - 243: Apprentice and Nightout

    Emary Kalder had always been aware of his ability as a tamer, a gift made possible by his father''s primary element of darkness. While handsome, his most striking features were his short black hair streaked with purple highlights, and his dark violet eyes inherited from his mother.


    As a rare dual-type wielder, Emary primarily focused on darkness due to his tamer class. While many shunned the power associated with bloodsuckers, Emary regarded it as a wonderful gift. Even though kids his age struggled to get along with him, he didn''t mind¡ªhe had no trouble forming bonds with beasts instead.


    However, his overprotective parents limited his opportunities for growth. They ensured every creature he tamed was brought to him safely, and his involvement in army training was prohibited due to his inability to move like other recruits. Consequently, his monsters were too weak to battle anything beyond house pets.


    His prized companion was Sparky, an electric rodent that had been rescued in near-death condition from the electrical plains by a group of adventurers. Initially weak, Sparky had grown strong enough to potentially paralyze a Roc without difficulty.


    When Emary learned that the Hero of Taming would be visiting, he begged his father to invite the hero to their home rather than the capital. Despite the king''s wishes to host the hero, Emary''s father, owing the king several favors, ensured that Emary would finally meet the one person he idolized most.


    Rumors spread throughout the kingdom of how each hero was slowly accumulating power, but the story that captivated Emary the most was how the Hero of Taming had risen to become a king. Despite only a few months of rule, he had created a haven for his creatures and won the love and respect of his people.


    Although Emary shared only the ability to tame with Logan, he hoped to learn from him. The young tamer dreamed of leaving behind the pampering of his overprotective parents and finding strength through the guidance of a hero.


    When Emary finally saw Logan, he was struck by how young the hero was¡ªno older than himself. However, what truly impressed him was not Logan''s independence from his creatures, but the remarkable woman standing beside him. Her silver hair streaked with vibrant colors was mesmerizing, and Emary blushed as he introduced himself to her.


    "So, can you take him under your wing¡­ at least before you head off to war?" the Duke asked, eager to begin negotiations. He was determined to convince Logan to take his son as a disciple.


    Emary''s heart raced as he awaited the hero''s answer, only to have it postponed until the next day. The young boy scratched his head in desperation, realizing it would be a long night filled with restless thoughts and hope that the Hero of Taming would accept him. Eager to connect, Emary attempted a small chat with the hero later in the evening, only to discover that Logan and Silvia had mysteriously disappeared¡ªno one seemed to know where they had gone as the night drew closer to its end.


    Logan, meanwhile, was captivated by Silvia''s remarkable abilities. She had warped the two of them to a serene, breathtaking location, unlike any he had seen before. A gentle waterfall cascaded nearby, its soothing sounds harmonizing with the croaks of small frogs and the chirping of crickets. Fireflies danced through the air, illuminating the tranquil night under the soft glow of two moons hanging high above them. The dual moons provided just enough light for Logan to clearly see Silvia''s face in the calming setting. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "What a nice place you''ve found. Is this where you come to think or something?" Logan asked, settling down after crafting a long stone seat. He placed a few pillows on the surface to make it comfortable, avoiding the hardness of the stone as he relaxed in the magical scene.


    "Yes, it is," Silvia replied. "I found this place during our trip to Dracone Ridge. In other words... we''re in the Kingdom of Elris. But don''t worry, I''m confident no one will come here. I''ve set up a barrier that alerts me if anyone¡ªor anything¡ªenters. I''ve also added monster repellent, so only small critters and animals can venture close." She snapped her fingers, causing the barrier around them to shimmer briefly, its light rippling to reveal the extent of her power.


    "Doesn''t that waste a lot of mana?" Logan asked, curious how she maintained such a complex setup.


    "Not really," Silvia said with a slight smile. "I linked it to a pure mana stone that I''ve specially altered. It absorbs energy within the barrier to stay active. That''s also why monsters avoid this place¡ªthe mana is too scarce here because the crystal drains it." She pointed toward a large crystal embedded in the middle of the lake.


    "You really went all out, huh..." Logan remarked, watching as Silvia made the crystal vanish with another snap of her fingers, cloaking it in invisibility. Her ingenuity left him thoroughly impressed.


    "So, tell me¡ªwhy did you bring me to such a special place?" Logan moved closer to her, listening as she began explaining theories and future ideas for her projects.


    "I''m not sure... you tell me," Silvia replied with a shrug, feeling both a little down she couldn''t continue to speak her mind but also somewhat excited by what could come next.


    "I can think of a few things¡­ how about we start off by taking a nice dip in the water¡­ I am sure I can find a way to keep us safe even at night." Logan tapped her shoulder adding a few shield spells around her, he was glad he kept Kryst back in the Kalder mansion for the night.


    Not having proper swimwear they entered with undergarments using the clean freshwater to take a bath, luckily the fire shield kept their body warm, even warming the water around them, of course it was probably unnecessary due to being so close to each other, the bodies warmth was probably enough to ward off the cool nights air.

 Chapter 244 - 244: Accepting a Disciple

    Logan woke up the next morning back in the mansion. Though he and Silvia had enjoyed their night out, even setting a tent to keep enjoying the night, they had returned sometime after midnight.


    Silvia, still basking in the warmth of their time together, chose not to sleep alone and remained with Logan. Of course, they couldn''t continue with Kryst in the room. The slime had settled into her round form, snoring softly in a small bed crafted just for her. Made from water-resistant animal hide, the bed ensured Kryst could enjoy a cozy and comfortable rest without absorbing moisture.


    Logan glanced over and saw Kryst still in the same spot, undisturbed. Beside him, Silvia lay curled up, her face nestled against his chest. He chuckled softly at the sight of her. Her petite frame was the only thing that hinted at her actual age¡ªwhile asleep, she looked much younger.


    Her long silver hair spread out like fine silk across her pillow, and her delicate silver eyelashes tickled him with each gentle inhale. Logan leaned down and kissed her small forehead, savoring the faint, sweet scent of her hair.


    "Are you awake yet?" Logan teased, pinching her cheek lightly. Silvia stirred, pushing his hand aside with a soft motion before snuggling closer and pulling the blanket over herself, clearly unwilling to leave the comfort of the moment.


    "Too tired¡­ never did that¡­ much exercise¡­" Silvia mumbled, her voice muffled under the blanket.


    Logan didn''t even have time to count to five before soft snores emerged from beneath the covers. Smiling while feeling proud of himself, he carefully got up and lightly tapped Kryst, who was already stretching. The slime quickly enveloped his body before he changed into proper clothing.


    With time to spare, Logan headed downstairs to speak with Duke Kalder. The Duke was seated with his son, who seemed unusually eager. It wasn''t until Logan noticed the yellow-and-purple-striped mouse perched nearby that he remembered the conversation from the day before.


    The boy was clearly waiting for Logan''s answer, his dark violet eyes fixed on him with unwavering determination. Logan ran his fingers through his hair, studying the boy for a few moments as he weighed his decision.


    Taking the boy with him would undoubtedly be a risk¡ªhe was still just a tamer, after all. But there was also the potential to learn from the experience. What better way to grow than by teaching? Logan thought back to Valeria. She had only been with him for a few months, yet he had taught her so much during that time.


    Logan considered the possibilities, including the idea of having each of his powerful monarchs provide Emary with a follower¡ªa raptor from Scorch, a basilisk from Silis, and an eagle from Zephyr. These creatures, paired with a skilled handler like Emary, could reach new heights of power and control, far surpassing what Logan could achieve alone.


    "You''ve asked me to train your son, am I correct?" Logan began, settling into one of the Duke''s luxuriously comfortable sofas. Almost instantly, tea and sweets were brought in to accompany the conversation¡ªa light snack while breakfast was being prepared.


    "Yes, Hero. If possible, please help prepare him for the war. He''ll be going alongside the King''s son, who is slightly older," the Duke replied with a heavy sigh. He couldn''t hide his frustration over the situation. The only reason Emary was called to join the war effort was due to the King''s ulterior motives. The Prince wanted to gain merit before ascending the throne, but insisted on bringing Emary along, ensuring that if anything happened to him, Emary wouldn''t replace him¡ªa petty reason that infuriated the Duke.


    "Fine. I''ll take him with me when we return to Rosethorn. There, I''ll train him to determine if he''s worthy of handling greater beasts," Logan concluded, finishing his small cup of tea and the bite-sized square cake served with it.


    "Thank you, Hero! I won''t let you down. I hope to be just like you and to truly contribute to stopping this terrible war!" Emary said excitedly, jumping up from his chair in enthusiasm. His sheer determination brought a small chuckle from Logan as he watched the young tamer''s earnest display.


    At that moment, Silvia entered the room, her weariness still evident as she rubbed her eyes. Despite her fatigue, she joined them, her presence bringing a sense of urgency to the meeting since she was dressed to fight.


    Her new tunic resembled armor, crafted thick with magic-resistant properties that signaled she was ready to venture out and search for the great thunderbirds. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "We''ll be leaving soon, sir. Do you think we can eat before then? We really need to reach the plains and hopefully find the creatures we''re looking for," Logan said, his tone polite yet urgent.


    "Oh, certainly. I''ve been informed breakfast will be served in just a few minutes," the Duke replied warmly. "In the meantime, why don''t we discuss your destination? I believe I can assist you in reaching it. My wife''s family has long been dedicated to protecting the plains from spreading uncontrollably. As you may know, the rich electric mana that pulses from the temple of the Great Electric Spirit requires careful management." The duke guided everyone to the dining area, while explaining how they would reach their destination.


    "So, it won''t be hard to get you warped there. We have our own teleportation array that can transport you to the plains at a moment''s notice. The great beasts need to be managed occasionally to prevent the dangerous spread of mana. Unlike wind or earth, the electric plains grow stronger with the storm clouds produced by the thunderbirds," the Duke''s wife explained as she sat nearby, tenderly caring for her newborn.


    She continued, her tone thoughtful. "Those magnificent creatures sometimes migrate during nesting season, taking dangerous storms with them. However, you''re in luck¡ªthey should still be in the plains, as they only depart just before summer begins."


    The Duke''s wife glanced at her son Emary with joy, clearly pleased to overhear the Hero''s plans.


    "How about you tell me what else you''re looking for, Hero?" she suggested. "I can have one of my clan members assist you in navigating the plains. Without their guidance, it can be an incredibly dangerous place¡ªnot only because of the powerful creatures, but because anything that moves there without the proper precautions risks being struck dead from above."


    Her words prompted Logan to rethink his strategy. Zephyr and Wyver, as flying mounts, would be liabilities in such volatile terrain. Instead, he decided to bring Voltar¡ªa more suitable choice now that flight would no longer be necessary.


    "We''re only looking for the strongest of the best," Logan explained, his tone firm and resolute. "Of course, our main target is the thunderbirds, said to be the most powerful, but I also need Voltaris Mantises. They''re essential for building a pack for my monarch."


    "Those are certainly rare," Sereta, the Duke''s wife, acknowledged while gently patting her crying baby''s back to soothe him. "But since you already have one, finding more should be far easier. Voltaris Mantises often know the exact sections of the plains where their kin reside. Using that knowledge, you can locate them with much less difficulty.

 Chapter 245 - 245: Electric Plains Pt.1

    Thanks to Sereta, Emary''s mother, Logan and Silvia were guided to the duke''s personal teleportation array. There, Kalder kept many mages on standby, ready to assist whenever he needed to travel¡ªeither back to the castle or to the electrical plains. This time, however, Silvia infused her own magic into the array, enabling its use for their return to the Kingdom of Highrule.


    The two heroes set out to retrieve Voltar, the electrical mantis, a creature perfectly suited to the dangerous electrical fields. As the duke had warned, any being not attuned to the element of electricity would likely perish under nature''s wrath. Less than half an hour later, they returned to the teleportation array. Logan not only brought Voltar but also a collection of high-quality electrical stones, intended for taming the thunderbird he eagerly anticipated adding to his collection of tamed beasts. The prospect of acquiring such a remarkable creature made him shake in excitement.


    Upon their arrival at the duke''s mansion, everyone quickly stepped back as Logan entered. He had instructed them to clear the way, as his massive mantis would soon follow through the portal. Standing three meters long and two meters high, Voltar was an imposing predator. With deadly katana-like scythes over a meter in length and two compound eyes capable of detecting energy pulses, evading its sight was impossible.


    Voltar was one of Logan''s most formidable companions¡ªa member of the elite seven creatures he commanded, each harnessing distinct elements and unique potentials.


    The mantis, Voltar, also trained Logan''s soldiers in the art of dual wielding weapons. His sword dance was both deadly and mesmerizing, captivating all who witnessed it and inspiring an immediate desire to learn. Graceful yet powerful, his movements elevated the swordsmanship of Logan''s army by leaps and bounds, preparing them for the battles ahead. If only Logan could find more mantises to form a true unit of dual-wielding martial artists.


    As Silvia returned to the mansion, the group of four¡ªLogan with Kryst, Silvia, Emary, and Voltar¡ªassembled, ready to step into the teleportation array crafted by the mages of the Kalder household. To ensure their safety, Logan cast Static Cloak over Silvia and himself. Emary glanced at him, puzzled by his ability to use skills beyond those of a traditional tamer, silently thinking about questioning him later.


    The moment they arrived on the other side, they were greeted by Emary''s uncle¡ªhis mother''s brother and the very person who would aid them in navigating the treacherous thunderplains.


    Logan surveyed the new camp, taking in the towering metal rods scattered across the area. These structures worked tirelessly to channel electricity away from the small town nestled nearby. The town itself, crafted with earth magic, was ingeniously designed to withstand the relentless fury of the electrical plains.


    Though intrigued, Logan didn''t linger on the details. A pair of peculiar earplugs was quickly handed to him, and following the advice given, he inserted them without hesitation. Moments later, the camp was struck by over ten thunderbolts in rapid succession, each targeting the towering rods. One of the rods glowed red-hot as the accumulating heat surged from the unrelenting strikes of lightning.


    Watching the scene unfold, Logan fully grasped the duke''s earlier warnings. Bringing other creatures to this hazardous environment, especially ones of Scorch''s size, would have been the end of them in seconds.


    Turning to the man entrusted with their journey through the field, Logan asked, "So, where do we go from here?"


    "We will be heading out as a group of seven. I hope you''re all ready," Raul began, his authoritative presence commanding attention. "I can already sense barriers on both of you, and Emary''s natural defenses from his monster''s blood make him impervious to the electricity. That means we''re almost good to go. However, we''ll need to change into the suits we use to traverse these fields. Once ready, we''ll head west, following the trail of lightning rods. I must warn you¡ªdo not leave the trail. If you do, not even we can guarantee your safety." S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Raul, who bore a striking resemblance to Emary''s mother Sereta. Thirty-something years old, with dark violet hair and a handsome face, he radiated strength and reliability, which left Logan no room for doubt in his methods.


    "Forgive my rudeness," Raul added, his tone softening slightly. "Let me introduce the team. I am Raul, and this is Adelin, Marco, and Livia. Please stay close to one of us¡ªwe can redirect lightning bolts if necessary. Your creature seems capable of handling itself here. Now gear up quickly; we need to depart before the next strong storm hits."


    As Raul finished speaking, Adelin and Livia¡ªboth sharing the distinctive violet hair that marked everyone in this region¡ªguided Silvia away, their friendly chatter quickly putting her at ease. Meanwhile, Raul approached Emary to engage him in conversation.


    Logan hurriedly donned the suit¡ªa tight, latex-like material designed to cling to the body. Though undeniably practical, he couldn''t help but assess his appearance in it. Despite being accustomed to the constant presence of Kryst, his ever-loyal slime companion, clinging to him, the suit''s constricting fit carried a distinct sense of suffocation that he couldn''t quite get used to.


    "Well, Kryst, try to stay near me at all times," Logan murmured to his slime, knowing it would rely heavily on the protection of his Static Cloak, far more than Logan himself, who had the suit''s shielding.


    Once out of the changing room, the group didn''t waste a moment. Together, they embarked into the electrical fields, where brilliant streaks of lightning illuminated the plains, each strike finding its mark on the numerous towering rods scattered throughout the landscape.


    [Logan¡­ I think I''ll leave you here. I''m considering a new method to enhance electrical crystals just by observing the towers,] Silvia communicated to him telepathically.


    Logan, too, mulled over the potential of using the electricity to charge mana crystals as though they were batteries. These crystals were vital for his trains, which relied on that power. If he could discover a way to charge them more efficiently, it would enable him to expand his fleet.


    [Sure thing. It''ll be dangerous where we''re headed, so stay safe,] Logan replied before turning to Raul to explain the situation.


    Though Raul, the expedition leader, wasn''t fond of dividing the team, he eventually agreed. Silvia, accompanied by Adelin and Livia, would inspect a nearby tower. Silvia brought her own collection of crystals, so all she needed was to devise a way to concentrate the lightning''s energy into them effectively.

 Chapter 246 - 246: Electric Plains Pt.2

    As Silvia stayed behind, Logan, Emary, Raul, and Marco¡ªa muscular man in his late twenties with short violet hair and a vibrant aura that tinted his skin a deep shade of violet¡ªset out westward. They followed a trail that they hoped would lead them to monster-filled fields, where Voltar could begin his search for others of his kind to make his subjects.


    Logan silently appreciated having a guide.


    It wasn''t hard to imagine himself recklessly venturing into the plains unprepared¡ªa likely scenario if not for Leonard, who had secured Duke Kalder''s contact information.


    Emary''s electrical rodent thrived in the charged atmosphere. Its fur bristled with every lightning strike, as though absorbing the residual energy left in each bolt. Watching it, Logan couldn''t help but entertain the idea of acquiring one for himself. The creature reminded him of a certain yellow mascot from a game, and he imagined wearing a red cap with the rodent perched on his shoulder¡ªa humorous thought that briefly distracted him.


    Raul, noticing Logan''s wandering thoughts, took the opportunity to recount a bit of history about the plains. "Our family has lived here for over a thousand years. We''ve thrived by harnessing the power of this land, relying on its creatures and plants for sustenance, which has allowed us to master the control of electricity. However," he added, "the temple remains beyond your reach for now¡ªit''s a place only accessible to those who can fully control the currents. I believe, though, with the aid of enough monsters, you might achieve that one day."


    As he spoke, Raul gestured towards a large body of water visible in the distance. Various creatures could be seen swimming and gathering to drink, further adding to the mystique of this electrified world.


    Logan watched the herds of horse-like creatures and small antelopes roaming the plains. Both shared a distinctive purple hue and an extraordinary ability to manipulate electricity¡ªabsorbing lightning strikes as though feeding on the raw energy coursing through them.


    "Like those creatures?" Logan asked, gesturing toward the herd that had already endured six lightning bolts.


    "Correct," Raul replied with a nod. "However, I doubt you came here for such creatures. We''ll need to either climb the mountains to the west in search of thunderbird nests or, with any luck, encounter a mantis. If it''s the latter, I hope your creature can protect us, as mantises are top predators in this region." Raul visibly shivered at the thought of facing one.


    Logan grinned with confidence. "No problem. Voltar is one of my strongest. I doubt anything here could stand against him."


    Feeling the weight of Logan''s words, Voltar sprang onto a nearby tree and effortlessly slashed through it, demonstrating the power behind his deadly blades.


    Everyone waited in silence for a few seconds. Raul opened his mouth, as if to say something about the apparent lack of effect, but Logan raised a hand, signaling for patience. Voltar, attuned to his tamer''s intentions, gave a subtle nod of acknowledgment. Taking the cue, Logan stomped on the ground¡ªa simple, almost unimpressive act to the onlookers.


    Yet, that single movement was enough. The tree before them splintered into countless small wooden cubes, as though precisely carved apart. Even Logan, who hadn''t given Voltar as much time as he intended, was taken aback by the result.


    The mantis, however, remained composed. Its sharp gaze swept across the surroundings after the display, and soon, everyone followed its lead. Logan trusted Voltar''s razor-sharp instincts, and his own eyes moved to where the creature was fixated.


    Far off in the distance, Logan spotted what had captured Voltar''s attention¡ªone of the creatures he had been hoping to tame. It was a rodent, strikingly similar to the one that accompanied Emary.


    [You read my mind perfectly Voltar, I hope you weren''t planning on eating him though, I want to tame it.] Logan then ordered his monster to fetch the creature, it was being chased by a large wolf like animal that equally attracted him.


    [Bring that one also.] Logan ordered, Voltar who began casting his webs silently, Logan just stood back with the rest watching how his creature would handle the situation.


    After casting his webs Voltar used his wings to speed through the field, the webs only became visible when the two creatures were close enough, both prey and preditor stopped as soon as they felt the aura of the creature who had closed in on them.


    Logan even doubted Voltar knew what he did, it did not even have to use its webs to stop the creatures, he did however use them to round both of them up and bring them back to Logan, tossing them towards the boy as soon as he landed nearby.


    They webs disappeared as soon as Voltar willed them, making both creatures stop just a meter or so before Logan.


    "What a rough way to treat your new companions, but I guess teaching them manners will be a good thing to start off with. Now then how about a crystal for each of you..." Logan began with his standard bait, he did have one more trick up his sleeve, while the small wolf like creature bite in to the crystal to drain all its mana, the mouse looked around wearily, it seemed to want to leave until it met Logan''s eyes.


    It suddenly stopped moving, while looking deep into the one who was staring at him, a type of connection formed making it want to trust him.


    The small rodent then ran forth as Logan cut his finger ready to mark the tiny creature.


    He did the same with the wolf who also ran forth as if he was controlled, it did not matter if the one he was running to was a human it seemed to be a great friend the creature knew all its life.


    Logan turned towards the canine and also placed a mark on its chest.


    "Well that was easy," Logan smirked loving Rubina''s skill which made those he looked feel attracted towards him, it depended on who it was as it worked differently for whoever it was used on.


    The small rodent jumped on Logans outstretched hand and ended up being in his shoulder just as he wanted it to.


    As for the coyote, it went next to Logan, still fearing the mantis who had brought him towards his new master.


    Logan did not wait to check on his new creatures stats.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤ sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Name: Jolt / Species: Electro Leporus / Level: 14 / Blood Mark: Left Tricep / Loyalty: 72/100


    Str: 9 / Agi: 18 / Dex: 14 / Con: 8 / Int: 16 / Char: 12


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Thunder Kick: Jolt charges electricity through its legs, delivering a powerful kick that stuns enemies and deals electric damage.


    Bolt Dash: Moves at lightning speed, leaving behind an electric trail that shocks and disorients those who come into contact with it.


    Static Aura (Passive): Jolt emits a low-level electric field that disrupts nearby opponents, slightly lowering their agility and reaction time.


    Lightning Strike: Channels raw energy to call down a bolt of lightning onto a specific target, dealing high electric damage and briefly paralyzing them.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Voltfang / Species: Voltech Canis Latrans / Level: 18 / Blood Mark: Right Lower Shoulder / Loyalty: 80/100


    Str: 20 / Agi: 26 / Dex: 19 / Con: 10 / Int: 6 / Char: 14


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Shock Fang: Voltfang bites its opponent, delivering a jolt of electricity that stuns and weakens them.


    Lightning Dash: Moves with blinding speed, leaving an electrified current in its wake to damage enemies caught in the path.


    Static Howl (Passive): Emits a faint electric hum that sharpens its senses and intimidates nearby foes, slightly lowering their resistance.


    Storm Surge: Summons a surge of lightning across the battlefield, damaging multiple enemies and leaving them briefly paralyzed.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤

 Chapter 247 - 247: Electric Plains Pt.3

    Logan was pleased with his two new beasts. The most exciting part was the possibility that, if Silvia figured out how to recharge electrical crystals with each lightning strike, it could become an excellent method to train both the beasts and Voltar.


    However, Logan couldn''t help but regret one thing¡ªhe didn''t have enough maximum mana to elevate one of the two beasts to monarch status. He was reserving that privilege for the thunderbirds, who would benefit far more.


    "That''s a nice taming method. I guess we should start looking for those mantises next, then¡­" Raul said, pondering where to lead the group.


    They were already close to mantis territory, but the elusive creatures rarely showed themselves unless it was just before an attack. If they were lucky, they might spot one¡ªbut Raul was hoping for a whole group to please the hero.


    "Could your mantis, you know, lure the others? They''re tough creatures to track if you''re actively looking for them," Raul asked, wondering if there was a way to speed things up before nightfall, when predators would become even more aggressive.


    [You heard him, Voltar. Do you have any idea where your kin might be?] Logan asked the creature, who was scanning the area as if taking in every detail.


    [Best hunting spot. Need high ground to see,] Voltar replied, pointing with his scythe to a small hill in the distance. The only problem was that there weren''t any lightning towers nearby.


    [You''ll have to go alone, then. I trust your strength. We''ll head off to search for the thunderbirds. Make sure you find at least three¡ªthat should be enough, right?] Logan instructed.


    Voltar gave a nod of approval. Through rigorous training with humans, he had learned how to respond using the same body language.


    "My mantis will go alone. We should focus on finding the thunderbirds¡ªI trust he''ll gather enough mantises to form a strong group. Let''s move," Logan said decisively.


    Raul, however, was skeptical. He had hoped to rely on the strength of the mantis, not a tamer who, in his mind, wouldn''t be able to hold his own.


    "Are you sure one of the beasts can handle this alone?" Raul pressed, waiting a moment for Logan to confirm. The boy nodded confidently, without hesitation.


    "Fine," Raul relented, though his tone remained cold. "Just don''t get us killed. If things go south, I won''t hesitate to leave¡ªeven if it causes problems with your kingdom."


    Logan smirked, the reaction reminding him of his time with his class, when he was often underestimated. The difference now was that Raul wasn''t entirely wrong; he just didn''t know the extent of Logan''s capabilities. But soon enough, he would. Logan found himself almost looking forward to proving Raul wrong.


    They retraced their steps for a few kilometers before heading north, to where the large birds were known to nest. Logan''s gaze lingered on the towering hills ahead. Here, lightning strikes were particularly intense, with points of impact clustering in the same area¡ªas though some unseen force was drawing them.


    "You''re probably wondering why we don''t need to be as cautious as we were before," Raul began, breaking the silence. "It''s because of those birds¡ªtheir eggs somehow attract lightning. According to our legends, it takes a thousand lightning strikes for an egg to hatch. Of course, who knows if the person who started that tale was telling the truth? The creatures kill anything that gets too close to their eggs," he added as they approached the hills. Fortunately, they weren''t too high, standing around eight meters tall.


    Thankfully, the native group had experience navigating this dangerous terrain. They followed a narrow path, shielded by rocks that hid them from view.


    The climb to the summit, which would have taken mere minutes if they could fly, stretched out to more than an hour. The labyrinth-like path demanded patience and careful steps. Logan had to leave his new coyote, Voltfang, behind¡ªhe simply couldn''t manage the treacherous climb without help.


    "There, we''re in luck¡ªthere''s no bird nearby," Logan said, scanning the area. "Set up some traps and catch one before the others return."


    His eyes darted across the landscape, noting the large nests scattered around, each containing a few eggs. The eggs were impressive in size, measuring about twenty or thirty centimeters¡ªnearly as big, or even larger, than ostrich eggs back on Earth. They were clustered together in groups of three or more, with lightning repeatedly striking the topmost egg in each pile. This largest egg appeared to be growing, suggesting that the lightning was indeed aiding in its hatching process.


    "You see that top one?" Raul asked, gesturing to the growing egg. "It''s the only one that will hatch. It''s a harsh life for these birds¡ªonly the strongest survive. Now, get ready. Once they notice something approaching their eggs, they''ll return to protect them. There''s usually one bird standing guard. See that shadow over there?" S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Raul pointed toward the horizon, where a large silhouette hovered in the sky. Lightning illuminated its form intermittently, revealing a creature so entwined with the storm that at times it appeared to be the one producing it.


    "I hope you can tame at least one. It''s going to be tough without your best creature¡ªI just hope you can back up your words and handle the battle," Raul said hesitantly. Marco stayed silent, neither of them daring to step out into the open.


    Logan, however, knew that hesitation wouldn''t get him what he had come for. He retrieved his new whip, ensuring his gear was ready before stepping forward into view of the large bird circling in the sky. Logan made no effort to hide; in fact, he deliberately made himself visible as he infused his whip with a blend of light and darkness elements.


    He had learned from past experience that using light alone risked cutting the birds in half. The addition of darkness tempered the energy, allowing the whip to bash and deal damage without severely harming the creature.


    To draw attention to himself, Logan conjured fireballs that shot into the sky, their glow creating an unmistakable beacon. He began shouting names as the large bird above took notice.

 Chapter 248 - 248: Electric Plains Pt.4

    As Logan busied himself chasing after the large birds, Voltar embarked on his own quest, scouring the fields of lightning for others of his kind. Each thunderous strike seemed to invigorate him, his four small wings fluttering instinctively, as if drawing in the residual energy from the surroundings.


    The jewel embedded in the back of his thorax pulsed with raw power. This primordial crystal, formed during his evolution, absorbed every trace of electrical energy from the fields, leaving him feeling more powerful than ever.


    With this infusion of strength, Voltar gathered more than enough mana to fly at maximum speed. Although he couldn''t ascend too high, his flight allowed him to skim effortlessly over the rugged, crater-filled terrain.


    Along his path, Voltar observed weaker prey¡ªdogs, rats, and even a few deer. None of these caught his attention. His kind thrived on challenges; the most satisfying meals were those that fought back, a trait ingrained in them to ensure only the strongest survived.


    Soon, he spotted a creature resembling a bear, or at least its size¡ªa beast that, to Logan''s eyes, might have been reminiscent of a wolverine. The large animal stood on its hind legs, scanning the area for food.


    Voltar knew this creature would pose a formidable challenge for a less experienced mantis and decided to shadow it. If it was strong enough to earn Voltar''s approval, it would undoubtedly attract another of his kind. As he tracked the beast through the fields, subtle signs began to emerge¡ªtraces that hinted at the presence of another mantis lying in wait, preparing to challenge the predator.


    Voltar had a plan. He wanted to present his master with not only another mantis but also this new creature. For now, he would use the beast as bait, patiently luring enough of his species before ensnaring the wolverine-like creature with webs.


    Seizing the moment, Voltar intercepted the attack, his powerful blade halting the silent, deadly scythe of the other mantis. Now that he was primordial, the opposing blade felt like nothing more than a dagger against his immensely strengthened arm.


    He stood motionless after the clash, his stance deliberate. Voltar wanted to test his newfound strength, to see how the other mantis would respond to his overwhelming presence.


    Realizing its most devastating attack had failed, the electrical mantis retreated momentarily to charge its strike. Infused with raw power, it lunged again, aiming with deadly precision at Voltar''s neck. But the attack was effortlessly swatted away, leaving the mantis unfazed as it attempted a second and third strike. Each move was as predictable as the first, revealing to Voltar just how frail he had been before Logan''s blessing.


    [Even my human soldiers are stronger than you... what a pity,] Voltar conveyed mentally, knowing his words would remain unheard.


    Deciding to end the fight, Voltar stopped toying with the mantis and overpowered it with his scythes, forcing the creature into submission. The defeated mantis bowed before him, subdued by the sheer force of his primordial strength.


    [Kneel. You shall be the first of my new subjects; I will teach you how to become a true warrior,] Voltar''s voice echoed in dominance, his presence undeniable.


    As the blessing of the monarch activated, the mantis ceased all resistance. An irresistible urge to serve the mighty predator consumed it, a loyalty so unwavering that it was prepared to follow Voltar¡ªeven to its death.


    [Yes, my lord. I aspire to be like you,] the new mantis responded. This time, there was no need for Voltar to assert his dominance¡ªhis subject knelt of its own volition, a display of unquestioning loyalty.


    [We will need to gather more mantises. Where are they?] Voltar inquired, eager to rejoin his master''s group, who were undoubtedly embroiled in combat with the thunderbirds.


    [Too sparse to locate quickly. Must head to the nearest territories,] the mantis replied. Voltar nodded, then turned his attention to the wolverine-like beast. Using his electrical webs, he ensnared the creature, which growled in frustration, its struggle futile as it was dragged behind the two. The beast would prove useful in luring more mantises to their cause.


    It took twenty minutes to reach the second mantis. Unlike the first, this one was a striking violet instead of green. Voltar instinctively recognized it as female¡ªa towering figure, nearly a meter larger than his first follower. Though still dwarfed by Voltar, he imagined that with a few evolutions, she might surpass him in size.


    This time, Voltar wasted no effort testing her strength. He announced his presence with a swift strike to her neck, halting just millimeters short of decapitation.


    [Serve me or face defeat and near-death,] Voltar shrilled, his intent clear. The words carried through the air with the sharp, resonant cries unique to their kind.


    Its striking violet body pulsed with raw power as it tried in vain to push Voltar''s scythe away. Even while exerting all its strength, the mantis could not move him; like the one before, it felt the inevitable urge to kneel, a submission driven by the instinct to survive.


    [You shall go with the second mantis. Find others of your kind and bring them to me¡ªjust one should suffice,] Voltar commanded, handing over his prisoner¡ªthe whining wolverine.


    After the trio separated, their efforts yielded six followers for Voltar. He decided to halt there, mindful of Logan''s guidance to keep the number manageable, ensuring he could sustain them. By now, the wolverine had ceased all resistance, paralyzed by fear. To see seven mantises grouped together¡ªpredators of such power and coordination¡ªwas an anomaly in these plains, something unprecedented.


    Voltar''s attention was drawn skyward. Something unusual was happening; lightning gathered in a concentrated mass, and within the chaos, he caught sight of his master''s radiant white wings. Without hesitation, Voltar summoned his new subjects, urging them to hurry toward the phenomenon unfolding above.


    Voltar surged ahead, leaving his newly gathered subjects behind. The urgency in his movements was palpable¡ªhis master''s life hung in the balance, and there was no time to wait for the others to catch up. The crackling energy in the air only heightened his sense of foreboding as he closed the distance to the lightning-stricken battlefield.


    His instincts screamed danger, and Voltar''s resolve hardened. His master''s radiant white wings, barely visible amidst the chaos, were a beacon that guided him forward, the connection between them and his loyalty driving every powerful stroke of his wings. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 249 - 249: Electric Plains Pt.5

    Logan found himself face-to-face with the thunderbird, which had spotted him hurling fireballs. The bird was an imposing three meters in length, adorned with vibrant yellow and purple feathers that seemed to crackle with electrical energy.


    As it drew closer, Logan could feel the raw power it emitted. The creature absorbed immense amounts of thunder and unleashed it in bursts, attempting to harm him. Yet Logan remained undeterred. Thanks to Voltar''s shield skill, the electricity coursed harmlessly along the webs he had cast, dispersing its energy. Even when stray bolts hit him, they merely stung, causing his HP to drop only slightly. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan''s own attacks, however, were enough to keep the beast at bay, forcing it to remain airborne. The thunderbird was wary of the mana-infused whip in Logan''s hand, a weapon imbued with a power different from its own.


    He stared skyward, frustration building. Though he likely held the advantage in the fight, it would all be meaningless if the bird refused to descend. Destroying its nests to provoke it was out of the question. He sighed, weighing his options. Perhaps it was time to deploy his wings. If using them drew in more birds, so be it¡ªhaving this one subdued or tamed before reinforcements arrived would be worthwhile.


    "Alright, you wanted this, huh?" Logan summoned his wings, channeling Zephyr''s wind magic to propel himself through the air. His whip remained firmly in hand as he streaked toward the thunderbird with unrelenting speed.


    The bird saw its opportunity. With Logan no longer near the eggs¡ªit''s precious objects- it had no desire to harm¡ªit could now unleash its full power. Sparks danced along its impressive wings as it began gathering lightning, even summoning bolts from a nearby storm cloud. The air crackled with energy as the thunderbird prepared an immense strike, enough to blow the human away.


    Logan knew the skies were filled with danger. The sight of the thunderbird amassing so much power was intimidating, but he kept his composure. He instructed Kryst to stay behind with Raul, aware that his shield''s protection might falter against such an overwhelming attack.


    Focused and strategic, Logan poured his energy into fortifying his Electro Web, thickening its structure to absorb and redirect as much of the impending strike as possible. Meanwhile, he unleashed Spore Cloud¡ªa toxic attack from his mushroom giants¡ªcombining it with wind magic to ensure the spores reached the bird unnoticed. Their microscopic size meant the creature wouldn''t even realize it was being affected until it was too late.


    Logan held his position, knowing patience was critical. He waited for the bird to execute its move, readying Dark Pulse as his counterattack. The strike would deal slight damage but, more importantly, stun the thunderbird, turning the tide in his favor.


    The boy grappled with the challenge of fighting without killing, carefully weighing every move to ensure it caused just enough damage to weaken the creature he sought to tame.


    Meanwhile, the thunderbird reached its peak, its body brimming with enough energy to deliver a decisive blow. With a final, thunderous flap of its wings, it unleashed the amassed power in the form of a devastating arrow, streaking toward the boy.


    Logan responded with every shield he could summon, pouring his mana into them as each layer shattered under the onslaught. Yet, with Mana Absorption, he managed to reclaim energy from the fierce blast of electricity. His mana core burned in his chest, a fiery ache that pushed him to his limits. But he endured. With the final spark of his resolve, Logan completed his Darkness Pulse, the attack striking the thunderbird squarely in the head. The impact disoriented the great bird, sending it spiraling in a nosedive as it lost its balance.


    Logan refused to let the creature fall to its death. He cast Midnight Web, wrapping the bird in mana-infused threads that both ensnared it and slowed its descent. The weight of the bird dragged him several meters to the ground, yet the web absorbed much of the fall, bringing the creature safely to rest.


    The spores had begun to take effect, their microscopic assault sapping the thunderbird''s strength. Stunned from the Darkness Pulse and paralyzed by the spores, its control over mana wavered, leaving it powerless to rejoin the battle.


    Logan swiftly cut his finger, readying himself to seal the pact as soon as the bird landed. He pressed his bloodied hand against the thunderbird''s back, near its broad chest, immediately feeling the numbing surge of electricity radiating from the creature.


    When enough blood had been transferred, Logan yanked his arm back with effort, his hand so numb it was nearly unresponsive. He could feel the thunderbird resisting the bond, its will clashing against his. Determined, Logan moved closer to its eye, casting Rubina''s attraction skill. The bird, sensing the intrusion, tried to shut its eye tightly, forcing Logan to pry its eyelids open with his hands.


    "Damn it, you''re one tough cookie," Logan muttered, his voice strained as he poured nearly all his mana into compelling the bird to accept the pact. The air around them crackled with tension, the struggle between their wills reaching its peak.


    Logan''s concentration faltered as he began hearing the calls of other thunderbirds, their cries echoing across the plains. They were being drawn to their kin, now captive in his grasp. Doubt crept into Logan''s mind, causing him to lose ground on his hold on the creature''s mind.


    At that critical moment, a familiar sight emerged¡ªVoltar, leading a group of mantises, arrived in perfect timing for his master''s need.


    [Right on time!] Logan shouted mentally towards the giant mantis, regaining his focus. He poured the remainder of his concentration into the task at hand, confident that Voltar and the mantises would hold off any incoming threats.


    Within seconds, he felt the bond solidify. Each mental barrier of the thunderbird crumbled under his persistent effort, and at last, the mighty creature relented, accepting the pact.


    By then, the sounds of battle had erupted around him¡ªthe fierce cries of the thunderbirds clashing with the relentless screeches of the mantises. Two of the plains'' most formidable predators collided, their fight shaking the air with raw, primal energy.


    Logan refused to risk losing his new companions. Acting quickly, he brought out water and felt Kryst join the fray, her presence a much-needed relief. She rushed to Logan, enveloping him in her healing embrace, accelerating his recovery. Her magic extended to their new ally, the thunderbird, restoring its strength to full capacity with a casting of her skill, Purifying Light.


    The bird''s rapid recovery was a relief to Logan, who had managed to regain nearly half of his mana before the coming battle. Yet, he knew time was not on his side. Gently, he ran his hand over the bird''s feathers.


    "We need to calm your friends before someone gets hurt," he said softly. "Now get up. I''ll have to ride you to reach them faster... Kryst, stay back, and thank you for everything."


    With a nod of gratitude, Logan held the slime as she transformed into its squishy ball form, gently placing her on the ground. Then, without hesitation, he mounted the thunderbird''s back, ready to take to the skies.

 Chapter 250 - 250: Electric Plains Pt.6

    By now, Logan had learned how to steady himself atop a flying mount, but the thunderbird''s lack of experience made the journey to the battlefield challenging at first. Adjusting his position, Logan used Zephyr''s wind magic to support the bird, easing the strain of his weight and creating a guided tunnel of air that propelled them swiftly to their destination.


    "This is where I get off. Try to calm your kin, or things will get bad for them," Logan warned as he leapt into the fray, using his wings to join the battle. He cast Sacred Sanctuary¡ªa powerful skill that consumed most of his mana in one decisive move. The spell created a radiant cage of light, forcefully pushing back the thirty or so thunderbirds and granting the mantises a brief reprieve. Huddled together, the mantises regrouped while strange beast stood in fear at the edge of the battlefield, hoping to avoid the chaos unfolding around it.


    Logan''s attention shifted to a creature resembling a bear. Voltar quickly informed him it was the wolverine he had brought for Logan to tame.


    [You know me well, Voltar. You''re getting extra crystals after all of this,] Logan acknowledged with gratitude, as Sacred Sanctuary held firm. Despite the relentless assault from the colony of thunderbirds, the ultimate shield remained impenetrable.


    Surveying his companions, Logan noticed none of his new creatures were fatally injured. While a few had lost limbs from the battle, their insect nature and the imminent evolution ensured their survival was not in jeopardy.


    Logan''s thunderbird was working relentlessly, attempting to stop its flock from attacking his new master. Even resorting to shock therapy, the bird struggled to control the frenzy, finally crying out to Logan for assistance. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Can''t control my flock, need to run!] it warned, the urgency in its tone forcing Logan to accept the gravity of the situation¡ªthis was going to be far harder than he had anticipated.


    "Voltar, have the mantises protect me! This shield will only hold for a few more seconds!" Logan shouted, grabbing the elixirs stored away for emergencies. Mana water wouldn''t suffice now; he needed the precious liquid that could fully restore him in moments.


    The elixir, unlike mana water, bypassed his stomach entirely, flowing straight into his mana core the instant he swallowed it. Logan felt the concentrated energy surging within him, his core heating up as the elixir worked its magic. These rare potions had been crafted by the hero of alchemy in the empire, and acquiring even three had cost Logan a fortune in crystals¡ªbut it was an investment that now proved invaluable.


    "I did not want to hurt you, but it seems you don''t want to listen¡­" Logan growled, his voice laced with frustration. Drawing upon Zephyr''s magic, he began casting Cyclone Vortex, a skill designed to wreak havoc on flying creatures dependent on the wind to stay aloft.


    "Now get ready¡ªthis will be painful." Logan''s tone darkened as he layered the spell with Frostfall, Riptide''s most devastating ability. The combination created a storm of razor-sharp ice shards that swirled within the vortex, freezing the creatures'' wings and forcing them to either plummet to the ground or be blown away by the gale.


    Seconds ticked by as Logan adjusted the powerful combination of skills, his focus unyielding. The moment Sacred Sanctuary finally dissolved¡ªits golden, cage-like structure disintegrating into glowing particles of mana¡ªthey were drawn into the growing vortex, fueling its size and power.


    The immense cyclone became impossible to contain, and Logan released it, unleashing a tempest upon the thunderbirds. The sheer force of the attack scattered them in every direction. Only his own thunderbird managed to escape unscathed, retreating as it realized the folly of challenging such a human.


    The vortex struck the first few birds attempting to counter it with lightning, but the icy shards within froze them in midair, forcing them into the tornado''s spiraling winds or blasting them over twenty meters away with tremendous force.


    As the storm raged, Logan ceased pouring power into the tornado. Gradually, it lost momentum, subsiding into a flurry of snow that scattered in all directions. The thunderbirds caught in its grip were left half-frozen, though most managed to remain airborne by sheer determination.


    Seeing his flock struggle to stay aloft, Logan''s thunderbird sprang into action, using its electric shock to shatter the ice encasing their wings, saving them from plummeting to the ground.


    Fortunately, no lives were lost¡ªcontrolling such immense power without causing casualties had been an extraordinary feat. Still, it came at a price. Logan, drained of mana, had to rely on Voltar to carry him on his back as an escape option if necessary.


    Surveying the battlefield, Logan saw that none of the thunderbirds had the will to continue the fight. A weary smile crept across his face as he felt the burn in his chest, a reminder of the immense strain from expending too much mana too quickly. While recovery would take time, he was relieved that he hadn''t pushed himself to the dangerous state he''d experienced before.


    Logan had just a few tasks left before he could take a much-needed rest. First, he needed to tame the wolverine, which was curled into a ball, desperately trying to hide from the earlier chaos. Thankfully, this was an easy task¡ªthe wolverine surrendered immediately, rolling onto its back like a submissive dog, exposing its belly in defeat.


    The second task, however, proved more challenging. Logan had to decide which of the thunderbirds to tame. This required a discussion with his own thunderbird to determine whether it should become the monarch of the flock or if another bird was better suited for the role.


    In terms of size, the bird Logan had already tamed was the largest in the flock. It made sense¡ªthe group had wisely chosen their strongest member to guard their precious eggs while the others hunted.


    [Will you be able to lead some of those in your flock?] Logan asked, carefully phrasing his words in a way he thought the bird might understand. While intelligent for its species, it had not yet evolved, and Logan doubted its current thinking capability would make such a decision easy.


    [I am¡­ chosen leader, but will help you fight demons. I can only take one of my kind, but we will carry three of our eggs,] the thunderbird declared. Its reason for limiting its companions was clear¡ªthunderbirds were essential to maintaining the electric fields under storm clouds. If too many left, the electric clouds could weaken, threatening the balance that sustained the electric spirits'' power.


    "That''s fine¡­ bring whoever you want. You can, however, make the rest of your flock your followers," Logan replied, resolving to take the chosen thunderbird and assist in hatching the eggs later.


    He knew the process wouldn''t be easy¡ªaccording to legend, each egg required 1,000 strikes of lightning to hatch. The task ahead would be nothing short of difficult, but Logan was prepared for the challenge.


    With the battle settled, Kryst finally had the freedom to move about. She stayed close to Logan, her presence comforting as she began healing the wounded thunderbirds and mantises around them. Her abilities had grown immensely, reaching a point where even severed limbs were regenerated within seconds, leaving the creatures whole once more.

 Chapter 251 - 251: Cardinals Plan Pt.1

    Deep within the city of Gorod, three individuals were heading up into the Church of Light. There, they were to meet its highest figure, Cardinal Lumin, a man in his forties, still strong as he was previously a paladin who defended the church. Now, he had been promoted as one of its leaders.


    Brian was not sure why he had been called up, but he did come here for some other reason besides the letter that had stated they should.


    The boy, tired of hearing about Logan and his new wyvern from his classmates, really wanted a mount for himself.


    He heard the mountains were known for having paguses, one of the few creatures known for their ability to let humans fly in the sky. Their strong wings and majestic appearance would be something that would make him triumph over the one he had grown to despise these past few months.


    Logan''s name was beginning to resound wherever Brian went, whether it was in a luxurious restaurant flaunting their ability to get the best meat from the beef Logan''s town produced, or the damn bakers who wouldn''t shut up about having their bread made from the wheat from Logan''s kingdom.


    Brian couldn''t even take a bath without being reminded that the shower had been introduced by Marie, who worked under Logan. It infuriated him even more that over half the class was bragging about winning in the casinos in Logan''s town.


    The boy had not only taken all the best girls of the class to work in his kingdom, but he also had the gall to profit by using Earth''s technology to advance the world¡ªsomething Brian had dreamed of doing. Yet his inventions always failed. He didn''t know how to create an engine, he couldn''t figure out how to make a gun, and he struggled even to find a scholar who could use his knowledge to build something profitable.


    Anything he thought of had already been created, and he blamed Marie most of the time. She not only developed terminals that acted like computers with crystals, but she also introduced games, movies, and music, all priced so competitively that no one, not even those with the backing of a kingdom, could match her.


    Brian ground his teeth, thinking about how much money Logan must be making and how Logan even had a monster to create crystals.


    The worst part was that all the kingdoms turned a blind eye to the problems Brian raised about Logan, including the fact that the boy had most of the heroes in his kingdom playing games instead of training. This issue was discussed in the last meeting in Elris, yet no one opposed Logan, as the reply given was that the heroes were being trained in a labyrinth and that none were falling behind.


    Brian was unaware that Logan''s town grew mana crystals as if they were fruits on a tree, allowing the heroes to improve simply by draining the crystals. Of course, they needed to pay a high price to buy them, which led most heroes to spend their time making money in the labyrinth¡ªa system devised by Leonard.


    So it was necessary for Brian to find allies against Logan. That was why this trip was so important.


    As they finally reached their destination, Brian knocked on the large door of the Church of Light. It seemed fake compared to that of the Church of the Seven Spirits, but with enough followers in the Kingdom of Elris, it had been able to create such an elegant building.


    Brian knocked once more before the door opened. A priest stood behind the door, his arms trembling from moving such a large structure.


    "Please come in, the cardinal will see you heroes," he said before guiding the three to the back of the church, where a man was sitting while praying to a statue.


    As soon as they sat down¡ªGeorge making it evident by coughing loudly¡ªLumin finally stopped his chant. He got up and dusted his white robe off before sitting on a sofa near the three heroes. He looked at each one cautiously: Brian, whose hair had turned a deep shade of red, with a strong aura of the fire spirit within him.


    As for his two companions, they both radiated the strength of the earth spirit. The pair felt like a set of impenetrable walls, their amber hair and pupils making them appear as if they were siblings.


    "So tell us why you called us. We need to finish training¡ªwe should have been at level 80 if not for your insistence on meeting us," Brian said, with a tone of anger in his voice.


    The cardinal wanted to rebuke the young man but knew all too well how hot-blooded those blessed by the fire spirit could be. Unlike the gentle souls blessed by the light spirit, those of fire were known for causing many wars in the past.


    "That is precisely why I have called you," the cardinal said. "You three need to get stronger, and we need you to do so to stop the Hero of Taming. You will all be joining the great war soon¡ªthat is when you can act, when the demons have been weakened and we no longer need the Hero of Taming. Think about it. We will help buy the crystals you need to grow and bring you to the places where you can train the best. In return, you will become strong enough to fight the Hero of Taming and put him in his place. Who knows? You might even be able to keep his kingdom." S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The cardinal paused, watching their reactions closely.


    "The Taming Hero has indeed amassed excessive power, and while I acknowledge that some of this was granted through the Spirit of Light''s influence¡ªa noble gift¡ªI am also deeply concerned that the Spirit of Darkness has corrupted what our lord bestowed upon him. By taming humans, he has deviated from the Light Spirit''s pure intentions and sullied its will.


    We are prepared to fulfill your request: Pegasus of the highest pedigree, a symbol of unwavering strength and grace, will be yours¡ªbut only if you hold up your end of the agreement and prove yourself worthy. The success of this mission hinges on your commitment and ability to do your part."

 Chapter 252 - 252: Cardinals Plan Pt.2

    Brian stared at the man before him. The cardinal''s high blond hair reminded him of his own past¡ªback then, he was confident, strong, and young. These days, he felt better than ever, and yet the loss of his status within the class still angered him. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He was no longer the one who called the shots, but with the power the cardinal was offering, he would regain that and more. He thought joyfully of the day when he would take over the loner''s prized kingdom.


    "Fine, we will do it your way, but mark my words: if you waste our time¡­" Brian replied, leaving the sentence to hang as a warning.


    "Relax, we all want the same thing, right?" Lumin said with a wide grin. He already had what he wanted, and spending some money for it wasn''t going to hurt his church. In fact, their coffers would likely swell once they liberated the Saintess from the tamer''s grasp.


    He was utterly convinced that this was what the great Spirit of Light wanted.


    "Well then, I guess we will have to show you to your new mounts. We had them prepared, knowing you would see our way," Lumin said as he stood and gestured for the three to follow him outside.


    At the back of the church, three of the finest steeds awaited them, brought forth by one of the priests. Each Pegasus shone silver, glowing in the colors of the great spirits. Their power was evident¡ªnot only in their strong wings but in their ability to cast rays of light that would both purify and burn all they touched, cleansing them of any evil.


    This extraordinary ability was instilled in these creatures through the best selective breeding techniques, practices that only the Church of Light had perfected.


    Brian approached one of the majestic beasts, wondering if taming it would be as straightforward as he hoped. The cardinal, observing his hesitation, handed each boy a ring and a collar-like band.


    "Imprint the ring and place the band on the beast''s leg. It will follow your commands," the cardinal explained.


    The boys wasted no time, quickly performing the task. As soon as Brian completed the process, he could feel the beast''s intentions echoing in his mind, but he imposed his own will upon it¡ªan unshakable force, like law itself.


    He noticed the saddle already secured to the Pegasus, simplifying his task. Without delay, he mounted the creature and gave the command to take flight.


    It wasn''t his first time in the air; he had often relied on his flames to lift himself. However, staying airborne through his magic had always been taxing, draining his mana at an unsustainable rate. This time, with the Pegasus, flying felt like an entirely different experience¡ªone of freedom and control.


    If he told it to move left, it complied. If he directed it to move right, it followed without hesitation. The simplicity of controlling the Pegasus was something Brian deeply appreciated.


    "Just make sure you have a caretaker for the beast," the cardinal advised while yelling to the heroes who were already in the air. "They should know what to feed it and how to handle its maintenance. We will provide this service for free. Just take the caretaker with you¡ªhe will have his own Pegasus so he can stay alongside you. And that is all we can do for you right now. The caretaker will be giving you¡­"


    The cardinal paused for a moment before excusing himself, having already fulfilled his role in this arrangement. With that, the matter was left in the hands of the young heroes.


    "We got what you wanted. I do like this monster, though¡ªwhere should we go next?" George asked, eager to take to the sky.


    "Where the old man told us. Were you not listening?" Brian snapped, his tone sharp as he reiterated their destination. Another demon invasion was unfolding in the Red Iron Republic, and they needed to get there quickly to join the fight.


    Not only did the battle promise to be an essential step in their growth, but reaching level 80 ahead of their classmates would secure them the chance to get the next class change quest reward. The first to achieve the next class change would no doubt get the next reward¡ªa goal Brian was determined to achieve before anyone else.


    "I believe you would want to wait before that," a thin, pale priest in his mid-twenties interrupted just as Brian was about to instruct the group to start flying in the intended direction.


    He was the caretaker assigned to look after their mounts while they fought, but Brian couldn''t shake the feeling that something was off about the man.


    "Oh, and why is that?" Brian questioned, testing the priest''s resolve. The man remained completely emotionless, which irritated Brian and made him want to lash out at the audacity of the prolonged gaze.


    "I believe, before you leave, you would want to receive your share of crystals, Hero of Flames. We have purchased your first batch, as well as those for your two companions," the priest said, handing each boy a sack containing at least one hundred crystals.


    Each crystal radiated immense power, equivalent to that of a high-level monster. The weight of their significance was not lost on Brian, even as he struggled to contain his seething impatience.


    The boy took one crystal out and stared at it greedily. He knew it was from Logan''s kingdom, but he wouldn''t squander the chance to grow even stronger than Logan. Crushing the crystal in his hand, he drained its mana, feeling his flames surge with newfound strength.


    He repeated this process for each crystal, relishing as his core grew stronger with every pulse of energy absorbed. Jonathan and George followed suit, eagerly consuming their crystals.


    The three boys experienced the addictive euphoria each crystal brought, an intoxicating rush of power. Yet, to Brian''s frustration, it only raised their level by one.


    Brian couldn''t help but realize how much faster Logan must have been leveling up, surrounded by such abundant resources. Fueled by this realization, he resolved not to delay any further and pressed forward, determined to join the fight in the Red Iron Republic without hesitation.

 Chapter 253 - 253: Next Step

    Logan finally secured the second beast he had been aiming for. Now, his next destinations were the Verdant Lands and the Red Iron Republic. There, he would need to collect the great ents and fire hydra. With those in hand, it would be time to join the great war and enter the empire, where the earth dragon awaited¡ªthe final piece to conclude his mission.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Logan Aiden


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Class: Primordial Soul Bound Tamer


    New* Level: 77 / Health: 941 / Mana: 1026


    Strength: 73 Agility: 69 Dexterity: 76 Constitution: 88 Intelligence: 94 Charisma: 86


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    He reviewed his stats and saw that he had reached level 77. Progress had been slow since surpassing level 70, with experience becoming increasingly difficult to earn as he worked toward level 80. Turning his attention to his latest companions, he examined the thunderbird and its mate, alongside his newly acquired wolverine.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Wolver / Species: Voltine Wolverine / Level: 18 / Blood Mark: Left Shoulder / Loyalty: 13/100


    Str: 22 / Agi: 19 / Dex: 16 / Con: 20 / Int: 12 / Char: 6


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Static Pounce: Gathers electricity in its claws and launches at the enemy with a charged leap, delivering an electric shock and causing paralysis on contact.


    Volt Frenzy: Enters a frenzied state where its speed and agility increase temporarily. Each swipe of its claws emits a sharp electric discharge that weakens the opponent.


    Charged Hide (Passive): Its fur constantly stores static energy, giving it resistance to physical attacks and occasionally electrocuting enemies on contact.


    Storm Roar: Releases a thunderous roar infused with electrical energy, summoning a storm that strikes multiple enemies within range with bolts of lightning.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Stormwing / Species: Greater Thunderbird / Level: 42 / Blood Mark: Right Lower Shoulder / Loyalty: 80/100 / Monarch Blessing: 23 Subjects


    Str: 39 / Agi: 62 / Dex: 34 / Con: 43 / Int: 51 / Char: 38


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Thunder Gale: Flaps its mighty wings to create a stormy vortex infused with electricity, dealing area damage and reducing the agility of those caught within.


    Electric Dive: Channels electrical energy into its body and dives at an enemy with blinding speed, delivering a devastating shock on impact.


    Storm Barrier (Passive): Surrounds itself with an electrical shield that absorbs a portion of incoming damage and retaliates with static bursts to nearby enemies.


    Tempest Wrath: Calls upon the skies to unleash a powerful lightning storm, targeting multiple enemies at random with heavy electric damage and temporarily disorienting them.


    Sky Surge: Harnesses the latent power of the atmosphere to amplify its electrical energy, temporarily increasing the damage and range of its electric attacks.


    Thunderclap Dive: Combines the force of a dive with a deafening thunderclap, disorienting nearby enemies and dealing shockwave damage upon landing.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Logan had fed his new thunderbird as many crystals as he could, boosting its level beyond 40 and triggering its first evolution. The bird now looked even more formidable¡ªits body had grown by two meters, and its head bore a newly defined crown, lending it an air of elegance. The sheer power it radiated made Logan''s hair stand on end.


    Pleased with his new companion, Logan shifted his attention to the next task: reaching the Verdant Lands. He planned to travel alongside Silvia to accelerate the journey, drawing confidence from the speed with which they had previously arrived at the Kingdom of Eta. With both birds at their command, their southward flight would take them directly to the Temple of Earth¡ªthe dwelling place of the great ents, revered for their extraordinary ability to enhance crop production.


    Before setting off, Logan pulled out his communication device to contact Leonard. Though they intended to stop by the Duke''s estate before leaving, Logan wanted to confirm everything was running smoothly in his kingdom and gather the intel necessary for the next step of his quest.


    Unlike the kingdoms, the Verdant Lands were governed by various tribes, with no central authority to unify them. This made it risky to simply fly over the region, as an encounter with a tribe unaware of their alliance could quickly escalate into conflict.


    "Glad to hear you finally secured your second great beast, Logan," Leonard said over the communication device. "Things are stable here for now, but we need you to hurry¡ªthe war has spread to the Red Iron Republic. We''re still within range to join the fight. Some of the heroes who had been staying in our country went to support the soldiers battling the demons. None of the girls left this time, but I suggest you speak with them. They''re preparing to assist the heroes if the need arises."


    Leonard''s update startled Logan; he hadn''t known about the demons'' advance. The news added a layer of urgency to his plans, potentially jeopardizing his efforts to obtain the fire hydra.


    "As for the Verdant Lands, I suggest you rely on your flying mounts to reach your destination. Poykut is home to the grand ents, and I''ve already spoken with Chief Leader Isabel¡ªshe has granted her consent for your visit," Leonard advised, providing additional guidance before ending the communication.


    Logan contemplated his next steps. He decided to use Wyver himself, while Emary would command the thunderbird, Stormwing, and Silvia would take charge of Zephyr. His goal was to raise the two new beasts to level 60, triggering their next evolution before heading to the Red Iron Republic. There, Wyver''s formidable ice abilities would play a critical role in subduing the fire hydra, while the two birds provided support to help bring it down for Logan to tame.


    After mulling over the plan several more times, Logan rejoined the group. Raul, having witnessed the events, approached him with newfound admiration.


    "Boy, I''ve never seen such power. You truly deserve the title of hero. If I didn''t need to stay here to tend the land of the electric spirits, I''d gladly join you in the coming war," Raul said, patting Logan''s shoulder. Logan sighed, resisting the urge to reply with "I told you so," knowing it would ruin the moment.


    Logan caught sight of his new apprentice Emary''s expression, awe unmistakably etched across his face. Witnessing the prowess of a true tamer had clearly ignited a spark within the boy. With just one beast to his name, Emary''s determination to train harder was palpable¡ªhe was resolved to build a stronger team and forge more bonds, aspiring to follow in his mentor''s footsteps.


    "Emary, we''ll be heading back to the Duke''s mansion first. After that, if you''re coming with us, we''ll head south," Logan explained, laying out his plan. As he spoke, he approached the thunderbird''s nest and carefully picked up three eggs. One of them stood out¡ªit was the largest of the group, and Logan knew it would grow to be the strongest once it hatched. He planned for Emary to tame this one, wanting to help his apprentice grow as a tamer. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan hoped to see the effects of his power on other tamers. If successful, perhaps it would also aid Valeria in transforming her chosen creatures into formidable beasts, just as she had wanted.

 Chapter 254 - 254: Hero of Shadows

    Victor glided across the fields, his shadows propelling him at a speed that rivaled Logan''s fastest bird. His destination was the city of Fludar, where he had been told the mages of the Red Iron Republic would teleport him to the nearest city under attack by the demons.


    He tried to recall the name of the city where the demon invasion began. It was a coastal settlement, its shores serving as the landing point for the invaders. Within days, the demons had transformed it into a bizarre fortress through the use of magic.


    The transformation was beyond anything anyone had anticipated. Each arriving ship contributed to the fortress, with earth magic binding the vessels to the shore. The result was a stronghold with formidable defenses on both land and sea¡ªmassive walls that were nearly impenetrable, and access to the water that allowed the demons to retreat with ease when necessary.


    Victor, like many other heroes, was determined to level up quickly and reach the next breakthrough. Everyone knew that the first to achieve it would earn an extra prize. Yet, despite his resolve, Victor couldn''t shake the feeling that he wouldn''t be the one to cross the threshold first. He had managed to reach level 68 by using Logan''s magical crystals, gaining five levels while in his hometown.


    His ability to summon an army of shadows made him a formidable force on the battlefield, but beyond combat, the shadows were of little use. They lacked intelligence, leaving Victor unable to delegate tasks or find alternative ways to earn money. As a result, he had to rely solely on himself for income, which meant he couldn''t afford enough crystals to continue advancing. He knew others faced the same challenge, except, perhaps, for Logan¡ªthe creator of the magical crystals¡ªwhose unique ability to grow stronger with every creature he tamed gave him an undeniable edge.


    None of the heroes knew each other''s exact levels, making it difficult to gauge who was leading the pack. However, the opportunity to fight demons presented a chance to level up quickly, and Victor was determined to seize it.


    That''s why he was rushing today¡ªhe aimed to be among the first to reach the battlefield and slaughter as many demons as possible. Utilizing the shadows of trees and towering landforms, he pressed on with relentless speed. By the end of the day, he arrived at his destination. Now, he planned to rest and gather his strength for the coming battle.


    Half a day later, Victor finally reached the city. He was promptly escorted with urgency to the teleportation array, where he encountered three individuals he had hoped to avoid¡ªBrian, Jonathan, and George. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Victor''s animosity toward them stemmed from his fiercely competitive nature. He knew the trio''s strength was amplified when they worked together, making them a formidable group. As a loner, Victor understood that his own progress would be slower, yet he trusted in the potential of his shadows to help close the gap. After all, with each enemy slain, their power would surely grow.


    "Tsk¡­ The shadow is here, huh? Did anyone else show up? I don''t need more competition," Brian remarked with a sharp click of his tongue, his expression laced with disdain.


    "No, but if you don''t start calling me by my name, I won''t hesitate to make you one of my shadows," Victor retorted, a smirk tugging at his lips. "If you''ve forgotten, I saved your neck last time. The least you can do is show some respect." As he spoke, three shadows emerged behind him, adding weight to his words.


    They were three of the most formidable creatures he had slain so far. For Victor, the labyrinth offered a unique advantage¡ªit allowed him to capture the shadows of monsters at the cost of mana stones.


    One of these shadows was an earth werebeast, a tiger with a humanoid body. It didn''t resemble a human, though; it was merely a tiger capable of walking on two legs. Another was a lizardman, able to retain its water magic even in shadow form, as shadows preserved their original elemental abilities.


    The third was perhaps the strangest of them all¡ªa powerful demon Victor had defeated in the Pearl Islands. Unlike the other shadows, this one retained a fragment of its intelligence for reasons Victor couldn''t explain. He even swore he had seen it attempting to learn speech, making it a curious and unsettling addition to his collection.


    Though Brian had been saved by Victor before, he remained oblivious to the shadow hero''s true strength. While he couldn''t deny the past debt, it meant little to the man he was now. Confident in his abilities and his status as the strongest hero at level 71, Brian even entertained the idea that he could best Victor if it came down to it.


    Before tensions could escalate, a burly man clad in plated armor stepped forward, tasked with maintaining order. No one could see his knees trembling beneath the heavy armor, yet he faced the group with unwavering resolve.


    "Heroes, we appreciate your assistance and ask that you settle your differences on the battlefield. The crystals have been properly calibrated, and we are now prepared to teleport the five of you¡ªalong with your belongings and mounts¡ªto your destination," the man announced. His gaze shifted momentarily to the Pegasus mounts, a source of pride for the Elris Kingdom, as the caretaker worked to keep them calm and prevent unnecessary wing-flapping.


    "Fine, but only because you made a valid point," Brian retorted. He returned to the teleportation array, arms crossed in defiance, while waiting for his caretaker to bring his beast into the array.


    It didn''t take long for the four heroes and the caretaker to reach the nearest city. Upon arrival, Victor wasted no time, gliding off using nearby shadows. He wanted to survey the area before joining the fight. The city was a small coastal settlement, and from his vantage point, he could see the fortress looming in the distance. The massive structure stood at an imposing thirty meters high, its width stretching at least seventy meters from one edge to the other¡ªan impressive feat for something constructed in just a few days.


    Victor noticed more boats arriving, each one connecting itself to the growing fortress. This could only mean that the real battle was yet to begin.


    His three shadows were spread throughout the town, each providing him with a view of the surroundings and the activity of the guards. The streets were eerily empty, with only mercenaries and soldiers rushing about. One of his shadows, which had infiltrated the largest barracks, observed soldiers mobilizing and preparing large-scale weapons for the impending fight.


    Victor''s final shadow observed the unfolding battle from a strategic vantage point. Neither side was suffering casualties, as the confrontation was limited to waves of long-range magic volleying back and forth. Mages on both sides erected barriers to shield against incoming attacks, while long-range classes unleashed their deadliest skills, searching for a weakness in the fortress''s defenses.


    Despite the lack of progress, the blasts reverberated across the battlefield, instilling fear in all who witnessed the spectacle. Amid the chaos, Victor''s shadow caught snippets of a conversation between one of the highest-ranked generals.


    "I''ve heard some heroes have arrived," the general remarked. "This is good news, as I anticipate the real battle will begin in two days. We need to keep them here until then, so instruct the mages to conserve mana and reduce unnecessary expenditure. More of our soldiers are en route, and we''ll need all the resources we can muster when the battle starts."

 Chapter 255 - 255: Dravor the Merciless

    Victor''s wait was cut shorter than expected¡ªit took only a day for the demons'' fortress to be fully prepared, catching the Red Iron Republic''s generals off guard. As the fortress gates creaked open, thousands of demons marched out in precise formation, accompanied by beasts and what appeared to be undead soldiers. The army continued to swell until a towering red demon stepped forward from the fortress.


    Standing over two meters tall, with scales resembling those of a dragon, the demon''s presence was overwhelming. His massive wings only added to his already imposing size. With two large horns and a reptilian snout, he let out a thunderous roar, prompting the entire demon army to raise their arms and echo his cry in unison.


    If anyone had been asleep, they certainly weren''t anymore. The blaring sound of horns erupted from both sides, signaling that war had officially begun in the northern territories.


    On the Red Iron Republic''s side, the four heroes had already taken their places among their respective soldier units. The three heroes were each assigned balanced teams of healers and rear guards, carefully crafted for tactical versatility. Victor, the Shadowchaser, however, was given the remaining forces the military could spare. The generals understood that rank and past accomplishments mattered little now¡ªwhat they needed was raw, unrelenting power. And the four heroes were destined to lead the charge.


    The four heroes were ready, fully armed, and among the first to charge forward as the demons mobilized. Victor held back, allowing his soldiers to advance ahead of him. He knew that he wouldn''t be able to assist them directly while fighting, but he could control their shadows¡ªa strategy that would double their numbers and provide them with the critical advantage they needed.


    As beasts, demons, and humans rushed to meet on the chaotic battlefield, the clash began long before contact. Projectiles rained down from both sides¡ªsome deflected, others striking true¡ªcausing heavy losses within the first few minutes. Those who survived long enough to close the distance faced an onslaught of swords, spears, and any weapon the opposing forces could muster.


    On his end of the field, Brian seemed to be performing best. He instructed his team to hold back until exhaustion forced him to retreat, a strategy that took some time to execute. His flames tore through anything in his path, igniting the battlefield as he used his hands like flamethrowers. Each punch unleashed shockwaves of fire, scorching all who dared approach him. Only the mindless beasts, specifically sent to distract him, were brave¡ªor foolish¡ªenough to confront him directly.


    On Jonathan''s side of the battlefield, he worked in tandem with the soldiers, relying on their support to build momentum and unleash maximum damage as a sword user. Charging up his most powerful skills required time, but when they landed, the devastation surpassed even Brian''s best skill. Jonathan''s earth blades cleaved through anything in his path, splitting enemies cleanly in two.


    Finally, Jonathan was the one struggling most among the three heroes. His long-range attacks demanded space to push back the enemy forces, yet they refused to give him any room to maneuver. Despite this disadvantage, Jonathan''s refined technique allowed him to dodge even strikes aimed at his blind spots. To counter the relentless pressure, he directed his part of the army to adopt a defensive stance, separating the enemies into smaller groups. This strategic move created the space he needed to execute his skills with optimal precision and impact.


    The tide of battle ebbed and flowed, favoring one side only to shift back to the other. It was relentless chaos, yet Victor knew this was merely the beginning. His eyes fixed on the red, winged, dragon-like demon, which remained utterly still despite the carnage unfolding around it.


    The demon smiled¡ªa twisted expression, as though savoring every lost life, regardless of whether the fallen were from its own army or the enemy''s camp. The sinister sneer unsettled Victor, forcing him to question whether all of this had been carefully orchestrated. He disliked the demon''s inaction, its composure almost mocking, as if holding back for something far worse.


    Victor was about to issue a retreat when two massive explosions erupted overhead. Before he could react, fragments began raining down. He recognized the shards instantly¡ªthe blue crystals, dreaded and familiar. Chaos exploded anew as the shards embedded themselves into the battlefield.


    Realizing he had three fools to save, Victor didn''t hesitate. He teleported to retrieve them, knowing there was little he could do for the other soldiers. Those fortunate enough to escape ran for their lives, but for many, the shards embedded in their bodies sealed their fate. They could do nothing but succumb as the battle roared on.


    On the demon''s side, chaos escalated as they unleashed their berserk mode, amplifying the destruction inflicted upon the Red Iron Republic''s army. The relentless onslaught was devastating, turning the tide further against the Republic''s forces. It was heartbreaking to witness so many soldiers fall, their lives extinguished amidst the frenzied battle.


    "Fall back!" a voice called out from behind, urging a retreat as a torrent of long-range magic surged across the battlefield, scorching the ground. Yet the blasts did little against the bodies embedded with blue shards, which radiated an unnatural power. Victor could see the shards'' energy being siphoned away, drawn into larger jewels the demons had begun deploying.


    Victor''s unease grew as he realized the sinister nature of the demons'' tactics. Desperate to disrupt the process, he commanded his shadows to do the unthinkable¡ªmutilate the bodies, severing limbs and shards in an effort to halt the energy transfer. But it was futile. The power continued to flow, and those who had died did so in vain. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As chaos enveloped the battlefield, only support and long-range fighters remained active, holding their positions while the rest retreated. The demons, however, did not advance. They held their ground, a silent and menacing force, seemingly waiting for more lives to fall into their trap.


    Angered by his stolen opportunities to gain experience, Brian unleashed four massive shockwaves filled with explosive fire energy. Two of the blasts hit their mark, causing significant damage, but the other two were intercepted. This time, the towering red demon stepped in, effortlessly stopping the devastating attack.


    "Hero of the Fire Spirit, I presume," the demon spoke, his voice resonant and commanding. "Allow me to introduce myself before we clash. My name is Dravor¡ªDravor the Merciless, as they call me." He smirked with wicked confidence. "This first wave was merely a test, the beginning of what''s to come. We''ll remain here, awaiting your next mobilization. Be sure to bring more soldiers next time. And if you take too long..." Dravor''s eyes gleamed with malice. "We''ll begin attacking other parts of the kingdom. I trust you now understand just how... quickly we can construct a fortress."


    With that, Dravor flapped his immense wings, retreating into the fortress. One by one, the demons followed his lead, leaving behind only the remains of disintegrating bodies that turned to dust in the wind.


    Brian, overcome with rage, let out a furious roar. Exhaustion gripped him, his mana completely spent, leaving him unable to summon even a flicker of flame. Both Jonathan and George shared his anger, their frustration evident in their clenched fists and furrowed brows. Yet, like Brian, they too were utterly drained, their strength spent battling an enemy that seemed to remain one step ahead.

 Chapter 256 - 256: World Tree Tribe

    Logan raced toward the Verdant Lands, accompanied by Silvia and Emary, his newly appointed apprentice. Each rode a different flying mount: Logan astride Wyver, Emary on the mightiest of Thunderbirds, and Silvia guiding Zephyr.


    They flew at top speed, pausing only for brief rests to eat and sleep. The group avoided using teleportation and instead sent the remainder of the beast back ahead of them. Fortunately, the Duke had provided an ample supply of food for the journey, which proved invaluable as they neared the southern border of the Verdant Lands. Beyond that point, they would need to seek out a small town or city to replenish their provisions¡ªLogan hoped this task would be simple and without peril.


    Crossing the border, the first sight that greeted them was a colossal tree, towering like a mountain but unmistakably verdant and alive. Its sheer size and lush foliage commanded their attention, leaving no doubt that it was indeed a tree.


    [That must be the first landmark we''re meant to follow, right?] Logan asked Silvia through their mind link. The boy, weary from a day of near-constant flight in the rising heat, grew eager for a place where they could finally rest.


    The greenery around the tree began to fade, giving way to vast, open plains that, in some areas, resembled deserts.


    [Yes, that must be a World Tree, from what I''ve read. The reason there isn''t another tree nearby is that it drains most of the mana and nutrients in this region,] Silvia explained, her fascination with the massive organism evident.


    Her interest deepened after her studies on how crystals could recharge when struck by lightning. While the process wasn''t as straightforward as charging a phone¡ªlacking a proper absorption method¡ªSilvia harbored hope. With time and resources, she dreamed of providing Logan''s kingdom with free energy.


    After two hours of flying, they finally reached the canopy of the gigantic tree. There was still some distance to cover before they arrived at its center, where they could see that people had crafted homes and a fully functional vertical city from the tree''s bark.


    The sight was nothing short of awe-inspiring, it was a reminder for Logan¡ªthis was a world entirely unlike his own. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "That must be Gresha, a town within the tree. My father spoke of it once¡ªhe visited there long ago," Emary said, her excitement rivaling, if not exceeding, Logan''s.


    "Then we''ll rest there for today. It''s the first of the large trees on our path," Logan decided, guiding them toward a particularly massive branch where tribespeople were waving to them. Their clothing immediately caught Logan''s attention¡ªvibrant, silk-like robes resembling kimonos, far from the primitive attire he had imagined the tribal communities would wear.


    As they approached to dismount their mounts, they were greeted with cheers and an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality. Logan leapt gracefully off Wyver, his holy wings unfurling in a radiant display. Their soothing aura helped ensure a positive reception, a method he always employed when meeting new people.


    He turned to assist Silvia, gently helping her down from Zephyr and placing her on the large four-meter-thick branch. Meanwhile, Emary dismounted Stormwing on his own, with wonder as he eagerly took in the surroundings.


    With a practiced motion, Logan retrieved mana stones of various elements and used them to replenish each creatures'' energy and strength. Then, he turned his attention to the first person who approached¡ªa woman who appeared to be in her late fifties or early sixties. She was accompanied by two others: one who looked to be in her thirties and another, a girl of about fifteen.


    Logan couldn''t help but marvel at the trio¡ªit felt as if he were witnessing the same person at three distinct stages of life. It seemed likely they were grandmother, mother, and daughter, an image that brought a small smile to his face.


    "Thank you for the warm welcome," Logan began, stepping closer and extending his hand toward the elder. "We need a place to stay the night before heading south. While we have enough provisions for my tamed beasts, we''ll need food for ourselves."


    The elder grasped his hand with both of hers and gently pressed her forehead to it. Logan froze in surprise, momentarily caught off guard by the unfamiliar gesture, before reminding himself that not everyone shared the same customs of greeting.


    "We welcome you, heroes," the elder said with a heartfelt smile. "We were informed of your arrival and are honored to host you in our little village. Please, take what you need for your journey. Though we may not have much, tonight we will hold a feast in your honor." The elder said pulling Logan by the hand into their village.


    Her features bore a resemblance to those of Asian descent, yet, like her daughter and granddaughter, her body glowed with an amber hue¡ªa clear sign of their affinity with the earth spirit.


    As they approached the largest branch, where preparations for the feast were underway, Logan dismissed his wings, sensing there was no longer the need to keep them active.


    "It is a rare honor to have a hero visit us," the elder said, her hands maintaining their firm hold on Logan''s. "We seldom leave our trees. As for the men, they are occupied hunting within the canopy. They should return in a few hours to join us for the grand meal."


    Around them, the village bustled with activity, populated mostly by women engaged in various tasks. Many of them radiated a distinct aura, either tied to wind or earth blessings, further emphasizing their connection to the elements.


    They were guided to sit near a carefully constructed fire, thoughtfully placed atop a mound of dirt to ensure it caused no harm to the colossal tree. It was a remarkable display of ingenuity, showcasing how the villagers seamlessly coexisted with the living giant while maintaining a semblance of normalcy in their daily lives.


    Logan struggled to suppress his growing hunger as the sweet aroma of the cooking food wafted through the air. His stomach betrayed him with an audible grumble, and he couldn''t help but gulp at the scent, which strongly reminded him of sweet and sour chicken.


    His moment of distraction was interrupted when Silvia moved closer, gently taking his hand. Logan turned to her, blinking in surprise, only to notice her expression¡ªshe seemed a little angry. Following her gaze, he realized the reason: a few of the village girls were openly casting him flirtatious glances, their intentions clear.


    Logan chuckled softly, pulling the girl closer as he retrieved his device¡ªa sleek gadget that displayed a screen much like a laptop. He couldn''t resist the urge to show it off, curious to see how the tribespeople would react. While he doubted gold would hold much value here, he was confident though, that they could offer other valuable resources in exchange.


    A group of curious children from the village darted closer, their eyes wide with fascination as they peered at the glowing screen. The map displayed wasn''t the most precise, but it was digitally rendered and would serve to help them plot their next destination.


    The elder woman observed the scene with a gentle smile before calling the children back, her voice warm yet firm as she ushered them to conduct themselves correctly.

 Chapter 257 - 257: Life in the Tribe

    Logan woke the next morning feeling revitalized.


    There was something profoundly invigorating about staying within a World Tree.


    As he slept in its soft interior, he felt nature''s energy enveloping him¡ªa sensation unlike any other. The bedding, designed to ensure full contact with the tree, seemed to amplify this rejuvenating effect.


    Since the villagers had already noticed his closeness to Silvia, no one questioned them sharing a room. As always, Silvia clung to him in her sleep, curled up like a cat beneath the blanket, her small frame tucked comfortably against his side.


    Thanks to the silencing ring, they had enjoyed a private and carefree evening the night before. Letting her sleep in a bit longer, Logan quietly got up and decided to explore. He was eager to see what the tribe had to offer. Confident he''d find fascinating items to bring back for the others as souvenirs while building a strong connection with the tribe was equally important.


    The immense World Tree continued to amaze him, radiating a powerful earth mana that Logan felt he could cultivate more effectively here than back in his kingdom.


    He envisioned working with the tribe to establish a sustainable system for harvesting crystals. In return, he would collect a small tax, benefiting both the tribe and his kingdom.


    Not only would this provide the tribe with a valuable source of income, but it would also supply Logan with top-quality crystals for his needs.


    Silently leaving the small hut to avoid waking Silvia, Logan wandered through the village.


    The villagers had been exceptionally hospitable to their three guests, even allowing them to stay for free. Logan, however, didn''t feel right accepting their generosity without giving something back.


    To show his gratitude, he shared his tools and crystals, though he had ulterior motives. By offering earth crystals, Logan aimed to earn their trust and lay the foundation for his future plans.


    He also gifted the head chief a terminal crystal. This gesture, he hoped, would help the village understand the benefits of collaborating with him down the line.


    Logan knew that some of Marie''s movies would seal the deal. Their charm would undoubtedly captivate the villagers, leaving them eager for more.


    As he continued exploring, Logan found himself fascinated by their craftsmanship. Watching them make kimonos left an impression on him, and he decided he wanted one of his own.


    His measurements were taken, and Logan looked forward to having his kimono ready before he left the village.


    Logan had ordered kimonos for the other girls, with Silvia helping him estimate their sizes.


    Silvia also had one made for herself¡ªa shimmering silver kimono.


    For the others, a gold one was chosen for Lisa, red for Rubina, black for Serana, jade for Marie, blue for Alma, and white for his teacher, Ms. Claire.


    Ms. Claire, who had been assisting those training in the labyrinth, also worked closely with the monster riders, goblins, and warks to improve their effectiveness in battle.


    After checking on the clothing, which was still being completed, Logan made his way to the food area.


    There, he discovered an impressive variety of fruits and vegetables grown on the World Tree itself. The tree supported a thriving ecosystem, using its vast structure as a base for cultivation.


    The meat available was mostly poultry and a few mammals, though Logan couldn''t picture what they looked like before being butchered into cuts.


    An hour into his exploration, Logan returned to eat, meeting Emary along the way.


    The boy, unused to early mornings, still looked exhausted from the long flight. His small mouse companion, however, was wide awake, playfully darting around Logan''s Jolt.


    The two creatures seemed to enjoy each other''s company, so Logan let Jolt roam freely to play alongside the mouse.


    "Are you two fine now? We''ll start the next trip south as soon as we finish," Logan said, his voice steady as he stirred his soup. The meal consisted of chunks of meat paired with an assortment of vegetables, their aroma filling the air.


    "While I''d like to say no, I don''t mind leaving¡­" Emary hesitated, feeling the sting in his hind from the long journey. Yet, he was determined not to appear weak in front of his new mentor.


    "I''m good to go anytime; just let me know when you''re ready. In the meantime, I''ll be showing the elder how to use the terminal," Silvia replied.


    Logan, turning his gaze toward the horizon, realized he couldn''t determine the time without his terminal. "We''ll be leaving in about an hour then. It''s around twelve in the afternoon, so we should be able to reach the next landmark within six or so hours," he said, studying his map carefully. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Their goal was to reach Laoton by the end of the day. Afterward, their path would lead to Poykut, where they were to meet tribe chief Isabel. Her assistance would be crucial in guiding them to the ents.


    While Logan was wrapping up his business with the tribe, back in his kingdom, the heroes were making their final preparations to depart.


    Victor had called for reinforcements, understanding that he couldn''t face the demon general alone. He also knew that working with Brian and his two followers could cause more harm than good if they didn''t cooperate properly.


    Although the demons hadn''t attacked again, the Republic was hesitant to send more soldiers to their deaths. Among those joining the mission were Ms. Claire, Alma, Lisa, Rubina, and Serana with her minions.


    They had purposely avoided informing Logan, knowing it would only make him anxious and potentially drive him to act recklessly in his quest to find the ents.


    Lisa took Orus as her companion, while Rubina chose Scorch and Uriel. Having bonded deeply with the large dinosaur, she knew she could rely on his unwavering support. The raptors and Scorch''s mate, however, stayed behind to avoid weakening the kingdom''s defenses, especially with the demons preparing to launch a full-scale attack.


    Ms. Claire looked backed at the growing kingdom, she felt proud to have a student who had achieved so much, beside her fourteen in the class were ready to march forward along with soldiers who wanted to join the cause, the group of over two hundred began preparing to help the Red Iron Republic.

 Chapter 258 - 258: Joining the Republics War

    Creating a teleportation array was mana-taxing. Although Silvia, a genius in her craft, could construct one in mere minutes, Marie wasn''t far behind in her ability to manipulate crystals. The main hurdle lay in identifying a destination to establish the precise frequency needed for the two crystals to connect.


    To resolve this, Victor stepped in to assist with setting up the array and gathering the necessary crystals to make it functional. Their strategy was to initially send out ten individuals, each carrying enough crystals to bring the rest of the group through the teleportation array.


    The next battle was fast approaching, and their priority was to rally those who would join the fight. Unlike the previous clash, this time they planned for more long-range tactics, aiming to weaken the castle''s defenses and, hopefully, bring it down. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Among the heroes, the mages were to serve as the main offensive force, with the rest providing support to keep the demons at bay and protect the casters.


    The moment Lisa crossed the portal, she began healing the wounded. Fortunately, Kryst had returned just before Logan departed for the Verdant Lands. Her role in maintaining the kingdom''s crystals was crucial, yet Lisa had pleaded for her assistance.


    Victor''s report cited over a hundred injured from the last battle¡ªmany had lost limbs or even half their bodies during the deadly confrontation.


    Victor, who had opened the gate, was pleased to see his classmates. Though he was a loner by choice, he understood the importance of working together¡ªespecially with someone as formidable as Dravor leading the opposing group.


    While Victor acknowledged the collective strength of the class, his shadow sense allowed him to quickly identify the strongest among them. To him, the shadows never lied. In a way, they were connected to the souls of their masters¡ªor so his eyes seemed to reveal.


    Lisa and Alma stood in a league of their own. Alongside them were two striking figures¡ªthe red-haired and black-haired beauties whose scarlet eyes evoked the image of blood. There was an undeniable power emanating from their presence, an intensity that set them apart from the other heroes.


    Victor''s keen observation revealed a strength within them that seemed almost doubled compared to their peers. He dismissed the thought, attributing their heightened abilities to the abundance of crystals they had likely absorbed.


    Being close to Logan was another advantage that hadn''t gone unnoticed by the group. His presence seemed to bring unique benefits to those around him. Yet, no one dared to approach him too closely. They were acutely aware of how poorly they had treated him in the past, a lingering regret that kept them at a distance.


    Victor guided the class to the site where they were scheduled to meet the others. The Red Iron Republic had gathered all the troops they could muster for one final assault. They understood that concentrating their forces would leave their other cities vulnerable, but it was the only way to cleanse their lands once and for all of the demon invasion.


    As the class entered, they spotted Brian, Jonathan, and George deep in discussion with the generals. Victor felt a surge of relief that the rest of the group had arrived on time¡ªhopefully, they could steer any ill-conceived tactics proposed by the three boys into strategies that would actually ensure everyone''s survival this time.


    Victor noticed Brian clicking his tongue as his eyes scanned the room. He knew the boy loved Lisa and was relieved she had left to tend to the wounded soldiers rather than joining the meeting.


    "So, you''re telling me you want the heroes to go alone this time?" Ms. Claire exclaimed in outrage, her protective instincts flaring up. Her reaction made the general who had suggested the idea break into a nervous sweat.


    "No, Miss, not alone. Just to initiate the fight. The soldiers would only end up as collateral damage during the heroes'' combat. We noticed in the last battle that the heroes'' power nearly wiped out the soldiers alongside the demons," the general explained hastily.


    Ms. Claire shot a sharp glare at Brian, Jonathan, and George, her disapproval crystal clear.


    "It seems you three are taking all this as a game again. We will talk about this later. For now, we will be forming teams around the casters. As the plan stands, we will work in two groups¡ªbackup and casters, and frontline defenders," Ms. Claire stated firmly.


    Her voice carried such authority that any commands the generals attempted to give were immediately silenced. There was an undeniable conviction in her tone that left no room for dissent.


    As everyone began to exit the tents, Ms. Claire mulled over the boys'' behavior. She realized they were starting to show a side of themselves that she wasn''t sure she could handle. Their tendency to disregard life when it came to gaining levels was growing increasingly reckless. In an effort to avoid disrupting the war effort, she resolved to speak with them later, along with the rest of the class, to hopefully instill some sense into their actions.


    Meanwhile, the other students were far from battle-weary. Their time in the labyrinth and the period of rest in Logan''s city had left them mentally refreshed and prepared.


    The eight principal long-range users¡ªMai, Reina, Carla, Halie, Freya, Darin, Charlie, and Owen¡ªwere ready to fight. Each was paired with a group that complemented their elemental abilities.


    Mai, the Aerotheurgist, had fire and water mages adept in ice magic positioned around her. Their synergy allowed her wind spells to be augmented with additional elements, increasing her versatility and potency on the battlefield.


    Owen, on the other hand, had wind mages positioned to enhance his arrows with additional speed and precision, as well as dark and fire users ready to imbue them with destructive enchantments.


    The teenagers now seemed mentally prepared for what lay ahead, displaying a remarkable composure compared to the intense battle they had faced months earlier in the Pearl Isles.


    In the frontline, Kiel, Alberto, Jin, Charlotte, Yui, Chris, and Ren stood ready to defend.


    Brian, George, and Jonathan¡ªhaving the most experience and battle skills¡ªtook their positions at the forefront. Although Charlotte, a Knight, and Ren, a Samurai, were capable of entering the fight, their roles were better suited for defense. Their classes emphasized battlefield care and support for their allies.


    As such, Charlotte and Ren would operate in teams, while Brian, George, and Jonathan entered the fray alone, relying on their individual prowess.


    Alma and Ms. Claire were stationed where they could command attention, using tools to amplify their voices and ensure their instructions reached everyone clearly.

 Chapter 259 - 259: First Great Clash

    Dravor, within his fortress, felt a surge of satisfaction as the Republic had heeded his warning. He was ready to fight again, deploying even more powerful troops to keep his adversaries entertained.


    His role was clear¡ªto divide the forces. The empire was slowly being reduced to half its size by the demons, while the other demon generals focused on making the gates functional by taking lives in ways that humans wouldn''t easily detect.


    The tamer hero had disrupted their plans enough for the kingdoms to start patrolling areas they had previously ignored. Yet, they were still far from being able to monitor each of their villages effectively.


    The rising challenge now was the guardians, who were beginning to uncover the demons'' true intentions. It was clear they would soon join forces with the humans to attack the demons, prompting the need to accelerate the war.


    Dravor took charge of the battle against the Red Iron Republic, while Zephor returned to the Pearl Isles. Azrag and Xerath continued their assault on the empire, Maldrak prepared to target the Kingdom of Elris, and Zaryx set his sights on invading the Kingdom of Highrule once more.


    Highrule, in particular, was becoming a thorn in the demons'' side. Their advancements in technology posed a growing threat, especially their "metal box" innovation that allowed humans to travel between regions in mere hours instead of days.


    Valkar, Thalrak, and Morax remained behind to oversee the demon-conquered lands.


    Dravor, standing within his fortress, smiled at the sight of the gathered heroes prepared to challenge him. He knew he would survive the confrontation but was uncertain how many he could take down before escaping.


    Already, he had filled three of his seven crystals. He regretted that more soldiers hadn''t arrived before the heroes gathered, as their lives would have hastened the completion of his remaining crystals.


    The taming hero was, of course, to blame for equipping the Republic with the tools for teleportation. The demons had obtained critical intelligence through spies, confirming that he had cultivated more than enough crystals for use in the battle.


    "Well then¡­ let''s see how my five thousand strong will fare against the heroes," Dravor muttered. He extended his wings, preparing to descend into the fray.


    With a signal to his closest aide, the horns were sounded, summoning the demons to readiness. Revelry filled the air as they made merry while awaiting the clash to come. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Dravor knew most of them wouldn''t survive¡ªperhaps even all were destined to die here. Yet, it mattered little to him. Whether heroes or soldiers fell, their deaths would contribute to replenishing the crystals, driving his ambitions forward.


    The class, this time, was ready. They had learned the limits of their skills and knew not to push beyond their reach.


    As the gates of the fortress opened, demons poured out like swarming ants. Brian wasted no time. The moment the first wave of demons emerged, he unleashed shockwaves of fire when enough of them gathered, wiping out at least fifty in one blow.


    The problem, however, was that his attack only enraged the demons further. They immediately activated their mutation stones, entering a berserk state.


    "Brian, why did you do that, fool?" Victor yelled, his frustration palpable. He was tempted to punch the boy, knowing Brian''s reckless move had just doubled the fight''s difficulty from the onset.


    Victor, however, restrained himself. Wasting mana at this point would be disastrous, especially without knowing how many demons they would still have to face.


    George was the one to follow up on Brian''s impulsive attack, sending out earth spear after earth spear. The damage had already been done, so it was now a matter of controlling the chaos.


    The demons, now berserk, showed no hesitation. They lost all reason, surging forward in a frenzied rush to fight.


    As the demons drew closer, the ranged heroes unleashed their skills to test how much damage they could inflict.


    Mai sent out wind blades, which her two helpers amplified with fire and ice. Each blade cut through one demon after another, occasionally slicing them in half. Though it was her weakest skill, Mai knew it would suffice for the first thousand or so demons. She eagerly awaited the moment when enough demons would emerge for her to unleash her tornado abilities.


    The demons who resisted going berserk used shields to mitigate the incoming damage. Working together, they defended their comrades while retaliating with their own skills.


    The long-range battle had officially begun. Despite less than 500 demons falling in the initial attack, the majority regained their composure and regrouped, ready to launch the real fight.


    The battlefield was alive with noise¡ªspells crashing against barriers, cries of death piercing the air, and battle chants from both sides resonating across the field. Alma worked tirelessly to enhance her fellow heroes, while the demons used low guttural growls, attempting to instill fear in their opponents.


    Neither side relented. Owen focused on breaking through the barriers with his guided arrows, each one striking the same spot repeatedly, striving to weaken the defenses.


    Lisa stood back, hoping no one would be gravely injured. This time, the heroes held the frost line. If they managed to break through, the soldiers would follow behind and push forward.


    Beside her, Rubina rode atop Scorch, who had grown restless from being unable to join the fray. Orus was also present, though Lisa had instructed Kryst to stay with the creature, knowing full well the devastation Logan would feel if anything happened to her.


    As the demons finished organizing themselves into orderly lines, the casting momentarily ceased. Both sides paused, seemingly waiting to observe what they were truly up against before the inevitable clash began.


    Dravor stepped out of the fortress, his towering presence a declaration of readiness for the impending battle. This time, he was determined to shield as many of his troops as possible¡ªand to claim at least one hero''s life before making his calculated retreat.


    With a surge of dark energy, Dravor transformed his body. His form grew immense, shifting into that of a dragon. Scales rippled across his skin, shimmering ominously, while his wings stretched wide, blotting out the light. His snout elongated, revealing rows of razor-sharp fangs that gleamed with lethal precision.


    As he took a deep breath, flames of brilliant blue erupted from his maw. The torrent of fire crashed against shields, disintegrating them within moments. The destructive force left the battlefield shaking, though no one had yet been hurt.


    Before the flames could do any real damage, Scorch retaliated with a breath of his own. The mighty dinosaur then roared, unleashing a sound so powerful that it reverberated across the battlefield. Even those on his own side trembled before the sheer intensity of his presence.

 Chapter 260 - 260: Continuous Clash

    Dravor had caught Scorch''s attention, and the imposing dragon seemed like a worthy opponent. Rubina, however, understood Scorch''s intent¡ªhe was Logan''s strongest creature, and there was no chance he''d relinquish that title to anyone.


    "Serana, come with me! Have your minions follow us¡ªwe need to keep Scorch safe at all times. Lisa, stay with Kryst and make sure she''s protected!" Rubina commanded urgently, her voice sharp as the chaos of battle unfolded.


    Scorch was already charging forward, barreling into the fray with an unstoppable force. Those in his path scattered, while the demons who dared to test their luck found themselves consumed by the dinosaur''s flaming charge.


    Rubina clung to the saddle with all the strength she could muster, knowing that if not for her ability to control fire, remaining atop Scorch would have been impossible. As he tore through the battlefield, Rubina provided cover fire, wielding fiery whips that multiplied Scorch''s destructive power.


    Serana followed closely behind, commanding her four shadows with deadly precision. The shadow beings reaped lives on either side of Scorch, skillfully avoiding his scorching flames as they cleared the way for their advance.


    Scorch charged ahead until he met Dravor''s transformed dragon form. The demon roared, bracing himself for the dinosaur''s relentless approach. He swung his powerful tail in an attempt to strike, but a red demon in the form of a large dragon intercepted the blow and pushed it aside.


    Scorch, however, retaliated with his own tail, wielding it like a fiery whip that lashed across Dravor''s scaled body. Flames surged with each strike, forcing Rubina to carefully guide Scorch''s movements. She knew that if he simply tried to bash the dragon head-on, his short arms would make it difficult for him to maintain balance.


    As the fierce clash between dragon and dinosaur unfolded, the rest of the melee heroes joined the battle, accompanied by soldiers determined to ensure the heroes survived the opening stages of the fight.


    Brian, frustrated that his intended prey had been taken by Scorch, focused instead on the experience he hoped to gain. Knowing the battle against Dravor would be lengthy and yield little reward, Brian chose to bide his time, engaging with lesser demons while awaiting an opportunity to steal the kill from Scorch.


    Meanwhile, the casters continued their relentless barrage. Carefully positioning their barriers, they worked to avoid harming their allies while directing spells toward the distant ranks of demons. Rows of demons stood waiting, their turn to fight still ahead.


    Victor took advantage of the chaos to separate from the group and focus on his own targets. His talent for catching enemies off guard made him effective on the far left side of the battlefield, where he began cutting down demons one by one. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As he fought, he couldn''t help but admire Serana and her minions. Their precision in striking from the shadows was impressive, and Victor resolved not to be outdone by their skills as they used the same abilities. He pushed himself to demonstrate the full extent of his own magic, determined to show he was in no way inferior.


    While the battle raged, other grand creatures joined the fray. Halie, the summoner, called forth her elemental creations¡ªprimordial spirits that took on monstrous forms.


    She had six so far: a triceratops stomping through enemy lines, a massive moth with shimmering wings, a peculiar fat cat adorned with small wings, a serpent-like creature coiling and striking with deadly force, a towering gorilla wielding raw power, and a horse she rode into battle, its speed and elegance unmatched.


    Each ethereal creature was engaged in reducing the ranks of demons, steadily diminishing their numbers. These spirits, shaped into animals according to the summoner''s imagination, attacked using magical abilities.


    The triceratops stood out among the summoned creatures. While it appeared large and sturdy, its true destructive force lay in the mass of earth fused into its skin. As it charged forward, its stone horns pierced through anything in its path with brutal efficiency, while the summoner danced nearby, channeling energy to sustain it.


    Meanwhile, the clash between Scorch and Dravor demanded everyone''s attention. Scorch''s heavy stomps generated pools of lava beneath him, scorching the battlefield and even forcing the dragon to raise its limbs to avoid the fiery wrath. Eventually, Dravor found remaining on the ground too perilous and took flight, his massive wings lifting him above the chaos.


    "Let''s keep attacking the demons, Scorch. I''m sure that guy will return once we''ve taken out enough of his minions," Rubina instructed, her voice steady as she kept a close watch on the dragon hovering a few meters above them¡ªjust far enough to evade Scorch''s flamethrower.


    Obediently, Scorch barreled through rows of demons, chomping and crushing them effortlessly. His fiery power surged as he activated Flame Aura and paired it with Burst Charge, amplifying the devastation he left in his wake.


    The battle was enough to rekindle Scorch''s sense of power¡ªsomething he had missed amidst the peaceful tranquility of the kingdom his master was building.


    Toward the rear of the battlefield, Ms. Claire tirelessly issued commands. Her voice carried strength and authority, amplifying the power of those who heard her. Alongside Alma, she continued despite the strain, even as it felt like her throat might bleed from the effort.


    Lisa, meanwhile, stood poised for action, waiting for the perfect moment to unleash her Holy Nova skill. It was a technique capable of both devastating the enemy and healing her allies, ready to shift the tides when needed. Orus hovered overhead, ensuring both Lisa and Kryst remained safe for the time being.


    Dravor, feeling the weight of the battle''s losses, surveyed the scene grimly. He had lost nearly half of his troops. While a few soldiers accompanying the heroes had fallen, the heroes themselves remained untouched, their strength unyielding.


    "Damn it, I will not be like that wretch Zaryx who failed to deliver results," Dravor muttered with venom.


    The massive dragon scanned the battlefield, searching for the perfect target. He was intent on reminding the heroes that the demons would not be defeated so easily.


    In Dravor''s eyes, the singer was the easiest target. She seemed too focused on casting her sound buff magic to notice the danger. The sight of her standing among the casters only made her position more appealing to him.


    The dragon ascended higher, circling just above the battlefield. He flew with calculated precision, ensuring he reached a vantage point that would give him the perfect angle to strike.

 Chapter 261 - 261: Total Annihilation

    Logan sped through the air toward the southern plains, but a sudden, unbearable pain wracked his body. He lost his balance as Zephyr felt him begin to convulse, a seizure overtaking the boy and causing him to slip from the bird''s back.


    [Logan, what happened?] Silvia called out urgently, sensing something unusual through their shared link. The connection felt distorted, as if something was deeply wrong.


    Without hesitation, she urged Wyver to dive, guiding the drake to intercept Logan as Zephyr used his wind abilities to stabilize the falling boy.


    As Silvia reached Logan, she pulled him onto Wyver''s back and embraced him tightly. Logan clutched his chest, his face contorted with pain while his body shook, leaving Silvia deeply worried.


    Logan''s cries of anguish pierced the air as an unknown torment wracked his body. The mark he had placed on Alma burned as if it were on fire, and he trembled violently, gripping his shoulder in desperation.


    Elsewhere, across the world, an ominous scene unfolded. All eyes were on the massive dragon, whose enormous dark grey tail had descended with unimaginable speed, crushing everything in its path. It struck behind the heroes with devastating force, leaving them in stunned horror.


    Alma had been caught in the attack. Her body was crushed, and the battlefield was frozen in shock. All focus shifted toward the large dragon, rage and sorrow fueling a frenzied counterattack.


    Scorch, sensing Logan''s pain and the profound loss of Alma, felt the resonance reverberate through his very being. Every one of Logan''s tames shared the boy''s agony, the connection between them amplifying the collective grief.


    Lisa, however, wasted no time. Her eyes locked on the dragon, she unleashed her strongest skill. Flying downward at tremendous speed, Holy Nova ready on hand, she aimed directly for the beast.


    She didn''t falter, refusing to stop until she was over the dragon. Then, with precision, she released the sphere. The Holy Nova exploded at point-blank range, the force launching the dragon backward. It collided with several shields before crashing to the ground near the battlefield, roaring in defiance.


    One of Dravor''s wings had been torn off, and the scales where the Holy Nova sphere struck were shredded, blood spurting in a gruesome fountain.


    Scorch, consumed by fury, activated all his buffs and charged forward. This was his moment to strike down the demon who had harmed one of his master''s mates. With jaws wide open, Scorch lunged in fury. Dravor barely managed to shift his neck before the dinosaur''s teeth severed it completely, tearing through his shoulder in the process.


    "How dare you!" the demon bellowed, his voice filled with rage and desperation. Losing himself in blinding anger, he crushed his berserk crystal, unleashing a surge of raw power to keep himself alive while his body struggled to recover.


    Lisa, on the other hand, had blocked out everything around her. Her focus was solely on saving her friend. She had one skill in her arsenal that could help Alma, but before she could use it, she needed to mend her own body. The thought of reviving Alma only to watch her die again filled her with dread, but she knew she had no time to waste.


    Kryst the slime understood what needed to be done and jumped down from Orus. She used her slime form to cushion the landing and then enveloped the girl''s mutilated body, casting every healing spell in her arsenal. Her magic extended to the scattered remains, gently pulling each piece together with long tendrils until they formed what appeared to be Alma in a peaceful slumber.


    Lisa, doing all she could to hold everything together, cried out in desperation.


    [Hurry, Kryst! Hurry!]


    She ignored the searing pain in her core, pouring every ounce of energy into rapidly mending Alma''s shattered form. As the healing neared completion, Lisa prepared to use her ultimate skill, Seraphic Resurrection.


    [Will you use this one-time skill on: Pamela Alma Ortiz]


    A prompt flashed before her, reminding her that this skill had only one use.


    [Yes! YES!]


    She screamed mentally, confirming without hesitation. Immediately, the battlefield erupted in radiant white light as mana condensed around Alma. The brilliance consumed the area, dispelling all spells and shields, while Alma''s soul began its journey back to her body.


    Kryst, relentless in her healing, refused to pause even as her strength waned. She pushed herself to the limit until exhaustion forced her to revert to her small slime form.


    Meanwhile, Victor received an urgent call. Silvia''s voice came through, instructing him to prepare some crystals. Without delay, the shadow master retrieved every remaining stone from his dimensional storage and began constructing the array.


    Moments later, six figures emerged from the portal he had created. One of them was coughing up blood, their fury evident in their expression. Victor, sensing their simmering rage, chose not to ask why they had arrived in such a state.


    "Silvia, open a gate with Marie¡ªbring me my army!" Logan commanded, spitting the blood lingering in his mouth before taking a sip of mana water. His eyes swept across the battlefield, locking onto the girl who had been harmed.


    Alma was still lying on the ground, unconscious but breathing. Kryst and Lisa stayed close, tending to her with unwavering focus.


    Logan''s gaze shifted to Rubina and Scorch in the distance, where a dragonoid figure clashed fiercely with them.


    "Zephyr, let''s go!" Logan called out, channeling wind magic as he leaped onto the bird''s back. Zephyr didn''t hesitate and soared into action, speeding toward the battlefield. The two flew forward at breakneck speed, narrowly avoiding a collision with the dragon.


    Logan didn''t have the luxury to consider what element or skill to use. His thoughts centered on a technique he had only used once before¡ªharnessing all the elements into a single, devastating point. The anguish in his heart fueled him, making even the searing pain of overloading his core feel insignificant, like the sting of a small needle.


    He had no words, no questions. Only vengeance filled his mind. The demons had gone too far, and Logan was determined to make them understand the cost of harming one of his own. He was done playing their game.


    Dravor, preoccupied with the dinosaur, failed to notice the boy rushing toward him until the very last moment. Zephyr, the eagle, flew so swiftly that a small tornado spiraled in its wake. The bird abruptly stopped upon reaching the dragon, soaring upward to avoid direct impact, but the boy pressed forward.


    Propelled by sheer force, Logan surged ahead, a small but incredibly powerful sphere of condensed energy glowing over his hand.


    "Scorch, get back! NOW!" Logan''s voice rang out across the battlefield just before he collided with Dravor''s back.


    Using the remnants of his mana, Logan cast his wings, pushing himself high enough to avoid the imminent explosion. Zephyr swiftly circled around, rushing to catch him as his energy-drained wings dissolved mere moments after being summoned.


    Behind him, the dragon let out a chilling yelp of horror. The sphere wasn''t merely light magic as before¡ªit tore through his body with ease, carving through his flesh like butter before detonating inside him.


    The dragon could only lift his gaze to the sky and unleash one final, anguished roar before his body erupted in a devastating explosion. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Elsewhere on the battlefield, a new tide of chaos surged behind the weary soldiers and heroes. Hundreds of wolves and hogs thundered forward, accompanied by warks and goblins riding atop them. Armed with lances and spears, the monstrous allies leaped over casters and charged headlong into the demons, who stood in stunned awe at the relentless assault.


    A mighty thunderbird and wyvern struck down those who dared to flee, their swift and deadly precision leaving no room for escape. Meanwhile, a colossal serpent¡ªangered at being summoned while tending to her newborns¡ªcharged onto the battlefield with unbridled fury.


    Her sixty-meter frame tore through the fortress with astonishing ease. Brick by brick, the massive structure crumbled under her assault, sinking into the ocean depths as waves consumed it.


    Logan, however, was oblivious to the chaos around him. His senses were overwhelmed by the rush of euphoria that came with leveling up so dramatically. He stared at the message that had appeared before his eyes, its words bringing both astonishment and pride:


    [Congratulations! You are the first hero to reach Level 80! As a reward for your incredible effort, you have been gifted a dragon egg...]

 Chapter 262 - 262: New Power

    Brian watched in fury as Logan demonstrated his immense power, roaring in anger at being thwarted. Mere seconds before, he had planned to deal the final blow himself, only to be outsped by the eagle''s incredible speed.


    As Zephyr carried Logan into the air, Brian''s rage turned outward. He vented his frustration by attacking the demons nearby, indiscriminately striking down even goblins and warks in the process.


    Logan wasn''t about to let this go unnoticed. Descending swiftly, he rushed to heal his monsters, casting barriers just in time to protect them from further harm. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Do you think I didn''t see that?" Logan''s voice rang out, his anger palpable. He quickly downed an elixir to replenish the mana he had just used.


    "See what?" Brian shot back, his tone unapologetic. "I was just killing what should''ve been dead. You know how badly we need the experience. Now, how is it that you think you can talk down to me? Get down here, fool!"


    With that, Brian launched a fireball toward Logan, who remained perched on Zephyr''s back.


    Logan simply raised his hand, snuffed out the flame with ease, and retaliated. He conjured a dark bolt¡ªan improved version of his dark arrow, faster, more compact, and nearly impossible to counter. With precision, he hurled the bolt straight at Brian.


    The projectile shot toward Brian''s foot at a speed too quick for him to track. Luckily, his flame barrier had already been activated, diminishing the dark bolt''s energy to the point that it merely bounced off his foot.


    Brian clenched his jaw, feeling the sting of the impact, but he refused to show any weakness. Instead, he laughed mockingly.


    "So, you think you can escape in the air? Fine, come here! I''ll just take the experience from your dead body. You''ve caused me enough trouble already," he sneered.


    With a burst of power, Brian activated his rocket-like hands, propelling himself into the sky. One fist was aimed at the eagle, poised to strike.


    Logan, however, leapt from Zephyr''s back just in time, commanding the bird to fly to safety. As he fell through the air, he summoned magical wings, their radiant glow unmistakable.


    "I knew it!" Brian shouted loudly enough for everyone below to hear. "Those are Lisa''s magical wings! You did it¡ªyou tamed a human!"


    Logan, unfazed by the accusation, smirked as he locked eyes with his opponent. The expression was enough to ignite Brian''s fury even further, and Logan knew it.


    "Shut up and try to hit me!" Logan taunted, his voice sharp as he extended his hand, beckoning Brian to approach.


    In his other hand, Logan drew a whip, channeling darkness and earth magic into the weapon. The enchantments added immense weight to the whip and infused it with the cursed power of darkness, capable of inflicting devastating ailments.


    Brian wasted no time, lunging forward in an attempt to land the first blow. His strike, however, met only empty air as Logan, adept at wind manipulation, used the sky to his advantage.


    Seizing the moment, Logan activated Icy Dominion, instantly chilling the air around them. The cold sapped Brian''s mobility, slowing him down, while Logan gained agility and dexterity in the frosty atmosphere. Capitalizing on his newfound speed, Logan soared upward before diving back down, delivering a punishing blow with Subzero Dive that sent Brian crashing to the ground.


    Empowered by his evolution, Logan refused to stop there. He knew what he was about to do would be overkill but decided it was the perfect opportunity to test his newfound strength¡ªand to teach Brian the difference in their levels, if only for now.


    "Zephyr, come!" Logan called, his voice firm and commanding. The eagle swooped close in response, its mark glowing brightly before the bird vanished, while his mark pulsed with latent energy.


    The crowd stared in astonishment, wondering if Logan had just killed his creature. Yet, those who knew Logan well didn''t mourn the bird as they had Alma. The absence of pain confirmed that Zephyr hadn''t truly died.


    Logan, on the other hand, felt an overwhelming surge of power emanating from his mark. All he had done was absorb Zephyr into the tattoo etched on his Vertex¡ªa symbol he was beginning to understand was far more significant than mere decoration.


    Suddenly, two massive wings erupted from his back, tearing through his shirt. They resembled Zephyr''s own¡ªmajestic green-feathered limbs that stretched three meters on each side. Each flap unleashed powerful gusts that rippled through the battlefield.


    "Come on! Don''t tell me you''re scared now!" Logan taunted, his voice sharp and provoking. He smirked knowingly, recognizing the exact words that would ignite Brian''s fury.


    Brian didn''t back down, his fiery determination burning as brightly as the fireballs he hurled toward Logan. Each projectile grew in size as it closed in, but Logan dismissed them with ease, summoning a powerful vortex that blew them away.


    Feigning boredom, Logan yawned, his deliberate provocation meant to rile Brian further. The red-haired boy clenched his fists and took to the air again, his jets of flame propelling him upward.


    "Are you a one-trick pony? Is that all you''ve got, Brian? Where''s all that talk about being strong from before? Don''t think I forgot how you kept mocking me for having fewer stats. How about now, huh? Now that I can boost mine with my stored creature, how do you think you''ll fare?" Logan taunted, his voice cutting through the crackle of fire.


    With a sharp dive, Logan sped toward Brian, noticing how his opponent''s predictable flame jets made his movements easy to read. For someone like Logan, who had mastered blending wind with his newfound wings, this was effortless. With a confident twist, he unleashed Cyclone Vortex, spinning mid-air with precision and power.


    Brian grinned, his confidence undeterred. He had held back his best skill until now, unwilling to reveal it to the others earlier. But this was the moment to prove himself.


    "Take this, then!" Brian roared, summoning three beams of pure fire energy.


    The beams streaked toward Logan, their intensity searing through the air. One struck his hand as he attempted to block it, grazing him just enough to keep it from damaging his wings but strong enough to burn through parts of his skin, luckily he had ice magic active to reduce the damage.

 Chapter 263 - 263: Beast Incarnate

    "This is your best?" Logan sneered, his voice dripping with disdain as he healed his wound using Lisa''s magic.


    Brian stared at him in awe, his fiery rage barely masking his disbelief. Moments before, Logan''s bone had been visible through the gash, yet he had shrugged off the injury as if it were nothing, the potent healing magic returning the damage effortlessly.


    "You think you''re good just because you''re in the air? Fine, let''s play it your way," Brian growled. His frustration at its peak, he descended to the ground, heading toward a nearby goblin. To everyone''s shock, Brian pierced the creature through its chest, a move that seemed reckless and cruel.


    Logan''s eyes widened in horror. Though not directly connected to the goblin, it was still one of his creatures¡ªand its needless death struck a nerve.


    Fueled by anger, Logan rushed forward, severing his connection with Zephyr as he summoned Scorch. His mark flared brightly, glowing with raw energy as Zephyr materialized above him. Knowing his time had come, Scorch took his place, the colossal dinosaur vanishing into Logan''s taming tattoo.


    "You wanted this? Alright." Logan''s voice was cold, brimming with power as scales began to emerge across his skin. The transformation surged forward, heat radiating intensely as his body took on draconic features. A snout formed near his nose, lined with sharp, gleaming fangs, his form crackling with unleashed strength.


    Brian grinned, sensing an opportunity. Ceasing his assault on the creatures, he charged directly at Logan, his fist glowing with fiery energy. Logan stood firm, unyielding as Brian lunged at him.


    With unflinching resolve, Logan raised his arm, meeting Brian''s punch head-on. Their fists collided with explosive force, the impact sending a fiery burst across the battlefield, the air trembling with the intensity of their clash.


    While a few of Logan''s scales chipped off his knuckles from the collision, he wasted no time in repairing them. His eyes briefly assessed the damage, finding it negligible. Brian, however, fared worse¡ªhis gauntlet was shattered, unable to withstand the force of the strike. He clenched his fist, bewildered at the sheer durability of Logan''s scales.


    Logan''s smile widened, knowing it would take Brian time to recover and reequip. Without hesitation, Logan twisted his body, using the momentum to hurl Brian toward a cluster of demons still fighting in the distance. His strategy was clear¡ªif Brian was busy with demons, he wouldn''t have the chance to call upon his two friends, who remained preoccupied with the overwhelming swarm of more than two thousand demons.


    Around them, no one intervened. Everyone was deeply engaged in their own battles, leaving Logan grateful for the opportunity to face Brian uninterrupted.


    This was his moment, and he had no intention of wasting it. He resolved to ensure Brian walked away from this fight barely clinging to life¡ªteetering on the edge, if only to teach him the stark difference in their strength. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Using his powerful legs, Logan launched himself toward Brian, one hand pulled back, ready to strike as soon as he landed. Brian, still reeling from the earlier tail slam, quickly discarded his shattered weapon and equipped another.


    Logan closed the gap in mere seconds, slamming his fist into Brian''s gauntlet. This one held up better than the last, its surface gleaming with what appeared to be Orichalcum.


    "To think Ruben had the time to craft a weapon like this for someone like you," Logan muttered, clicking his tongue in annoyance. Despite his frustration, he didn''t relent, his fists hammering forward with relentless force. Yet, for the first time, his strikes didn''t seem to penetrate. The newly equipped gauntlets were built to endure far more punishment and weren''t going to break as easily as their predecessors.


    Meanwhile, the demons, leaderless and panicked, began to scatter. Some, in their desperation, succumbed to berserk rage, throwing themselves into the fray between the two combatants. Many were sent flying or died instantly, caught in the deadly clash of power. Others, unable to endure the intense heat radiating from the fight, found their skin charring and falling away, much like the once-vibrant battlefield, now scorched and barren.


    Logan didn''t hesitate to issue commands to his goblins and warks, urging them to retreat. As they moved to safety, he unleashed a powerful flamethrower, sending an inferno toward Brian. The flames managed only to singe the edge of Brian''s shirt, leaving the boy otherwise unharmed.


    Their battle continued in a fiery exchange, each strike resulting in the deaths of nearby demons. Logan''s smile grew as he noticed Brian''s mana dwindling with every flame shield he cast. Logan, on the other hand, relied solely on Scorch''s natural abilities¡ªunbreakable scales, scorching fire breath, and devastating talons¡ªall of which required no mana. Each blow from Logan further pressed Brian into a corner, the difference in endurance slowly becoming evident.


    Three consecutive blows to the face were enough to bring Brian to his knees, his strength failing as he could no longer keep going. Blood trickled down his face, but his defiance wavered, his breathing labored and uneven.


    From the corner of his eye, Logan caught movement¡ªGeorge and Jonathan, rushing to their friend''s aid. He had expected this and knew their intervention was inevitable.


    Logan turned to face them, his draconic features casting a fearsome shadow over the battlefield. His glowing eyes narrowed as an unearthly growl rumbled from his throat.


    "Come," Logan snarled, his voice no longer human but something far more primal. "You think I''ll forgive you two for what you did in the past?"


    The air around him rippled with heat, his rage palpable as he prepared for the next confrontation.


    Both boys felt goosebumps ripple across their skin as Logan''s voice reverberated through the battlefield, the heat waves strong enough to even be felt from a distance. Yet, neither faltered.


    Weapons in hand, they charged forward, their will unwavering. Logan, now unrecognizable as anything human, stood before them like a beast incarnate.


    Spears and swords clashed against his scales, their strikes powerful but insufficient to penetrate without the aid of skills. Logan''s defenses held firm, his draconic form proving nearly impenetrable.


    With a thunderous stomp, Logan activated Blazing Stomp, liquefying the dirt beneath him into a pool of magma. The intense heat forced the two boys to leap back, while Brian, struggling to resist the scorching temperatures, used his elbows to drag himself away. Though his resistance held, the toll on his mana was undeniable.


    "Don''t run! Come at me, fools!" Logan roared, his voice amplified by Blazing Roar. The sheer force of the shockwaves rippled outward, obliterating berserked demons who dared to rush into the fray.

 Chapter 264 - 264: Unbridled Fury

    Logan surged forward with Burst Charge, flames consuming his body as he hurtled toward his opponents. The two boys reacted swiftly, creating walls of earth to block his advance, determined to keep their distance. George summoned massive spiked metal poles and hurled them toward Logan, while Jonathan unleashed sonic waves with his twin swords to strike from afar.


    Logan''s charge smashed through rocks, the earth shattering under his momentum. He shrugged off the incoming attacks using Infernal Wrath, his fury burning hotter with each moment. However, the skill came at a cost¡ªit blinded him with unrestrained rage. While Scorch could control such raw power, Logan lacked the same advantage, his anger driving him recklessly forward in his pursuit of Jonathan.


    As Logan closed in on Jonathan, George panicked. He grabbed a poleaxe, swinging it desperately to intercept Logan. The blade struck true, slicing through Logan''s scales on his shoulder¡ªthe first weapon to genuinely wound him. Yet Logan, consumed by his fury, paid no heed to his injury, refusing to stop his advance.


    Logan reached out, gripping one of Jonathan''s swords despite its sharp edge slicing away at his scales. The heat of the blade grew unbearable, turning molten hot and forcing Jonathan to release it. But his retreat wasn''t swift enough¡ªLogan''s tail swept forward in a devastating arc, flinging Jonathan away like Brian before him.


    Now focused on George, Logan was determined to face the spear wielder alone, avoiding any chance of being stabbed from behind.


    Jonathan, seeing his friend now isolated, kept his distance and readied his poleaxe. He swung it with precision, maintaining momentum to keep Logan at bay. His only hope lay in overpowering the beast before him, and he twisted his body with each swing to add greater force to the axe''s tip, aiming to cleave Logan in half.


    "Come! You think you can touch me before I slice you in half?" Jonathan roared, his voice echoing with defiance as he advanced, his poleaxe poised to strike.


    Logan, blinded by fury, ignored reason. He could have unleashed Flame Breath to force Jonathan back, but instead, he chose raw aggression. Activating Searing Whip, his tail glowed a molten orange, radiating intense heat as he swung it with devastating force, aiming to shatter Jonathan''s blade and charge forward to finish him.


    Jonathan didn''t falter. He pressed on, his movements creating afterimages as he advanced like a relentless, spinning blender. The clash came in an instant¡ªblade met tail in a violent collision.


    Logan roared in agony as the impact sent a searing pain through his body, the sensation akin to losing an arm. Jonathan''s blade tip had broken off, embedding itself halfway into Logan''s glowing tail, which was slowly melting the metal.


    The pain was unbearable, and Logan''s roar shook the battlefield, his sanity slipping further into the abyss. Rage, wrath, and unbridled anger consumed him as his tail hung, half-sliced and smoldering.


    Logan didn''t stop advancing, his claws tearing through the ground as he propelled himself forward with raw power. Jonathan, stunned and unable to think clearly, clutched his broken weapon¡ªnow reduced to little more than a stick.


    With a burst of speed, Logan reached him, his hand closing around Jonathan''s neck.


    "No, wait!" Jonathan gasped, his voice strained as the searing heat from Logan''s grip burned through his skin. He coughed violently, struggling to hold on to his life.


    Just as Logan prepared to tighten his hold, he felt a tug on his other arm. He turned sharply, his glowing eyes locking onto the source of the interruption.


    "Stop, Logan. Don''t do this," a voice pleaded, carrying a weight that pierced through his fury.


    Logan''s arm trembled, the primal rage within him battling against the words. With a growl, he tossed Jonathan aside, the boy''s body flying three meters before hitting the ground, motionless but alive.


    Logan''s gaze shifted back to the other two he still needed to deal with, but the tug on his arm grew stronger.


    "Regain yourself, Logan. We shouldn''t kill each other," Ms. Claire''s voice rang out, filled with urgency and emotion.


    Logan''s powerful snout caught the scent of her hands, the skin burning as she tried to restrain him.


    "Fine," Logan snarled, his voice dripping with reluctant fury as he pulled his hand away, the tension in his body slowly easing. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan summoned a dense dark fog, enveloping himself and Scorch as they separated. Frustration bubbled within him as he realized the fight had cost him his favorite kimono, now reduced to ashes. The thought of wasting such fine clothing on a pointless skirmish only made him angrier.


    Using the cover of the fog, he replaced his scorched outfit, carefully arranging a new set of garments. With a swift gesture, he canceled the fog, letting it dissipate into the air.


    Running his fingers through his hair, he fixed it meticulously, ensuring he looked composed despite the battle. His sharp gaze swept across the battlefield, taking in the chaos surrounding him.


    With the demons slain, Logan''s monsters regrouped, ready to return. Among them, four fallen goblins and the body of a wark were carefully gathered to be taken back. Logan''s gaze hardened as he surveyed his creatures, his teeth clenched in restrained anger.


    Without hesitation, he cast Holy Nova toward the class. The reaction was immediate¡ªsome fled in panic while others froze, stunned by the sudden burst of radiant energy. The skill expanded far beyond the reach Lisa''s version could achieve, its range and power healing everyone still injured on the battlefield.


    Turning to Brian, Logan huffed, his tone laced with disdain. "Lucky trash. Next time, you won''t be so lucky."


    The shockwave from his Holy Nova stretched toward Brian, halting just before touching his leg. The heat flared, momentarily burning him before dissipating.


    George and Jonathan, farther away, escaped the skill''s reach, unaffected by its vast range.


    Logan didn''t spare a glance toward the rest of the class as he strode toward the portal leading back to his kingdom. His steps were resolute, his mind focused on what lay ahead.


    Meanwhile, Lisa, Rubina, Kryst, and Serana worked together to guide Alma through the portal. The rest of the class split¡ªsome choosing to follow Logan, while others remained behind with Ms. Claire, who stayed to negotiate with the generals of the Red Iron Republic.


    Victor chose to stay behind with Ms. Claire, understanding the potential threat posed by Brian and the other two. Alongside six others, he joined the cleanup efforts, aiming to maintain order and perhaps earn compensation for their involvement.


    Meanwhile, Logan returned to his kingdom, his focus heavy with grief. Without hesitation, he organized a funeral for those who had fallen, their sacrifices weighing on his mind. Though he wanted to check on Alma, he set that aside, knowing he needed to reign in his anger before addressing others.


    Standing solemnly before the pyre, Logan looked over those who had perished. The flames crackled outside the castle walls, marking the newly established graveyard¡ªa space Logan hoped would remain untouched after this day. As the pyre burned, it served as both a tribute and a grim reminder of the losses suffered.


    Logan observed the sorrowful scene before him, Krexa mourned her fallen kin, her cries carrying both grief and pride for their bravery. Beside her, Wohan, the chief of the warks, mirrored her anguish. His resonant call echoed across the capital, a solemn tribute that reverberated through the streets, ensuring that all would know of the courage displayed by those who had perished.


    Together, their laments created a haunting melody of loss and honor, uniting the kingdom in remembrance of the valiant sacrifices made in battle.

 Chapter 265 - 265: Next Class Quest

    After the ceremony, Logan felt a sense of calm returning to him, enough to think clearly for the first time since the battle. He diligently returned each of his creatures to their respective territories within the kingdom, ensuring they were safe and settled before making his way back to the castle. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His first destination was Alma''s room. She still hadn''t awakened, but the faint connection he felt with her assured him that her soul remained anchored in her body. The gentle rise and fall of her breath brought a flicker of hope to Logan''s chest, even as the memory of her near-death tightened his throat.


    He clenched his fists, the weight of his failure to protect her pressing down on him. But after a moment, he took a deep breath, relaxed his hands, and placed one over Alma''s. Her skin was soft and warm, a reassurance he desperately needed.


    "I''m sorry I wasn''t there before it happened," he whispered, his voice thick with regret. "You did well, though. Just¡­ please, get better." Leaning down, he kissed her hand gently before stepping out of the room.


    Ruri stood waiting for him outside, her usual composure tinged with quiet concern. Before Logan could say a word, Lisa appeared, her swollen eyes red with tears. She stepped inside Alma''s room, looking to Logan for reassurance.


    "She''ll be fine," Logan said softly, his voice steady. "I can feel her improving through our connection. Just give her time to wake up slowly."


    Lisa burst into tears, and Logan pulled her into a comforting embrace. She sobbed against him for several minutes, her exhaustion evident. When her cries subsided and she seemed too tired to stand, Logan carefully carried her to her room, right next to Alma''s. He stayed with her until she drifted into a deep, peaceful sleep.


    Knowing others were likely struggling just as much, Logan left Lisa''s room and sought out Rubina. He found her drinking tea with her father, while Serana quietly sat nearby. Marie was busy trying to soothe Kryst, who still trembled from the battle''s aftermath.


    Logan sighed, his gaze drifting toward the window. "Well, that was our first real battle, I guess¡­ We need to get stronger, so something like this doesn''t happen again." His voice was low, heavy with frustration. "If only I''d been faster¡ª"


    He stopped, his thoughts spiraling into how he had let his emotions overwhelm him. How he had lost control. How he could have, perhaps should have, ended Brian''s life¡ªeven if it meant being despised by Ms. Claire.


    Pacing by the window, Logan wrestled with his regrets, his resolve growing sharper with each passing thought.


    Logan''s thoughts returned to his reward, and he opened his status window to claim it. Sitting down, he reached out and pulled the object into reality¡ªa small, black egg that radiated a dark aura, its energy almost palpable.


    The moment he saw it, Logan knew exactly which spirit had gifted him the egg. A rare find indeed, it was nearly impossible to come across a creature that shared his darkness attribute, let alone one as powerful as the egg''s aura suggested.


    Victor Rosengard reacted first, springing to his feet, his eyes narrowing as he studied the egg before him. The dark aura pulsating around it was mesmerizing. "What will it hatch into?" he asked aloud, his curiosity evident and uncontainable.


    "It''s a dragon egg," Logan answered plainly, holding nothing back. His revelation sent ripples of astonishment through the room. The egg, though deceptively small, carried an aura that hinted at a creature far mightier than its size would suggest.


    Without hesitation, Logan began placing several darkness elemental stones around the egg. Their faint glow fused with the egg''s ominous aura, intensifying the energy surrounding it. But even as Logan worked, he knew it wasn''t enough. The egg''s time had not yet come, and even the full stock of stones from his mine wouldn''t force it to hatch prematurely.


    Still, Logan didn''t mind waiting. This creature was extraordinary, and he would enjoy the process.


    "Now then," Logan began, his tone shifting as he considered his next steps. "I''ll need to finish my new class quest. So far, we''ve been right about needing beasts from all the elemental temples. I''ve completed the electric temple requirement with the thunderbird and the water temple requirement with the frost wyvern. Next, I''ll need the ent to fulfill the earth temple requirement, and this egg should satisfy the darkness element."


    Pausing, Logan glanced down at his remaining three fingers, counting the elements still required.


    "The hydra will handle the fire temple," he continued. "As for the wind temple¡­ I''ll need to locate it. My guess? It''s probably on a floating island guarded by massive wind creatures keeping it aloft. That leaves the final one¡ªlight. For that, I''ll need to head to the Kingdom of Elris. I wonder if it''ll be something like a Pegasus or something similar. I''ll save that one for last."


    With his plan laid out, Logan concluded his thoughts and checked his new quest.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Quest: Sovereign Soul Bound Tamer Unlocked


    Gain mastery over ancient and powerful creatures through unyielding fidelity, perfecting the bond between master and beast. Unlock the ability to take on the form and attributes of each creature by absorbing their essence through your soul-bound connection.


    Mission: Gather seven beasts with ancient, powerful bloodlines. Each must receive the blessing of one of the seven great spirits. (Progress: 2/7)


    - Thunderbird


    - Frost Wyvern


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Logan felt the surge of power coursing through him after reaching level 80, his newfound strength almost intoxicating. Yet, the weight of the quest loomed over him¡ªhe would need to finish it before he could fully wield his abilities again. For now, the spirits had allowed him to use his power against the demon general, but the reasoning behind their decision puzzled him. Why would they bend their own rules to aid him?


    As he considered their motives, an unsettling thought crossed his mind. If he had lost control, if his wrath had consumed him, he could have killed three of the heroes the spirits had blessed. What would have become of him then? Would he have been condemned by the spirits for breaking their trust, or would the other kingdoms have joined forces to eliminate him, a threat too dangerous to ignore?


    The questions weighed heavily on his mind, but Logan pushed them aside for now. He needed clarity before addressing the others, and so he opened his status window once more to review his stats.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Logan Aiden


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Class: Primordial Soul Bound Tamer


    New* Level: 80 / Health: 1052 / Mana: 1184


    Strength: 76 Agility: 74 Dexterity: 81 Constitution: 99 Intelligence: 108 Charisma: 97


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Skills:]


    Taming (Rank: Legendary): Forms a permanent bond with a marked beast or being using the masters blood; the being must be willing to form a pact and can now be of higher rank or level than the master, this skill increases . (Max Beings: 240 / +3 Per Level)


    Empathic Link (Rank: Advanced): Establishes a mental connection with a tamed creature, allowing for silent communication and understanding of their emotions and thoughts within a certain distance. (Max distance: 800 meters / +10 per Level)


    Beast Synergy: Logan achieves a synergy based on the loyalty of his tamed creatures, allowing him to harness their abilities as extensions of his own power. (Max abilities: 40 / 1 Per every 2 Level)


    Primordial Command (Rank: Advanced): Grants the hero the ability to issue commands infused with power to his tamed creatures, enhancing their strength and coordination while following the command.


    Primordial Aura (Rank: Advanced): Surrounds the hero and tamed creatures with an aura that boosts their defense and resistance to elemental damage. This aura also grants minor healing over time.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Abilities:]


    Tamer''s Bond (Rank: Advanced): Allows the hero to form a soul bond with creatures, making them permanent allies.


    Beast Monarch (Rank: Legendary): Grants Logan the power to designate one of his tamed creatures as the King of its kind. The chosen creature, now a monarch, can create and command minions under its authority. These minions will follow the monarch''s commands and be able to gain some of the tamer''s blessings, including evolutions.


    New* (Locked) Soul Morph (Rank: Supreme): Allows the user to transform into any of their soul-bonded creatures, fully adopting their form and abilities for a limited duration. During the transformation, the user retains their intelligence and can combine their skills with the creature''s innate powers. This ability consumes mana continuously while active and requires a brief cooldown after use.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤


    [Experience Points (XP): 18541/53936]


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤

 Chapter 266 - 266: Omnimorphic Mana Crystalite Slime

    Logan was feeling confident as he reviewed his stats, recognizing that when he morphed, he didn''t just replicate Zephyr''s and Scorch''s abilities¡ªhe absorbed their true powers and stats. This revelation explained why his stats had always lagged behind those of the other heroes. With his newfound ability to merge fully with his beasts, he now gained their core attributes: Zephyr''s extraordinary speed and Scorch''s overwhelming strength.


    The possibilities fascinated him. He could only imagine how his other beasts might transform him once he merged with them. The potential felt limitless.


    For now, though, Logan set those thoughts aside. Rest was his priority¡ªespecially with the journey to the ents awaiting him the next day. But before retreating to his room, Logan needed to ensure Alma''s recovery. The afternoon meeting had been cut short, and he set aside time to call Kryst over.


    Unlike the others, Kryst was only a child, having gained her self-awareness just a few months earlier. She needed guidance and reassurance, and Logan understood the importance of addressing her fragile emotional state. The events of the recent battle had left her shaken, and she was still crying.


    "[Kryst, come with me,]" Logan said gently, moving closer to the small slime. Marie stepped aside, trusting Logan to provide the comfort Kryst desperately needed. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Kryst slowly lifted herself from the couch, her sadness evident in the way her form trembled. Without hesitation, she rushed toward Logan and enveloped him in what resembled an embrace, clinging to him as though seeking solace in his presence.


    "There, there, Kryst. Let''s go for a walk," Logan said gently, bidding farewell to the others as he stepped out. He craved fresh air, a moment to clear his mind. Heading to his balcony, he sought comfort in the view of his bustling town, alive with lights and activity below his tower.


    "Kryst, turn into your human form so I can see you. Let''s talk about what happened," he urged softly. The gelatinous form enveloping him shifted, morphing into a short girl with transparent blue skin.


    "There we go," Logan said with a nod, gesturing for her to sit. "Now sit here. Let''s relax and take a moment to admire what we''ve built." He patted the railing beside him, inviting her to share the view.


    "Kryst, look at the lively city we''ve created," Logan continued, his voice steady but kind. "All of this exists thanks to you. Your crystals brought life and energy to this place, and none of this would shine so brightly without you. And today, you didn''t just help the city¡ªyou saved Alma. That''s something I''ll never forget."


    He paused for a moment, letting his words sink in, then rested a reassuring hand on her back, patting it with a calming rhythm. "But as you know, we have to get stronger¡ªtogether. That way, you won''t feel this sadness again. And next time, we''ll make sure this never happens to any of our friends. Right, Kryst?"


    Logan settled beside her, his steady presence offering her the comfort she so desperately needed.


    "Yes, no more hurt. I''ll be stronger, like Lisa," Kryst said with resolve. Logan smiled warmly, her words sparking hope in his chest for her slow mental recovery. He reached for the three mana elixirs¡ªitems Lisa had earned through her job change quests¡ªand handed them to Kryst.


    While the elixirs were traditionally used for healing, their pure light magic had a unique potential. Logan believed the elixirs would provide the final push Kryst needed to reach her new evolution. Among his tamed creatures, Kryst stood as the highest-leveled, her proficiency with crystals having absorbed more mana than any of the others. Even Scorch, his strongest beast, couldn''t match her remarkable energy reserves.


    As soon as she finished the last vial, Kryst''s body began to tremble. A luminous glow enveloped her, consuming her previous form as she reverted into a small, round object desperately struggling to maintain its shape. Seconds stretched into minutes as the transformation intensified.


    Logan, ever watchful, stepped in to aid her. He placed several light mana crystals around her, knowing they could offer her additional stability. The crystals drained quickly, their mana merging with Kryst''s new overwhelming energy. Then, something incredible happened. One of the crystals began to replenish itself, its light flowing back into Kryst instead of being consumed.


    Before Logan''s eyes, Kryst began to recreate her human body, she was still in her round form as she stopped trembling. A hand emerged first, followed by another¡ªthis time, each was unmistakably human. Her translucent body was gone; in its place, the hands bore fingernails, veins, and even bones¡ªa stunningly realistic transformation.


    From there, she built her shoulders, chest, and legs, crafting each part with an unprecedented level of detail and vitality. Finally, her face took shape, completing her evolution. Her new form was no longer an imitation of humanity¡ªit was an intricate and lifelike representation, as though every cell had been meticulously refined to achieve perfection, even while retaining her distinctive light blue skin.


    Logan marveled at the sight. Kryst had crossed a threshold, becoming something truly extraordinary.


    "What a great change, Kryst," Logan said, his tone filled with admiration. He quickly rummaged through a drawer and pulled out some clothes for her, aware that her newly formed body had grown to the point where it demanded a certain level of modesty¡ªmaking it hard for him to keep his gaze focused on her face.


    "Feel complete. Is this¡­ human?" Kryst murmured, her voice tinged with wonder as she examined her hands. Every detail, down to the pores in her skin, had been recreated with remarkable accuracy. Her ability to mimic others had reached an extraordinary level, leaving her awestruck by the intricacy of her new transformation ability.


    Logan handed her the clothes with a soft smile, proud of what she had become and eager to help her adjust to her new form.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Kryst / New* Species: Omnimorphic Mana Crystalite Slime Level: 80 Blood Mark: Right Sheen Loyalty: 100/100


    Str: 43 / Agi: 51 / Dex: 46 / Con: 153 / Int: 186 / Char: 85


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Healing Touch: Heals allies by transferring mana through physical contact. The amount of healing depends on Kryst''s own mana reserves.


    Mana Absorption: Absorbs mana from the environment or fallen enemies to replenish its own mana reserves.


    Purifying Light: Emits a bright light that purifies toxins and curses from allies within range.


    Mana Regeneration: Passively regenerates a medium amount of mana over time, allowing for sustained spellcasting.


    Crystal Cultivation: Kryst can cultivate and grow crystals by infusing them with mana. These cultivated crystals can be used for various purposes such as enhancing magical creatures or abilities, creating barriers, or providing mana reserves.


    Adaptive Form: Temporarily changes form to mimic the abilities of nearby creatures or objects when exposed to their mana, gaining their strengths and weaknesses.


    Symbiotic Bond: Forms a temporary bond with an ally, sharing a portion of each other''s stats and abilities for a limited time.


    New* Enhanced Split Form: Allows Kryst to temporarily split into multiple slimes, each retaining a portion of her abilities and mana reserves. After a set duration, the slimes merge back into Kryst, combining their collected mana and experiences.


    New* Crystalline Rejuvenation: Kryst creates a radiant crystal that continuously releases healing energy over time in a small radius. Allies within the range gradually recover health and experience a boost in mana regeneration. The crystal lasts for a set duration or until shattered.


    New* Crystal Fortress: Kryst can manifest a large, crystalline barrier infused with her mana, creating a protective shield around herself or her allies. The barrier absorbs a portion of incoming damage and reflects magical attacks of certain elemental types back at the attacker.


    New* Cellular Reconstruction: Kryst channels her mana to deeply regenerate an ally''s body at a cellular level, rapidly restoring health and repairing critical injuries, including damaged organs or broken bones. This skill can also mend torn mana pathways, allowing the ally to recover their magical abilities if they were disrupted.


    New* Molecular Transformation: Kryst harnesses her mana to manipulate her molecular structure, allowing her to shift into alternate forms that enhance specific traits or grant unique abilities. Each transformation consumes mana continuously while active and amplifies her physical and magical capabilities based on the chosen form.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    After reviewing Kryst''s newly gained skills and immense strength, Logan found his thoughts wandering. What would it feel like to morph into her and then utilize her molecular transformation ability to assume yet another form?

 Chapter 267 - 267: Bonds and Recovery

    The idea of recreating Scorch''s body crossed his mind¡ªa new tactic that could change the dynamics of any battle. He already had access to the dinosaur''s abilities, but having its physical form to complement them would enhance his power even further.


    If Kryst''s adaptive and transformative capabilities allowed such flexibility, the possibilities were endless. Logan couldn''t help but feel a rush of excitement, imagining the strategic combinations he could create by merging abilities and forms. This wasn''t just strength; it was adaptability taken to an entirely new level.


    "Now rest, Kryst. Tomorrow, we''ll head out, and I want you to test your new abilities. Learn to use them well so we won''t face any problems in the future," Logan said, placing a reassuring hand on her head. Despite her growth and transformation, she was still a head shorter than him, a detail that brought a faint smile to his face.


    "Yes, will go sleep. I feel tired," Kryst replied, her voice unchanged, carrying the same innocence and simplicity as before. Logan watched as she rubbed her eyes, her exhaustion evident, before reverting to her small, round form. She hopped three times before landing on his bed.


    It was strange. Normally, fabrics would absorb part of her moisture, making it difficult for her to rest on them. Yet this time, she seemed perfectly fine, her new form adapting in ways Logan hadn''t anticipated.


    Logan joined her, knowing there was little he could do until Alma woke on her own. The night passed quietly, and when morning came, he was greeted by Ruri''s excited voice.


    "Alma woke up, Master Logan! You should go see her!" she exclaimed, her enthusiasm lighting up the room.


    "Thanks, Ruri. I''ll head there in a few minutes," Logan replied, rising quickly. He noticed fresh clothes laid out for him and the absence of Kryst.


    He wondered briefly where she had gone but decided to focus on settling his morning affairs quickly. The sun streamed through the windows, its warmth illuminating his tower¡ªone of the few structures that stood tall beyond the protection of the kingdom''s massive walls. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan hurried down the hall, eager to check on Alma before having Silvia warp him back to the temporary warp array they had set up. As he entered her room, he noticed the other girls were already there. Serana and Rubina stood a bit farther back, while Marie, Silvia, and Lisa were clustered around Alma, embracing her as she remained resting in bed.


    "How are you feeling, Alma?" Logan asked, stepping closer. She looked as lively as ever, her condition reassuring him. But something else caught his eye¡ªa thin, gelatinous layer that faintly shimmered over her.


    "Kryst? No wonder I didn''t see you¡­" Logan said, his realization dawning. Yet as he spoke, he felt a familiar presence at his side¡ªanother part of Kryst.


    "Yes, I left a part of myself here. When I sensed her move, I came down to check on her," Kryst replied, her voice calm as she joined the group.


    "I forgot you could split yourself," Logan admitted, marveling at her progress. "It''s even more impressive now¡­ it''s like there are two of you." He remembered when she could only create smaller, temporary versions of herself that had to remain close to her core.


    "Yes, can keep for days now. It will stay with Alma until we return to keep healing," Kryst explained while methodically placing light crystal stones around the room.


    "Need to keep crystals here to feed my clone. She needs mana to maintain her body," Kryst added, her voice calm as Logan nodded in understanding. The others waited quietly for Alma to respond.


    "I''m lying here, hurt, and all you can think about is your precious slime? I feel so neglected now," Alma sneered, pulling the blanket over herself.


    "Sorry about that," Logan replied, walking closer. "Now come here. Let me have a good look at you." With ease, he tugged the blanket away, his gaze landing first on her unblemished face before shifting to her stats. Everything appeared normal¡ªher HP was full, her connection intact. His gaze lingered briefly on her shoulder, where her mark stood clearly visible beneath the strap of her white tank top.


    Alma glared at him for a few moments before Logan finally closed the distance and hugged her. He rested his head gently on her chest, his grip tightening slightly.


    "Damn it, be more careful. You don''t know how worried the rest of us were," Logan said, his voice strained with concern as he held her closer.


    "I messed up¡­" Alma admitted softly, wrapping her arms around Logan in return. "But I''m fine now. Don''t be too harsh on yourself. We knew this was going to be a dangerous place, didn''t we?"


    Her voice wavered as she looked up at the others surrounding her. "Thank you, everyone, for giving me a second chance at life. Lisa¡­ if you hadn''t been there, I don''t know how I''d still be here today," Alma added, her words quivering with heartfelt gratitude.


    The room was heavy with emotions, but there was a sense of relief and unity among them all.


    Logan finally composed himself, leaning down to kiss Alma''s forehead tenderly before rising to his feet. He turned to Lisa and enveloped her in a warm hug.


    "That skill¡ªit can only be used once, right?" Logan asked, his thoughts lingering on his status screen, which displayed (1/1) for the skill Seraphic Resurrection. It puzzled him, implying it was a one-time-only skill for both of them.


    "Yes," Lisa replied thoughtfully. "But if it still shows up, I think I might regain it if I change class. Then again, it''s hard to say. Only time will tell." She leaned forward and kissed him lightly before they separated.


    Logan looked around before addressed everyone in the group. "Everyone, stay here today and train. Most of you are nearing your evolution, so focus on achieving it before I finish my quest to find the ents. When I return, we''ll head out together to the Red Iron Republic and make sure everyone reaches level 80. We need to be fully prepared for the battles that await us in the empire."

 Chapter 268 - 268: Poykut Tree City

    After ensuring Alma was safe, Logan called upon Silvia to take him back to the point where their journey had paused. As he descended the tower, he remembered Emary¡ªwho was waiting patiently alongside Leonard and Logan''s two knights.


    "Emary, I have a task for you," Logan said, his tone steady. "Check my trained creatures, learn from their strengths, and if possible, make a pact with one of their subjects. I''d recommend choosing a raptor if you can. I believe Scorch''s pack had grown even larger, so start there. While I can''t take you with me to find the ents due to time constraints, we will search for the hydra together later. Get strong enough to handle that."


    Logan''s heart ached slightly at the thought of parting ways with Emary so soon. Yet, he knew his intentions were for the boy''s growth and success. Emary, though saddened, understood and was bolstered by Logan''s faith in him. The opportunity to tame one of the hero''s strongest creatures wasn''t something he took lightly, and with Kai by his side, he rushed off eagerly to fulfill his task.


    Logan and Silvia ventured forward alone, relying on Zephyr and one of Logan''s eagles to ensure their speed. Using these wind-elemental creatures, they aimed to complete the trip by the end of the day. Their pace was swift, not stopping for anything until they reached Poykut.


    Within moments of activating the warp array, they arrived back near the forest where their previous array had been set up. The team now consisted of Zephyr, his mate, Logan, Silvia, and Kryst¡ªa compact group prepared for the next stage of their journey.


    It wasn''t going to be difficult, especially since Zephyr''s mate was also a Tempest Kite.


    The group of five set out near noon, aiming to reach the next great tree where the tribe''s leader, Isabel, awaited them. They traversed the barren landscape with ease, cutting swiftly through sparse forests and open plains. After four hours, the silhouette of a massive tree came into view on the horizon.


    Logan''s breath caught at the sight¡ªit seemed even larger than the last one he''d encountered. Unlike its predecessor, however, this tree didn''t strip the land of nutrients. Instead, it stood at the heart of a thriving forest, its presence radiating life. Towering and ancient, the tree''s branches stretched wide and strong, each as massive as a skyscraper. Its vast canopy disappeared into the clouds, leaving Logan to marvel at its age and wonder about the secrets it held.


    As they approached, an incredible scene unfolded before them. Large flying creatures soared gracefully through the air, ferrying passengers like a natural transportation system. The colossal tree''s bark was intricately carved into vertical structures¡ªbuildings and stairways that spiraled upward. Vines hung like natural ropes, allowing inhabitants to swing effortlessly between platforms.


    It was a surreal and breathtaking sight. The harmony between the bustling community and the majestic, natural environment made Logan think of the fabled elven cities where humans and nature lived in perfect coexistence.


    The tree shifted subtly, its colossal branches forming natural bridges that allowed people to move with ease. Logan marveled at the sight, wondering why the previous tribe''s tree hadn''t displayed such remarkable ability.


    As Logan and his group approached, one of the giant branches extended toward them, creating a platform. Standing atop it were ten armored individuals, their imposing figures flanking a lady positioned gracefully at the center of the formation.


    Logan could only guess it was Lady Isabel. She stood with a commanding grace, wearing a golden crown adorned with intricately arranged leaves, resembling a Native American headdress. The leaves shimmered faintly, radiating a powerful earth aura as though they were directly tied to the grand tree itself.


    The leader appeared to be around forty, her face marked by slight wrinkles near her eyes and nose that only added to her elegance. Her long brown hair was neatly tied to complement the golden crown she wore¡ªa regal headdress adorned with leaves, radiating the earth''s aura as though directly connected to the grand tree. Her green dress flowed gracefully, resembling the intricate designs of a kimono, and her jewelry¡ªrings and an amber-stone necklace¡ªseemed to amplify the earth spirits'' blessing that surrounded her.


    Logan landed softly with Zephyr and his mate, helping Silvia dismount while motioning for his tamed beasts to settle down and relax. He didn''t have to wait long before the group on the extended branch began to approach them.


    "Hero of taming and King of Highrule," Chief Isabel said, her voice calm yet authoritative, "I welcome you to our land. Please make yourself at home as we discuss the purpose of your visit." Her knights maintained a respectful distance, standing poised and ready a few meters behind her.


    "Thank you for personally welcoming us," Logan replied, motioning to Silvia at his side. "This is Silvia, hero and Soul Scholar. We''re honored by your personal greeting, Chief Isabel." His tone shifted, becoming brisk as he continued. "However, we''re in a bit of a hurry. As you may have heard, the demons are getting serious, and I need to tame four more monsters before heading to the empire to join the war."


    Logan''s directness cut through the usual pleasantries, underscoring the urgency of his mission. Isabel nodded, her expression thoughtful as she weighed the importance of his words against the gravity of the events happening around the continent. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Very well, we will need to fly there," Isabel said, her tone calm yet firm. "If it is the ents you seek, they reside within the canopy of this great tree. I must warn you, the journey will be dangerous, so please prepare yourselves." She turned to her knights, issuing orders to ready themselves and summon her mount.


    Logan nodded in acknowledgment, reaching into his belongings to produce several earth crystals, which he offered to the Chief as a gesture of goodwill. Alongside them, he presented a terminal¡ªa token to demonstrate the value of aligning with him. As he had done before with other leaders, Logan hoped to underscore how beneficial their alliance could be.


    While waiting for the mounts to arrive, Silvia took the opportunity to demonstrate the terminal''s capabilities. She showed Isabel how to navigate its functions, playing movies, songs, and even recording short videos to rewatch.


    "Impressive," Isabel said, her expression thoughtful as she explored the device. "I will consider purchasing more of these for my staff in the future. However, we will negotiate later. I believe my knights are returning now." She gestured toward the sky, drawing their attention.


    Below them, ten large mounts approached, their silhouettes growing clearer with every passing moment.

 Chapter 269 - 269: Into the Canopy Pt.1

    Logan examined the creatures with keen interest. The large, round beetles shimmered in bright bronze hues, their massive forms spanning three meters in length and two meters in width. Their four translucent wings buzzed rhythmically, carrying them with ease through the air.


    "Impressive mounts," Logan remarked, his gaze lingering on the majestic insects. The thought of acquiring one for himself had already begun to form.


    Before he could ask, Isabel showed him with a knowing smile. "No need to inquire, hero. We''ve prepared one for you. Any more, however, would have to be provided in the form of an egg. We don''t breed them in large numbers; too many tend to harm the tree," she explained, pointing toward a beetle slightly smaller than the others¡ªnearly half their size.


    "I appreciate the gesture," Logan replied warmly, stepping closer to the beetle. He had come prepared, carrying a supply of earth crystals that he knew would be particularly enticing to the Earth-aligned creature, much like those in the electrical plains he had visited.


    As the beetle approached, Logan marked it and began feeding it crystals. The creature eagerly accepted his offering, each crystal eliciting a faint hum of satisfaction. By the time Logan had handed over fifteen crystals, the beetle''s shimmering wings buzzed with heightened vigor. Nearby, the larger beetles watched with clear annoyance, their buzzing carrying faint tones of disapproval. It was obvious they envied the smaller one''s privilege of receiving such a grand feast.


    Logan remained focused, however. Sharing the crystals wasn''t an option this time; his goal was to observe what the beetle''s first evolution might bring. Fortunately, the creature was already at level twenty when he tamed it¡ªproof of the tribe''s attentive care, ensuring it reached such a high level before being offered.


    Each of Logan''s crystals was like a coveted treat for the beetle, each one granting it a level up with remarkable ease. The first crystal alone gave the creature an impressive leap of three levels, pushing it steadily toward level 40¡ªjust where Logan anticipated its evolution to begin.


    Not wanting to delay the others, Logan instructed the beetle to follow closely behind. To speed up the process, he had Kryst shift into her human form. Using her long, flexible tendrils, she efficiently handed over the remaining crystals to the Scarab''s eager mouth, each one consumed with relish.


    With their preparations complete, the team of fifteen began their ascent toward the towering tree''s canopy, which loomed 100 meters above. Logan had expected the flight to leave him breathless, but instead, the journey was unexpectedly refreshing. The grand tree exhaled life itself, flooding the air with an abundance of oxygen that left them energized and invigorated. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Each branch they passed grew larger the higher they ascended, their sheer size and sturdiness giving the impression that they could easily support Scorch and his entire family without strain. Logan couldn''t help but marvel at the tree''s enormity, its branches seeming more like highways than mere limbs.


    As they progressed, Logan kept a close eye on his newly tamed scarab, monitoring its condition. The creature followed closely behind, its buzzing wings steady as it crushed the earth crystals with powerful mandibles, absorbing mana with relentless determination.


    Eventually, they reached a landing zone carved into the tree, where the ten knights stood patiently in wait. Chief Isabel dismounted her own beetle with practiced precision, her movements graceful and efficient. Logan followed suit, jumping off Zephyr with a flourish as he controlled the wind around him to cushion his landing. He caught Silvia mid-air as she leapt off, the two landing in unison. Above them, the two Tempest Kites perched on an enormous branch, avoiding the ground as was their nature.


    Kryst and the scarab landed beside Logan, the latter still intently consuming crystals without pause. Logan noted through the creature''s stats that it was approaching level 40, the threshold he had been eagerly anticipating.


    "Before we continue, please wait," Logan called out to the group, his tone firm but polite.


    "Wait for what?" Isabel replied, her brow furrowing slightly. "If we are to find the ents, we need to do so before nightfall. When the sun sets, they become indistinguishable from the surrounding trees. If they don''t move, identifying them becomes almost impossible," she warned, her tone carrying urgency.


    "For this," Logan said, gesturing toward his creature.


    Before their eyes, the large Scarab began to shift and grow. Its form expanded to an imposing four meters in length and three meters in width, its body radiating newfound power. Two formidable horns emerged from its head, gleaming like polished jade, while its armored shell transformed from amber to a vibrant jade-green hue.


    The changes weren''t just aesthetic; the scarab''s exoskeleton grew denser and more robust, its natural armor glinting in the filtered sunlight as if infused with the essence of the earth itself.


    The ten soldiers and Isabel gathered around the newly evolved scarab, their expressions filled with amazement at the transformation that had just unfolded.


    "Fascinating, hero. I wonder¡ªcould you possibly achieve the same with our creatures?" Isabel asked, her curiosity evident as she reached out to touch the scarab''s sturdy shell, now gleaming with its jade-like armor.


    "I''ll consider it," Logan replied thoughtfully, "but it won''t be possible right now. For one, I don''t have enough mana to spare. Secondly, your creatures would need more training¡ªor at the very least, a sufficient number of crystals to support their evolution. Though they may not require as many as my scarab, given its youth," he explained, his tone measured.


    "Very well," Isabel responded with a nod, her interest piqued. "At least it''s something we can hope for in the future. But for now, we must move quickly¡ªwe can''t afford to waste any more time."


    With that, Isabel began leading the group into the lush, sprawling canopy of the great tree. The upper levels resembled an intricate forest, its dense foliage forming a maze-like network of towering branches. Progress required skillful navigation; they relied on hanging vines and sturdy limbs to carefully traverse from one branch to another.

 Chapter 270 - 270: Into the Canopy Pt.2

    Leaving the flying mounts behind, as they were unable to traverse the dense jungle, Logan pressed forward alongside the soldiers, Isabel, Silvia, and Kryst. While the others found the journey challenging, Logan relied on his monsters'' abilities to navigate the treacherous terrain. At times, he created webs to span gaps between branches or used his wings to glide through high areas, skillfully attaching ropes to cross immense tree trunks.


    As they advanced deeper into the jungle, the wildlife around them became increasingly diverse. Large gliding squirrels soared between branches, monkeys of all shapes and sizes chattered from the treetops, and a myriad of insects buzzed and crawled around them.


    Predators also made their presence known, forcing the group to either fend them off or proceed with caution. Massive felines prowled silently through the undergrowth, baboons with oversized fangs snarled from a distance, and towering, three-meter-tall gorillas observed the intruders with wary, calculating gazes.


    Despite the vibrant array of creatures, none captured Logan''s attention. Though they possessed earth elemental magic, they were relatively mundane in nature. Logan couldn''t risk taming creatures without considering their specific environmental needs, and so far, none suited his purposes.


    That changed when he suddenly noticed a flash of movement¡ªa long, darting tongue whipping past him to snatch an unsuspecting bug. Logan''s eyes narrowed as he spotted the creature. It was only a meter long, but its abilities were extraordinary. Until it had attacked, the beast had been completely undetectable, blending into its surroundings with an advanced form of camouflage. Unlike Earth creatures that merely mimicked colors, this beast seemed to achieve true invisibility.


    Intrigued, Logan raised his hand to point it out to Isabel, silently signaling for her to provide more information about this remarkable predator.


    "Large Crystal Chameleon," Isabel remarked, her tone tinged with admiration. "That one is quite rare. We haven''t fully understood how it works, but we''re fortunate to have spotted it." She shrugged, acknowledging the limits of her knowledge.


    "Interesting. I want it," Logan replied decisively, already formulating his plan to capture the elusive creature. Without hesitation, he began conjuring webs of both electricity and darkness, determined not to let it escape.


    He started with the electric webs, designed to stun the chameleon. Like a carefully cast fishing net, the webs arced through the air under Logan''s precise control, his mana reserves¡ªbolstered by reaching level 80¡ªallowing him to maneuver the net like an extension of himself. The electric web wrapped around the spot where he''d last seen the creature, hoping it hadn''t moved. Fortunately, his instincts proved correct as the net ensnared the chameleon. The shocks disrupted its light-distorting camouflage, revealing its shimmering body.


    Next, Logan deployed his darkness webs. Unlike the electric ones, these were adhesive and harmless, designed to immobilize the creature. The sticky strands clung to its form, their paralyzing effect ensuring the chameleon couldn''t struggle free.


    With the skill of an experienced fisherman, Logan began pulling the captured creature closer, the net tightening with each deliberate tug. The chameleon''s impressive form became fully visible, and soon it was within a meter of the group, its unique crystalline scales catching the light.


    "Well, this will be a good creature to gain a useful ability from," Logan remarked with satisfaction. He gave the net one final pull before dismissing it entirely, leaving the lingering paralysis to keep the chameleon subdued.


    Taking a moment to prepare, Logan used a sharpened nail to make a precise cut on his finger. His blade-like nails, honed by his advanced level, easily pierced his toughened skin¡ªa testament to the evolution of his own abilities.


    With two drops and Rubina''s hypnotizing skill, Logan successfully calmed the creature, making it easy to tame. The large lizard resembled a chameleon in every way¡ªits distinctive cone-shaped eyes moved independently, scanning its surroundings with precision. Its spiraling tail coiled tightly around branches, providing it with exceptional grip and stability. Most striking, however, was its tough, diamond-like skin that bent and distorted light, rendering the beast nearly invisible until it attacked.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Mirage / Species: Crystal Chameleon / Level: 19 / Blood Mark: Right Palm / Loyalty: 1/100


    Str: 12 / Agi: 22 / Dex: 18 / Con: 10 / Int: 15 / Char: 14


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Camouflage Cloak (Passive): The Crystal Chameleon renders itself invisible by bending light around its body, making detection almost impossible unless it attacks or is stunned.


    Crystal Lash: Extends its tongue at blinding speed, delivering a piercing strike that shatters small defenses and deals precision damage.


    Prismatic Burst: Discharges concentrated mana stored within its crystalline scales, creating a flash of dazzling lights that disorients and weakens enemies'' accuracy.


    Reflective Barrier: Harnesses its crystalline armor to deflect incoming attacks, bouncing a portion of the damage back to its attacker.


    Predator''s Grace: Enhances agility and reaction time when hunting prey, granting swift movement and precise strikes in dense environments.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    "Well then, let''s keep moving. I''m sure we''ll encounter more creatures worth taming," Logan said, petting his newly acquired lizard while pondering how best to manage its journey.


    "I think it''d be wiser to send it back to the kingdom," he mused. "They can begin constructing an area for it to thrive. It''d likely do well near Silis''s territory, where earth mana crystals are abundant."


    "Yes, send it back for now. We need to press on," Logan instructed, grateful for Silvia''s presence. While he could perform the task himself, the mana cost would be too draining, particularly with the possibility of battling an ent looming ahead.


    With the chameleon safely transported, the group continued their journey. Isabel took the lead, her demeanor shifting noticeably as they entered a certain point in the canopy.


    "We''ve reached the Temple of Earth''s territory," Isabel announced, her voice hushed but resolute. "I''m sure you can feel the difference in mana flow. This is where the guardians of the tree¡ªthe ents¡ªreside. It''s also the most dangerous area." Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The soldiers instinctively crouched low as they advanced further into the dense canopy. Even Isabel joined them, moving with careful deliberation. Logan and Silvia followed their lead, mimicking their cautious movements.


    The atmosphere around them grew heavier with mana, the energy palpable and almost oppressive. Darkness enveloped the area, and the faint cries of large creatures echoed through the canopy. The ground beneath them, unlike the shifting branches they''d traversed earlier, now felt solid and grounded¡ªlike they were treading upon ancient earth itself.


    Logan couldn''t help but feel like he''d stepped straight into one of those perilous jungle movies, the kind where danger lurked around every corner, waiting to pounce. Each step he took was calculated and careful, his attention unwavering. Yet, the earth itself seemed intent on betraying them. Slow, rhythmic tremors coursed through the ground at unpredictable intervals, their vibrations making stealth increasingly difficult.


    The group pressed onward, the darkness closing in around them, amplifying the sense of unease. It was then that they stumbled across a nest¡ªa sprawling network of large, ant-like creatures. The colony seemed endless, its line stretching across the path ahead, blocking their progress roughly ten meters away.


    "We might have trouble here..." Isabel cautioned, her gaze fixed on the formidable creatures. She pointed to the endless line of movement and added, "Those things¡ªthey''re probably the most dangerous creatures in this area."

 Chapter 271 - 271: Into the Canopy Pt.3

    The colony of ants looked exactly like something out of a forest documentary. Each member was at least half a meter long, their movements precise and orderly as they marched in an endless line. Logan couldn''t help but think they would make incredible creatures to tame, especially since the group needed a way to get through. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The problem, however, was evident¡ªthe sheer number of them. A quick glance revealed thousands, if not more, scurrying across the path ahead.


    "I doubt I can just drag one away like I did with the chameleon," Logan admitted, glancing at the others for input.


    "If that''s the case, then bait might be your best option," Isabel suggested, her sharp gaze studying the colony. "You have mana crystals, right? I doubt one of them would ignore something so tempting. But you''ll need to act fast when pulling it away."


    Logan considered her advice, weighing his options carefully. "You''re probably right," he replied. "I''ll need to do it far enough from all of you to keep you out of danger. Let me set up the trap. Stay here¡ªor better yet, move back a few meters, just in case."


    The group nodded in agreement, and Logan stepped back alongside them to ensure they were at a safe distance. Satisfied, he moved further away, putting at least fifty meters between himself and the others. He took his time, ensuring the location was far enough to shield them from harm, and began preparing his plan.


    Logan carefully pulled out one of the purest earth mana crystals from his pack, wrapping it in webs to use as bait. He meticulously crafted a trap in the form of a spider-like web, circling a specific area to guide the ant into it. The webs were sturdy and strategically placed, ensuring they could withstand the strength of the larger creatures.


    Satisfied with the trap''s setup, Logan scanned the colony for a suitable target. His gaze settled on one of the larger soldier ants¡ªstanding motionless yet alert, its movements sporadic as it shifted left and right, surveying for potential threats to the workers. It was exactly what he needed.


    Logan tossed the crystal toward the target, but it missed its mark, landing too close to the worker ants. A handful of them moved closer, their curiosity piqued. Quickly, Logan pulled the crystal back, not wanting to attract an overwhelming number of ants, and waited for the commotion to settle before trying again.


    "Damn it, I need to work on my aim..." Logan muttered in frustration, letting a few minutes pass to ensure the workers dispersed. He steadied himself and tossed the crystal again. This time, it landed perfectly, bouncing several times near the soldier ant he''d been eyeing. The soldier''s antennae twitched sharply, drawn to the mana''s powerful resonance. It turned its gaze toward the crystal, its large compound eyes glinting with the energy emanating from the stone.


    Without hesitation, the soldier ant rushed forward, its legs pounding the earth as it attempted to seize the crystal. However, Logan, anticipating the reaction, skillfully pulled the crystal back, luring the creature toward the trap he had carefully constructed.


    Logan kept tugging at the crystal, drawing the soldier ant further and further away from its colony. Greed seemed to cloud the creature''s instincts, preventing it from noticing just how far it had strayed from the endless line of its companions.


    The moment the ant crossed into the trap, Logan acted. The creature began to struggle immediately, its powerful legs trying to escape the webs holding it in place. It glanced back toward its colony, ready to emit a signal for help¡ªbut then its gaze locked onto a figure.


    Standing before it was a boy, his eyes glowing with a captivating red halo. The soldier ant froze for a brief moment, its body still as if caught in a trance. It struggled unconsciously against the hold, but it was too late. The boy had it completely ensnared.


    Logan stepped closer, his presence overwhelming as the ant felt something invade its very essence¡ªa mental battle it could barely comprehend. Its resistance was brief, the boy''s power proving too strong. In the end, the ant''s mind yielded, its will replaced by an unshakable loyalty.


    Once the connection was forged, Logan released the crystal, placing it gently in front of the ant. The creature''s paralysis faded, and the moment it regained mobility, joy and satisfaction flooded its consciousness. The crystal''s potent energy and Logan''s commanding presence left no doubt in the ant''s mind¡ªthis boy was its savior.


    Logan smiled, placing a reassuring hand on the ant''s chitinous head. He fed it another mana crystal, the powerful resource ensuring its continued growth. "If fifteen was enough for the scarab to evolve," Logan thought aloud, "then this one should take fewer, since it''s already high-leveled."


    Checking its stats, Logan noted the soldier ant was at level 26. "Ten crystals should be enough to push it to 40," he mused, already imagining the potential evolution that awaited his newest companion.


    Logan called the others over as he waited for the ant''s evolution to progress. To pass the time, he unpacked a light snack, sharing it with the group as they settled into a brief moment of calm. The soldier ant had already consumed its eighth crystal by the time they finished eating, its body beginning to emit faint signs of change.


    As they waited, Chief Isabel broke the silence. "Hero, while we wait for the evolution to begin, perhaps you could share your plan for capturing an ent?" she suggested, her tone inquisitive yet firm. "We can only tell you this¡ªthey are deeply connected to this tree. You may not take more than one, as we need them to keep the land fertile."


    "As you''ve likely noticed, this area actually has dirt¡ªjust as if we were at ground level," Isabel explained, her tone steady and instructive. "That is the work of the ents. Their role here is to maintain this rich layer of soil, using their own leaves and those of the World Tree."


    She paused briefly, her eyes scanning the area as if to emphasize the significance of their surroundings.


    "This dirt possesses a unique magical trait," Isabel continued. "It allows any plant to flourish with unparalleled vitality. Thanks to its earth-enriched properties, our crop yields are exceptional, even with limited land. A single seedling, if planted with enough of this soil, can produce half a year''s worth of fruit. It is the foundation of our prosperity."


    "That is precisely why I need them," Logan said, his tone resolute. "We have a growing city that depends on maintaining its crop yields. My powers, while useful, will inevitably drain the soil of its nutrients¡ªespecially the crops I''ve personally tamed. Wheat and corn, in particular, need new, enriched soil to sustain the pace we''ve achieved."


    "As for catching it, well, I''ll have to fight it like I do with any other great creature," he said, a anticipation clear in his voice. "I''m actually looking forward to it¡ªit''s a chance to test just how powerful the ent truly is. I already have the strongest frost wyverns and thunderbirds in my arsenal; adding one of the best earth-type monsters will be an incredible asset."

 Chapter 272 - 272: Into the Canopy Pt.4

    Logan closely monitored the ant''s stats, waiting patiently for the moment the creature would evolve. After careful consideration, he decided to bestow the Monarch''s Blessing upon the soldier ant. The blessing, he reasoned, would be invaluable¡ªnot only for capturing the ent safely but also for dealing with the powerful creatures deeper in the forest.


    While Logan had initially considered reserving the blessing for both the hydra and the ents, he thought about his decision hard. The ents, after all, were deeply tied to the World Tree''s ecosystem, and he could only take one with him, rendering the blessing unnecessary. As for the hydra, Logan doubted there was more than one to worry about. With that, he resolved to invest in the ant, betting on its promising potential in creating a vast colony.


    As the soldier ant consumed the last of the earth mana crystals, its body began to glow. It grew another meter in size, making it a two-meter-wide creature. Its already thick, formidable shell evolved further, gaining an armor-like density reminiscent of a tank. The dark brown of its exoskeleton deepened to a sleek matte black, accented by shiny obsidian-like sections that gleamed under the faint light.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Iron


    Species: Obsidian Commander Ant


    Level: 40


    Blood Mark: Right Forearm


    Loyalty: 22/100


    Str: 52 / Agi: 34 / Dex: 36 / Con: 56 / Int: 32 / Char: 36


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Tremor Stomp: Iron slams its legs into the ground, creating localized tremors that stagger nearby opponents and deal earth damage.


    Stone Carapace (Passive): Iron''s obsidian-like armor grants extreme durability, reducing incoming damage and reflecting a small portion back to attackers.


    Earth Anchor: Burrows into the ground to stabilize itself and resist knockbacks, while also boosting its strength for a short period.


    Crushing Mandibles: Executes a precise, powerful bite attack with its reinforced jaws, breaking through armor and dealing heavy physical damage.


    Quake Charge: Rushes forward at high speed, channeling earth mana to create a shockwave upon impact that damages and disorients enemies in its path.


    Ability:


    Antenna Communication (Passive): Iron''s enhanced antennae allow it to establish a telepathic link with allied units it touches. This communication boosts coordination in combat, granting nearby allies increased accuracy and evasion by 15%. Additionally, Iron can transmit signals like warnings of impending danger, briefly raising allied resistance to critical attacks.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Checking the newly evolved ant''s stats, Logan''s mind drifted briefly to memories of Victor Rosengard''s lab, recalling the ants they had experimented with in the past. A chuckle escaped him. "If only Scorch were here," he laughed softly, reminiscing about their training sessions involving ants and how they cause his creatures evolution.


    To test its loyalty, Logan summoned the ant¡ªnow named Iron. Its metallic body clanked with each deliberate step as it approached him. The creature''s obedience was evident, though it did not communicate verbally. Instead, it used its antennae, brushing them lightly against Logan''s leg as if sensing him.


    Logan froze momentarily, finding the gesture strange, until something entirely unexpected happened. He heard a voice¡ªdistinctly different from his other creatures¡ªresonating faintly within his mind.


    [Smell new master¡­ You want cross ant colony.]


    The metallic-sounding voice echoed in Logan''s mind, its tone both mechanical and instinctual. It seemed the newly evolved ant, Iron, could comprehend exactly what Logan needed. Using its antennae, it sent out intricate signals¡ªunique from any other beast in Logan''s collection. What stood out most was how Iron could seemingly understand Logan''s thoughts without words, as though it possessed a method of mental communication entirely its own.


    [Will you help us, then? We just need to cross to the other side,] Logan projected, curious to see how Iron would respond.


    The ant paused, its antennae twitching as it processed the order. [Will help, need to tell them you are safe,] it replied, turning as if to head back toward the colony.


    "Wait," Logan called, stopping it in its tracks. [Will make you a monarch, wait.]


    Without hesitation, Logan placed his palm over the mark on Iron''s obsidian carapace and began channeling the Monarch''s Blessing. At first, the ant seemed confused, its movements twitchy as it adjusted to the unfamiliar energy. But soon, its body visibly changed. A series of sharp, regal spikes emerged from its head, forming a crown-like structure that signified its newfound authority. The transformation radiated an aura of command, solidifying its position as a monarch.


    Logan watched in fascination, his thoughts wandering briefly. Ant society was inherently matriarchal, with drone ants filling their designated roles. He couldn''t help but wonder what the consequences of granting such power to a male ant would be.


    "Do you feel any different?" Logan asked, a trace of curiosity in his voice.


    [Yes, new power,] Iron replied confidently. [Can make followers come with me.]


    Without waiting for further instruction, Iron began walking toward the colony. Its movements were purposeful, its newfound authority evident in its stride.


    "Well, that went well. Let''s follow him slowly and see if the other ants will recognize him as their leader," Logan said, his eyes fixed on Iron''s movements. "I was hoping for a female ant to act as a queen, but it seems Iron is male."


    "It shouldn''t matter, right?" Lisa chimed in, gesturing to the endless line of ants marching back and forth. "If he can reach the queen and bring her under his rule, that would be ideal. The real issue is how you''re going to handle so many creatures if that happens."


    Logan nodded thoughtfully. "True. It would be problematic to have a queen and end up dragging the entire colony back to the kingdom. But maybe he could find a mate and bring her alone¡ªthat might work."


    He set the thought aside for now, turning his attention back to Iron. The ant was busy interacting with three nearby soldier ants, using its antennae to send signals. Logan watched closely as the soldiers, initially hesitant, began to follow Iron, seemingly swayed by his authority.


    Iron''s movements grew bolder as he approached other large ants in the vicinity. One by one, they joined his growing group until a total of fifteen soldier ants surrounded him¡ªthe likely limit for his current level.


    With his newfound followers, Iron returned to Logan, brimming with confidence. The ant then communicated its plan, its metallic voice resonating once more in Logan''s mind. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Need to ride on backs to cross and mistake scent of human,] Iron explained, brushing Logan''s leg with its antenna again to ensure the connection.


    Logan smirked at the cleverness of the plan, impressed with the intelligence of his new beast, given the type of creature it was and how it could not communicate normally.


    "It seems we''ve got new rides until we reach the ents," Logan announced, gesturing toward the ants. "Everyone, pick one and get ready to move. Don''t worry¡ªIron has already made them his subjects."


    "Hey, wait! Couldn''t you have done this with our beetles?" one of the soldiers asked, his tone tinged with mild disappointment. He was one of those who had been hoping his creature could gain powers like Logan''s.


    Logan sighed, clearly prepared for such questions. "We needed a way to cross this colony, and I don''t have time to wait for the line to stop or search for another path. Now let''s go," he responded firmly, hoping Isabel wouldn''t question him further.


    "You heard the hero¡ªlet''s move," Isabel chimed in, her leadership evident as she climbed onto one of the smaller ants. Despite its size, the creature carried her with ease.


    One by one, the group settled onto the backs of the soldier ants. They approached the massive river of dark brown worker ants, which momentarily paused their relentless march to allow the soldier ants and their riders to pass. With precision and coordination, the team crossed their first major hurdle.


    Once they were ten meters beyond the worker colony, they dismounted from their temporary rides and resumed their journey on foot. This time, fifteen soldier ants surrounded them in a protective arrowhead formation. Their nimbleness in navigating the dense forest terrain impressed the group as Iron confidently led the way deeper into the heart of the canopy.


    Logan walked alongside Iron, his hand lightly gripping one of the ant''s antennae like a makeshift leash to strengthen their connection.


    [Do you know where the ents are?] Logan asked mentally, focusing on the link between them.


    [Ent? Tree spawn. They love center. Fight ants to not invade. Dangerous. Can make tree mad, make branch fall,] Iron responded. As it spoke, Logan''s mind was flooded with a vivid visual image¡ªstrange, shifting colors depicting massive tree branches swinging down like hammers to crush ants daring to encroach on the ents'' territory.


    Logan groaned audibly. "Ah, damn it. This won''t be easy," he muttered. He turned to the others, relaying what Iron had told him. "My ant says the ents can actually communicate with the World Tree, and if we fight them, we could literally be smashed into paste by falling branches."


    His gaze settled on Isabel, expecting her to have something to add.


    "If it''s about that," Isabel began, her tone calm but serious, "I can appease the tree for a short while. We''ve developed an old technique for communicating with it¡ªsomething our people have refined over time."


    "Well, I hope it works," Logan said with a sigh. "I''ll set up safety measures before we make any moves."


    Guided by Iron, they ventured deeper into the forest. The journey was filled with danger, but nothing they encountered so far could compare to the combined might of Kryst and Iron. Logan watched as Kryst''s gelatinous body shifted, mimicking Iron''s metallic form. Her body shimmered with a liquid shine, yet maintained the durability of solid metal. The two worked in seamless harmony, with Iron even teaching Kryst how to adjust her movements for maximum efficiency.


    Logan, for his part, fought alongside them using his whips. While he scanned the forest for any extraordinary creatures worth taming, none seemed to catch his eye. That is, until something unusual emerged from the foliage.


    Ahead of them, a creature appeared¡ªa large ferret, its fur shimmering like blades of grass in the soft light. The sight of it stopped Logan in his tracks, its unique appearance sparking an instant interest.

 Chapter 273 - 273: Guardian of the Land

    Logan initially dismissed the creature, but his perspective shifted when it looked at him within the group with an intense look of curiosity¡ªa gaze that hinted at intelligence. It was an admirable quality, one that Logan knew would make the creature invaluable in battle.


    The ferret observed them for a few seconds before dashing forward, its behavior striking Logan as unusual. Wild creatures typically fought or fled when confronted, but this one seemed unafraid, even intrigued.


    Moving with remarkable speed, its meter-long body darted between the ants, deftly avoiding their claws and jaws as it sniffed at them. It then turned its attention to the group, curiously smelling each person. It lingered near Isabel, circling her a few times before finally heading toward Silvia. The creature nudged its head against her hand, inviting her to pet it.


    "Well, this is probably a first," Silvia said, scratching its neck lightly as the creature leaned into her touch.


    "I wonder why?" Logan mused aloud, searching his mind for a possible explanation.


    His thoughts were interrupted as the ferret approached him, its movements deliberate. Logan reached out cautiously, but just as he was about to touch it, the creature spoke.


    [You don''t think I''ll let the Hero of Taming just touch me, do you?] it said, its cute and squeaky-sounding voice laced with amusement. The ferret clutched its stomach as if laughing, its tone playful yet confident.


    [You can talk?] Logan asked, taken aback by the unexpected response.


    [Of course. I may be the youngest of the guardians, but I can manage at least this much,] the ferret replied smugly. It stretched its neck, tilting its head left and right as if to study him. [Now, tell me, Hero of Taming¡ªwhat business do you have in my home? Or should I say, in the Great Spirit of Earth''s temple?]


    "I came to find the ents... I need one to tame," Logan admitted, his words measured. He was about to elaborate further when the ferret''s demeanor shifted suddenly.


    Its playful aura vanished as its body grew larger, its form swelling with an imposing presence. Its once-round eyes turned a menacing shade of red, and the lighthearted creature from moments before was now fierce and commanding, radiating an aura of authority.


    Everyone, including Logan, instinctively stepped back as the creature''s immense power washed over them. The ferret''s body stopped growing at three meters, and it reared onto its hind legs, its towering presence filling the air with palpable tension.


    [Capture ents...] It spoke in a hoarse, guttural voice, its red eyes fixed on Logan.


    Logan, already anticipating the worst, lowered his head to bow in apology. But before he could utter a word, the towering ferret suddenly sneezed.


    The sound was unexpected and absurdly loud, leaving the group stunned. Logan raised his head cautiously, while the ferret casually scratched its nose with one of its large paws, as though nothing had happened.


    [You were saying?] the creature coughed, its tone lighthearted but slightly raspy.


    Logan squinted at the ferret, his expression somewhere between disbelief and exasperation. "I came here to find the ents. Would you happen to know where I can find them?" he asked, regaining his composure while trying to keep his tone steady.


    [The tree saplings? They live a little further in,] the ferret said, its voice calm but carrying a warning. [Shy kids, those ones. You''ll need to tread carefully when you find them¡ªthey spook easily, and their mom will definitely kill you if you harm one. I suggest you try befriending them first. They love music, so I hope you can calm them down with a few songs... and maybe avoid doing anything stupid,] it added with a yawn, its imposing form shrinking back to its small, nimble size.


    The ferret then sniffed the air, stepping closer to Logan and the group. [Say, you wouldn''t happen to have any human food, would you?] it asked, its tone hopeful. [I miss that stuff... been at least 300 years since I''ve had a taste.] It sniffed around inquisitively, its bright eyes gleaming as if its charm might coax a treat out of someone.


    Logan glanced around, noticing that the others were all staring at him expectantly, clearly waiting for him to take action.


    Isabel, in particular, seemed frozen in shock. She hadn''t anticipated encountering the guardian of this area, let alone one so casually strolling through the forest. What truly left her at a loss, however, was the creature''s behavior. It had acted less like the dignified and majestic figure she''d envisioned for a guardian¡ªespecially one as renowned as Ferra¡ªand more like an eccentric clown. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She couldn''t help but feel a tinge of frustration. For such a powerful beast, one that should represent their country with grace, its behavior was baffling. Yet, in the end, she sighed and let it go. There was no sense in calling it out¡ªshe doubted it would listen anyway, at least without harming her.


    Meanwhile, Logan rummaged through his belongings and pulled out some leftovers from that morning''s meal. He handed them to the ferret, who devoured the food with childlike enthusiasm, utterly indifferent to maintaining any semblance of manners. Its face became a mess of crumbs and smudges, but it didn''t care.


    When the ferret had finished, it began licking its fingers with delight before wiping its cheeks clean.


    [Delicious, very good stuff,] it said with a contented sigh, patting its now full stomach. [It''s been years¡ªno, centuries¡ªsince I last ate something that didn''t grow on the ground or in trees.]


    The ferret let out a loud burp, earning a mix of amused and exasperated glances from the group.


    [Well¡­ we hope it was to your liking,] Logan replied, his tone diplomatic as he tried to steer the conversation in a new direction. [Now, we really need to get moving¡ªwe''ve got demons to fight and all that¡­]


    Logan was already attempting to edge away, hoping to leave the ferret behind. Though its antics were entertaining, he couldn''t see it being like Ferra, who would provide him with a quest and a reward.


    Just as the group was about to take their third step a voice filled with a playful tone rang inside their minds, calling them back.


    [You don''t think I''d just let you leave without giving you one of my chores, right? Of course, it will come with a reward,] it added, emphasizing the last word as if dangling a treat in front of a child.

 Chapter 274 - 274: The Guardians Chore

    As the group hesitated, preparing to take their third step forward, the ferret''s voice rang out behind them, filled with mischief.


    [You don''t think I''d let you leave without giving you one of my chores, do you?] it said, pausing for added effect. [Of course, it will come with a reward, don''t worry.]


    Logan stopped, turning back with a resigned expression. "Chores?" he asked, wary of what the creature had in mind.


    [Yes, yes. Relax¡ªit''ll be quick,] the ferret replied, waving its paw dismissively. [What I need you to do is simple: provide the Temple with some of your mana crystals. I saw how you gave them to the ants earlier. The problem here is important¡ªthis tree is growing too big. By draining mana from the Temple, it keeps expanding, and that''s something we don''t need anymore.] sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The revelation hit the soldiers and Isabel like a tidal wave. For so long, they had lived under the bark of the great tree, revering it as if it were a divine presence, a symbol of life and protection. The thought that their silent guardian had unknowingly created such an imbalance was unsettling.


    As for the ferret, it paused, letting out an exaggerated sigh, clearly fatigued from speaking human language. [If you introduce a new mana signature into the temple, I can rewire it so the earth mana flows directly to me instead. As a reward, I will¡­ strengthen one of your earth-element creatures. The choice is yours.]


    The ferret flopped onto its side, one paw scratching its belly while the other propped up its head, clearly unbothered by the gravity of its request.


    Logan considered the offer carefully. He''d expected a task far more complicated, perhaps requiring a long and grueling journey. To his surprise, the chore seemed straightforward enough¡ªand he had plenty of mana crystals to spare. However, his mind lingered on the reward. How much experience would the ferret truly grant his chosen beast?


    His thoughts drifted to Silis¡ªher growth was steady, but she could benefit from a powerful boost. Then his attention turned to Krexa, whose laziness often held her back. Strengthening her this way might help her skip several levels and avoid being dethroned by one of her goblins.


    "Fine," Logan finally agreed. "But I imagine it won''t be easy to get there without the ents noticing, right?"


    The ferret sat up slightly, its mischievous grin widening. [The ents? Oh, they''ll notice, no question about that,] it said nonchalantly. [But that''s where the fun begins. Just don''t do anything stupid, Hero of Taming, and maybe we won''t end up making the World Tree very, very angry.]


    [How long do you think I''ve lived here? It''ll be easy. Now follow me, kid¡ªwe need to get this done before they start noticing new intruders on their territory,] the ferret said confidently, and yet his tone was laced with urgency. Without waiting for a response, it began digging a large hole in the ground, creating an entrance just wide enough for them to enter one at a time.


    No one dared to question the guardian''s authority as it confidently forged ahead. The large ferret, dug through the earth with remarkable ease, his movements fluid yet powerful. Each sweep of his paws compressed the loose soil around them, forming solid, compacted walls that resembled polished concrete.


    The creature than ran his finger along the wall of the newly formed tunnel, causing it to emit a faint glow. The light spread just enough to guide the group, ensuring everyone could see what lay ahead.


    "Say, ferret¡­ how long is this going to take?" Logan asked, his curiosity winning over as they continued deeper into the passage about ten minutes in.


    [Ferret?] the creature responded, sounding almost offended. [Ah, I forgot to introduce myself, didn''t I? I am Ramos, the tame of Tyler¡ªa boy who survived the vampires, and only because of me.]


    The ferret stopped to look back as it puffed out its chest.


    "Right¡­ Ramos, how much longer till we reach our destination." Logan questioned not wanting the beast to gloat even more.


    [Nearly there, you should know how big this tree is as you came here flying right? Yes, I felt when you arrived here boy,] The ferret kept moving deeper in, he made a peephole every now and then to keep everyone with fresh air as he kept moving forward.


    It wasn''t long before he stopped took a few steps back and turned around.


    [Well we are here, the good news, we found your ent''s the bad news, they are all in what I call meditation. Now pass me the crystals while you pick the ent you want to capture, you beast hurry because if they all wake up well, even I can''t save you, while I am sure you can fight them all, its their mother who will most likely crush you for having come this far.] Ramos snickered while make a hole above him and beckoning Logan forward with one of his fingers.


    [Come this will be your true test, I need to see just how strong you are,] Logan took a few steps forward and began placing around fifty crystals he had in ready, they were all he had for now and probably for a few weeks while they cultivated more.


    As he finished, the floor beneath him began to rise like an elevator. The last thing he heard was Silvia calling out his name. He didn''t even have a chance to glance back at her before his eyes were drawn to the beings surrounding him. They resembled ordinary trees, but with two legs and arms, each one standing motionless, as if anticipating something.


    Logan took a slow turn, counting at least twenty ents encircling him. As his gaze swept across them, he noticed an altar at the center, pulsating with earth mana. The energy emanating from it was so intense that Logan silently conjured a mana shield, the overwhelming power was like standing near a roaring furnace.

 Chapter 275 - 275: Battle with the Giants

    Logan scanned the area, counting a total of twenty-three ents. They stood motionless, like statues deep in meditation, their stillness making each movement or sound feel perilous without careful thought. His shield might protect him from the overwelming mana, but it would do little against a direct impact.


    Frustration bubbled within Logan¡ªwhy had he agreed to come with the crazy guardian? Especially one as unpredictable and carefree as that damn ferret.


    He began cycling through his skills, hoping for a solution, and his thoughts landed on an idea involving his new creature''s abilities. Logan activated Camouflage Cloak, a skill borrowed from the Crystal Chameleon, allowing him to blend seamlessly into his surroundings. He silently thanked his luck for crossing paths with such a useful monster before this moment.


    His gaze returned to the ents¡ªhe needed the strongest one, the largest of the group. Cautiously, he moved closer to inspect each individually, using Predator''s Grace, another of the chameleon''s gifts, which let him navigate dense terrain as gracefully as the chameleon. It felt as though pads had formed on his feet, allowing him to glide silently across the forest floor. Still, Logan knew better than to rely solely on the skill; he matched its finesse with his own precision.


    To aid his search, he activated Predatory Eyesight, a skill inherited from one of his feline beasts, enhancing his night vision and sharpening his focus.


    Using both skills, Logan moved carefully, mentally sizing up each creature as he passed them. Up close, he noticed peculiar details: each ent seemed to have an attempt at a face carved into the front of its trunk, just beneath the canopy of foliage. The features were etched roughly into the bark, their crude appearance far from the elegant aesthetic Logan had imagined.


    Their massive hands resembled clubs, with some sporting claw-like extensions at the tips¡ªsharp branches that added a menacing edge to their forms. It became clear that not all the ents were of the same kind. Variations in bark texture, foliage patterns, and even coloration were noticeable as he examined them further.


    Their feet, rooted firmly to the ground, gripped the forest floor with roots that extended a few inches below the surface. It gave the impression that each creature was slightly anchored to its surroundings. Size-wise, the ents varied significantly. The tallest stood around four or five meters high, towering above the rest. However, most were more modest in stature, ranging between two and three meters tall.


    Upon closer inspection, Logan realized the biggest and tallest ents were beginning to rot. Bringing them onto a battlefield in such a fragile state would only spell trouble. Though the issue might be resolved through evolutionary correction, he knew that if he could take only one, it would be wiser to choose a mid-sized ent with greater utility.


    In the end, he settled on three potential candidates. Fortunately, they were grouped together, their positions made clear by the ents'' arrangement by size. It was a stroke of luck that saved Logan considerable effort.


    [Now, how to tame them without alerting the others¡­] he thought, warily eyeing the surrounding ents.


    [I doubt I can manage this while twenty or so try to kill me¡­] The risk of causing a disturbance made him think twice about what he was going to do.


    Logan quickly dispelled any notion of employing his poisons or paralysis spells. The world tree''s retaliation was not something he wanted to provoke. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The boy finally decided on which ent he would tame, his gaze settled on the middle tree of the three he''d selected. Unlike the others, this one bore fruit in its foliage, making it an especially appealing choice. The fruit that looked like lemons or green oranges stood out amidst the rough bark and dense leaves, hinting at potential uses that the other ents lacked.


    Logan needed a diversion. He scrolled through his extensive skill list, flipping through what felt like twenty or thirty pages of abilities his creatures had passed on to him, until he found the one he needed.


    Lowering himself to the ground, he placed a hand on the forest floor and began casting Shadow Minions¡ªa spell from Regal, his dark elemental spider. Darkness mana surged around him as he hurriedly summoned hundreds of small, skittering spiders. Logan was acutely aware that the sudden shift in mana would alert the ents, so he worked quickly.


    The tiny black critters scattered across the clearing, each targeting a different ent. With precision, they sank their fangs into their targets, attempting to use a weak poison on them.


    The ents did not take kindly to the invasion. As the swarm of spiders crawled over their legs, the ents reacted with visible agitation. The critters darted away in all directions, dispersing into the shadows. To further lead the ents astray, the spiders began casting Darkness Pulse¡ªsmall bursts of energy, just enough to catch their attention and lure them into following.


    Logan stood perfectly still, biding his time and waiting for the right moment to catch the ent he had chosen off guard. Around him, the air was thick with dust, and the ground trembled with loud thuds as the other ents stomped furiously, attempting to crush the tiny black spiders scurrying at their feet.


    Logan had used Regal''s spider webs¡ªundetectable and precise¡ªto catch the large tree off guard. All he needed now was to charm it with his array of skills before the others noticed his presence.


    He decided to rely on a familiar spell: Rubina''s magic, a skill designed to charm the creature. But as the enchantment took hold, the tree''s bark remained stoic and expressionless, seemingly unaffected by the spell. Logan clicked his tongue in frustration. [So much for plan A.]


    Without hesitation, he moved to plan B. Just as he prepared to rush forward, a shadow loomed above him. A massive fist came crashing down, striking with terrifying force.


    Logan''s body splattered into a bloody mess, the ent before him moved faster then he had expected.

 Chapter 276 - 276: Struggling Tamer

    The blood seeped into the ent''s bark with darkness energy allowing it to penetrate effortlessly. The creature''s massive hand twitched as a burning pain spread through it, the corruption working its way deeper.


    Meanwhile, Logan crouched behind a real tree¡ªor rather, part of the world tree¡ªshielded himself from view but still within range to exert control over the blood he had spilled. He had cast Bloodshadow Phantasm just moments before the ent''s crushing blow, creating a clone crafted from a considerable portion of his own blood.


    To recover from the severe loss, Logan quickly drank mana water. The throbbing in his head was relentless, yet he pushed himself to maintain peak concentration.


    The mental battle with the ent had only begun, as he focused on circulating his blood through the creature''s body. It gathered in the ent''s head¡ªor where its face was carved¡ªand slowly spread throughout its massive form. Logan took his time, ensuring the blood would saturate its entirety before attempting to tame the beast.


    His silent prayer was that the world tree wouldn''t notice or retaliate during the process; he needed just a few minutes before his plan could come to fruition.


    Logan continued drinking mana water, feeling the pain in his head lessen gradually. To accelerate his recovery, he activated Hemomantic Veil, Serana''s skill that converted mana into blood magic. While it wasn''t a complete cure, it eased his headache enough to keep his focus sharp for the impending fight.


    As the last of the spiders were swiftly eliminated, the ents began returning to their original positions. Yet, they paused upon noticing one of their own behaving strangely¡ªstill locked in a struggle with something unseen. Their apparent awareness of the internal fight the ent the boy wanted to tame and was facing left Logan hesitating, torn between staying hidden or making his escape.


    Luckily, the ents focused on helping their companion instead of searching for Logan. While their efforts succeeded in removing much of the darkness mana, the strange blood mana lingering in the ent''s body proved more difficult to detect or expel.


    This was ideal for Logan. Using the connection through his blood, he launched a mental assault on the ent. The creature clutched at its head in distress, bashing it several times with its massive hands as if trying to drive the pain away. Fruit and leaves adorning its canopy like hair shook violently from the motion, dislodging several pieces and scattering them onto the forest floor. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan maintained the mental pressure, hidden in the safety of the shadows with his camouflage skill concealing his presence. The ent''s fierce resistance, however, began to take its toll. The blood was gradually affected, its connection weakening under the strain. Even the world tree seemed to sense the ent''s struggle, intervening to strengthen it. The earth mana in the area grew heavier, thickening the atmosphere as the battle raged on.


    Logan refused to relent, fortunate that the sheer amount of blood he had sacrificed was enough to hold sway over the large creature. He was careful not to cause further harm, opting instead to create chaos¡ªsomething that would distract the other ents and force them to cease aiding their struggling comrade.


    With stealth and urgency, Logan rushed forward, still concealed, and activated Sacred Sanctuary. The golden skill enveloped him and the ent he intended to tame, forming a luminous cage around them. He needed this moment of isolation to focus solely on the creature. However, the effort drained his mana, forcing him to drop his camouflage and reveal himself within the radiant enclosure.


    Getting closer worked in Logan''s favor as the mental battle intensified. The ent''s resistance weakened; its struggle, while persistent, grew less violent. Though its body remained immobilized by the mental strain, Logan pressed forward with a final, desperate attempt. He cast Angelic Wings, not for offense but for their calming effect.


    The ethereal glow spread through the cage, soothing the chaotic atmosphere. Logan could feel the connection between them starting to take hold, a small ray of hope that brought a fleeting smile to his face.


    His triumph was short-lived. A massive trunk slammed toward the cage, shaking the ground and threatening to shatter his carefully constructed sanctuary.


    Logan wondered if the world tree had gone crazy. It wouldn''t just kill him¡ªit would also kill the ent, its own child if it did that. He moved closer to the creature, hoping to use it as a shield in case the large golden cage broke. He needed just a minute, as the ent kept still from the mental weakness.


    Logan gently patted its bark.


    "Come on, let''s work together here. You will be more powerful. Even your mother will be proud of you," he said, trying to convince it.


    Reaching into his pouch, Logan took out his secret weapon. While he had given most of his earth crystals to Ramos for whatever experiment the ferret was planning, he had kept two of the most concentrated ones. He reached toward the ent''s face and stuffed the crystals into its mouth.


    Logan hoped its mouth would work for this, and to his relief, the ent accepted the crystals, crunching them instantly despite its daze.


    "You see? You will get stronger. Now come on, work with me," Logan said. He then slit his finger and placed it on the ent''s knee, which was at his face level.


    Logan instantly felt the connection solidify, as if the small amount of added blood was all it needed to take hold. It was a fortunate move, as the world tree swung down again, its massive limb aiming for destruction.


    This time, the ent stood tall, gripping its mother''s limb firmly to stop it from crashing down upon them. The sanctuary''s golden glow shattered under the impact, but it had served its purpose, giving the ent the time it needed to halt the blow.


    The ent let out a hoarse, inorganic cry, its sound resembling the discordant strumming of an electric guitar. The noise reverberated through the clearing, catching the attention of its brothers and sisters. Slowly, the other ents stopped their assault, ceasing their efforts to attack. The world tree, as if sensing that its child was unharmed, paused as well, its looming presence now still.

 Chapter 277 - 277: Grand Earthen Ent

    The ent roared upon being tamed, forcing Logan to cover his ears from the deafening sound. Initially, the boy assumed it was trying to stop the others from attacking, but in truth, the ent was strong enough¡ªbolstered by its proximity to the world tree and the earthen temple¡ªto evolve instantly. This marked one of the rare occasions where evolution occurred without Logan needing to feed it his prized crystals.


    The three-meter-tall creature groaned as a radiant white glow enveloped its entire body. Its limbs expanded, growing thicker and more robust, while its canopy-like hair widened. More foliage sprouted, accompanied by vibrant fruits and blossoming flowers that appeared almost instantly.


    The ent''s once rudimentary face, carved into its bark, transformed into something lifelike. Though not human in appearance, its features gained a unique charm and detail that marked its identity as an ent. Its size increased dramatically, growing to six meters tall, with two of those meters consisting of its expanded canopy. Its frame became broader and sturdier to support the additional weight.


    Its two legs thickened to two meters each, with roots extending outward like writhing serpents, ready to ensnare anything that dared approach the towering beast.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Gaia / Species: Grand Earthen Ent / Level: 56 / Blood Mark: Left Knee / Loyalty: 4/100


    Str: 89 / Agi: 38 / Dex: 41 / Con: 93 / Int: 43 / Char: 36


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Root Bind: The ent uses its roots to ensnare enemies, immobilizing them temporarily while dealing minor damage.


    Earthen Bulwark: Creates a protective barrier made of earth and stone around itself or an ally, shielding them from physical attacks.


    Barkskin Resilience: Reinforces its body with hardened bark, significantly increasing defense against both physical and magical damage for a short duration.


    Nature''s Embrace (Healing Skill): Channels restorative earth energy into itself or an ally, healing moderate damage over time and strengthening vitality.


    Stone Cleave: Summons a sharp, jagged spike of stone to erupt from the ground, delivering a precise strike to an enemy with high-impact damage.


    Terra Shockwave: The ent slams the ground, releasing a shockwave of earth energy that damages and knocks back nearby enemies.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    As soon as the ent completed its evolution, Logan focused on its stats to assess their chances in battle¡ªwhether against the other ents or the world tree itself. Most of its stats were below average, but its constitution and strength were nearly double its level. Taking that into account, Logan could see just how powerful the creature truly was.


    In terms of raw strength, it surpassed even Scorch. However, its sluggishness and abysmal dexterity were glaring weaknesses. The ent would excel in large-scale combat but likely struggle in one-on-one battles against his other beasts. Regardless, Logan was pleased; the ent''s evolution was a success.


    Still, Logan had one more request.


    "Gaia, can I have one of your friends, please?" he asked, curious about the taste of the orange-like fruit. Many had fallen to the ground during the previous fight, but the newly evolved fruits were larger, brighter, and more yellow than before.


    "Can have¡­ don''t know if taste good," the ent replied, plucking one of the fruits with its massive hand. Its siblings stood still, staring in silence, seemingly unsure what had happened to the transformed sibling before them.


    Its mother ceased its attempt to crush the ent, pulling its massive limb back into place. Logan, meanwhile, grabbed the fruit that had fallen, noting how appealing it looked. The peel came off easily under his strength, though he had to be cautious not to crush it now that he was at level 80.


    He was just about to take a slice of the orange-like fruit when everything was interrupted. The temple behind them pulsed with power¡ªa storm of mana erupting. Ramos had placed Logan''s stones around the temple, and now the clashing energies created the chaotic phenomenon.


    Logan and the ents stared at the sight in awe. The world tree, sensing the disturbance, unleashed vines toward the ferret responsible. Its children, noticing their mother''s distress, rushed to stop the intruder as well.


    Realizing he was no longer safe, Logan activated his invisibility and began retreating. His own ent followed the others, determined to help resolve the situation and protect its mother.


    [That stupid guardian! Why did he have to ruin the moment?] Logan cried out in frustration, slipping away as quickly as possible. The fruit he had been holding turned to mush, crushed in his grip from the tension caused by the storm.


    The ents surged forward but were repelled by the overwhelming mana storm erupting from the temple. Only the vines and Logan''s newly tamed ent continued to advance, determined to reach the ferret. Meanwhile, the guardian kept manipulating the temple''s frequency, gradually disrupting the flow of mana sustaining the world tree. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Logan, come quickly¡ªwe need to leave soon,] Silvia''s mental link reached him abruptly. Confused but alarmed, Logan returned, spotting the girl near the ferret.


    [Damn it, why are you there!] Logan shouted in frustration, halting his retreat before rushing back toward them. Activating his wings, he flew just in time to witness a space distortion forming around the ferret, the ent, and Silvia¡ªclearly caused by the girl''s intervention.


    As Logan dove into the fractured space, praying he wouldn''t be pierced by vines, the distortion cracked and snapped. A moment later, everyone present was teleported elsewhere.


    Logan staggered, disoriented but quickly realizing they were near his kingdom. The atmosphere was unfamiliar¡ªnot as warm as Rosethorn but far from the cold of the northern regions. A quick glance revealed the labyrinth looming to the east, confirming they were just outside his capital city.


    The ferret remained with them, as did Logan''s ent. The massive creature appeared stunned, glancing around in confusion at the sudden shift in terrain.


    "What were you thinking doing that without telling me!" Logan shouted at Ramos, frustration evident in his voice. The ferret seemed unfazed, focused on controlling the earth energy beneath the temple. The small stone structure housing a large amber gem pulsed rhythmically, releasing power that Ramos continued to drain.


    [Relax,] Ramos replied, his tone calm despite the tension. [If things had gone south, I would have just taken us away. You''ve only seen my small form and the slightly larger one¡ªnot my full form. As for the test I gave you, you passed it. Now let me concentrate, this is getting hard to control.]


    Ramos paused, the strain of the task evident in his glowing eyes. [As for my part of the deal, bring me the monster you want me to infuse power into tomorrow. And try to keep me safe, will you? There might even be a demon or two lurking nearby, and they wouldn''t hesitate to sacrifice themselves for a chance to break one of the spirit temples.]


    Logan sighed, taking a moment to glance at Silvia and Kryst. The girl had enveloped Silvia just moments earlier to keep her from being separated from the group.


    "Are you two doing fine?" Logan asked, his gaze shifting to Silvia, who was still breathing heavily.


    "I... am... fine, just need time," Silvia managed to say between strained breaths. Kryst began using her healing skill to aid her recovery, while Logan handed over a glass of mana water. Over time, he had made it a habit to prepare cups and vials to assist others in such situations.


    "As soon as you recover, make an array to open a portal to Rosethorn," Logan instructed.


    "I''ll use your skill to activate it and summon the golems and warks to secure this area¡ªas well as Silis. The ferret is right; we need to protect the crystal at all costs, especially with the demons going all out."


    With another sigh, Logan turned to his ent.


    [Gaia, this is my home. We needed to take the earth temple for your mother''s own good. She would have grown too large for this world and possibly died in the process,] Logan explained.


    The ent lowered its gaze toward him, nodding in understanding. Then, it took a firm stance, ready to protect the temple from any threats.


    Logan unfurled his wings, taking to the air as he made his way toward the labyrinth less than a kilometer away. The path was easy to navigate; a towering structure stood nearby, serving as a clear marker of its location. His goal was simple¡ªfind assistance there to ensure the area around the temple could be kept secure.

 Chapter 278 - 278: Infiltration

    After the death of Dravor the Merciless, the remaining demon generals wasted no time in plotting their next move. With their grand plan nearly complete, they could not afford failure.


    Zephor had already landed near the Pearl Isles, preparing his fleet to launch the first stage of the attack. Maldrak, taking a southern sea route past Elris, aimed to use Dravor''s former strategy but with a critical change: he would strike swiftly, avoiding giving the heroes a chance to regroup.


    Meanwhile, Valkar the Dominator did not wait for orders. Tasked with replacing Dravor, he set his sights on the Red Iron Republic. Using a nearby island and the resources left behind by Dravor, he prepared for yet another sea-based assault.


    Back in the demon-controlled lands, Thalrak and Morax worked tirelessly, activating a powerful array to link the two worlds. Their success relied on gathering enough mana and lives to fuel the connection.


    At the same time, Azrag and Xerath continued their relentless assault on the empire. Every death¡ªwhether of their own troops or their enemies¡ªfunneled energy to Thalrak and Morax, hastening the completion of their dark ritual.


    During all of this, Zaryx roamed the streets of Rosethorn, enjoying himself while disguised as a normal mercenary. He traveled with a group of six other demons, each capable of hiding their true forms through magic like his own. Compressing his massive body took considerable effort, but the six demons kept others at bay, ensuring Zaryx could maintain his focus on the disguise.


    He had carefully studied the heroes'' activities in this city, finding their efforts impressive. The progress they had made to improve the world was undeniable, making an attack difficult without exposing himself. Zaryx even found himself tempted by the idea of riding the speeding train he''d heard about during his visits. The residents of Rosethorn were well-fed, well-paid¡ªa rarity in many places.


    [Too bad for them,] Zaryx thought. [They''ll be sacrificed so that we demons can return to our world.]


    Unlike some of his kin, Zaryx didn''t harbor hatred for the heroes or wish for their deaths. Yet humans were the ones who had summoned demons hundreds of years ago, starting this endless cycle of conflict. The first demons, much like the heroes, had been brought forth to fight other humans. And from there, more demons were summoned to combat those they had summoned before.


    Back then, demons were forced into battle through the use of slave collars¡ªsomething Zaryx remembered all too well from his own summoning. The collars bound demons instantly to the will of their human masters, leaving them powerless to resist. Their only salvation came when a summoning went horribly wrong, bringing forth vampires instead.


    What followed was the reign of blood, as demons and vampires joined forces to overthrow the humans who had enslaved them. Together, they turned the tide, enslaving the very people who had brought them into this world.


    However, the spirits worshipped by humanity intervened before the humans could face total annihilation. They sent Rowland, a human with unparalleled strength and charisma, who quickly rallied the fractured humans. With his leadership, the humans overcame the vampires, breaking their grip and reclaiming their future.


    But demons were lucky, they did not suffer the fate of the vampires, these turned crazy without human blood, something that led to their downfall, demons on the other hand waited for the chance to get back at the humans.


    Their goal was simple: to return to their world. As a long-lived race, demons had spent centuries studying and experimenting until they finally devised their current plan. It required an immense amount of magic and countless sacrifices, but it would create a connection between the two worlds.


    Of course, the ultimate endgame was to hand this world over to the Demon King¡ªit was only fitting. Even if they couldn''t return to Nerdith, the world of demons, their loyalty to their king remained steadfast. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zaryx considered sparing the heroes'' town, at least for now, as he worked to understand and replicate their technology.


    Demons had already learned to manipulate crystals to project images, even without light magic. By using raw mana, they managed to achieve similar results.


    But what truly fascinated Zaryx was their motorized technology.


    It was by far the most impressive advancement he had seen. Beyond the train, the same motor technology powered what humans called "cars" and "motorbikes."


    Watching carriages being replaced by these modern creations was a testament to the ingenuity of the heroes¡ªsomething Zaryx couldn''t help but admire, even if they and the people were destined for sacrifice.


    As soon as he finished marveling at the cars outside, Zaryx stepped into a pub. If there was one thing he loved more than killing, it was eating. Though he lacked the local currency to pay, he had plenty of gold from the kingdoms they had conquered. With little hesitation, he made a large order of various dishes, enough to fill an entire table for himself.


    His bodyguards dispersed around the pub, ensuring Zaryx had the table all to himself. This wasn''t just any ordinary pub¡ªit was the restaurant of the famed cooking hero, Xander. The boy''s meals were praised across the kingdom.


    Zaryx picked up a piece of steak with his fingers, unconcerned about appearances as he savored the flavorful bite with deep satisfaction. Though the hero himself was in the back, busy with the kitchen, Zaryx did not see him.


    A pity, Zaryx thought, for once the fighting started, he wouldn''t know who to keep alive.


    Just as he was about to finish his meal, Zaryx felt a strong pulse of earth magic in the distance. He tensed, sensing the unmistakable power from where he sat.


    [Just what did the hero of taming do this time¡­] Zaryx muttered to himself.


    He could also sense the presence of another¡ªa guardian.


    The general was highly sensitive to mana, arguably one of the best when it came to detecting danger and locating powerful individuals.


    "Boys, we will have to return for today. Finish up, because we will be leaving¡­" Zaryx declared, his tone commanding, like a gang leader addressing his crew.


    He pulled out a pouch full of coins before taking one last bite of a perfectly cooked leg bone. The meal was exceptional, and the added effects from the hero of cooking''s dishes made it all the more satisfying.


    Zaryx''s mood was at its peak, even if he wouldn''t be able to complete his mission today.


    [Perhaps I will have to help Maldrak with Elris¡­] Zaryx thought to himself. The teleportation array would be all he needed to get there.

 Chapter 279 - 279: The Battle for Elris

    Brian, George, and Jonathan were back in the Kingdom of Elris. After the battle in the Red Iron Republic, they had received payment for their efforts as well as a few medals in recognition for facing off against and defeating the great general Dravor the Merciless.


    The King of Elris had welcomed the trio, who had stationed themselves in the kingdom, with a grand banquet the night before.


    Brian, however, was currently in his room, still seething with anger over what had happened and the state he had been left in. If, before, he had sworn to hurt Logan, now his intentions were far darker¡ªhe wanted to kill the loner. Jonathan and George were likely thinking the same. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Brian turned back toward his bed, where two girls lay sleeping peacefully. Yet, not even their gorgeous looks could soothe his rage. They were nothing compared to the girls he had been summoned with¡ªthose who had been turned into heroes.


    With a sigh, Brian poured himself a drink and settled onto his couch. His thoughts turned to the king''s proposition: defeat the demons, and he would be awarded both the princess''s hand in marriage and the kingdom itself.


    He mulled over the idea. The princess was, of course, attractive, though she shied away from him at every opportunity. Brian knew this wasn''t entirely her own will¡ªthe king had instructed her to keep her distance until he achieved something substantial in the war.


    Brian despised being treated like a pawn. The way the king treated him¡ªas though he were a dog to be sicced on the kingdom''s enemies for scraps.


    Brian was about to throw his cup to the floor when a knock interrupted him. It was one of the royal guards¡ªa young knight tasked with assisting him.


    "Yes, Fanny, just open the door," Brian said, leaning his head back, waiting for the twenty-something-year-old knight to deliver her message.


    The girl gingerly stepped inside, her gaze flickering to the two women lying on the hero''s bed. She knew who they were and why they were there, but the thought unsettled her nonetheless.


    "We''ve spotted an abnormality off the coast of Veborodn to the southeast," Fanny said, her tone steady despite her unease. "We need you to get ready. They may be demons, similar to what happened in the Red Iron Republic. We''ll determine whether to call the other heroes after you arrive. We''ve set up several teleportation arrays to ensure you can reach the location quickly."


    The knight stood silently, waiting for Brian''s answer, though her eyes continued to drift toward the bed every so often.


    "Did you inform the other two? If not, go now. I''ll be ready in a few minutes. And make sure you get that blacksmith to bring my gear¡ªhe promised it would be done yesterday, so it had better be ready today," Brian commanded, his tone sharp.


    Without waking the two women still asleep in his bed, Brian quickly got dressed and left his room. He met Jonathan and George at the entrance to the throne room.


    As he entered, his eyes scanned the room. The king was there, flanked by his wife, ministers, and the two princesses. They were surrounded by royal guards, which made Brian scoff.


    The sight irritated him. The king''s lack of trust was glaringly obvious¡ªhe couldn''t even sit in a room with Brian without being surrounded by armed guards. Though the constant reminder angered Brian, he''d grown used to it over time.


    "What is it, Holven?" Brian asked, addressing the king informally. "Are you telling me a demon general has come to our lands?" He slouched into the front bench with complete disregard, his body language making it clear that he refused to view himself as a mere subject of the king.


    "That is correct," Holven confirmed. "We received reports earlier today that a group of one thousand demons has been spotted near the coast of Veborodn. You need to get there immediately and stop those damned blue-skins before they manage to establish a fortress¡ªor whatever it is they''re planning.


    "They arrived by boat, so I suspect it will be similar to what you faced in the Red Iron Republic."


    Brian nodded, glancing at his two companions. They seemed eager for the fight, driven by the prospect of finally reaching the last levels needed to hit level 80.


    "Alright, let''s get there fast. I want to surprise them before they can call for reinforcements," Brian said as he stood, Jonathan and George following close behind.


    Cheers erupted around them¡ªexcept from the youngest princess. Brian''s gaze lingered on her, cold and piercing, as though accusing her of ingratitude. Myrea shivered under his stare, averting her eyes.


    Brian''s attention didn''t stay on her for long. With a curt, forceful bow, he turned and left the room, Jonathan and George trailing behind him.


    "Do you think we should ask the others for help this time?" George asked, his tone uncertain. The thought of facing another demon general like Dravor gave him pause.


    "No," Brian snapped. "Let''s do our job and kill anything in our path. I want to hit level 80 as soon as possible. Did you see that someone already reached it? I think it was that tamer boy¡ªthe one we need to kill." His sneer twisted into something darker as they made their way into the dungeon.


    There, a teleportation array was being prepared by several mages. The glow of magic filled the room as they worked swiftly to ensure the heroes could reach their destination without delay.


    The three entered the teleportation array without saying a word. The mages bowed to them and cheered, their enthusiasm only serving to irritate Brian. If they were so grateful, he thought bitterly, then where was the money he should be earning?


    Mages were rich in this world, especially those skilled in teleportation magic, but Brian needed wealth. He hated to admit it, but he needed the fire crystals that could be bought from Rosethorn.


    The array transported them to the southern coast of Elris, where Brian immediately felt the warmth of the beach and the salty ocean breeze. It would have been the perfect place for a vacation¡ªif not for the sight of the large boat anchored nearby and the demons working tirelessly to construct a fortress.


    Meanwhile, back in the castle of Midar, the king turned to his wife, Queen Olvidia¡ªa woman whose beauty could rival that of a Greek goddess. He trusted her as much as his chancellor and sought her counsel.


    "Should we ask for the help of the other heroes?" he asked, his expression somber.


    "I believe it would be for the best," Olvidia replied thoughtfully, "even if it angers young Brian. Let''s wait, though¡ªperhaps he''ll find the strength he needs on his own. Facing a life-threatening event might change his cold attitude toward the kingdom."


    Her eyes drifted to their youngest daughter, who was happily playing with one of her toys¡ªa gift from Lisa the Saint. Olvidia understood all too well Brian''s thirst for power and the danger it posed. If he were left unchecked, her son''s position as king could easily be overshadowed and handed to the hero instead.


    Like her daughter, Olvidia possessed the gift of clairvoyance. She had glimpsed fragments of the future¡ªa vision of the Champion, hero of the fist, dethroning the hero of taming. If all went well, Brian would eventually carve out his own kingdom elsewhere, sparing her the need to take drastic measures to eliminate him.

 Chapter 280 - 280: Saving the Isles Pt.1

    As Logan approached the labyrinth, he spotted several of his fellow hero classmates waiting for him.


    One of them was a heavily armored boy whose face was the only part of him left uncovered, Chris the Paladin. A girl stood nearby, holding a staff, her gaze fixed on Logan. There was something about her eyes¡ªsharp and commanding¡ªthat sent a distinct sense of power emanating toward him, as if she could manipulate others with ease, he guessed it was Freya the enchantress.


    A third figure, a boy dressed in white robes that resembled a kung fu monk''s attire, moved with precise, calculated motions. He held a staff in his hands, watching Logan''s approach intently, Jin the Monk.


    As Logan landed, his wings vanished, and two more classmates joined the group.


    "Logan? Is something wrong? You seem worried about something," asked a girl in armor. Logan didn''t know her name, but her blond hair and the radiant white aura around her suggested light-based abilities.


    "Yes, I think you''re Charlotte," Logan said quickly. "I don''t have much time, so I need your help. Protect the Temple of Earth. It''s located less than a kilometer south of here. Keep it safe while I return with reinforcements."


    Charlotte nodded without hesitation. "Sure, we''ll head there. Just go back to Rosethorn if that''s where you need to go."


    Thankfully, the rest of the group agreed to the plan without issue.


    "Thanks. Silvia is already there, so she should be able to explain what''s happening," Logan said, recasting his wings as he jumped off.


    Within seconds, a bird swooped down, lifting him higher into the air. Zephyr had arrived just in time. Using his top speed and wind magic to eliminate the pressure from their rapid movement, Zephyr carried Logan swiftly back to the capital city.


    There was no time to waste. Logan needed to act quickly to bring Krexa for power leveling, Silis, and a guard team to secure the temple. For now, the temple required a barrier to protect it, so he would also need Terra and Bobby¡ªthe most skilled at building structures.


    Silvia had likely already created an array, ensuring they wouldn''t struggle to teleport to the temple''s location.


    As soon as Logan landed, he activated his mind link with Silis and Krexa while scanning the area for Marie or Rubina. Either of them would know where Bobby was, and time was of the essence.


    "We heard, Logan. Silvia was faster than you in that regard," Rubina said, rushing outside to meet him. "Bobby will be here in a few minutes. He was busy constructing an improved barracks for the new troops."


    "Good. How is everyone else doing? Is Alma any better?" Logan asked, taking out a vial of mana water to rehydrate after the long journey. Though still feeling the effects of blood loss, he knew there wasn''t time to rest.


    "Everything''s fine, don''t worry¡ªat least for us," Rubina replied. "But we''ve received word that demons are attacking the Pearl Islands. We were hoping Silvia still had that teleportation array open so we could assist them."


    As she finished speaking, Lisa and Marie came rushing out to meet Logan.


    "Logan, we need to help Lady Elara!" Lisa exclaimed, grabbing him by the shoulder with urgency. "She''s asked for assistance to defeat the demons attacking her territory!"


    "Rubina told me what happened. I think Silvia will be a little tired, but if that''s the case, gather those who want to fight. We''ll help, but first, we need to handle something important," Logan said. He then began briefly explaining the situation while they waited for the builder and his creatures to arrive.


    In a matter of minutes, Silis, Digger¡ªhis prized mole¡ªand Krexa appeared. Logan knew Terra had already gone ahead and would likely be in the labyrinth area by the time they arrived.


    Soon after, Bobby and Ruben joined them. Though they looked haggard from running so much, they quickly composed themselves upon reaching Logan.


    "You two need to train more, even if your job is to build and create," Logan chided. "Now, let''s go. We can discuss what needs to happen along the way."


    With that, Logan began activating the teleportation array. It was a simple task since he knew exactly where Silvia was. All he needed to do was establish a connection to her location.


    As soon as they arrived, the overwhelming force of the Earth Temple''s mana engulfed them. The energy emanating from the temple affected each of them differently¡ªsome felt their strength drained, their bodies growing heavier with every passing moment, while others felt a surge of power coursing through them.


    For those like Bobby, who were blessed by the earth spirit, it was as though they were being showered with pure energy.


    "Well then, let''s go over what''s happening," Logan began, gesturing toward Ramos. "This is Ramos¡ªa guardian. He''ll be taking care of the Earth Temple that we happened to bring here due to... certain circumstances."


    Logan turned to Bobby with a sense of urgency. "Bobby, instruct my creatures on how to build a structure strong enough to contain the temple''s power and keep it safe. Use any resources we have to make this happen."


    As he explained, Logan couldn''t help but notice the other heroes exchanging puzzled looks, as though they believed this had nothing to do with them anymore.


    "There''s something else for you all to do," Logan said, his tone sharpening into command. "We''ve received word that demons are targeting the Pearl Isles again. This time, it looks like we''ll be facing another general. Who''s coming?" S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The heroes nodded in response, their readiness clear¡ªexcept for Charlotte, who suddenly kneeled before Logan.


    "My lege... if possible, could you be my patron?" Charlotte asked, her voice steady, her expression unwavering.


    Logan froze, staring at her in confusion. Her behavior was unexpected and puzzling.


    "Damn it, just answer me!" Charlotte yelled, though she remained kneeling. "Unlike the others, I need to act like a knight to gain power!"


    Logan scoffed, clearly annoyed but unwilling to waste time debating her methods. "You what? Fine¡ªyes, whatever. Just help me with the coming fight," he replied curtly, brushing aside the odd exchange as they prepared for action.

 Chapter 281 - 281: Saving the Isles Pt.2

    Charlotte was ready to fight. She finally had what she needed.


    The group entered the portal Silvia still had within her repertoire. As soon as she opened the gate, the heroes surrounding Logan stepped through. Silvia, meanwhile, stayed behind with Rubina and Marie¡ªthey needed to return to Rosethorn, the capital of Highrule, and prepare another gate to gather Logan''s creatures.


    Logan led the group this time, accompanied by Zephyr and Gaia the Ent¡ªthe only two creatures he could summon at a moment''s notice. They entered the portal with him.


    On the other side, chaos erupted. Explosions and artillery fire rang out, shaking the ground beneath their feet. The heroes found themselves at the harbor, a place they had fought to defend before.


    "Damn it, she should have picked a better spot for the array!" Jin exclaimed, his uncharacteristic outburst betraying his class as a quiet monk. The boy didn''t care to act like a chill hermit in the middle of battle, especially as magic surged past him, narrowly missing its mark.


    Charlotte surged forward, new power coursing through her. This was the moment she had been waiting for¡ªthe chance to unleash her full strength. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Her abilities depended on the person she called "liege." The power he wielded and the strength of his convictions directly amplified hers.


    Logan''s focus, however, was elsewhere. All he wanted was to eliminate the threat causing havoc and return to claim the hydra. He had already gathered a formidable array of creatures¡ªthe thunderbird, the ent, the wyvern, and the mysterious black egg, which he believed would become the darkness spirit''s blessed creature.


    After securing the hydra, his next goals were clear: to find the light spirit''s blessed creature and, finally, the wind-blessed to finish his class change quest.


    Logan surveyed the chaos around him. Ships battled fiercely for dominance on the water, while people on land used magic and cannons to strike at the demons'' vessels. Some of the demon ships had already managed to dock, allowing their forces to spill onto land and attack those stationed there.


    Buildings burned as smoke filled the air, and the harbor lay in ruins. To the heroes, it was a grim reminder of the battle they had faced before, though this time the situation was far graver. The residents of the Pearl Isles were truly cornered now, their thriving marine kingdom reduced to its last stand.


    Logan let out a weary sigh, taking in the destruction and bloodshed. Slowly but surely, he was growing accustomed to battle¡ªand with that came the power to face it more effectively.


    "Gaia, protect Lisa. You¡ªPaladin¡ªand the rest of you, come with me," Logan called out, his tone firm and commanding. "We''ll work on clearing the demons here first. Once my creatures arrive, we''ll need to find a way to get out to sea and help destroy those ships."


    He knew that the arrival of his creatures might bring reinforcements and more heroes to help them soon. For now, though, his focus remained on leading the fight where it was most needed.


    Charlotte, determined to prove her worth, surged forward into the chaos. Her large sword gleamed in her grasp, radiating a powerful light aura. As civilians fled the harbor in terror, some were struck down by spells meant for swift, lethal kills. Charlotte cut through the barrage with precision, deflecting the magic and cleaving down any enemies in her path with ease.


    Logan had thought he''d be the first to engage, already gripping his trusted whip, its tip enveloped in flames and darkness energy.


    The harbor was a scene of turmoil. Over a hundred civilians and merchants were still unloading their ships as a fleet of demon vessels crashed ashore. Two of the largest ships carried more than a thousand demons, which poured out in a frenzy, tearing through anything in their path. Amid the chaos, ten demons¡ªclearly the strongest among them¡ªworked methodically, siphoning energy from the dead into gleaming crystals.


    Logan''s gaze lingered on the blue gems, brimming with stolen life, which had become a source of suffering for humanity. He focused his efforts on dispatching the seemingly sane demons, intent on breaking their ranks. But his plan was interrupted as berserk demons, driven mad in their frenzied state, swarmed him from all directions.


    Encircled, Logan lashed out with Scorch''s searing whip. The crackling weapon cut clean through several demons, splitting them in two, yet the onslaught did not relent.


    Charlotte noticed Logan''s predicament and rushed to his side. Her large sword swept the area, keeping the berserk demons at bay and giving Logan the opportunity to switch tactics. Together, they began to carve through the enemy forces, each movement calculated and powerful.


    "Hold them off for a bit! I''ll cast a few spells to thin their numbers!" Logan shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos. Behind him, the other heroes were already engaged in combat.


    He caught sight of his ent transforming its hands into massive claws, extending them several meters to pierce through any demons targeting Lisa. Lisa, meanwhile, balanced her role as both healer and defender, creating a Sacred Sanctuary to provide a safe zone amidst the battlefield.


    Zephyr worked over the skies of the sea water, his winds tearing through demon ships and generating powerful tornados over the sea. His role was to aid the human vessels desperately fighting to stay afloat.


    "Damn it! If only you''d let me evolve before starting this pointless fight!" Logan muttered, frustration evident in his words. He began pulling water from the nearby sea, utilizing Riptide''s spells to minimize mana consumption while harnessing the element.


    With the gathered water, Logan unleashed bursts of Hydro Cannon toward the demons. The torrents hit with such force that the impact felt like being struck by a wrecking ball, sending enemies flying or crushing them outright.


    Blood mixed with the seawater as Logan continued his relentless assault, his focus now on drenching as many demons as possible in preparation for his next move. Despite the chaos, he kept Charlotte close, ensuring she wouldn''t be caught in the crossfire.


    Charlotte moved with grace and precision, her movements almost like a dance as she evaded incoming strikes and cleaved through enemies with ease.


    For the first time, she felt truly alive. The synergy between her and Logan was perfect¡ªtheir shared connection to the light spirit''s element created a powerful resonance. Her passive healing ability mended both of their wounds, while one of her skills actively strengthened Logan, amplifying his power with every strike.

 Chapter 282 - 282: No Allies in the Battlefield

    While Logan battled at sea, Brian and his two followers were teleported to the coastline of the Kingdom of Elris. Their arrival was met with cheers from the soldiers and residents stationed at the bustling coastal city of Veborodn.


    The city boasted a massive harbor, flanked by sturdy walls crafted by skilled earth mages. These barriers had been erected to protect the citizens while creating a fortified zone for defense.


    Brian raised his hands dramatically, basking in the applause. He convinced himself the cheers were mostly for him, dismissing the presence of Jonathan and George beside him. Inwardly, he was already planning his rewards¡ªdemanding the most beautiful girl, gold, and resources from the people once he completed his mission.


    His ambitions were clear: gain enough experience points to reach level 80 and triumph over Logan in the coveted job change quest. And if he didn''t earn enough, he was willing to go to extreme lengths¡ªeven targeting soldiers to secure his goal.


    To demonstrate his strength, Brian ignited flames in his hands, leaping high over the wall in a display of power. The roaring flames produced a sound akin to a jet engine, a sound he loved. It drew even louder cheers from the crowd.


    Not to be outdone, Jonathan and George quickly followed his lead, showcasing their own abilities. Blessed by the earth spirit, they created towering pillars of stone with each step, leaping effortlessly to the top of the wall. As they ascended, the pillars crumbled into fine dust, turning their movements into an equally showy performance.


    It wasn''t as clean as Brian''s display, but it clearly showcased Jonathan and George''s growing mastery of their magic.


    "Look, this will be easy¡ªa few ships, a lot of demons, and some soldiers for experience. Make sure to kick up plenty of dust so they won''t even know what killed them. We need to get to level 80 today and deal with that trash who took our reward last time," Brian shouted. Without waiting for a response, he jumped off the wall, leaving Jonathan and George to clean up after his impulsiveness.


    Jonathan sighed, already irritated. "As the long-range specialist, take them out from afar. Focus on blasting the spears at those closer to the edge. Make sure you create the dust storm. I''ll head into the center and work outward. And don''t worry about Brian¡ªhe won''t die from a few spears being thrown at him."


    He paused, his gaze narrowing as he added grimly, "Just make sure you kill everything before the demons can use those mutation stones to siphon the experience."


    Jonathan, also known as the Soul Sword Saint, leapt into action, performing a backflip to jump off the hastily constructed five-meter wall. He avoided kicking it to prevent the fragile structure from crumbling and exposing their actions to those stationed behind the wall. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Always leaving me to do this crap," George muttered as he began shaping spears from the bricks of the wall. Each spear was designed to explode on impact, creating the ideal smokescreen to obscure his and his allies'' actions.


    George had perfected his craft to the point where he could produce at least fifteen spears at once. They weren''t built for durability, which made creating even more an effortless task.


    "Well, here goes the first batch¡­" he murmured as the spears shot forward like arrows. Each found its mark, cutting down nearby demons while kicking up clouds of dust that concealed their true motives from the soldiers.


    Amid the chaos, Jonathan dove into the fray like a whirlwind. His technique created a storm of blades that tore through every demon in its path. The air around him was thick with splatters of blue and red¡ªa mix of demon blood and human life lost to the battle.


    The thrill of leveling up filled Jonathan with a sense of satisfaction. Nearing level 78, he relished the opportunity to cut through so many foes, seeing this as his best chance yet to advance quickly.


    This time, Jonathan took a measured approach, prioritizing specific strong targets rather than mindlessly charging at the closest enemies as he had in the battle at the Red Iron Republic. His gaze shifted to Brian in the distance, watching as jets of fire erupted around him, incinerating anyone unfortunate enough to be caught in his path.


    "Damn it! He''s going to hit level 80 before me at this pace!" Jonathan grumbled in frustration. He hated the idea of losing, even though he was often dismissed as little more than a lackey. This time, he was determined to be the first of the three to reach level 80.


    Time passed, and their mana dwindled as the relentless battle wore on. Finally, they exhaled deeply, relieved to see the battlefield left barren and lifeless. Craters stretched across the scorched ground, evidence of the chaos they had unleashed.


    The air was thick with smoke and dust, choking them as they struggled to catch their breath. Their ears caught faint wails from distant corners of the battlefield. In response, George fired more disposable spears toward the sounds, ensuring no witnesses remained to expose their operation¡ªtheir "greatest level-up mission."


    Despite their efforts, only Jonathan and Brian had succeeded in reaching level 80. George, left behind, stood on the precipice, needing at least 200 more kills to catch up.


    "Damn, I''m too tired to move," Brian groaned, slumping slightly. "My weapons are broken, my mana''s drained... but damn, this feeling is the best." His tone was almost euphoric, the exhaustion mingling with the thrill of achievement like someone intoxicated from the great experience earning.


    "Yes, the best, man. I can''t get over how good each kill feels. Damn addictive. Not even being with three girls at once makes me feel this good," Jonathan laughed, glancing at the quest details he''d received and calculating how long it would take to complete.


    "Damn it, which one of you two stole my kills? I still need more!" George grumbled, his eyes darting toward a group of demons in the distance. They looked far stronger than those they had been fighting earlier, which made him hesitate momentarily, wondering if he could handle them.


    "Who''s going to help me take care of those blues over there? You guys at least owe me that much, right?" George pointed toward the fortress that loomed over the sea.


    "You know I''m not good in water, plus I''m completely out of mana," Brian replied with a yawn.


    "Same here. Earth mana''s useless over there. How do you expect us to fight?" Jonathan chimed in, cleaning his sword with a discarded shirt he had picked up from the ground. He tossed the cloth aside with disdain, as though it had a disease.


    "Oh, come on! We can take them if we work together. We just need to make a dock or something with earth," George pleaded, hoping to sway the others into action.


    "Just relax, man. Leave them for now. They''ll send more for us to fight eventually," Brian said with a snicker. "I''m sure if we keep killing like this, we''ll hit level 90 in no time."


    "Yeah, yeah, easy for you to say, you already got to level 80," George cracked his neck, and clicked his tongue.

 Chapter 283 - 283: Prima Hobgoblin

    Logan and Charlotte worked together to clear the demons, though the pace wasn''t as quick as Logan had hoped. He was forced to go slow and help the merchants and civilians stranded near the harbor, including a group of children using a small overturned ship within the harbor as a makeshift shelter. Too paralyzed by fear, they hadn''t moved since the chaos began.


    "Char¡­ get this boy, I''ll grab the other three. Make sure you keep your skill active," Logan said, handing her several vials of mana water. Despite having fought alongside Charlotte for less than an hour, Logan had already developed an understanding of her fighting style and the unique skills she brought to the table.


    "Yes, don''t worry. I''ll handle it with my aura," Charlotte replied confidently. Her protective skill allowed her to reflect a portion of incoming damage while staying close to her liege¡ªa trait that also amplified her effectiveness in combat.


    As Logan watched her, he couldn''t help but wonder how much stronger she would become if he tamed her like the rest of his creatures and followers. Yet, he hesitated. While taming created his unique bond, the connection Charlotte had with him was different¡ªit was formed by her own ability, a connection of souls that was close to taming but with only two people involved, a knight and her liege.


    Logan left the thoughts for later he quickly hoisted the two young five year old boys onto his shoulders with ease, while cradling a six- or seven-year-old girl carefully in his arms. He maintained three shield skills simultaneously, ensuring they were protected as he sprinted back to a makeshift shelter crafted by Chloe and Kai. His two personal knights were brought with the help of Marie, who could perform limited teleportation by infusing pre-memorized spells into crystals.


    Silvia, still recovering from executing two grand-scale teleportations, needed more time to regain her strength. Logan didn''t push her, knowing the strain she''d endured. For now, he waited for his creatures to be transported while managing the immediate threats.


    So far, they''d successfully prevented most demons from docking, swiftly eliminating those who managed to land. Logan, however, was feeling the weight of exhaustion. He focused on rescuing as many people as he could, leaving the fighting to those who still had energy to spare.


    Kai and Chloe''s earthen walls were holding strong, effectively keeping the demons out. Occasionally, one of them would launch volleys of earth magic projectiles, forcing the attackers back. As for the harbor, it was in shambles¡ªmost of it intentionally destroyed to impede the invasion, with only a few sections still standing.


    Logan raced back with the children, carefully navigating through the large hole that served as the shelter''s entrance. Guards stood watch on both sides, spells at the ready for any demon that might appear.


    "Lisa, check on these kids, will you?" Logan asked as he gently set them down. Lisa, who was stationed near the entrance, nodded and prepared to heal anyone who arrived injured.


    With a long sigh, Logan wiped the sweat from his face. Exhaustion weighed heavily on him, and all he wanted was to collapse into sleep. Instead, he forced himself awake by tapping into one of his mushroom giant creature''s skills, Rejuvenating Growth.


    The ability steadily kept him at peak condition, as long as he had mana crystals nearby to sustain it. Though it was taxing on his mind and left him mentally drained, the skill infused him with enough energy to stay alert and energized.


    "Logan, Silvia just informed me she''s ready to send your tamed beasts! We should fall back and wait for them to come through the teleportation array before you go out to fight again," Rubina called out from nearby. She was perched at a distance, unleashing long-range fire arrow skills to burn down demon-built structures, while expertly targeting and eliminating any enemy that strayed too close.


    "Perfect. I''m almost ready to head back into the fight. Charlotte, this time stay back and recover¡ªyou''ve done enough for now. We''ll finish this soon," Logan instructed, glancing toward her.


    Charlotte, finally succumbing to exhaustion, slumped to the ground, breathing heavily from all the running and carrying she had done.


    "Fine, just... be careful out there," she replied, her voice heavy with fatigue.


    Behind them, a large portal suddenly opened. The first arrival took everyone by surprise¡ªit was Krexa, now evolved. Her previously small and modest stature had transformed into a figure reminiscent of an adult woman, her skin now slightly green with elegant, pointed ears.


    Her once timid demeanor was gone, replaced by confidence. Lean muscle lined her frame, and her smile radiated newfound strength.


    "We have come, Master," Krexa declared as a group of thirty hobgoblins poured through the gate behind her. Scorch followed closely, his expression twisted with irritation¡ªclearly annoyed that Krexa had beaten him to the next stage of evolution.


    Krexa laughed as she approached Logan, her tone light but firm. "I''ve gained the strength of Ramos¡ªhe''s doing fine now. Silis and Terra are watching over him. Now, where is the enemy we''ll fight while you rest?"


    She punctuated her words by stomping the ground, summoning a spear into her grasp. Her demeanor shifted instantly, he wondered if it was really Krexa with how she moved now as if she had everything under control.


    "Lead them Krexa, I need to rest," Logan ordered with a smile, he slumped down as the wolfs entered the gate, they let their riders get on as they began exiting the large stone wall, Krexa made the gate large enough for Scorch to enter without a problem.


    "Damn I wonder how my creatures will be when all of them get to level 80." Logan mused, Rubina who was nearby was also in shock. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Was that Krexa?" She said knowing the lazy goblin more then anyone.


    "Yeah¡­ that is her." Logan then looked at the stats, wondering what caused such a change.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Krexa / Species: Prima Hobgoblin / Level: 80 / Blood Mark: Left Shoulder / Loyalty: 100/100


    Blessings: Earth Spirit Blessing / Darkness Spirit Blessing / Tamer''s Monarch Blessing


    Str: 84 / Agi: 89 / Dex: 83 / Con: 82 / Int: 89 / Char: 92


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Shadowbound Tracking: Krexa can sense creatures across great distances and detect their presence through shadows, allowing pinpoint accuracy even in darkness.


    Harmonic Communion: Krexa calms nearby creatures and communicates with them through melodic tones or telepathy, forging alliances and preventing aggression.


    Phantom Stealth: Using shadow manipulation, Krexa moves silently and becomes nearly invisible, eluding detection by enemies or hunters.


    New* Echo Strike: A transcended combat skill where Krexa strikes multiple enemies with precision, each strike creating a shockwave that disrupts their defenses.


    New* Unity Veil: Krexa emits a veil of darkness infused with a calming aura, which can obscure allies from enemies and soothe creatures within its radius.


    New* Crownflare Command: Channeling her royal bloodline, Krexa emanates a radiant aura of authority, compelling nearby allies to fight with increased strength and focus. Enemies in her presence may falter under the weight of her regal might.


    New* Obsidian Dominion: Krexa summons a circle of dark energy infused with powerful earth energy, creating a protective barrier that both shields her allies and petrifies enemies who approach too closely.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤

 Chapter 284 - 284: Demon Generals Pt.1

    Brian and Jonathan were on the verge of leaving, while George remained defiant, refusing to abandon the fight. The trio lingered near the barren wasteland they had carved out¡ªa desolate expanse marred by the complete annihilation of both allies and enemies.


    No new soldiers dared to enter the devastated area. Those still behind the walls were the highest-ranking authorities and generals, already working to summon reinforcements in the form of heroes, knowing full well that demons remained a persistent threat in the distance.


    Out at sea, at least ten demon ships loomed ominously. Their presence deterred anyone from venturing close.


    Brian was preparing to stand when a low, unfamiliar voice pierced the silence nearby.


    "What a bunch of heroes we have here. To leave not a single man standing¡ªperfect display of power and with no remorse. The ideal killing machines. Just what we need. So, how about it? Do you want to join our cause?"


    The voice belonged to Zaryx, who had approached unnoticed. Standing behind them, he surveyed the scene, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. His mana stone, crafted to siphon energy, remained dormant, a clear indicator of the battlefield''s depleted resources.


    "Well, this is interesting," Zaryx remarked, his tone dripping with disdainful curiosity. "Not one ounce of mana remains. Meaning most of the soldiers killed were by you... good, good."


    Brian, Jonathan, and George spun around, fear flashing in their eyes. None of them had sensed the demon general''s silent approach. The towering figure now loomed over them¡ªa massive, blue-skinned demon standing two and a half meters tall. His broken horn added a menacing edge to his already imposing presence. Draped in a simple fur wrap around his waist, his bare, muscular frame exuded raw power and dominance.


    "No, I already know what will happen," Brian said, his voice defiant though his hand trembled slightly as he retrieved an elixir he had been reluctant to use on such a battlefield. "We''ll lose our blessings. What will you offer us then, huh?"


    Zaryx smiled, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "I think we can work around that in due time. How about vampire''s blood? We have... alternative ways to strengthen you. But I must say, that resolve of yours is quite admirable," he replied, his gaze sweeping over each of the three boys. He measured them carefully, calculating who might be the easiest to manipulate¡ªor the first to eliminate.


    "Vampires? Those still exist?" Brian scoffed, his tone laced with skepticism. "It would be interesting, sure, but we already know how that story ended. Dead by the hands of one man. Can you honestly call that real power?"


    His friends nodded in agreement, their expressions hardening as they readied themselves for the inevitable confrontation.


    "Come on, why do you look so scared? We should talk first before deciding if we really need to fight," Zaryx said, stomping his foot as though to show his relaxation, even as the three heroes braced themselves for combat.


    "Talk about what¡ªthe weather?" Jonathan retorted, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "We just need to get stronger, that''s all that matters. So how about you bring us more of your friends for us to grind experience?" His attempt to stall was clear, as his body was still mending from the elixir he had consumed. He needed just a little more time to fully assimilate the mana and recover.


    George, however, couldn''t hide the grin plastered across his face. His focus wasn''t on tactics or negotiations¡ªhe only wanted those final few kills needed to reach the next level.


    "So, how about it? Last chance," Zaryx said with a sly smile. "Do you want to join us? We can work something out¡ªI could really use killers like you." Despite standing before three armed and battle-ready heroes, Zaryx didn''t budge from his spot, his confidence unwavering.


    "As I said, no. I like the power I have now," Brian growled, his voice firm. "Turning undead or anything like that wouldn''t let me enjoy it." With that, he caused his fist to ignite in flames, the fire swirling angrily around his knuckles. He prepared to strike, knowing that at such close range, it would be nearly impossible to miss.


    "Sad. Well, I guess we should fight then. Now, you don''t actually think I came alone, do you?" Zaryx finally stood, towering as his muscles flexed ominously. "Maldrak, if you will¡­" S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Damn it, Zaryx! How dare you ruin the work of an illusion master," a new voice snapped, cutting through the air.


    From the shadows emerged a slender demon, his frail physique making it clear that he wasn''t suited for the frontlines. But his aura told another story¡ªit radiated overwhelming intensity, and his magic was concealed as meticulously as his presence had been. Standing beside Zaryx, the demon¡ªMaldrak¡ªsnapped his fingers, summoning a swarm of demons that appeared behind Brian and his two companions.


    The heroes found themselves surrounded on all sides, and for the first time, Brian, Jonathan, and George felt the ominous weight of true danger.


    "I think my offer has been rejected far too many times," Zaryx sneered. "I won''t ask again, since we already have you right where we want you. Now, let''s get to it¡ªI do enjoy a good fight."


    Bulging his muscles, Zaryx shifted into a fighting stance before charging forward. His first move was as devastating as it was swift; he slapped George aside, sending him hurtling into the swarm of demons waiting to tear him apart.


    Jonathan readied his swords, poised to parry, but before he could react, he suddenly found himself about thirty to fifty meters away from the others. The shift in his position went unnoticed until he realized the skinny demon had appeared in front of him, watching his movements with an unsettling gaze.


    Meanwhile, Brian faced off against Zaryx, his entire body engulfed in flames. His blazing fists clashed with the demon''s massive hands, creating shockwaves of heat and raw energy with each strike. Brian managed to land a decisive blow, sending Zaryx''s arm flying to the side.


    "Great, that''s good¡ªlearning to fight in such a short time. But you''re still just a child, my boy," Zaryx taunted, before driving his knee into Brian''s stomach. The force sent Brian hurtling through the air, only for him to crash back down, clutching his gut in pain.


    Before Brian could recover, Zaryx appeared behind him, delivering a punishing kick to his back. The boy felt the demon''s massive foot as he was propelled forward, barely registering how Zaryx had seemingly teleported into position.


    "We demons have our own magic, you see," Zaryx sneered, his voice mocking. "Now brace yourself for the next punch. Let''s see... how about protecting that pretty face of yours?"


    Brian barely had time to react to the warning. Instinctively, he raised his arms to shield his face. Zaryx''s next punch came with brutal precision, shattering bone beneath Brian''s guard and sending waves of pain through his body.


    "Good¡ªvery good," Zaryx said with a smirk, flexing his singed fingers. "Too bad these burns are starting to wear on me." He finally stopped his assault, watching as Brian groaned in agony, clutching his broken hand.

 Chapter 285 - 285: Demon Generals Pt.2

    "Come on, hero, heal yourself. Surely the spirit of fire didn''t leave you without a way to recover," Zaryx sneered, effortlessly using his own skills to mend his injuries while keeping an eye on the other two struggling heroes.


    Jonathan battled fiercely against Maldrak, the Gravity Lord. True to his title of Ruthless, Maldrak unleashed crushing forces on Jonathan, the weight of a mountain bearing down on him. Jonathan could only summon the earth spirit''s power to encase his body, shielding himself from being utterly flattened.


    Meanwhile, George found himself overwhelmed by the elites¡ªan entirely different caliber of enemy compared to the soldiers they had faced earlier. A group of thirty elites relentlessly battered him. His spear, designed for ranged combat, managed to injure only a few, while the others struck back with magic and weapons, each blow driving George closer to defeat.


    "What a pity. We could''ve worked well together," Zaryx mocked, his laughter echoing. "Now, let''s go. I''ve given you enough time to fix that broken hand of yours."


    Without hesitation, Zaryx charged forward, delivering a devastating roundhouse kick that knocked Brian off balance. Brian staggered, his footing lost. Streams of fire erupted from his hands, creating a fiery shield to keep the demon at bay and prevent him from engaging in close-range combat.


    From afar, the generals of Elris were observed as new demons emerged seemingly out of nowhere. The heroes were quickly overwhelmed, forcing the generals to hasten the activation of the warp gates, which were still incomplete due to Silvia''s weakened state.


    Finally, the heroes who had come to aid the Kingdom of Elris arrived from Highrule. Seven had been summoned: Owen, the sharpshooter; Halie, the summoner; Victor, the Shadowchaser; the twins Ren and Yui, a Samurai and Ninja duo; and Alberto, the Berserker.


    Each of them hurried through the gate, expecting to face an entire demon army. Instead, they were met with a puzzling sight¡ªonly two demons engaged Brian and Jonathan, while George struggled against a separate group of demons.


    "Guess they were too greedy to wait for the rest of us," Owen remarked, drawing his bowstring to its limit and aiming at the demon attacking Brian.


    "The same thing as always. And the same ending Logan gave them¡ªthe fools will never learn," Victor muttered as he prepared his shadow army to strike the demons ganging up on George.


    Halie stepped forward, summoning her own forces to support Victor. One by one, five magical beast forms materialized around her, crackling with energy as they prepared for combat.


    Ren and Yui surveyed the battlefield, their expressions grim as they assessed the dire situation. Meanwhile, Alberto gripped his massive axe tightly, charging forward to aid Jonathan, whose body was encased in stone, his screams echoing across the chaos.


    "Oh, more heroes? I suppose you think their arrival guarantees your safety? Let''s find out," Zaryx sneered, his voice dripping with menace.


    Effortlessly, he grabbed Brian, lifting him like a makeshift shield. The arrow aimed at Zaryx veered off course as if by magic, striking the ground with a force so immense it caused the earth to tremble like an activated mine.


    "That''s a strong ability. Too bad they care for you, runt. If only they knew what you''ve done to your allies," Zaryx hissed coldly. He drove his elbow into Brian''s side, cutting off his struggles before flinging him aside with disdain.


    Despite his confidence, Zaryx knew engaging the heroes directly was a risk. He bolted toward his troops, who were relentlessly pounding George, and barked orders to Maldrak, his second-in-command.


    "Let''s retreat for now! Backup has arrived, and I''ve no intention of meeting Dravor''s unfortunate fate. Who knows how many heroes will come out of the next warp gate?" Zaryx bellowed, rallying his forces as they began their withdrawal.


    Maldrak wasted no time as the axe-wielding hero charged at him. But the demon moved like a phantom¡ªAlberto''s attack met nothing but empty air. In a flash, the slender demon reappeared near the demon elites, taking the encased stone hero along with him.


    "Two out of three¡ªthis is good enough," Zaryx declared with a smirk. "The fire hero shows some spunk, though. We need to cultivate a few of you. Hero of flames, look¡ªI need you to have a goal if you''re ever going to improve." sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With a firm grip, Zaryx hoisted George by his hair, the boy trembling in a mix of pain and terror.


    Brian slowly raised his head, his eyes blazing with anger as he watched one of his friends being treated like a mere plaything. Summoning his strength, he attempted to unleash his most powerful fire spell. But the attack was stopped mid-flight by an invisible barrier, rendering his efforts useless.


    The demon''s grin widened at Brian''s futile attempt, his expression radiating smug satisfaction.


    A heavy silence fell over the battlefield. Those watching dared not move, knowing that any further action could shatter the fragile balance and escalate the already volatile situation.


    Owen strung his bow again, his eyes narrowing as he tried to find a solution. He knew now that the large demon was no ordinary opponent¡ªZaryx had already learned how to counter him using others as shields. Nearby, Victor stood ready, his frustration mounting as his shadows failed to penetrate the barrier surrounding the demons, an obstacle he had never encountered before.


    "Are we just going to stand here while they kill him?" Halie shouted, her voice filled with urgency. Her summoned creatures clawed furiously at the barrier, their efforts doing little to break through.


    Determined to act, Owen drew his strongest arrow and aimed it squarely at the shield. The arrow fragmented upon release, splitting into five shards that struck different points of the barrier, each impact designed to weaken it. The shield held firm at first, but a second volley of arrows shattered it like fragile glass.


    Zaryx allowed the shield to fall, a sinister smile creeping across his face as he observed the heroes'' desperate attempts. To him, their struggles were merely entertainment.


    Turning his attention to the hero he held, Zaryx tightened his grip on the boy, who was sobbing in terror. With an unsettling calm, Zaryx placed force into his hand, delivering a fatal blow that twisted the neck, ending the hero''s life.


    "See? It isn''t hard to kill one of you. How about you show a bit of fear next time we meet? I''m growing tired of watching you act like you can deal with us so easily," the demon sneered, his voice dripping with disdain.


    Zaryx ensured the final drop of mana was syphoned before tossing the boy''s lifeless body toward the others.


    Brian''s eyes widened in shock, his breath hitching as he took in the brutal scene. His mana had already been depleted from his attempts to break through the barrier with his flames, leaving his body battered and barely able to stand.


    He watched helplessly as his friend''s energy was siphoned into one of the glowing blue stones, fueling the demon''s power.


    "Damn you!" Brian cried out, his voice raw with anguish. Dragging himself forward, he reached out toward his fallen friend, whose motionless form lay before him.


    The death of one of their own sent a shudder through the remaining heroes. Jonathan was still held captive, struggling against his bonds. Victor unleashed his shadows in an all-out assault from every direction, while Owen fired a volley of arrows with pinpoint accuracy. Alberto, unwilling to risk close combat, hurled small tomahawks like flying daggers at the demons.


    Halie, deeply shaken by the loss of her classmate, directed her anger into her creatures. The five summoned beasts surged forward, their movements fierce and unrelenting, led by the triceratops charging toward Zaryx.


    Despite the combined efforts of the heroes¡ªarrows, tomahawks, shadows, and Halie''s enraged beasts¡ªtheir attacks hit nothing but air. Zaryx and his demons disappeared like a mirage leaving behind only an after image, vanishing and taking another hero captive with them.


    Brian watched in stunned disbelief. Just moments ago, his two friends had been by his side, fighting together. Now, in the span of minutes, everything had turned to chaos causing him to see the reality of the situation, he was not in a game.

 Chapter 286 - 286: Battle in the Sea

    Logan watched his newly evolved goblin royal atop the wall. Krexa stood confidently on Scorch''s back, commanding her legion with precision. The improved hobgoblins and wolves formed a coordinated force, charging into battle against the demons without an ounce of fear.


    His creatures swiftly dealt with the lesser demons, while Krexa and Scorch focused their efforts on taking down the stronger ones. Meanwhile, Logan stood nearby, allowing Kryst and Lisa to heal him back to full strength. He hoped he wouldn''t encounter an adversary beyond his ability to defeat.


    Though the battle seemed to be tipping in their favor, Logan understood the demons would avoid rash confrontations, especially now that his strength had been on display in the Red Iron Republic.


    Shifting his gaze out toward the sea, Logan assessed the ongoing fight between ships. It was clear that the human forces were losing out there.


    "Is there a way to call the ships back?" Logan asked urgently. "We need to force them to land. I don''t have enough water creatures to fight so many of them out at sea." He stood waiting for his two flying creatures, Wyver and Stormwing, to arrive through the next teleportation portal¡ªknowing they could decisively turn the tide of the naval battle.


    Nearby, Lady Elara¡ªher armor torn and streaked with blood¡ªraised her hand. Despite looking haggard from the relentless fighting, she nodded to a group of distant troops. Moments later, three fiery signals erupted into the sky, conjured by fire mages, signaling to the distant ships what they needed to do.


    "There, hero, I hope you''re prepared to face the demons. Once the ships get closer to land, they''ll no doubt construct bridges to rush across and attempt to overtake us," Elara said, her tone resolute as she gazed out at the sea.


    Her eyes scanned the scene¡ªonly nine of her ships remained from the original fleet of thirty at the start of the battle. In stark contrast, the demon ships were still numerous. A quick count showed at least twenty to twenty-five vessels, their presence daunting and unyielding.


    Logan couldn''t help but smile. His creatures had successfully cleared out the demons within the harbor, and now they stood eagerly by, hungry for more experience as they stared toward the sea.


    Meanwhile, Krexa and her goblins worked diligently, channeling earth magic to repair sections of the docks, creating simple but sturdy bridges. These structures were designed to hold up in the inevitable battle, should the demons choose to land.


    "Logan," Rubina called out, her voice carrying urgency. "Silvia and Marie are about to open the next gate. Riptide, your two winged creatures, and Luna are about to be teleported."


    Rubina stood alongside other mages, using her own mana to bolster the array''s strength, ensuring the portal would successfully bring reinforcements to the battlefield.


    "Thanks. I''ll get ready to enter the fight now. Make sure everyone is prepared for the next round¡ªhave all mages stationed over the wall to welcome the humans as they disembark from the ships before the battle begins," Logan said, his voice firm with authority. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As he finished, his next set of creatures emerged from the teleportation gate. Logan''s face lit up with a smile as he spotted Luna, whom he had unintentionally neglected during his journey to find new companions.


    She bore an uncanny resemblance to Ferra, though her smaller stature set her apart. Nine long tails fanned out behind her, releasing cold winds that sent shivers through everyone nearby. Beside her, the massive bear roared¡ªa commanding presence with glistening white fur that gleamed in the sunlight. Standing on his hind legs, the bear''s gaze swept across the battlefield, searching for potential enemies.


    "Glad to see you both bursting with energy," Logan said, his voice steady. "Get out there and freeze the water to create bridges so the humans can escape their ships safely. We''ll fight once everyone is clear. Now, go!"


    Without hesitation, both creatures sprang into action. Riptide dashed through the large gate, while Luna leapt acrobatically over the wall with effortless grace. Her two-meter fox form was a breathtaking sight, her movements captivating both Logan and those around him as she conjured icy pillars to aid their strategy leaving small snowflakes behind her.


    Logan turned his attention to his two flying large creatures, which were drawing plenty of admiration from those around. His eyes landed on Serana, perched confidently on Stormwing as it swooped in.


    [Just you?] Logan asked, spreading his angelic wings as he prepared to mount Wyver, who awaited him.


    [Yes. I left my minions to guard Rosethorn. We can''t all be here; the capital must remain protected. They might attack it at any time,] Serana replied. Her words made Logan nod in agreement. He knew firsthand how Zaryx had previously attempted to assault his town. He couldn''t afford to spread his forces thin and give the demons another opportunity to invade.


    [Still, it feels good to have you with us, Serana. You''re one of my strongest units,] Logan said as he settled onto Wyver''s back.


    The mighty creature let out a deep, resonant roar before ascending into the sky, wings slicing through the air with commanding force.


    Logan ascended into the sky, his role clear¡ªto separate the demon ships and turn the tide of the naval battle. Below him, Zephyr was still hard at work, his wind magic pushing enemy ships around, even conjuring tornados to hurl vessels away. But the strain was beginning to show; he needed rest.


    [Relax, Zephyr. We''ve arrived,] Logan called out, his voice steady with reassurance.


    Without hesitation, he decided to unleash his beast''s strongest abilities right from the start. Commanding Wyver, Logan activated Icy Dominion, their combined power creating a massive cage of ice that trapped every ship within their range.


    The demons retaliated, casting a flurry of spells, but they were easily countered as a biting cold wind swept across the battlefield. The freezing air slowed the enemies, their movements growing sluggish under its harsh embrace.


    "Wyver, keep them frozen. I''ll go down and start clearing the ships," Logan instructed, his tone resolute as he descended toward the vessels with the fewest demons aboard.


    While Wyver maintained Icy Dominion, Logan cast Polar Rift, the deadly synergy between their skills producing massive two-meter-long ice spikes. The jagged spears rained down from above, piercing the hulls of enemy ships and dealing swift, devastating blows to the demons below.


    Logan then activated Cryo Surge, enhancing his speed and dexterity as the cold strengthened him. Reinforcing himself further with Frozen Aegis, another of Wyver''s abilities, he ensured his body remained unaffected by the surrounding chill.


    The demons, rendered nearly immobile by the freezing temperatures, proved no match for Logan''s precision. With Darkness Arrow, he targeted their heads and hearts, the magical projectiles hitting their marks with lethal efficiency. Most demons were too slow to react, allowing Logan to eliminate them with just two or three arrows per target, effortlessly clearing the first ship


    Logan glanced toward another ship nearby, spotting Serana as she leapt down to confront the demons directly. Stormwing, her powerful companion, unleashed devastating arcs of electricity that drilled through the ships, leaving destruction in its wake. At times, dark clouds seemed to form around the bird, releasing bolts of lightning that streaked across the battlefield.


    With each clap of its wings, Stormwing generated massive shockwaves, causing the sea to churn and waves to rise. The chaos rocked the enemy ships, some tipping precariously, while others outright tumbled.


    The ship Serana landed on quickly became a scene of carnage, bathed in blood as she tore through the demons. She did not return to Stormwing but instead unleashed her bats, scattering them to other ships. Teleporting between vessels through her bat forms, she moved with eerie precision, striking enemies on multiple ships while keeping them off balance.

 Chapter 287 - 287: Capital in Flames

    Logan began counting the ships¡ªjust under twenty demon vessels remained afloat after sinking three of them. He took a moment to assess his mana reserves, the condition of his creatures, and the progress of returning the humans back to shore.


    Most of the human ships were now empty, signaling that retreat was possible. Remaining out at sea and fighting so many demons alone was dangerous, especially with the uncertainty of whether a demon general might be among them.


    [Serana, we can return now. Save your strength for the battle near land. We''ve bought the humans enough time to escape. Now get on Stormwing and head back,] Logan instructed firmly.


    As he spoke, his eyes drifted to Wyver in the distance. The beast was under fire, drawing attention from one of the largest demon ships. Atop it stood a particularly fierce-looking demon¡ªan ominous figure who radiated power.


    Zyphor stood tall, his three-meter frame exuding raw power. His grey skin was marked by countless scars, each a testament to battles fought and survived through hundreds of years. Watching as his ships were systematically destroyed, a deep scowl twisted his face¡ªa combination of fury and frustration.


    The heroes had intercepted them before he could even land. But this, he thought, was precisely what he wanted them to believe.


    Unbeknownst to the heroes, Zyphor had deployed units across the island. The harbor was nothing more than a spectacle¡ªa distraction to ensure the true attack, staged from the rear, would go unnoticed.


    Each ship carried a teleportation array, ready to be activated by the demons stationed on land. Zyphor''s aim was simple¡ªkeep the tamer occupied just long enough to prevent him from interfering with their true mission. Yet, even from a distance, Zyphor couldn''t help but acknowledge the boy''s growing strength. Each encounter brought stronger and more fearsome beasts to the battlefield, a troubling sign of the boy''s rapid evolution.


    Unlike the other demon generals, Zyphor was not known for his cunning. He relied heavily on his two assistants, who meticulously planned the details of their operations. But what Zyphor lacked in strategy, he made up for in raw brutality. Known as Zyphor the Savage, he excelled at one thing¡ªkilling. It was for this reason he had been sent here: to exterminate the humans on the isles.


    "My lord, the teleportation array has been activated," one of his aides reported. "It appears to be somewhere near the back of the capital. We should be able to target the population hidden there while the ships continue the diversion."


    A wide grin spread across Zyphor''s face as he heard the report.


    "Send out the signal," he commanded. "Ten ships advance forward. The rest will teleport to the island. We may die here today, but we will harvest enough to ensure the demon king''s arrival¡ªand his conquest of these lands!"


    His words were met with thunderous praise as his troops erupted into chants, reciting powerful incantations from their world.


    The demon forces began splitting into two groups, while several mages prepared their retreat, safeguarding the siphoned crystals meant to be taken back to the demon-conquered lands.


    Behind the capital''s walls, a massive explosion suddenly echoed. Demons surged into the city, targeting the most densely populated areas. They swiftly cut through the soldiers stationed there, killing anyone unfortunate enough to cross their path.


    Lady Elara received word immediately. Signals resembling fireworks lit up the sky from within the city, a grim announcement that the supposedly secure capital had been infiltrated.


    "They''ve entered the capital! Retreat and save the people!" she commanded urgently. Rubina, Lisa, and Charlotte turned their attention toward the city they had fought so hard to defend, watching in horror as civilians screamed and fled in panic.


    From the smoke rising above the city, Logan caught sight of the chaos. Without hesitation, he leapt from Wyver''s back, leaving Serana to continue leading the assault near the sea. With his angelic wings unfurled, he raced toward the city, intent on finding Scorch.


    Halfway there, Zephyr intercepted him, using the last of his strength to speed Logan along. Exhausted, Zephyr could do no more for now. Logan gave him a reassuring pat. "Wait a little longer before rejoining the fight," he said before diving down toward the city.


    Logan landed on Scorch''s back, ready to re-enter the fray and confront the demons who had unleashed terror within the capital''s walls.


    [Let''s go save the capital! Krexa, break through the walls¡ªwe need to fight the infiltrators!] Logan yelled.


    Scorch let out a thunderous roar, drawing the attention of the other tamed creatures as he charged toward a section of the wall. Krexa quickly dispelled the earth, pushing away the rubble to open a path. Together, they burst into the city, accompanied by wolves and hobgoblins, charging forward with unrelenting force.


    Riptide and Luna joined the fray, taking positions on either side, keeping several meters away from Logan as they advanced.


    "Move to the harbor! We will defeat the demons here!" Logan shouted. But the fleeing civilians complicated their movements. Scorch had to carefully watch his step to avoid crushing those running dangerously close to his massive feet.


    Logan spread his wings, casting a calming aura over the panicked crowd around him. He still had half of his mana remaining, but he knew he needed to conserve it¡ªthere was no room to waste it so recklessly.


    Suddenly, demons surged forward, unleashing deadly magic upon fleeing civilians. Flames and earthen spikes rained down, forcing Logan to conjure a mana shield in haste. It absorbed the barrage, protecting the people, but its fragility meant it could be easily dispelled. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Krexa, this''ll be tough, but we need to help Scorch get through the crowd. Raise the ground¡ªcreate a platform so he won''t be slowed by the civilians!] Logan commanded.


    Krexa obeyed, summoning earth magic to lift a path for Scorch. Meanwhile, Logan pushed ahead, firing Darkness Arrows to counter the demons'' attacks. Though the arrows succeeded only in diverting the enemy, not eliminating them, Logan quickly noticed something troubling. These demons were far stronger and far more precise with their magic than those he had faced aboard the ships.


    From behind him, a beam of intense flames tore through the air, scorching the demons who had thought they were gaining the upper hand. The tide shifted as the hobgoblins worked swiftly to herd the civilians to safety, using nearby buildings to create barricades and block the demons'' path.


    "Let''s go, Scorch! Time to level up!" Logan shouted with determination. His voice spurred the massive dinosaur into action. With a deafening roar, Scorch charged forward, his searing scales igniting the ground and even nearby structures as he plowed through the chaos.


    Krexa leapt down just before the charge, landing gracefully beside Logan with a spear gripped tightly in her hand, ready to join the fight.


    "Looks like we''re without a mount this time. Attack from afar, Krexa. Lead the troops to handle anyone who bypasses Scorch," Logan commanded.


    Krexa nodded and sprang into action, rallying the troops while Logan paused briefly to retrieve some mana water. Though it left him feeling bloated, he needed the recharge to prepare for the fight ahead.


    He cast a flame shield, its shimmering barrier protecting him from the intense heat radiating from Scorch''s searing scales. As Logan rushed forward, he scanned the area for any stranded civilians who might need help. To his relief, only demons now stood in their way.


    The demons, realizing the sheer power of the beast before them, activated their berserk states. Without that reckless surge of strength, they knew they''d stand no chance against the towering creature charging through their ranks.

 Chapter 288 - 288: Battle of Titans: Pt.1

    Logan focused on giving Scorch every advantage in the fight. At level 80, his beast was formidable, but Logan knew this battle could push it over the edge, allowing it to level up.


    Beside him, Luna and Riptide fought fiercely, protecting as many civilians as they could. Thankfully, all of Logan''s beasts seemed to share his innate drive to safeguard the populace.


    Logan reached for his whip, now visibly transformed. It was indeed a living weapon, though he hadn''t paid it much attention before. Now, its energy pulsed stronger than ever as it absorbed his two innate elements. Darkness and Light formed distinct strands along the whip, each moving independently, unwilling to merge.


    This was new. Previously, Logan had shaped the whip to suit his needs, but now it acted on its own. The weapon''s handle drained more of his mana than usual, yet the energy manifested vividly in the strands. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan watched, astonished, as the light-infused strand reacted on its own, extending to pull a young boy to safety. Simultaneously, the dark energy acted like a tentacle, wrapping itself around the neck of a crazed demon. Unlike before, it didn''t just bind¡ªit began draining mana from the demon.


    A second tendril of darkness emerged from the whip, while the light energy worked to heal the boy, seemingly converting the stolen mana into restorative magic.


    Meanwhile, Scorch was unstoppable. The massive beast smashed through the demon ranks, its fiery scales igniting the ground and consuming everything in its path. No spells or obstacles could halt its charge when fueled by the intensity of its fire.


    Logan''s attention snapped back to the battlefield. He allowed his whip to act autonomously, its darkness and light energies continuing their unpredictable but effective work. Meanwhile, Logan concentrated on firing Darkness Arrows at the demons attempting to bypass Scorch''s destructive rampage.


    His sharp eyes scanned the chaos, searching for a leader among the demons¡ªsomeone directing their movements or, more importantly, one of the figures carrying the stones siphoning energy. Those individuals had to be eliminated to prevent future disasters.


    Not far from Logan, Luna unleashed a frozen beam while facing at least fifty demons, her icy magic immobilizing the demons before her. In a single fluid motion, she leapt forward, using her tails to strike, shattering the ice into shards that scattered across the battlefield. Her acrobatic prowess made her nearly impossible to pin down, while the freezing energy slowed the demons, weakening their ability to respond.


    Riptide charged head-on into the fray, his massive body meeting twenty demons with unrelenting force. His claws tore through swords and shields, and even nearby structures crumbled as he smashed them aside, creating a clearing to fight comfortably.


    The bear let out a deafening roar, its sheer power freezing the demons in their tracks. Harnessing his magic, Riptide summoned large ice spikes that tore through the battlefield, even piercing those attempting to hide under the rubble.


    Logan felt the surge of mana within him as his creatures gained experience from the battle. Though he could not level up further without completing the mission, it was clear that once he did, his progress would leap by several levels.


    His focus remained on Scorch, his whip and webs dragging demons toward his pet to feed its relentless charge. Logan felt no remorse this time¡ªthe countless human bodies strewn across the battlefield weighed heavy on his heart, a painful reminder of the lives lost before he could save them.


    Scorch, sensing Logan''s resolve, moved swiftly and avoided harming any remaining civilians. The fiery creature roasted demons in its path, its searing tail lashing out to scatter the swarming enemies attempting to overwhelm it.


    The battlefield descended into chaos, its intensity growing as Krexa completed her mission of safeguarding the humans. With her barrier in place to protect the survivors, she turned her focus to the fight, summoning volleys of stone spears that rained down on the demons with merciless precision.


    Everything was turning in Logan''s favor. The booming sound of the Wark''s horns filled the air, heralding reinforcements as boar-mounted troops thundered onto the battlefield. Their arrival made the ground tremble, even causing Zyphor to hasten his movements. The stones in his possession were only half-charged, and returning with them incomplete would mean failure.


    [Time for the next phase,] Zyphor muttered darkly. [Set up the large-scale magic. We need to finish this and retreat before the tamer''s creatures overwhelm us.]


    Zyphor began casting his own spell, his form growing larger with each passing moment, his height doubling until he towered over the battlefield like a giant. With savage intent, he charged forward, ignoring Logan''s group entirely, aiming instead for the civilians hiding behind barriers.


    His objective was clear¡ªmass slaughter. His actions were meant not just to destroy but to distract Logan''s forces, buying time for his army to activate the explosive large-scale magic they were preparing.


    From his vantage point, Logan''s eyes narrowed as he spotted Zyphor barreling toward the area where Lisa and Rubina were stationed.


    [Scorch, leave the rest to Krexa''s group. We''ve got a larger problem to handle¡ªlet''s take down that demon!] Logan called out, his voice fierce with determination.


    His focus shifted, now driven by a singular aim¡ªto stop Zyphor and prevent any more senseless killing.


    Logan couldn''t shake the fear of leaving the enlarged demon unchecked, especially with the healing and support units directly in its path. Zyphor''s massive form tore through the city, pushing buildings aside with ease and smashing earthen walls into rubble as if they were nothing.


    Determined to intervene, Logan mounted Scorch, who had already braced himself for the impending charge. Shielding himself from the dinosaur''s flames, Logan cast wind magic buffs to enhance Scorch''s speed, turning the already formidable creature into a blur of fiery motion. To ensure maximum impact, Logan layered a mana shield over both himself and Scorch, amplifying the force of the incoming headbutt.


    Zyphor halted his advance as he noticed the speeding dinosaur barreling toward him. A sinister smile spread across his face as he prepared for the collision, planting his feet firmly in a stance reminiscent of a sumo wrestler, ready to catch the charging beast head-on.


    Despite the blazing, searing heat radiating from Scorch''s scales, Zyphor seemed unfazed, his towering figure exuding confidence. Logan couldn''t help but wonder how the demon intended to withstand the flames¡ªbut there was no time for hesitation as the clash loomed closer.

 Chapter 289 - 289: Battle of Titans: Pt.2

    Unlike the previous battles, Logan felt the sting of his limitations. He yearned to complete his next evolution, knowing it would allow him to fully engage in a fight of this magnitude. Still, he refused to remain idle. Drawing upon every element at his disposal, he condensed them into a concentrated ball of energy, determined to aid Scorch in defeating the towering demon who seemed to lead the rest.


    Lisa and Rubina, too, remained active. Rubina mounted Zephyr, combining her magic with the wind bird''s skills to strengthen them both. Together, they rushed to assist Krexa, who struggled against the sheer number of demons¡ªover two hundred¡ªstill fighting their way through the city, intent on reaching the civilians.


    Meanwhile, Stormwing and Wyver were locked in their own fierce battles, contending with the relentless stream of demons pouring out from the ships. The twenty demon vessels continued their bombardment of the harbor, undoing much of Krexa''s earlier repairs.


    Serana darted tirelessly between ships, her blood magic ensuring a constant supply of mana, allowing her to maintain her brutal assault. However, her body''s stamina lagged behind, unable to fully keep up with the infinite energy she was drawing. Thankfully, Wyver the ice drake and Stormwing the thunderbird alternated between assisting her, ensuring she wasn''t overwhelmed.


    Lisa stood ready, preparing to cast Sacred Sanctuary. She bided her time, waiting for the perfect moment to deploy it and buy the humans more time. Meanwhile, Marie and Silvia worked in tandem, teleporting groups of civilians back to Highrule. Half of the populace had already been evacuated, leaving only the soldiers and mages behind to protect one another while they waited for their turn.


    At the forefront of the battle, Zyphor, now a towering five-meter giant, stood motionless, his focus locked on Scorch as the dinosaur charged toward him. Just as the three-meter beast was about to deliver a headbutt, it veered away at the last second, unleashing three massive fireballs instead.


    Zyphor, expecting to palm-strike the dinosaur''s face, hesitated, his confusion briefly halting his response. He didn''t notice the boy who had stealthily closed the distance. Logan, using his new chameleon camouflage skill, had crept within striking range. The most challenging part had been masking his mana signature, but that issue was conveniently solved as Scorch unleashed a jet of flames, obscuring Logan''s approach.


    Shielded by a fire-resistant spell, Logan advanced through the searing heat, hiding in the inferno until he was close enough to release his condensed mana orb. It was a culmination of every element Logan could muster, a potent weapon that surged with destructive energy.


    With precise timing, Logan activated his wings and shot into the air, retreating as fast as possible. A massive explosion erupted, striking Zyphor directly in the face with devastating force.


    Seizing the opportunity, Scorch lashed out with its searing whip-like tail, aiming to slice through the demon general''s leg, determined to gain the upper hand in this monumental clash.


    Zyphor roared in agony as blood streamed from his chin and the wound on his foot, which felt as though it were being sliced by a burning saw. He growled, shrinking his massive frame slightly as he channeled the stored mana keeping his size to heal his injuries.


    This transformation was not without its cost. Much like Dravor, who had gained dragon-like traits through years of relentless experimentation, Zyphor had willingly accepted the infusion of Ogre blood to attain his power.


    For centuries, demons had sought ways to counter the spirits'' overwhelming strength. They experimented and adapted, searching endlessly for the means to face the heroes destined to rise against them. Zyphor was living proof of this desperation¡ªa creature molded by sacrifice and ambition, forged into a weapon designed to tip the scales of war.


    Zyphor relished the regenerative powers bestowed upon him by Ogre blood. He had honed this trait carefully, pairing it with the ability to convert mana into raw strength. Now, as he reduced his towering size, he tapped into the mana from the stone he sought to fill, channeling its energy to enhance his body further.


    [Rubina, we need your help over here! Give Scorch all the remaining fire stones you have, along with the ones I''ve collected as well as convert the pure mana crystals into fire mana so he gains all the experience he needs to evolve. I''ll hold off the giant until he evolves¡ªhe only needs a little more!] Logan mentally called out, his determination unwavering. He knew Scorch wouldn''t stand a chance without that final push toward evolution.


    Logan handed Rubina his stock of pure mana crystals from the cave in Elris and the fire crystals, originally meant for taming the hydra¡ªa plan interrupted by the demon infiltration. Now, those crystals were Scorch''s best shot at hitting level 80.


    Calling Scorch to return, Logan stepped forward to take his place in the fight. The sight was almost absurd: a five-meter demon facing off against a boy barely over a meter and a half.


    Not wanting to be reduced to paste, Logan infused himself with Storm Wind, Zephyr''s agility-enhancing buff, to augment his speed. With only a third of his mana reserves left, he opted to conserve energy, relying on the speed boost and his living whip for offense.


    The whip, becoming unpredictable, automatically drew its own portion of mana from Logan. This time, it manifested one tendril of light energy, which clung to Logan''s hand like a lifeline. Meanwhile, three tendrils of darkness shot out, swiftly wrapping around the demon''s limbs. Each tendril, taut and unyielding, carried the strength of steel wires, tightening their hold with deadly precision.


    "It''s good to face one of you heroes, even if I somewhat understand your plan. Let''s see if you can survive this!" Zyphor taunted, his booming voice reverberating across the battlefield.


    The massive demon unleashed a series of devastating punches against the ground near Logan, each strike narrowly missing the boy by mere strands of hair. Logan knew that Zyphor''s experience and raw power vastly outmatched his current form.


    Yet, the giant''s size came with a crucial weakness¡ªpredictability. Using his heightened dexterity, Logan analyzed the demon''s movements, anticipating where each blow would land. All he needed was to move quickly and hope that his next step placed him in the right spot to avoid catastrophe.


    Logan''s whip proved invaluable, its living tendrils wrapping tightly around the demon, anchoring Logan as he maneuvered through the field. The whip''s dark strands drained mana from Zyphor with relentless precision, weakening the demon incrementally as Logan fought to endure the deadly onslaught.


    Both Logan and Zyphor were completely engrossed in their fierce battle, their focus locked on each other. Neither noticed that Rubina had finished channeling all the fire crystal power into Scorch.


    It wasn''t until a brilliant glow began to emanate from Scorch that they paused, their movements halting as the light captured their attention. The battlefield seemed to still for a moment, the chaos fading into the background as the dinosaur''s form became enveloped in radiant energy, signaling the start of its long-awaited evolution.


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

 Chapter 290 - 290: Prima Tyrannosaurus Rex

    The blinding light radiating from Scorch rivaled that of Silis during her last evolution, a clear sign that the colossal dinosaur was undergoing a dramatic transformation.


    Logan watched as Scorch''s limbs stretched outward, its frame expanding into a larger, more powerful form. It resembled a large Tyrannosaurus Rex, but retained its signature red skin. Its body grew sturdier, leaner, and far more imposing. Where Scorch had once stood close to three meters tall, its height now reached five, while its length doubled to an awe-inspiring fifteen meters.


    A deafening roar erupted from Scorch, its sheer power sending vibrations through Logan''s bones, making him retreat instinctively. Knowing his role in this fight was done, Logan spread his wings and rushed to Rubina''s side, scooping her into a princess carry to ensure she wouldn''t be caught in the chaos.


    [You know I can fly too...] Rubina remarked dryly, though she made no effort to escape his hold.


    "I forgot," Logan admitted with a sheepish grin. "You keep showing me your human form so much, sometimes I just forget..." He trailed off as a wave of heat reached them.


    Rubina acted quickly, using her mana to shield Logan from the intense heat, though he didn''t wait around for the battle to catch up to them. He hurriedly moved out of range, keeping a watchful eye on the unfolding clash as Scorch entered the fray.


    Scorch charged forward with unwavering resolve, radiating heat akin to molten lava. No longer afraid of taking hits, the newly evolved beast exuded a presence that forced even the Demon General Zyphor to hesitate. Zyphor, unwilling to risk direct contact with Scorch''s searing body, focused his energy on enveloping himself in protective mana.


    Logan glanced at his creature''s updated stats, analyzing its newfound capabilities and assessing how the fight might unfold. The real battle of titans had officially begun.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Name: Scorch / New* Species: Prima Tyrannosaurus Rex / New* Level: 80 / Blood Mark: Neck / Loyalty: 100/100


    Str: 149 / Agi: 76 / Dex: 72 / Con: 108 / Int: 86 / Char: 76


    ©¥©¤©¥©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¥©¤©¥


    Flame Breath / Molten Scales / Searing Whip / Inferno Burst / Flame Aura / Blazing Stomp / Burst Charge / Blazing Roar / Infernal Wrath


    New* Flarestorm: Scorch summons a swirling storm of embers and flame, creating a fiery vortex around himself. The storm burns enemies within its radius over time, and as the embers disperse, they ignite secondary explosions on contact with enemies, dealing additional fire damage.


    New* Smoldering Resilience: Harnessing his volcanic core, Scorch temporarily gains enhanced durability and resistance to magic and physical attacks. During this time, any damage he absorbs adds to his internal heat, empowering his next attack with devastating fire-based power.


    New* Lava Surge: Scorch channels the ground beneath him, causing molten lava to erupt in waves from his position. These surges push back enemies and create pools of molten lava that remain on the battlefield, dealing continuous damage to enemies that enter the area.


    Infernal Beam: Scorch charges all of his fiery energy into a focused, searing beam of flame. This beam cuts through enemies and obstacles in a straight path, dealing massive fire damage and leaving a burning trail behind. The intensity of the beam grows stronger the longer it''s maintained, igniting anything in its way and creating fiery explosions when it strikes particularly tough targets.


    ©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤??©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤


    Logan felt a mix of pride and apprehension as Scorch displayed its newfound strength. While the dinosaur''s evolution brought immense power, Logan realized the capital would be left in ruins before the fight was over. Scorch''s ability to summon pools of lava and unleash fiery storms capable of reducing everything to ashes was becoming a dangerous reality.


    Before Logan could attempt to rein in his creature, Scorch stomped the ground repeatedly, creating a molten pool around itself. The beast then glowed bright red, its entire body radiating heat and light like a miniature sun. The sight was both awe-inspiring and terrifying.


    Scorch rushed forward, its imposing presence forcing the demon general Zyphor to retreat. Though Scorch wasn''t particularly fast, its calculated movements proved overwhelming. Suddenly, the dinosaur unleashed a powerful beam of concentrated fire, which surged straight toward Zyphor. The beam struck the demon''s shoulder, cutting downward into his arm, severing it cleanly.


    Zyphor cried out in pain, his enraged roar echoing across the battlefield. Scorch seized the opening, charging forward to try and bite into the demon''s massive form.


    "Don''t think I''m weak! I am NOT Dravor!" Zyphor roared furiously, refusing to be compared to the dragon-blood demon. Even in the face of injury and Scorch''s relentless assault, Zyphor clung to his pride, believing himself superior to the deceased rival.


    Zyphor, consumed by rage, charged forward with his remaining arm, aiming a powerful punch at Scorch. But before the blow could connect, a fiery whip lashed out from the side. Scorch, adapting quickly, seemed to have gained mastery over the end of his tail, using it to create an extended weapon that flowed with precision and power.


    Logan, meanwhile, made his decision to stay out of the immediate fight. Setting Rubina down in the safety of a fortified area, he scanned the battlefield from the air, a growing sense of unease gnawing at him. One of Krexa''s minions had sensed something amiss¡ªactivity from the demons, hidden and far from view.


    Acting swiftly, Logan called all his creatures back. The demon attacks within the capital had ceased, signaling that the demons had been neutralized. The harbor, too, was secure, with Wyver, Stormwing, and the warks eliminating the remaining enemies. But something about the demons'' retreat felt calculated, and Logan''s instincts warned of a larger plan unfolding.


    [Rubina, take everyone you can and leave. I''ll handle this with Scorch for now,] Logan commanded firmly. Though she wanted to argue, Rubina understood the urgency and reluctantly complied, knowing her presence might only hinder the boy''s efforts.


    Mounting Zephyr, who still had enough strength for one last flight, Logan soared into the air, following Krexa''s warnings. From above, he spotted the source of the disturbance¡ªa cluster of demons gathered around three intricate circular arrays etched into the ground. The circles radiated concentrated mana, their purpose clear: large-scale magic.


    Logan glanced toward the harbor, where his creatures were retreating one group at a time, and realized time was running out. "Damn it. We''ll have to make time for the escape. Let''s go destroy those circles, Zephyr!" he shouted, urging his bird into a dive.


    As they descended, Logan counted at least fifty demons guarding the arrays¡ªtheir last line of defense, he hoped. The demons, too preoccupied with channeling energy into the ritual, only briefly turned their attention to the diving bird. Logan acted swiftly, tossing out a series of bombs he had prepared during his time with Valeria, who had taught him their use.


    Smoke erupted as the bombs detonated, shrouding Logan''s descent. Hidden by the chaos, Logan leapt off Zephyr and landed amidst the demons. He immediately assessed the situation, his thoughts racing. The demons were channeling immense amounts of mana into the arrays, preparing for something catastrophic.


    Relying on his affinity with mana-related beasts, Logan devised a desperate plan: to drain the mana directly from the arrays. With no time to spare, he prepared himself to disrupt the ritual, knowing this might be the only way to stop the demons'' plan. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 291 - 291: Fallen Kingdom

    As soon as Logan landed, he cast Mana Surge, aiming to drain the mana fueling the demons'' intricate spellwork. A confident smile spread across his face as the demons rushed toward him, their desperation clear. Without hesitation, he unleashed a rapid combination of spells. First, Flame Aura enveloped him, granting resistance to fire-based attacks. Then, he used Scorch''s new and strongest skill, Flamestorm erupted around him, engulfing the approaching demons in a fiery inferno.


    The sheer intensity of the flames exceeded his expectations, their destructive power overwhelming even his shield spell at times letting flames that almost burnt his skin. Logan felt his mana depleting rapidly but also sensed the experience he was gaining in the process. Yet, the firestorm was quickly spiraling out of control, threatening to consume more of the city.


    To counteract the chaos, Logan cast Icy Dominion, concentrating the spell over himself as he rose into the air. The clash between ice and fire produced violent bursts of steam, forcing him to ascend higher to avoid the scalding steam. Though the ice spell initially struggled to overpower the flames, the water it created began to suppress the fire, gradually dispersing the inferno.


    Once the flames had subsided, Logan surveyed the devastation. The surrounding destruction was immense¡ªnothing stirred, no voices, no creatures, only an eerie silence. Determined to ensure there were no survivors left in the rubble, he made one final sweep.


    Turning his attention back to the clash between Scorch and Zyphor, Logan saw the battle raging on, the capital suffering even further destruction. As for the docks, the area had largely emptied, with only Luna, Riptide, Rubina, and Lisa remaining, seemingly awaiting Logan and Scorch.


    Flying slowly toward the docks, Logan searched the rubble for any signs of life. He eventually spotted Serana, who was using her ability to detect blood to locate survivors. She carried three individuals on her back, her exhaustion visible as Logan approached.


    [Did you find anyone else?] Logan asked, taking the three humans from her to lighten her load.


    [No, but I''ll keep looking. I''ve already made a few sweeps, so there shouldn''t be anyone left,] Serana replied, her fatigue evident.


    [Will you be able to hold up?] Logan offered her some of his blood.


    [Don''t need more,] Serana responded with determination. [I got full just draining the demons. I''ll do one more check before joining you all to leave.]


    With that, Serana sped off, sending out her bats to broaden the search while Logan continued his efforts to find survivors amidst the rubble.


    Logan glanced at the three humans he carried, noting how they appeared to have been placed in a deep sleep¡ªlikely to ease Serana''s burden as she rescued them. Each bore wounds requiring urgent attention, and among them was a man with what seemed to be a broken leg.


    With only a tenth of his mana remaining, Logan knew he needed to return quickly while maintaining his wings to stay airborne. As he continued forward, a tragic cry echoed from the distance¡ªa hoarse, desperate voice pleading for his life. Suddenly, Logan felt a surge of revitalizing energy coursing through him, signaling the apparent death of the demon general. The vast flow of experience he gained was appreciated to keep Logan moving.


    In the distance, Logan watched as Scorch stomped the ground triumphantly. The colossal dinosaur released a blazing beam toward the sky, as though declaring its hard-earned victory to the heavens. Logan smiled, proud that his part in this battle was finally complete and knowing Scorch had gained the experience it needed to evolve further. His thoughts wandered briefly, imagining how Luna and his other tamed creatures might appear after their next evolution.


    Finally reaching the girls and his remaining allies, Logan gently placed the three humans down, careful not to aggravate the man''s broken foot. He helped ease the woman, likely the man''s wife, onto the ground and then shifted the child from his shoulder, asking for assistance to safely lay him down.


    "We have won this fight," Logan began, his voice heavy with a mixture of relief and sorrow. "I can only pray for those who perished in this long battle, but at least their deaths were avenged. Scorch dealt with the demon general, as I''m sure you saw from here. And the demons who tried to escape or cast large-scale magic¡ªthey were stopped."


    Everyone cheered even if they felt bad for those that had fallen here to protect their home.


    Logan waited for both Scorch and Serana to return, his gaze lingering on the destruction around him. The earth trembled as Scorch approached, the rhythmic sound of its footsteps echoing like the striking of drums¡ªjust like the scenes Logan loved in movies.


    "Looking good, Scorch! You dealt with that demon perfectly," Rubina shouted. Scorch''s menacing expression softened, and it wagged its tail before lowering its massive head for a pat.


    "You never change, huh?" Logan smiled, stepping forward to stroke his creature''s face. The dinosaur''s newly evolved scales felt even stronger, their texture reminding him of metal.


    Moments later, Serana returned, carrying a twelve-year-old girl. Like the others she had rescued, the child had been placed in a hypnotic state to keep her calm.


    "Do you think that''s the last of the survivors?" Logan asked, his eyes scanning the fiery cityscape.


    "Yes. I checked more than a few times in all directions. There''s no more life around here, except for vermin," Serana replied, slumping as she gently laid the girl down. Her exhaustion was evident, her focus shifting toward the next portal as it shimmered into existence.


    One by one, the group began leaving the desolate city. Logan hesitated, casting one final glance back after Scorch entered the portal. He helped Serana up, his heart sinking as he took in the devastation. A once-thriving kingdom had fallen¡ªa nation brought to ruin in mere days. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Clenching his fist, Logan felt a surge of resolve course through him, strengthening the need to continue with the task ahead. Returning to his kingdom, he saw the survivors being tended to, their expressions a mixture of relief and despair. Near the warp portal''s entrance, Silvia and Marie stood, their exhaustion mirroring Logan''s and that of the others who had fought to protect the destroyed kingdom.

 Chapter 292 - 292: Aftermath

    Before taking a well-earned rest, Logan surveyed the scene around him. Thousands of newly arrived refugees stood or sat in clusters, their faces etched with despair. Some wept openly, others groaned in pain, while many gazed into the distance, lost in their grief.


    The sheer number of displaced people was staggering, and Logan was thankful that Marie and Silvia had chosen an area outside his city to house them temporarily. It was a wise decision, allowing the city to avoid being overwhelmed by the sudden influx of people.


    Lady Elera was already hard at work, tending to her people with tireless resolve. Her knights moved through the crowd, ensuring order and preventing unrest. Logan, sensing the urgency of their needs, summoned Terra and the mole colony to construct more temporary shelters for the refugees. They would need at least a few days before beginning the monumental cleanup required to rebuild their homeland.


    After issuing orders, Logan took a moment to rest, only to be approached by Lady Elera. Nearing forty, her black hair was streaked with silver, and faint wrinkles lined her face, giving her an air of wisdom and a weariness earned through hardship.


    Rising to his feet, Logan extended a hand in greeting. Lady Elera grasped it, and as she did, a subtle change came over her as Logan casted rejuvenation magic on her. Though her appearance did not grow younger, her posture straightened, and she seemed reinvigorated, as though she had rested for hours.


    "Thank you, King Logan," Lady Elera said, her voice tinged with gratitude and melancholy. "You''ve saved us this time. While we''ve lost our home, at least most of my people were spared. Yet, we''ve dwindled in numbers once again."


    She sighed heavily, her gaze sweeping over the countless refugees who now relied on her and Logan for guidance and hope.


    "Don''t worry," Logan began, his voice steady and reassuring. "Until the war is over, you''re all welcome to stay here. I''ll do my best to end this conflict as soon as I achieve my next evolution. For now, we can set up a teleportation array to send teams to work on construction in your lands every few days."


    He paused as a distant rumbling reached his ears¡ªScorch''s heavy steps, signaling its approach.


    "For now, we''ll focus on building temporary shelters here," Logan continued. "I know we could establish something in your lands, but it''s far too dangerous there for the next few days."


    Turning to Bobby, Logan called out, "Take over the rest of the construction plan, I have told my creatures to follow your instructions." With that settled, Logan turned back to Lady Elera. "You''re welcome to my castle so we can discuss future plans."


    Before Logan could say more, Marie rushed toward him, urgency written across her face.


    "Logan, there''s been another attack in the Kingdom of Elris while you were fighting in the Pearl Isles," Marie said, her voice tinged with sorrow. "George has died... and Jonathan¡ªhe''s been taken away."


    Lady Elera, who overheard the news, clenched her fists, her composure breaking for the first time as anger flashed across her face.


    "I''m sorry to hear of the hero''s death, King Logan. If there''s anything we can do¡ª" she began, but Logan interrupted gently.


    "Don''t worry about it, Lady Elera. For now, focus on your people. We''ll talk more later."


    As Logan spoke, his attention shifted momentarily to the scene unfolding nearby. Bobby, Terra, and the mole crew were hard at work, constructing temporary shelters for the refugees. Buildings rose steadily from the ground, a faint glimmer of progress amidst the despair.


    Logan sighed, his thoughts heavy with the weight of George''s death. What had led to this tragic outcome? The question lingered as he turned toward Rosethorn, where Lisa, Silvia, Marie, Serana, Charlotte, and several other heroes had gathered to assist him. He noted their presence but lacked the patience to remember all their names at that moment.


    Jin, the monk, huffed in irritation as his presence seemed overlooked, but his friend Chris placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. Chris understood the somber mood that enveloped them all¡ªthe death of a hero was a crushing blow, one that made the world''s dangers all too real.


    Some in the group still treated their roles as part of a grand game, but the loss forced others to pause and reflect on the grave reality they faced.


    Logan hated Jonathan, George, and Brian. Their deaths didn''t weigh heavily on his conscience, but the power lost was enough to force him to consider the future. They had been the three strongest members after him, and with proper teamwork¡ªespecially a tank among them¡ªthe outcome might have been different. Now, the class would need to rethink their strategies and prepare more carefully.


    No one said much during the quiet walk to the castle. There, Alma and Ms. Claire were waiting for them, their expressions betraying concern.


    "Silvia, can you teleport the heroes waiting in Elris?" Ms. Claire asked, hoping to reunite the class and ensure everyone''s safety.


    "I''ll do it," Logan interjected firmly. "Silvia, take a break with the others. Head inside while I activate the teleportation array."


    Logan could see how exhausted everyone was, and he didn''t mind taking on the extra work to help them recover. Being one of the few level 80s in the class, he had the strength to take charge in critical moments like this.


    He headed toward the specially constructed room for teleportation arrays within the castle. As he approached, Logan noticed many new faces¡ªknights and mages stationed near the area, a reminder of the precautions now necessary.


    Soon, he arrived at the room, heavily fortified and resembling a dungeon. Designed with safety in mind, the room ensured that demons couldn''t hijack the teleportation array and cause further chaos. Logan stepped inside as he prepared to activate the array and bring the heroes to safety.


    The general-use array functioned differently from Silvia''s personal array. It allowed anyone with mana to activate it, but its limitation lay in needing a matching array to be set up at the destination¡ªa contrast to Silvia''s array, which required only her ability to save specific areas for teleportation. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With the assistance of nearby mages, Logan began opening a portal. Seven heroes emerged from the shimmering gateway, their presence a mix of relief and unease. Logan was silently pleased they hadn''t brought Brian along¡ªhe could have caused unnecessary tension.


    "Hey there, Logan. We''ve returned. I guess you''ve heard the news by now," said Owen, the charismatic archer, his bright smile a subtle attempt to lift the others'' spirits after witnessing the brutal loss of one of their own.


    "Yes," Logan replied gravely. "We''re preparing for a meeting with the heroes currently in my kingdom. We need to discuss our plans and figure out how to deal with the war that''s advancing faster than we anticipated."


    Logan''s sharp eyes noticed the group''s relative lack of injuries, suggesting they had joined the fight late¡ªor had avoided heavy confrontation.


    "Sure, we''ll follow you. Lead the way," Owen said, glancing at Yui and Ren as they supported Halie, the summoner. She looked deeply shaken, the defeat weighing heavily on her appearance. More than pain, it looked like fear had grasped her heart.

 Chapter 293 - 293: Meeting of Heroes

    Once everyone settled around the large table, Logan scanned the room. The setup was designed to accommodate all the heroes present and the individuals he deemed vital to the discussion. Among them were Rubina and her father, Lady Elera, Leonard¡ªhis trusted assistant¡ªEmary, who had been left behind but was steadily growing stronger, and several of his commanders, including Wohan, his Wark Chief, and Krexa, who had finally regained her ability to speak normally.


    Logan counted 23 out of the 29 heroes present, excluding himself. The weight of their losses was evident in the numbers.


    The first to speak was Ms. Claire, her tone laced with concern. She asked for an account of what had transpired, explaining her absence due to tending to Alma. Alma was still struggling with the aftereffects of her revival, her body heavily injured both in soul and flesh. Though she was expected to recover within a month, the lingering damage from that ordeal was clear.


    Victor answered, his voice sharp with frustration and disdain. "We tried to save them, but we were clearly too late. As always, they were far too cocky to wait for us. George is dead, and Jonathan has been taken. While there''s a chance he''s alive, it''s safer to assume he''s already gone, considering their plans. As for Brian, he''s been taken back to Elris. We believe he''ll recover, but his actions during the battle were reckless and detrimental to their forces. He''ll stand trial and face punishment if found guilty."


    Victor''s words carried a bitter edge, reflecting his knowledge of the battlefield chaos and the failures of the three. The room hung heavy with silence, the enormity of their losses sinking in as the group reflected on the cost of the fight.


    The generals might choose to obscure the truth, aiming to avoid placing the entire group of heroes in a precarious position¡ªespecially when the consequences stemmed from the reckless actions of just three individuals.


    "Are you telling me they''ll put him in jail?!" Ms. Claire exclaimed, clutching her head as if warding off an impending headache. Guilt was etched across her face. Not being there when Alma had been killed already weighed heavily on her, and now the apparent loss of George and Jonathan seemed to compound her feelings of helplessness.


    "Don''t worry, I doubt it will come to that," Owen interjected in a calming tone. "I meant they''ll likely put a leash on him, probably by using the Fire Spirit''s power to keep him in check."


    "Ms. Claire," Logan began firmly, addressing the room, "we need to understand the scope of what happened here. In the Pearl Isles, we faced only one demon general. Meanwhile, Elris was assaulted by two demons, including that lunatic, Zaryx. This underscores the need for us to prepare more thoroughly and exercise greater caution when entering combat next time."


    Logan''s gaze shifted to the tanks and fighters in his group, his mind already working to strategize their roles for the battles ahead.


    Ren the Samurai, his sister Yui, and Jin the Monk were now designated as the group''s primary fighters. Their pivotal roles demanded vigilant protection to ensure their effectiveness on the battlefield.


    As for the tanks, Chris the Paladin, Charlotte the Knight, and Alberto the Berserker were prioritized for specialized equipment to fully embrace their defensive roles. While Ren, Charlotte, and Alberto could function as both offensive and defensive assets, establishing a proper, well-balanced team structure was now of utmost importance.


    Logan began outlining his strategy to the others. Unlike the previous meeting from months prior, his words were met with gravity and focus. The losses they had suffered and the looming threats ahead had instilled a renewed seriousness in everyone present.


    "I believe you''re right, Logan," Owen said with a serious expression, his thoughts shifting from the easy battles of the past to the harsh reality they now faced. "We need to stop playing games. It''s no longer as simple as before¡ªwe have to start working together to get stronger. Balanced parties are essential. Each team needs to understand the strengths and weaknesses of its members. Relying on leveling alone won''t be enough to keep us alive anymore."


    Logan considered suggesting he tame the heroes, ensuring their alignment with his trusted creatures. But he ultimately held his tongue¡ªhe didn''t want people he didn''t know or care for within his tamed ranks. Trust needed to be earned, just as his current tamed creatures had proven themselves. The girls nearby noticed his hesitation and wisely chose not to bring up the idea. However, some of the class members seemed ready to say something, their unease evident.


    "So make your teams," Logan said firmly. "For now, train in the labyrinth. I hear you''ve only reached the 68th floor. Those who need it should work with my creatures¡ªthey''ll help you push through to the higher floors. But understand this: if any of my creatures are hurt or killed, there will be consequences. I won''t let it slide easily."


    Logan knew the group''s levels ranged from 65 to 79, a reflection of how much each individual had invested in training and the impact of their respective classes. Among them, Xander¡ªthe cook¡ªwas the lowest-leveled, but his value was compensated by the wealth and crystals he received weekly. Recognizing the importance of Xander''s contributions, Logan had even instructed the manager of resources to allocate additional crystals for him each week. Logan understood that Xander''s culinary skills would prove invaluable in the future, especially as their battles grew more demanding. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Logan already had his own methods for leveling up and growing stronger, but his immediate priority was different. He wanted Xander to prepare the best food possible for Lisa, Rubina, Silvia, and Alma, who needed the extra support in their recovery and growth.


    As he considered his future goals, Logan''s thoughts turned to the monsters he still needed to tame and how he could speed up the process of acquiring them. His focus shifted back to the group. "I''m sure you all realize that the quests will only grow more difficult once you reach level 80. We need to start relying on each other to complete them," Logan suggested, his tone steady but firm, knowing his own personal quest would soon take him across the kingdom.


    "Yes, I''d appreciate that," Darin, the Geomancer, chimed in. "I actually had to wait an entire month to finish my level 40 quest. I spent all that time collecting seeds to create a powerful hybrid plant for battle."


    "That''s a great point," Owen agreed. "I think we should all start helping each other to speed things up. We need to be more open and work together." As an example, he openly revealed his level¡ª78¡ªand began explaining his skills in detail.


    Encouraged by his gesture, the rest of the group gradually followed suit. Marie took the initiative to use her terminal, meticulously documenting everyone''s levels, skills, and useful information. For the first time, the group worked collaboratively, pooling their knowledge to prepare for the challenges ahead.


    However, one girl in the group stood out. She smiled slyly, seemingly withholding most of the information about herself while observing the others. When she glanced at Logan, she found him glaring at her pointedly a few times before continuing with the discussion, making it clear he had noticed her behavior.